Coastal Breeze News

We still have no oil on our beaches. Not a big surprise to most of us who, because of the potential environmental and financial impact to our Island, our region and our state, have been watching the news of the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill with fear and anticipation. NOAA indicates that there is a less than 1% chance of oil ever hitting our shores. Yet…56% of all Americans still think Florida beaches are covered in oil…54% of all Americans think that Florida Seafood is not edible…and just when they start to forget about the problem, BP throws another commercial ... Read More »

M.A. Kline, MICKYS Sailing Instructor Each summer, Mackle Park hosts a series of camps, including a MICKYS (Marco Island City Kids Youth Sailing) Program. This summer’s program employed newly-certified U.S. Sailing Instructors – Club members Captain Jim Marr, Alan Brown, and Commodore M.A. Kline, and Marco-Area residents Sue MacMorris and Tom Cooper – as curriculum developers, coaches, and safety coordinators. As you can see from the pictures, the kids – and the instructors, too – had a fun and safe learning experience. The classes were filled to the max, and some of the students signed up for multiple sessions! Skills ... Read More »

An overwhelming number of homeowners are happy with their decision to purchase their home, despite a challenging housing market. According to a survey conducted by Bankrate.com, 90 percent of respondents said they had no regrets about buying their current home. In addition, the survey revealed one positive outcome related to the current housing market – homeowners are far more knowledgeable about mortgages. Only 8 percent of homeowners didn’t know whether they have a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loan, compared to 26 percent two years ago. The survey underscores the value homeowners place on their houses, both financially and socially. Susan Ackerson, ... Read More »

Robert Tomsick, M.D., board certified dermatologist/Mohs surgeon, has joined the Division of Dermatology at Physicians Regional Medical Group, the multi-specialty group practice affiliated with Physicians Regional Healthcare System. With more than thirty years’ experience in the field of dermatologic care, Dr. Tomsick joins the team of Stephen Ducatman, M.D. and Craig Eichler, M.D. in Naples. His area of expertise includes the treatment of patients with all types of skin cancer and sun damage, as well as those with a family history of skin cancer. As a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Mohs Surgery and the ... Read More »

For a limited time in September, the wonderful photographic exhibit by Carlton Ward, Jr. will continue to be on display at the Marco Island Historical Museum. Ward’s subject is the Florida cowboy, and the photos are simply awesome.  The museum will continue to be open on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon, and on Saturdays from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M.  Don’t miss this outstanding show if you have not yet seen it. Read More »

First Title and Abstract, Inc., in business in Collier County since 1978, announced that they recently acquired the assets of the Marco Island title company, Signature Title, including all of its employees, files, and closings. Long time Marco attorney and Vice-President of First Title & Abstract, Inc. Craig Woodward said, “We are very excited to announce the addition of Beth Murphy to our staff here at First Title & Abstract of Marco Island. Beth brings over 15 years of experience, local market knowledge, and superior customer service to our office. Incorporating Signature Title into our operation will help us capture ... Read More »

The Shelter for Abused Women & Children will once again be hosting a series of activities throughout October as part of the certified domestic violence center’s National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Campaign. As in previous years, the series of events is designed to raise awareness about intimate partner violence, educate about available programs and services, as well as involve the community in helping to prevent abuse before it begins, protect victims and prevail over violence in our homes, neighborhoods and community. Educating with Emery Boards, Saturday, October 2, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers will hand out Shelter emery boards ... Read More »

Verizon Wireless and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) announced today the launch of the “Danger Thumbs” campaign to make the state’s roads safer by urging young Florida drivers to stop texting on their wireless phones when behind the wheel. While texting drivers of any age can create a hazard on the roads, the campaign targets young, inexperienced motorists who also are generally the most prolific users of wireless text messaging. The campaign will kick off with a series of presentations by FHP officers at high school driver’s education classes across the state. The first will be September 4 at Charles ... Read More »

With the ebb and flow of oil stocks buoyed to the lingering crisis in the Gulf, concerns about investing in oil companies continue to swell, according to Edward Jones financial advisor Gary Ozak in Marco Island. A recent survey from financial services firm Edward Jones shows 65 percent of Americans are reluctant to invest in oil company stocks, states Ozak. An overwhelming 71 percent of women and 58 percent of men say they would not choose oil company stocks if they had money to invest, Ozak added. The study of 1,009 respondents*, which was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation on ... Read More »

