Colonel, U.S. Air Force, Retired (1988 - 2012)
U.S. Air Force Academy Graduate
Base Commander of Multiple Military Installations
Leadership Collier Graduate
Naples Business & Healthcare Leader
Marco Island Resident


The LoCastro Report
Twelfth Edition
January 14, 2020
It’s a new year and our campaign has hit the ground running to make it a successful one! As a Christian, these last few weeks have been an amazing opportunity to be with family and loved ones to reflect on what’s truly important. No matter your beliefs, I hope you enjoyed spending time with friends and family over the holidays and are geared up for 2020! 
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Our last report included an invitation for a Veterans Benefits 101 event. I was proud to have emceed the presentation, which was hosted by Avow Hospice. With so many veterans in Collier County, we need to ensure those who need help understand their benefits. More often than not organizations, neighbors, friends, and even veterans themselves do not fully know the benefits they qualify for. This briefing was a fantastic overview by the experts separating rumors from facts to ensure those who need to know and those who work with veterans are networked with the right people. Also to ensure all understand the details concerning benefits our veterans have worked so hard to earn. Thanks to Collier County Veteran Services Officer Oscar Gomez & Sarasota National Cemetery Director John Rosentrater for their presentations to the multiple organizations, healthcare professionals, & veterans who attended.
Thank you Oscar Gomez, John Rosentrater, Mark Beland, & Kristin Downey!
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A few days before Christmas I had the pleasure of visiting with the Marco Island Fire Rescue at their main fire station. It was great to sit and talk about future improvements, including the construction of a new station, and all they do for Marco Island and our surrounding community when it comes to their mutual aid agreements & response to many off island emergencies as well. Chief Murphy and I discussed an improved plan for first responders, ensuring equal & increased representation across the entire County during strategic discussions, how growth has affected the population & impact to Marco, use of the 1% sales tax, and ensuring proper utilization of existing resources. The two stations on Marco have plenty to serve & protect… especially in season with the increased activity & population of the Island. 

I enjoyed sitting at the breakfast table with a group of firefighters who are apart of this dedicated team who have been serving Marco Island for 50+ years by providing fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, marine rescue, dive rescue, fire prevention, and education and inspections. A special thanks for all you do!
Thank you Rescue Lieutenant Robert Riegler for your 13+years of service!

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On Christmas Day my friend and local Naples student Walker Brunner (from Barron Collier High School) received the honor of an Air Force Academy appointment! Proud to have worked with this amazing young man to best prepare him for interviews and his application to my alma mater.

Some may recall he delivered an inspiring invocation at my campaign kickoff event. Honored to have played a small part in his Service Academy preparations. Parents John & Dresden are extremely proud. Congratulations Walker… U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2024! 
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Folks, let me be a little serious for a moment. The New Year is a time for resolve and commitment. My commitment to you is stronger than ever: to make Collier County the best place in the world with the highest quality of life. You know that I've been working overtime on this campaign... and I'm doing it for the people of this County.

It would mean so much to me to receive your investment in our campaign . We have had a tremendous response so far, and I believe there's so much we can accomplish when we work together. I believe I have just the right experience and background to serve as a County Commissioner, and I hope you will let me know if there are any questions I can answer. Call me directly at (239) 777-2452 or send me a personal email message at Rick@RickLoCastro.com .
-Rick
Rick LoCastro
- Colonel, U.S. Air Force, Retired (1988 - 2012)
- U.S. Air Force Academy Graduate (1988)
- Naples Business & Healthcare Leader
- Leadership Collier Graduate (2013)
- Marco Island Resident

P.S. Keep spreading the word! And check our and share our website: www.RickLoCastro.com . It's a wonderful source of information about me and the campaign, and if you've missed a LoCastro Report, they are all archived there.

We must preserve our quality of life with Experienced & Proven Leadership! I'm honored to be a candidate, and I believe we can do so much together.



Paid by Rick LoCastro, Republican, for Collier County Commissioner