Collier Commissioners rethink short term rentals

Collier County homeowners are divided on how they feel about short term rentals in their neighborhoods.

Some Collier homeowners do not know their neighbors. This includes Kathi Kilburn. She told WINK News since she moved in 18 months ago, she gets new neighbors more often than she would like.

“There has been daily rentals next to me and it’s stressful, it’s concerning, it’s uncomfortable and not pleasant,” Kilburn said.

In March, the Collier County Commissioners voted to enforce the six month minimum on rentals. It is a move Kilburn supports.

But since the decision, there is a new push to relax the rules to how they were before. Three out of the five commissioners support taking another look at the ordinance. But four out of five need to agree to do so.

Kilburn fears if county commissioners reverse themselves, there will be long-term and dire consequences.

“It could ultimately hurt our property values and our way of life,” Kilburn said. “I’m not retired yet, but many are and they come here to retire and relax and enjoy quiet enjoyment.”

Robin Forbes is the polar opposite of Kilburn.

Forbes welcomes visitors. She often is surrounded by them whether it is her family coming to town or a home that is for short term rental down her street.

She said the county has value. That is evident to homeowners and those coming to vacation.

“As a homeowner, as a taxpayer, we need these vacation people to come here,” Forbes said. “We need them to fill our restaurants like 368 market celebration park.”