Coastal Breeze News

By Craig Woodward Collier County’s First Permanent Settler – John J. Weeks Obviously, there were numerous Calusa, Seminole and other Indians who have lived here for centuries, so we need to narrow the question: who was the first permanent white settler of present times, “permanent” meaning someone whose family members still reside in Collier County. The answer is clearly John J. Weeks, who moved to what would later become Collier County in 1862. What brought him here? How did he make a living? Where did he live? If you read the last article published in this column regarding the incident at ... Read More »

By Danielle Dodder  Staples is incorporating Glee cast members into its ‘Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ commercials and summer camps are winding down. On August 22, kids will be welcomed back to area schools. Tommie Barfield Elementary (TBE) has some new changes to announce, and with the school’s help, a snapshot of back-to school by the numbers: Number of registered students at TBE: 600 and counting  Hours to prep a classroom for the first day: “Hundreds,” according to Principal Westberry. “Some teachers have been working at it all summer.”  Percentage of teachers with advanced degrees: 51%  Student to teacher ... Read More »

Each year, Florida has a tax-free weekend. In Collier County, that applies to the 6% retail sales tax. The tax-free event is timed to coincide with the heavy back-to-school shopping parents do to prepare children for the coming school year. The tax-free event runs from 12:01 AM on Friday, August 12th through 11:59 PM on Sunday, August 14th. Tax exempt purchases can include school uniforms, backpacks, hats, jackets, sweaters, shirts, shorts, pants and skirts, shoes, sleepwear and more up to $75 per item. School supplies such as pens, pencils, calculators, crayons, glue, binders, paper, rulers, poster board, scissors, markers, lunch ... Read More »

By Coastal Breeze News Staff In 2005, the State of Florida required a Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program to be available for those interested in preparing their children to enter kindergarten, hopefully, creating a better foundation for their educational success. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, has a new pre-k program starting in August. This new program moves St. Mark’s preschool focus to fulfilling the requirement for a voluntary pre-k for four year olds while blending several models of Early Childhood Education and ‘The Totten Method’. Mrs. Peggy Totten is the director and lead teacher. Peggy has a long list of academic credentials and ... Read More »

By Natalie Strom The Marco Island Racquet Center has been a fixture on the island for many years.  Members of the Racquet Club know its benefits, however, what does the average Marco Islander really know about this not-so-hidden treasure? As tennis is such a popular sport in Southwest Florida, tennis players have a large variety of courts to choose from. When such a variety is available, it is easy to pick out the facility that best suits your needs. The Marco Island Racquet Club is quickly becoming that type of facility. And most tennis players on Marco Island would agree. ... Read More »

By John Patterson Everyone has a story, that’s what life is all about from beginning to end. Some stories are more eventful than others. Some have a sad story to relate. Others reveal an exciting one, but everyone has a story. I have always felt that a person’s life is like a pinball machine. Random effects can redirect you in an instant and many times you’re not aware of the impact these moments will have on your life. In the past, I have been privileged to meet some very interesting people living here.  Many have an interesting story to tell. ... Read More »

By Matt Walthour Well it’s that time of year again, the children are heading back to school. The list is ready, new notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, maybe a new back pack, or the latest and greatest lunch box is waiting on the shelf. Do kids still use lunch boxes? Anyway, you’re about ready to send your children off to another year of learning and adventure. There are many ways children head back to school, either by bus, dropped off by car, walking and of course, my favorite, bicycling. So if your children will be bicycling to school at any time ... Read More »

Submitted Want to know what it’s like being in the Big Leagues? Play professional sports? Wonder what it takes? The Greater Marco Family YMCA, through their ‘Sports Celebrity Speaker Series’ is giving you the chance to get answers to those questions from professional athletes. The first in a series of four events will be held Wednesday, August 31st at 11:30 AM at the Marco Island Hilton with special guest Luis Tiant. Luis is a former right-handed starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees and, among others, will be representing Major League Baseball at this ... Read More »

Dan Sanford puts a fresh new coat of paint on the Winterberry Park sign. “This is just one of a few that have or will be done,” Dan said. He’s worked for the City of Marco Island for about six and a half years (as does his wife Leslie). Dan does a variety of work for the City which keeps things interesting for him. He mentioned during Hurricane Wilma, similar signs on Marco Island broke off in exactly the same place. “Any new signs will be constructed of different material. They will be sturdier, wear better and not require painting.” Read More »

By Donna Fiala  In a previous column I wrote about the upcoming Canoe/Kayak Launch Park at the entrance to Isles of Capri, which is being funded and built by Rookery Bay, a division of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. This long awaited park is now about to happen and the people in the area are excitedly anticipating the joy and peacefulness that comes with canoeing and kayaking, and located so close to Marco Island, Isles of Capri, Fiddler’s Creek, Eagle Creek, and all of East Naples! Another benefit will be bathroom facilities across the street from the 951Boat Launch, (something ... Read More »

