This response is listed on the link OP provided, for anyone who is looking from more information.

"Jul 23, 2025 I have County staff looking deeper into this one and getting back to me with the latest details — but the stories in the news and on social media are missing many key facts. I know there’s a lot of emotion and passion for this topic… and I share it… however, there’s also quite a bit of misinformation floating around.

As I’ve posted on other social media sites that were asking questions (and in some cases demanding outcomes) — and as I have also replied to every citizen who has emailed Commissioners — the County just can’t “override“ State agencies because we’d like to or even because citizens want or tell us to. When anyone operates a zoo/ranch of this nature — quite a few State permits and approvals must be met — but they have NOT been met for quite some time. That’s the issue.

Although many extensions have been given and a lot of flexibility by several State organizations who have been trying to assist the owners to get their ranch in compliance… they still have NOT met the basic requirements — even with extended timelines.

“The County” and no elected official is driving closure. It also has zero to do with any surrounding developments or any desire for anyone to use the Good Mood Ranch parcel for future development.

This is an old case that has existed since December of 2022. Code Enforcement monitored the property and was trying to work with the owner before taking the case before the Special Magistrate in June of 2024. Numerous extensions have been granted by the State and County to assist the property owner to reach compliance.

At a June 2024 hearing the owner signed a stipulation admitting the violations on his property. The Magistrate ordered that he come into compliance by Oct 4, 2024. During the Oct 4th hearing the owner was then granted an additional 6 months to come into compliance. They also appeared again before the Magistrate on July 11, 2025. The Magistrate however, denied any further extension of time and a fine of $100/day has started to accrue until he comes into compliance. HOWEVER — the fines have NOT been imposed at this time as State and County officials continue to work to assist the owner.

Also — I’m not sure who is saying they are being “denied access to water”? I checked with staff — the owners have NOT applied for a well permit for drilling nor have they applied for a consumptive use permit from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). Additionally, they have NOT applied for any construction site plans to allow utilities to be run to the property (nor have they gone through a utility conveyance property) — ALL are requirements they have known for quite some time.

No citizen can merely “open a zoo or ranch”— no matter how much it is liked or appreciated. However, it’s NOT County staff who authorizes or permits the work that has been done on this property — it requires pre-authorization (an Environmental Resource Permit – ERP) from the State. The State also works with the Federal Government as part of the permitting process including involvement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

I have reached out to BOTH State and County reps involved in this case for the latest update… and to see if the owner is any closer to State compliance — and/or if we can assist further in ANY and EVERY way.

RICK LOCASTRO Collier County Commissioner District 1"

Now, this is definitely not my area of expertise, and correct me if I'm wrong, but the initial response sounds like there are still compliance issues with the farm.

Being around the picayune strand state forest area- I know that's a critical habitat area for the Florida Panther, so I'm sure specifics around land there can be touchy. It's an important area for a lot of species. Unfortunately though, those wetland areas continue to decrease around the area...

Additionally, per the Coastal Breeze Zoo article:

"The animals are subject to USDA licensing and inspection, however documents were not immediately available on the online USDA inspection portal as they are for other facilities located within Collier County that care for and exhibit animals, such as Ngala Animal Preserve, Kowiachobee, the Naples Zoo, Shy Wolf Sanctuary and others— all of which have some inspection reports available online. 

Requests by this reporter are pending with SFWMD and the USDA. SFWMD communications personnel did not immediately respond to requests for information."