NAPLES, Fla. — Collier County commissioners voted Tuesday to dedicate a 14-mile stretch of Immokalee Road as the Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway, recognizing the conservative political activist who was assassinated in Utah last month.
The vote was 4-1, with Chairman Burt Saunders casting the only “no” vote, citing concerns that the move could appear divisive.
WATCH TO SEE WHICH PORTION OF THE ROAD WILL GET NEW SIGNAGE TO MEMORIALIZE CHARLIE KIRK:
The "Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway" will run from U.S. 41 in North Naples to Oil Well Road in Golden Gate Estates. Four signs will be installed along both sides of the road and at intersections with I-75.
The county estimates the project will cost about $3,000.
Tuesday’s meeting drew several long time residents along Immokalee Road, many of whom opposed the plan citing Kirk's past comments on race, gun rights and other political issues.
“I think it’s ironic that they would name an avenue after a hateful person," said Todd Truax, who works and commutes to Collier County daily.
Hillary Hogue of Golden Gate Estates added, “Like, let’s give an award, let’s name a street after someone — a philanthropist in Naples like the Bakers. Why him?” She added, "It's quite embarrassing that this came up for a vote".
Others supported the move, calling it a gesture supporting free speech and recognizing Kirk’s impact on the conservative movement.
“We’re all for it. I think Charlie Kirk was a fantastic great man and it’s a shame what happened, so yeah, we have to do things to always remember him," said Alberto Tripoli, a Kirk supporter.
Kirk had visited Naples at least twice in recent years, including to a popular seed-to-table store on Immokalee Road.
The county said the measure is symbolic and does not affect official addresses along the roadway.
“It’s not something that I just did for political reasons. It’s something that I thought was a nice gesture for a man who was tragically murdered,” said Commissioner Chris hall who brought forward the measure.
UPDATE OCT. 28:
In a 4-1 vote, Collier County commissioners voted in favor of designating a 14-mile stretch of Immokalee Road as the "Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway."
Chairman Burt Sanders was the only "no" vote.
The hours-long meeting came with pushback and support.
"I think it's ironic that they would name an avenue after a hateful person," one person said.
"We're all for it. I think Charlie Kirk was a fantastic, great man and it's a shame what happened so, yeah, we have to do things to always remember him," another person said.
The County said it will cost roughly $3,000 for the signs.
ORIGINAL STORY:
Collier County commissioners are set to vote Tuesday on whether to designate a 14-mile stretch of Immokalee Road as the “Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway”, honoring the conservative activist who was assassinated last month.
The proposal would place signs along the roadway, including at intersections with I-75, and run from U.S. 41 in North Naples to Oil Well Road in Golden Gate Estates.
WATCH TO SEE HOW PEOPLE IN COLLIER COUNTY ARE REACTING TO THE PLAN:
The estimated cost for for the six signs to go up is $3,000.
Supporters of the designation say it honors Kirk’s contributions to civic engagement and activism. John Meo, chairman of the Collier County Republican Executive Committee, said the move reflects Kirk’s commitment to his beliefs.
“It came about as a way to honor a man that had courage for his faith and that was what he expressed that he would want to be known for,” Meo said.
Supporters report Kirk had visited Naples once earlier this year.
Not everyone supports the proposal to rename part of Immokalee road.
“I’m kind of shocked because, to be honest, that’s a ridiculous idea in my opinion. I feel like it’s a waste of time and funds,” Kelly said Candice Kelly, a Naples resident of 46 years.
She criticized the plan as a waste of time and funds and said Kirk did not deserve the recognition.
According to a county spokesperson, there are four memorial stretches of road in Collier County, all of which honor people who served the community, including a fallen Florida Highway Patrol trooper, a former county commissioner, and a local restaurant owner.
“If anything, he was someone I think spread hatred, and I’m not scared to say so because it’s the facts,” Kelly added.
However, Kirk supporters say the designation is about more than his political positions.
"This country is based on freedom of speech and the ability to express yourself without fear of any kind of retribution. I don’t consider Charlie divisive; I consider him an open-minded person who was willing to hear your point of view," said Meo.
Commissioners are expected to vote on the measure Tuesday morning following a public discussion.