TOT YOUTH PROGRAMS, Ages 3-5 Open Gym Tiny Tumblers will be held every Saturday morning from 9:30  – 10:30 a.m. at Mackle Park. Cost is $8/child, walk-ins are welcomed. YOUTH PROGRAMS, Ages 6-14 Freestyle Martial Arts for Kids Offered by Defense Fitness Club, your child will learn defensive techniques, combined with martial arts fitness and confidence building, training, and skill development. The program is based on the 5 principles of martial arts: Body Relationships, Balance, Extension, Blending & Controlling the Mind all by utilizing the best techniques of martial arts. Freestyle Martial Arts for Kids will begin in September running ... Read More »

Tai Chi Classes Learn Yang Style Tai Chi to find your inner calm and reduce your stress. Improve your health, flexibility, balance, posture, strength, memory, and sense of well- being. Class Instructor: Jane Kiester Beginner Class – Tuesdays 10:15 – 11 a.m.; Wednesdays 5:15 – 5:45 p.m. Beginner/Intermediate – Wednesdays 5:45 – 6: 45 p.m. Intermediate – Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Advanced- Tuesdays and Thursdays- 9:30 – 10: 15 a.m. FREE to Greater Marco Family YMCA members/ $10 Day Pass for Community Participants Y Reads! Needs Tutors A Child Needs You! Make a difference in their life by becoming ... Read More »

It is shaping up to be an exciting year for the Marco Island Academy! In an effort to keep the community informed, I would like to share the latest developments in our quest to build a high school on the island. Charter schools have very specific laws, including very detailed applications, which all start-up institutions must abide by. The Academy has strictly adhered to Florida Statute 1002.33, pertaining to Charter schools, in all decisions and procedures. The Florida Sunshine Laws have been followed, although there is no stipulation for a school’s compliance until a Charter has been granted. Over the ... Read More »

As a year-round resident and taxpayer, I have some serious concerns on the issue of the Charter school proposal. I do believe in the value of the best education possible for our children. When my daughter was young, my husband and I strived emotionally and financially to give her the very best education that we could. However, we personally made that choice without pushing our wishes on other people. Proponents of the Charter School would have us believe that we are selfish if we do not automatically agree with their plans. Mrs Jane Watts and her Board would have the ... Read More »

Ladies will be at the helm of the boats racing under sail this Saturday, Sept. 11, off the beaches of Marco Island and Keewaydin Island. For the past few years the Sailing Association of Marco Island (SAMI) has been featuring “Ladies Day” races where the boats carry their usual crews but a lady has to be handling the helm. These events are very popular and everyone has a great time. Beginning at 1 p.m., a “pursuit” type start will be used in which boats start at different times, according to their handicap, resulting in most boats finishing near the same ... Read More »

The call came in as I was talking to Fire Chief Mike Murphy and Deputy Chief Chris Byrne about the new pumper truck to be dedicated at 4 p.m. on September 7 at the fire house. (“Fire reported at commercial building at ___ Collier Boulevard,” announced the voice of the radio dispatcher). We broke off our conversation and hustled out to the “garage” to see the firefighters in action. In less than a minute, the new truck with its three-member crew was on its way. That was a typical example of the devotion, vigilance and efficiency of Marco Island’s fire ... Read More »

The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) today received word that the Collier County Airport Authority is recipient of a $5,466,320 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) grant to construct a Marco Island Executive Airport taxiway and apron. “I am so thrilled to hear this news,” said District 1 Commissioner Donna Fiala. “The Marco Airport is a priority due to its critical need for a taxiway. With its heavy volume of private air traffic – especially during peak season – and the absence of a taxiway, it has been a major safety issue. It’s just an accident waiting to happen. I am ... Read More »

Marco Island Parks and Recreation is pleased to offer a freestyle martials arts class for kids, which will be held at Mackle Park beginning Tuesday, September 7th from 3:30 – 4:30pm. This new martial arts for kids program will be delivered by Jim Boxma, a new resident to Marco Island and owner of the Defense Fitness Club martial arts school. Mr. Boxma is a Personal Safety Instructor and holds the rank of Second Degree Black Belt in American Karate. Offered by Defense Fitness Club, children will learn defensive techniques, combined with martial arts fitness and confidence building training and skill development. The program ... Read More »