Coastal Breeze News

By Steve Stefanides When newly settled Marco Islanders celebrate their first Thanksgiving/Christmas Season here in our tropical paradise its hard for them to associate the season with the weather. It doesn’t take long though for them to realize it’s a bit nicer to celebrate these special holidays without a ski parka or bulky mukluk boots. The Christmas Island Style committee goes out of its way to make sure all our residents enjoy a wonderful season of joy and celebration to share with their family, friends and neighbors. During our holidays they’ll be treated to a number of visits by Santa. ... Read More »

Construction of the Linear Park Trail project is taking place along the City’s easement property (LCEC power line corridor) between San Marco Rd. near to the Racquet Center all the way to Andalusia Terrace at Mackle Park. This construction is the phase one segment that is part of the City of Marco Island’s Master Plan dating back to 2003. Thanks to a grant funding allocation from the Florida Department of Transportation, Transportation Enhancement Program, a 12-foot wide shared use pathway and landscaping is being installed. Jim Miller, Project Engineer for the City of Marco Island commented, “Eventually, the Linear Park ... Read More »

Lessons in First Grade Teachers First grade teachers at Tommie Barfield Elementary have a vast amount of experience among them. Early grades set a solid educational foundation for learning throughout a student’s school years and beyond. High expectations are vital to the learning experience, as stated in the school’s belief statement. This year, teachers at TBE are introducing ‘new math’ as adopted by the Collier County School Board. Students have readily accepted the new math and approximately 250 parents attended a recent Math Academy Night which gave an overview of the new math series. The key word with new math ... Read More »

Montessori students recently celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday in a very special way. Festivities included homemade treats and edible turkey centerpieces and the children danced and sang. There was plenty to be thankful for as Mutual Bank of Omaha was in attendance to present the school with a $2500.00 check. According to Jennifer Stanley, Business Banker for Mutual of Omaha’s Marco Island branch, “this check is the first of four installments in a $10,000.00 capitol campaign contribution to expand the school.” “The school needs to relocate by August because the church is expanding. We’re both growing and need to have more ... Read More »

Nancy Richie, environmental for the City of Marco Island hosted “Owl Prowl” one evening recently. A group of approximately 25 met at Mackle Park. Nancy, was the ‘pied piper’ and led the group to the nearest nest. She then shared a wealth of information regarding proper etiquette in maintaining and viewing owls, as well as the history and behavior of the species. Approximately 90 burrowing owls, Florida’s “species of special concern” inhabit Marco Island. Read More »

This time of year one can find some of our local children running down the aisles of their favorite stores looking for that special gift item that will ‘fit in a shoebox’. For seven years, Marco Presbyterian Church has been the drop off point for these gifts and other contributions made to Operation Christmas Child. The project seeks basic items that will fit in a shoebox such as toothbrushes, combs, hairbrushes, toothpaste, crayons, markers, small toys and necessities. The First Baptist Family Church, New Life Community Church of God and Wesley United Methodist Church contributed hundreds of boxes to the ... Read More »