Coastal Breeze News

What is healthy aging? For our first column, some tips on how to successfully age have been outlined. Before you dive in, consider that the following are suggestions of habits we can form now—habits that we probably already know we should be doing. So be thinking of how you can incorporate these concepts into your life to assure it remains a healthy, long and fulfilling one. Healthy aging requires not only a physical and intellectual program but a mental and spiritual exercise plan as well. Develop a healthy attitude. People are never too old to start taking care of their ... Read More »

Today, instead a column on Cruising Life, I would like to introduce you to our  local organization: Sailing Association of Marco Island, known as SAMI. The purpose of the SAILING ASSOCIATION OF MARCO ISLAND shall be to encourage the sport of sailing and promote the science of navigation and seamanship among all who love to sail. Neva Nolan, a member of SAMI, has written the following article giving an overview of Sailing Association of Marco Island: Some 41 years ago a small group of sailing enthusiasts, headed by (among others) Vincent Tateo and Emilio Meyer, got together and called themselves “The Association.” ... Read More »

Joy to the world and peace on earth are phrases we have heard all our lives. Sermons we have listened to tell us to celebrate goodwill to others, and our prayers to embrace “thy will be done,” we are told, will guide us into action that would alleviate strife and war, lead us to true passion in experiencing the gifts we have been given, and in living the life of love that we are meant to live. Will there be a point in our history where those actual words are permeated into our soul, into the governments of nations, elected ... Read More »

Goodland’s Alaska Connection – Part 1 Which will it be – claws or legs? It depends on the subject, I guess. But in this case, we are talking about crabs. Lots of them. In Goodland it’s stone crab claws, but in Homer, Alaska, where I spend summers, it’s king crab legs, baby. Both are tough to catch, expensive and absolutely delicious. Do we dare compare? The Kirk family settled in Goodland years ago and Kappy Kirk, the family matriarch, is still living. I am fortunate to know her son Captain Damas Kirk, a lifetime fisherman and stone crabber, and his ... Read More »

If you sincerely want to buy a home (condo or homesite) be reasonable. In these times, Realtors are having to deal with some pretty unreasonable and even nasty people. Now I’m sure that doesn’t apply to you, but ask any Realtor; 9 out of 10 will support my observation. The following scenario is fictitious and any resemblance to an actual occurrence is strictly coincidental. Here’s the way it goes. A property that may have had a value three years ago at (take any amount) $500,000 is now being offered in the range of 50% to 60% of that. “Why is ... Read More »

This month, Turkey marks the 49th anniversary of its May 27, 1960 military coup, remembered as a breaking point in its political history and a longstanding determining factor in Turkish politics. The first of its kind in the history of the Republic of Turkey, the 1960 coup resulted in the prosecution of 592 people and execution of three leading political actors. The notorious coup was a breaking point in Turkish politics, as many political parties and their leading actors determined their policies in accordance with its outcomes, with some still continuing to do so. On May 27, 1960 the military ... Read More »

Jim Pope, Captain Paramedic, has been with the Marco Island Fire Department for 14 years. He is married to Margie and they have two children, ages seven and four. Born in Hollywood and growing up in Orlando, Jim was asked if he had dreamt of being a fireman as a young boy.  “No,” Jim answered, “after high school I continued my education and received my AA degree. My brother went to EMT school and I decided to go, also.  That decision changed my life. I received an AS degree in fire science. The Marco Fire Department encourages continuing education and, ... Read More »

Unusually beautiful and equally expensive, but why is it such a nuisance to wear? In my line of work I am often called upon to right terrible wrongs. No, nothing like the nostalgic super hero Mighty Mouse, yet I am expected “to save the day,” so to speak. I’m talking about jewelry that has issues, like “it hangs all wrong,” or “it snags on everything,” and most commonly, “why does it keep falling off?” I have often mentioned that jewelry is wearable art, but it should also be practical to wear. One of my first questions to a customer requesting ... Read More »

Habitat for Humanity International was founded in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller who had left an affluent lifestyle to begin a new chapter in their life of Christian service. The concept first began as “partnership housing,” focusing on those in need of adequate shelter willing to work side by side with volunteers to build simple and decent homes. Habitat for Humanity was not to be considered charity and did not distribute money. Since its inception, Habitat for Humanity has built more than 300,000 houses, housing more than 1.5 million people in over 3,000 communities throughout the world On May ... Read More »

Monday’s Council Meeting (May 17) at City Hall was occasion for young and old to receive recognition and reward for their hard work, skills, and ingenuity. Revised Guardrails improve view from Jolley Bridge A representative from the Florida Department of Transportation brought an alternative design for the Judge SS Jolley Bridge guardrails to present to the council. This design will reward, the many people who had worked hard to obtain a revision of the original plans, in order that the view of Marco would not be blocked by the guard rails as visitors driving over the bridge approach the island. City ... Read More »

Landscaping with Water Conservation is top priority in Demonstration Project at City Hall. The Water Symposium of Florida Inc., in partnership with the City of Marco Island and Big Cypress Basin, held a Ribbon Cutting for the Florida Friendly Landscape Median Demonstration Project at the Marco Island City Hall campus on Monday, May 17.  The City, with the participation of the companies and organizations listed below are setting the example of all of us to follow when planning our own landscaping with water conservation being top priority. Be water smart when planting in your yard, by remembering to keep the ... Read More »

With 110,000 acres of sensitive mangroves, estuaries and fish hatcheries to protect, the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is paying close attention to the developments related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Here, the Friends of Rookery Bay provides a brief overview of plans, how you can help, and where to get more information. Under the leadership of Governor Charlie Crist, the State Emergency Response Team and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), along with federal and local partners are actively coordinating and responding to the Deepwater Horizon incident. As a reserve within the ... Read More »

With all the new bicycle lanes and multi-use paths installed all over the island, what a great way to start commuting to work; and now it is an even better time to start, since May is considered National Bike Month. Officially Bike-to-Work Week 2010 is from May 17-21 and Bike-to-Work Day is on Friday, May 21. Not only is commuting to work great for the environment, it also has great health benefits, one of which is it will keep you much more awake and aware at work!!!! As individuals here are a few ideas for overcoming bike commuting excuses or ... Read More »