Vice President JD Vance to appear in Naples for fundraiser | Collier County

NAPLES, Fla.—Vice President JD Vance is set to arrive in Naples, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The vice president is expected to arrive at the Naples Airport on Wednesday. The FAA announced a VIP movement notification on January 22.

WINK News spoke with Lee County Chair, GOP Mercedes Price Harry, who confirmed their assistance with the offices of the vice president in recruiting volunteers for a private event in Naples. 

Mercedes Price Harry, Lee County GOP Chair, shared that their offices have been coordinating with the Vice President’s team for this exclusive event. Harry expressed hope that Vance’s visit will shine a national spotlight on Southwest Florida, potentially bringing in more funding.

“I cannot stress the importance of Burnt Store Road,” said Harry. “You look at Matlacha, look at Pine Island. We are growing so exponentially. We need roads out in East Lee. You know, they’re going to finally start working on Daniels Parkway.”

Tickets for the event are reportedly expensive, and details about the location remain undisclosed due to security protocols. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is not permitted to confirm specifics about the event.

Harry said that the offices did not end up needing voluntary assistance from Lee County.

The Secret Service has confirmed road restrictions and closures will be in place during the Vice President’s visit. They are working with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and Naples Police Department to ensure maximum security.

Charlie Bud, a retired Secret Service agent, explained, “They’re going to have all kinds of routes ready to go, whether it’s, you know, a route to and from a certain location. They’re going to have hospital routes. They’re going to identify what hospitals are available for, what types of needs they may have.”

Flight restrictions will be in effect from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Drivers near Naples Airport should expect delays and detours during this time.

 WINK News confirmed with the FAA that airspace will be restricted directly above Naples Airport, extending North to Vanderbilt Beach Road, East to Collier Boulevard, and south of the Isles of Collier Preserve.

Our team contacted the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and Naples Police Department for further confirmation and details regarding the visit.

The sheriff’s office responded with, “For safety and security reasons, we cannot confirm any details relating to any VIP visit.”

Naples police directed our reporters to the Department of Homeland Security’s media inquiry email for any information regarding dignitary visits to the Naples area.

WINK News contacted the U.S. Secret Service regarding the local impacts of the Vice President arriving in the Naples area.

Representative Matt Fagiana said:

“We know roadway closures can impact residents, businesses, and commuters, and we don’t take that lightly. While we can’t share specific operational details, we can confirm the U.S. Secret Service is conducting a protective operation that requires temporary roadway restrictions. These closures will mainly affect passenger and commercial vehicles, while pedestrians, cyclists, and e-bike or scooter users may be allowed through with additional screening, depending on the location. We’ve coordinated with our local law enforcement partners to help the public plan ahead and use alternate routes. We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as we carry out our protective mission and ensure public safety” 

If you’re going to the event or in the area and are able to take photos of JD Vance, send them to WINK News through our tips page here. 

Stay tuned to WINKNews.com, WINK News App, streaming, and on air for any new developments on this story.

Nicholas Karsen is a Digital Specialist and has been with WINK News since May 2023.