Coastal Breeze News

When Elaine met her future husband, Don Jones, she heard he had a hobby of working in stained-glass. She thought that meant he made sun-catchers and other such pieces. Little did she know she would be helping him work with moving around 6’ X 8’ sheets of glass! Don and Elaine have been creating beautiful custom glass designs for ten years. One example of their art is seen by hundreds of motorists daily, the eagle above the entryway to the fire department on Marco Island where Don works. But according to Don, “to really see a piece at its best, ... Read More »

A mini-carnival was held at Marco Lutheran Church as a kick-off event for Troop 2010, a newly formed troop. It was an opportunity for the community to meet them personally. The carnival featured typical all-time favorite games like a goldfish toss, nerf shooting gallery, football toss, a casting contest and a fishing contest. A Scouting Skills Station was set up where one could practice their hand at knot tying or sign up for more scouting information. “Some of the members of our new troop came from a troop they were in last year, and another five are new members, according ... Read More »

The City of Marco Island, along with Entrix of Fort Myers, won the 2010 National Ground Water Association Outstanding Project in Ground Water Supply Award for outstanding science, engineering, and contractor innovation. The award will be presented later this year at the NGWA Ground Water Expo. Jeff Poteet will be on hand to accept the award on behalf of the City of Marco Island. This is the second award the City has won for its Aquifer Storage and Recovery System. They also won the 2010 Environmental Sustainability Award presented by the American Academy of Environmental Engineers. “This project has applicability ... Read More »

Gina Sisbarro, Marco Island author will be holding a book signing sponsored by Amantea Gallery and In The Light Gallery at the Shops of Olde Marco on Wednesday, November 10 from 2-4.  Gina’s new book, Finally Found, a mindbending mystery thriller will be available for sale. Finally Found by G.M. Sisbarro Lani leads a quiet life as a private nurse for comatose patients. On the outside, she is professional, caring and courteous toward all her clients. On the inside, she wants much more. She longs for the romance, adventure, and passion she reads about in novels every night after work. ... Read More »

The story you are about to read (I hope) is as taut, compelling and accurate as the Bourne series. It may cause a chill to run up your spine, but bear with it. If you ignore this it might just happen to you. This is serious stuff, demonstrated by the fact that as I previously reached paragraph two about ten minutes ago, my computer went black. I desperately retrieved what there was left of the column by re-booting, but severe damage was my penalty for not keeping the conspiracy story under wraps. As my hero Dave Barry used to write, ... Read More »

Dear Editor, I’m proud to be part of a community so generous in spirit. With the support of some highly esteemed community members, my Breast Cancer Awareness Open House on Oct. 19th was so successful. The many women who attended thoroughly enjoyed presentations from Dr. Patty Poling, Melissa Felice, Dr. Lamm, Val Simon and Millie Kelley.  Each shared their expertise with highly valued information and often with great humor. We had a blast! Also, thanks to Tammy and Denise from Salon Botanica for their generosity in giving their time and talent for pampering us with nail care and massage. You are ... Read More »

See Coastalbreezenews.com under Coastal History if you missed Part 1 of this story on the installation of the submerged cable to Key West. The successful installation of the Trans-Atlantic cable in 1866 started the first revolution in telecommunications worldwide; submerged cables sunk through the seas and telegraph lines installed over land allowed residents of civilized countries to be only a “few clicks away” and, for the first time in human history, information was transmitted almost instantaneously. After the installation in 1867 of submerged cables from Ft. Myers to Key West and Key West to Cuba, there was regular direct communication ... Read More »

In our quest to find ever new travel adventures, we sometimes forget about the attractions in our own backyard. The Route 41 corridor heading east has a wealth of natural wonders. There is the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park with its Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk and Janes Scenic Drive; Turner River, Turner River/Birdon/Wagonwheel Roads drives, and H.P. Williams Roadside Park; Deep Lake; the Marsh Trail and Florida Trail. My favorite locations are Loop Road and Shark Valley; I like visiting there at least once a year, and they are both on my “must see” list for visitors. Loop Road is ... Read More »

Pat and Katie Wilkins of Keller-Williams Realty will be making their way to Austin, Texas for a two day seminar. The Wilkins Team was invited personally by host, Gary Keller, one of Keller-William’s founding owners and is being introduced as one of the top agents with “best in the business” practices. The seminar is open to the top 100 agents and covers internet strategies, referral program, and the best short sale approaches. Read More »

On September 3, a UPS plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Dubai International Airport, killing two crew members. This was a Boeing 747-400, a very dependable aircraft with a clean safety record. Initial news reports indicated that fire may have broken out in the aircraft just after take-off. Then, on Friday October 29, explosive devices were found at the FedEx facility at Dubai airport and on a UPS plane at a UK airport. Now there is talk of re-investigating the September 3rd UPS crash. One would not be a conspiracy theorist to think that these events were somehow related and something ... Read More »