By Monte Lazarus  It was difficult leaving Chicago. Life was comfortable there, and Chicago is a wonderful place to live, except in November, December, January, February, March, part of April, and some very hot and humid days in July and August. One of the really good reasons for leaving Chicago was that I could finally dump my tuxedo after it haunted me for many years. No more corporate dinners, charity dinners and other formal social affairs. Free at last! Or, so I thought. There are several versions about the origin of the tuxedo. The British story is that it was ... Read More »

By  Tarik Ayasun Saturday morning we woke up to the grim news that we lost 22 of our “best of the best” Navy SEALS, members of the tough Seal Team Six in Afghanistan. While others debate whether the Taliban shot down their Chinook during a night raid or whether it was mechanical failure that brought down their helicopter, we as Americans must mourn the loss of these young men who dedicated their lives to protect all of us so we can continue to enjoy being Americans, live in a free country and continue to feel free every morning we wake ... Read More »

By Natalie Strom Dr. Richard Murphy, known for his thirty years of working side by side with the world-famous Jacques Cousteau, hosted a lecture at the new Marco Museum on Thursday, August 4th. Proceeds from the event went to the new charter high school, Marco Island Academy. Dr. Murphy has been working with the school in developing a unique academic program based on the ecological advantages that Marco Island and Southwest Florida have to offer. Dr. Murphy currently works with Jacques Cousteau’s son, Jean-Michel Cousteau through his Ocean Futures Society. Through this Society, they have developed field studies programs for ... Read More »

By Danielle Dodder “Call us before you get upset with your neighbor.” There are myriad of code ordinances that are meant to keep your average city reasonably manicured, and Code Compliance Supervisor Liz Carr would really rather help you navigate them than hand out a fine. Liz is excited to have her (new) old job back. When the code department was folded into the police force, Liz was a code enforcement officer. Her husband, now-retired police chief Thom Carr, would have been her boss, so Liz took on managing the city’s end of the foreclosure crisis in the community development ... Read More »

Crazy Flamingo celebrated its 22nd birthday with its Annual Birthday Bash at Marco Town Center. The heat did not spoil the event for anyone in attendance unless of course, we’re talking about the Hot Wings contest! Birthday revelers came out to celebrate, listen to some great music by Triple Shot, enjoy a great hamburger or barbecue pork sandwich, or just enjoy good times with friends. Coastal Breeze’s own Ask Simba columnist, Christina Giordano, opened the event singing the National Anthem and then took a seat at the dunk tank. Two chicken wing eating contests took place. The first was won ... Read More »

By Natalie Strom  It has become clear that the lazy days of summer are in full swing in Goodland. During season, Goodland is a bustling town, filled with locals and vacationers. There is never a dull moment and there is always something to do. Yet, as summer approaches it seems as if at least half of Goodland goes into hibernation. This drastic change brings a number of questions to mind. In particular, why does Goodland turn into a virtual ghost town during the summer months? More important, what do the few of us who dare to stay do during this extremely ... 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,  With daily temperatures in the high 90’s and the heat indexes reaching into the 100’s it has been quite a hot summer so far. This year my dog has developed a condition of regurgitating right ... Read More »

By Diane Bostick Author: Steve Hamilton Publisher: St. Martin’s Minotaur Books January 2010. Winner of the 2010 Edgar Award for Best Novel, the Alex Award and a New York Times Notable Crime Book of the Year. When I was first asked to take over as book reviewer for the Coastal Breeze for the summer I figured it would be a simple enough thing to do. I was wrong. It is a lot harder than it looks. I first asked what the parameters for the books I was to review might be and was told they should be something written either this ... Read More »

By Tara O’Neill In the realm of Chinese brush painting, less is really more. It has to do with distilling a subject down to its essence. I was given a bit of insight recently from Edythe Newbourne of East Meets West Studio on Marco Island. “I was a watercolorist,” recounts Newbourne, “and I found myself less and less interested in backgrounds, and consequently leaving more and more of my paper untouched. My husband and I were living in Washington D.C., our children grown, when a friend convinced me to take a Chinese brush painting class. The instructor noticed my work and ... Read More »

By Capt. Pete Rapps   Here is a cool and fresh recipe for a hot summer night that will impress all of your guests! The ingredients are fresh and readily available at any market. It’s quick and easy to make. On a scale of 1-5 (1 being easiest – 5 be­ing most difficult) I give it a 2. This is one of those recipes that EVERYONE should make at least once! It’s off the hook! Ingredients: 8 small snapper fillets (or any other small fresh local fish fillets) Captain Rapps’ Everglades City All Y’all Seasoning 1/4 cup Olive oil 1 ripe ... Read More »