In January 2025, President Donald Trump issued Executive Order 14172, officially renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America" for use in federal documents and maps. This decision has prompted varied responses at the local level, including in Naples, Florida.
While the federal government has adopted the new name, local jurisdictions are weighing their next steps. Marco Island, a neighboring city of Naples, is currently debating whether to update its official maps, signage, and website to reflect the change. City officials are evaluating the financial and logistical implications of such updates. City Manager Michael McNess remarked, "I'm not qualified to say what effect a presidential executive order has on us related to an issue like this." Newly elected City Council Member Bonita Schwan expressed support for recognizing the "Gulf of America" but stressed the importance of a thorough review before any formal decision is made.
At this time, Naples has not made an official determination on whether to adopt the "Gulf of America" designation in its municipal materials. Local authorities continue to assess the potential impacts and community sentiment before proceeding with any changes.