Page 8 - April 2017 Life In Naplles Magazine

MAYOR’S

CORNER

MAYOR BILL BARNETT
I t is hard for me to realize that another great season received and
Our City has
in Naples is winding down. Yes, all of us grumble
about the heavy traffic that we all have to endure
continues to
and the crowded beaches, restaurants, grocery stores,
etc, etc. But, I don’t hear many, if any complaints about the receive National
spectacular weather that we have had and continue to have
so far in 2017. As you read this article we will have had our kudos about Purpose Workshops. A health
first joint City of Naples and Collier County Commission our many and well-being committee
meeting that has not occurred in quite a few years. was established to enhance
The last time both governmental bodies met was nothing accomplishments employee engagement. This
short of a disaster with nothing much accomplished other that we have committee helped launch
than a lot of hot air being bandied about. I have great various initiatives such as
expectations for this one as there are almost all new players achieved. employee gardens, hydration
at the table and a list of items to discuss that will benefit stations and a newsletter
the residents of both city and county. One of those items dedicated to employee wellness. Plant based cooking
is traffic that I campaigned very hard for and although it demonstrations and healthy potlucks were organized and
might not have been noticeable this past season we are rotated to different locations to share recipes and ideas and
making progress in the city. New technological equipment the list goes on. Our Blue Zones Project journey continues
has been and will continue to be installed to make the in 2017 and currently has over one hundred employees
flow of traffic smoother. We absolutely need the county to participating in walking groups that were launched in January.
be on the same page with us when it comes to this issue Our Central Avenue improvement project became Naples
and I know they are. We also need the State of Florida’s signature Blue Zones project as it provides continuous bicycle
Department of Transportation help. I think all of us agree lanes, sidewalks, roundabouts, on street parking options
that whether it’s in the City of Naples or Collier County and streetscape improvements to make biking and walking
each of us can name at least one area that that we would more desirable and also reduces the risk of flooding along
choose to be on our list of the worst intersections or roads. the corridor. This project provides continuous connectivity
Actually, more than just one! between the Naples Beach, Baker Park, and the Gordon
Our city has received and continues to receive National River Greenway and encourages walking and biking due to
kudos about our many accomplishments that we have its safe and complete streets. The roundabout intersections
achieved. They include everything from one of the best are shown to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and
small town food scenes to one of the top ten places to motorists, while reducing delay and emissions from idling
retire and many in between. The latest was Naples topped cars. Many local restaurants and grocery stores have signed
Realtor.com’s list of least polluted Cities in America, on and continue to do so. Our Collier County Schools are
which is a huge positive for us. Perhaps the most non- involved as are many businesses. There is no downside to
political of all of them in my opinion is something that I this Project, it is not political in any shape or form. I will
have briefly touched on in my prior articles and has had a emphatically tell you that the Blue Zones Project is NOT a
great impact on myself, and our city. It is the Blue Zones diet, but it IS all about healthy choices so we can live healthier
Project and if you have never heard of it I would suggest and longer lives.
it’s worth looking up! In August of 2016 our city became I couldn’t help but smile yesterday as I was walking past
a Blue Zones Approved Worksite. It was a natural fit with Mel’s Diner and glanced up at their sign. It read T-Bone
our current employee wellness programs. Two hundred .99 with meat 15.99. Clever! Have a great April and I do
employees attended Blue Zones Project presentations and respond to e-mail at mayorbill@naplesgov.com.

8 Life in Naples | April 2017