Coastal Breeze News

Andrew Whisman is an 11 year old local boy who is in desperate need of AB positive blood. Andrew has contracted an E-Coli bacterium and his organs are being viciously attacked. He has been hospitalized at NCH downtown since Thursday, March 25th. The bacteria has gotten into his blood stream and his kidneys and pancreas have been shutting down. Andrew undergoes dialysis daily to clean out the bacteria, but is in desperate need of blood transfusions. Needless to say, he also has a rare type of blood AB+. There is a shortage of this blood type in Florida and they ... Read More »

It was a cold December day in 1979 when I landed at JFK airport in NY and stood in the line marked “Citizens Only.” Showing my brand new blue USA passport to the previously dreaded immigration officer was a proud moment for me; I was an American returning home from a business trip. For such a seemingly mundane event, it may be difficult to appreciate the feelings and thoughts that I am about to describe. It was about a year before, on November 17, 1978 when I had stood before a Federal Judge in Hackensack, New Jersey and was sworn ... Read More »

Remember Biology class – microscopes and dissections; frogs and mice? The descendents of those mice – or some remote relatives – may be coming this way. Recently, at the invitation of County Commissioner Donna Fiala, and at the courtesy of Keith Dameron of Iberia Bank, the Chief Executive Officer and Vice President of Advancement of Jackson Laboratory briefed a small group of Marco Island residents about Jackson’s hopes and plans for a facility in Collier County – and it all starts with mice. In 1929, the Jackson Laboratory was created. After a modest beginning, with a small cadre of scientists, ... Read More »

After minimal discussion and no public comment, Marco City Council, by a 7 to 0 vote, named current Planning Board Chairman Dr. Jim Riviere Interim City Manager. Councilman Wayne Waldack nominated Riviere, noting that if approved the position would start immediately. All council members endorsed Riviere. Chairman Frank Recker said Riviere was “methodical, consistent and straightforward.” In dealing with Riviere on the Financial Committee and the Charter Review Committee, Joe Batte said that Riviere was “well focused.” Councilman Jerry Gibson said with a smile, “First, let’s see if he will accept,” and continued, “I can’t think of a better choice ... Read More »

The  award winning Calusa Garden Club recently held its annual installation of officers luncheon at the Marco Island Yacht Club. The Calusa Garden Club membership is opened to anyone who is interested in any of the many phases of gardening from being a dirt gardener, designer, environmentalist, flower show participant, or enjoys the company of people with similar interests. Both full time and part residents are welcomed. The Clausa Garden Club meets the 2nd Monday of the month from October to March at Wesley United Methodist Church Fellowship hall, Barfield Drive South, Marco Island. Each meeting is proceeded by a ... Read More »

The Marco Police Foundation is pleased to announce the election of William G. Morris as the organizations new President. An active member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, his term officially commenced at the March Director’s meeting. Mr. Morris is an Island attorney with offices on Marco since 1983 practicing general law. He has been actively involved in community service since his arrival including President of the Art League of Marco Island, the YMCA, and the Marco Island American Cancer Society. His Board of Director responsibilities have included the United Way and the Marco Chamber of Commerce. The Marco Police ... Read More »

Art League Exceeds Debt Reduction Campaign Project Rescue, the campaign to Save Marco Island’s Art League, achieved a major step in insuring the Art League’s future. The campaign, formulated by Marco Islander, Dave Rice, was implemented November 1, 2009, as a two phase project. The focus of Phase I was fundraising, first to eliminate the League’s $100,000 debt and then to establish a Reserve Fund, while continuing to keep the doors of the Center open. The focus of Phase II is restructuring to develop and implement a new business model and to continue building the Reserve Fund to ensure the ... Read More »

Since 1983, the Art League Marco Island’s Center for the Arts has been awarding scholarships to Collier County high school seniors who are continuing their education in the Arts. On April 9th, during a public awards ceremony and reception, applicants and award recipients were honored; $4,500 in awards were presented. This Scholarship program provides an opportunity for Collier County high school juniors and seniors to exhibit their original artworks and compete for scholarship funds to continue their education in the arts. All funds provided for the program are provided by dedicated donations from Art League Patrons and the dedicated business ... Read More »

The Art League Marco Island’s Center for the Arts Board of Directors has been diligently addressing the process to replace outgoing Executive Director Christine Neal. At a special Board Meeting held to address this issue a decision was made to develop a Search Committee in an effort to perform a Nationwide Search for the replacement. Director Maury Dailey was appointed as the Chair for the Search Committee. In addition to Dailey, past Board members Barney Halaschak, Sandra Hill and Education Committee Chair Edythe Newbourne make up the initial committee that developed the proposed plan of action. Dailey states, “We take ... Read More »

The Marco Police Foundation is excited to announce the next “Lunch with the Chief” on May 19th in the beautiful main dining room of the Island Country Club. In addition to being selected for its outstanding food and service, the Island Country Club will be able to accommodate the large response expected to hear the keynote speaker. Mr. Michael E. Hyde, M.Ed, Vice President for Advancement and External Relations with The Jackson Laboratory group based in Bar Harbor Maine will speak on the possible establishment of a genetics research institute in the area. Enormous challenges must be met before such ... Read More »

I’m biased. I’m biased because of what happened to me on December 7, 2008. On that anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day I collapsed and began losing blood… lots of blood, as I later learned. My wife called 911 and, within a few (very few) minutes there were people and machines at the front door. In a couple of more minutes those dedicated folks had checked whatever vital signs I had left, started pumping something into me, and then put me on a stretcher and lugged me down two flights of very steep stairs at our condo. There was no way ... Read More »