County: Collier
ZIP Codes: 34108
Naples Park, Florida, is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of hurricanes due to its direct coastal location on the Gulf of Mexico. Areas near the coast are always at higher risk due to the destructive wind and wave action associated with hurricanes. With an average elevation of only about ten feet above sea level, this particular neighborhood could easily be harmed by storm surge, which is the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths. Furthermore, Naples Park has a history of floods due to torrential hurricane rainfall overwhelming the storm-drain system, especially when combined with the flat, low-lying terrain of the region. In the past three decades, several significant hurricanes have impacted Naples Park. Among the most destructive was Hurricane Irma, in 2017, causing extensive damage and flooding throughout the region. In addition, Hurricane Wilma (2005) and Hurricane Andrew (1992) caused severe loss and disruption due to high winds and flooding. Those events should serve as serious reminders to local populations of the real hurricane risk. Consequently, residents and property owners should always be prepared for the possibility of future hurricanes, implementing flood mitigation strategies, and having evacuation plans in place.