Coastal Breeze News

While the world’s focus was on Iran and Afghanistan for the last year or so; some important and rather ominous things have been happening in a part of Russia called the Caucasus. This particular region of Russia is geographically and demographically closer to the greater Middle East than to Europe and thus influenced more by radical Islamic fundamentalism in general and the Iranian regime of Mullah’s and their attempted influence in the area in particular. What has been taking place in parts of Russia may actually be closely related to people and events in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan In ... Read More »

Out of the twenty-three woodpecker species listed in my Field Guide to the Birds of North America, eight of these species are seen in southwest Florida. Some are more common than others. Belonging to the scientific Family of Picidae, these birds have strong claws (tow toes forward, one toe back), short legs, and stiff tail feathers for tree trunk climbing with sharp bills to chisel for insect food and nests and drum territorial beats to rivals. They are a family of species that typically have contrasting black and white colored feathers with the males mostly having red heads. The eight ... Read More »

What is Code Compliance? Code Compliance is the effort of trained City employees to enforce the City Codes and keep the quality of life for all. What is the goal of Code Compliance? The goal of Code Compliance is to ensure compliance with the City Codes through education, not generate revenue or punish code violators.  Generating some revenue comes through punishing violators that fail to comply when asked. Code Compliance rather than Code Enforcement means, gaining compliance first, and then using enforcement measures when needed to gain compliance with the code. What happens when a violation occurs? Generally speaking when ... Read More »

Meet Lola Dial When I arrived at Mackle Park to interview Lola she immediately said “Oh, I forgot you were coming! You know I used to remember everything; go to the store with 50 things in mind and get every one of them. Now, I have to write a list for just four things otherwise I forget!” Lola Dial, and her husband Eric, have three grown children and one grandchild. During the past three years as a City of Marco Island Parks and Recreation Department employee, Lola has meet thousands of people. This is a story about Lola today; but ... Read More »

Light & Temperature Bougainvilleas are tropical plants, being native to Brazil, that thrive in areas outdoors with low rainfall and intense heat. For maximum blooming, they need direct sunlight for at least 5 hours per day. Bougainvillea thrives in hardiness zones 9 and up (Marco Island is a perfect setting for just that). For you seasonal residents, Bougainvillea can be enjoyed in other zones as long as they are protected and brought indoors during the winter months. Feeding Bougainvilleas are heavy feeders, and they require regular fertilization, especially during the flowering months (Sept – Nov and Mar – May). It ... Read More »