I noticed an advertisement in an out of town newspaper the other day that claimed “We sell diamonds below wholesale.” I could not help but wonder, how? Did they steal them or what? Then I realized in this economy, it’s possible. Let’s call it legal larceny. Numerous times a week I receive phone calls inquiring if I buy diamonds, my answer is I’m sorry no I don’t, I only buy gold for scrap or to recycle into new sellable jewelry in my workshop. Their next question is “Do you know who does?” Up to a couple of months ago I ... Read More »

The Hairball is the signature fundraising event of the year for For the Love of Cats, the no-kill shelter on Marco Island. Helping to celebrate the fifth year of this event is celebrity host, Bill Wood, from Fox4 Morning Blend, along with volunteers and animal lovers from all over the county. The exclusive Island Country Club sets the stage for an enjoyable evening filled with interactive venues to raise funds that are used directly for the rescue and care of abandoned cats and kittens in the community. After the excitement of the final drawings for the 42” Samsung Plasma TV, ... Read More »

This column is the opinion of a 3 year old African Grey Parrot named “Simba” who has an extremely high intelligence level. While he does not possess a degree from any college or university, he does have a strong opinion of himself and feels that he is the best candidate to answer the complex questions of today’s discerning pets…and the humans they own… Dear Simba, In the past I have run into a bit of a problem with relationships. I am an animal lover and have quite a few pets of my own (4 parrots, 3 dogs and 2 fish). ... Read More »

“Welcome to Smileville,” it says on Popo Flanigan’s website…and for good reason. Flanigan describes her work as anti-depressionistic – which certainly made me smile – and once I saw her paintings the grinning just wouldn’t quit. Colors swirl and pop, lines wiggle and warp. Her images are wholly original and thoroughly joyful. Popo Flanigan, a resident of Naples, Florida, and Brigantine Beach, New Jersey, was raised in Philadelphia. She spent her mid life designing and selling fine jewelry while sketching ,drawing and taking classes all over the world. Her intent was to keep her business open until she could follow ... Read More »

Tonight we are returning to a region of the sky we have visited before in various columns to pay closer attention to the wonders found here. Andromeda hangs from a corner of the Great square of Pegasus. She was rescued from the sea monster Cetus by her soon-to-be husband Perseus now just below her constellation. Just to her left are her parents Cassiopeia and Cepheus. (The sea monster still lurks nearby). Looking at the chart you will see a star named Algol in Perseus; loosely translated from ancient Arabic the name means “the demon”. To see perhaps why the Arabs ... Read More »

“Always consider that you have the greatest job out there,” is Captain Tom Bogan’s attitude. Originally hired to the Marco Island Fire District stationed on Barfield in 1991, and after all these years, Captain Bogan said, “I love my job. I love everything about it.” Originally from Brielle, New Jersey on the Jersey shore, Captain Bogan, with his wife, Kathy, moved to Marco Island in 1978. Their two children, Brielle and Tommy, were raised on Marco Island and boating and the close net of family has been a big part of their life. Bogan has had a successful lawn maintenance ... Read More »

Welcome to the Judith and Ellen Show! “What’s that?” you ask. It’s not a reality TV show and it’s not a rock ‘n roll show at one of our local establishments. Instead it’s something that goes on six days a week and it’s a real life show. One that helps people. All you need to enjoy it are your listening ears, your sparkling eyes and bright smile. Because you are at the Goodland Post Office. Judith Pritchard is our PM or Postmaster and Ellen Hall is her PMR or Postmaster Relief! What a title, huh? Together they make life easy for those of us lucky enough ... Read More »

Congratulations to the Collier County Museums production team and to the Smallwood Store in Chokoloskee for a very successful and entertaining afternoon with their re-enactment of the Killing of Mr. Watson. As one visitor commented, “I wanted you to know that the program on the 24th was wonderful…. I am amazed that something relatively simple could carry so much interest and pleasure.  All those who volunteered were wonderful; the venue under the store was great… The climax was tops. It was just so worthwhile.” On Tuesday, October 26, Everglades City resident and fishing guide, Captain Steve Huff, was inducted into ... Read More »

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On our beautiful tropical Island where visitors and residents alike often dine out, many seek to find an affordable alternative. There are various choices, however, one that is becoming a local, as well as visitor’s favorite, is Nene’s Kitchen. From its inception five years ago, family owned and operated Nene’s Kitchen is one of the most popular family friendly restaurants on the island. Hailing from Chicago, owner Bob Natale runs his restaurant as a hands-on operation along with his son, Bobby. The wait staff and chefs all work together as a team to present fresh, creative and affordable meals. They ... Read More »