Monoclonal antibody site could go to Naples Beach Hotel, but some are concerned about that location

Reporter: Lauren Leslie
Published:
The Naples Beach Hotel could be the next site for a monoclonal antibody site but Naples government think it should go elsewhere. (CREDIT: WINK News)

A new monoclonal antibody site may be ready to open in Collier County soon but its location is causing concerns.

The site is planned for the Naples Beach Hotel.

Gov. Ron DeSantis traveled to Collier County two weeks ago and promised a new monoclonal treatment site, but nearly two weeks later, the only hint of one was discussed at the Naples City Council meeting.

Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann and the city council were concerned because they knew nothing about it until Tuesday.

While Naples government does not believe it’s the right location for the monoclonal site, Collier County Emergency Management believes the hotel has ample parking and will cause the least amount of disruption to other businesses.

Naples interim City Manager Pete DiMaria said it looks like Thursday could be a soft opening for the side.

DiMaria told city council that Collier County’s Office of Emergency Management is zeroing on the Naples Beach Hotel.

Naples city leaders agreed the site is needed but don’t think the Naples Beach Hotel is the right location.

“If they really were looking for a site that was going to be more central it would’ve not been Naples Beach Hotel,” said Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann.

A spokesperson for the Florida Health Department in Collier County said the health department is waiting on a green light from the state before announcing anything about a potential site.

“I appreciate with staff and the county has tried to accomplish, I just think that if they were a little bit more transparent and participation in a more centralized location would’ve been better,” Heitmann said.

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