Two downtown Naples property owners fighting the city over a Fifth Avenue South condominium project have withdrawn their lawsuit and filed a new claim against the project, arguing the city issued a permit that violates building design codes.

Crews began demolition on local developer Phil McCabe's old building on the 400 block of Fifth Avenue South on Wednesday, even as the building's future, and the future of other commercial developments in the area, remains in flux because of a pending lawsuit.

At the west end of the large vacant lot on Central Avenue in downtown Naples, between 10th and 12th streets, Harry Miller stood over a bag of golf balls and held a black Taylor-Made pitching wedge. He faced east, looking across the 8.8-acre property and its yellowing grass. He aimed toward the makeshift pin that he and his friend set up, using a wooden stake and a plastic bag, about 100 yards away.

Having seen too many public officeholders in Florida profit from their positions and suffer ethical lapses that damage the public trust, Collier County Judge Mike Carr has called for the creation of a more muscular Commission on Ethics that could help push dishonest public servants out of office.

For those of you concerned about the potential for destructive redevelopment, we thought you would like this update regarding one of the controversial projects taking place on Fifth Avenue South.

The question for City Councilman Bill Barnett came near the end of the final Naples mayoral debate, hosted by the Old Naples Association earlier this week.

REG BUXTON

Age: 71

Family: Married to Sandra; 2 children, 4 grandchildren

Hometown: Flint, Michigan

Came to Naples: 1990

Business background: Media/Publishing