Former Naples Council Member Linda Penniman Dies
The longtime public servant and local advocate served multiple terms on the Naples City Council.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in City Hall
Linda Penniman, a former Naples City Council member, has passed away following a decade of dedicated service to the local community. She resigned from her latest term on the City Council on Sept. 29, 2026.
Why it matters
Penniman held multiple tenures in city government and played a key role in the administration of the city's Community Redevelopment Agency. Her passing marks the end of a significant period of involvement in Naples local politics.
Penniman was first elected to the Naples City Council on Feb. 4, 2014, and most recently returned to office on March 19, 2024. During 2026, she served as the chair of the city's Community Redevelopment Agency.
The players
Linda Penniman
She was a former Naples City Council member who served as the chair of the Community Redevelopment Agency in 2026.
The details
After moving to Naples in 2000, Penniman became a fixture in the local political landscape through several electoral victories and resignations over the course of twelve years. The Naples City Council plans to hold a formal recognition of her service in the coming weeks.
Timeline
Linda Penniman moved to Naples in 2000.
She was first elected to the city council on Feb. 4, 2014.
Her re-election to the council occurred on Feb. 6, 2018.
She resigned from her first city council term on Jan. 16, 2019.
Her final resignation from the city council occurred on Sept. 29, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents or dissenting voices occasionally challenged the long-term direction of city planning projects overseen during her tenure on the council. This critique often focused on the balance between urban development and environmental conservation in the region.
The transition following her resignation creates a vacancy in city leadership that the current council will address in upcoming sessions. Residents can expect further updates on the official recognition of her service during the next public council meeting.
The takeaway
The passing of Linda Penniman serves as a reminder of the impact individual residents can have on local policy over decades of service. Her career highlights the importance of active participation in the Naples Community Redevelopment Agency and city government.
Further reading
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