Coastal Breeze News

By Val Simon  [email protected]  In 2007, Gerry Rosenblum began a term as president of the Marco Island Area Association of Realtors (MIAAOR) with the words, “I love Marco Island.” It may not have been earth-shattering enough to make headlines then, but enduring enough for him to take on another term as President of the Marco Island Area Association of Realtors for 2012. Gerry’s love affair with Marco is certainly obvious to his family (wife Barbara, and daughters Annie and Lily) and to others involved in the island’s single largest industry, real estate. “Déjà vu,” Gerry began. “I accept this position ... Read More »

By Joanne Tailele  [email protected] Marco Island, are different than anywhere else in the world. Back in 1987, Dawn Norgren of Island Title was a single Mom. There was little to show her young son the spirit of Christmas here on the island. Other than Mrs. Marion Blomeir’s festivities at the Olde Marco Inn, Marco Island was void of any decorations. For your information: On her birthday, December 17th, The Bistro Soleil at the Olde Marco Inn will be having a special celebration in memory of “Lady Christmas – Marion Blomeir”. Dawn and a group of seven core members of the ... Read More »

By Coastal Breeze News Staff  The second Annual Queen for a Day luncheon and fashion show sponsored by Liz Havens of Skin Renewal Systems and the Island Country Club Charitable Foundation was held on Friday, December 9 for the benefit of the Joy of Giving. The event is one of several fund raisers held to help underprivileged children of our area to have a merrier Christmas. Many families are feeling the crunch of the poor economy from single moms to out of work parents. It’s not so much about giving toys to children as it is about giving hope to ... Read More »

By Natalie Strom  [email protected]  A major announcement was made regarding the restoration of mangroves along SR-92 on Thursday, December 8. The area, known as Fruit Farm Creek, which runs from Cape Marco all the way to the Goodland Bridge, is visibly dying. After six years of hard work, Coastal Resources Group Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has announced that they will begin to restore the area owned by Rookery Bay beginning on February 1, 2012. Roy “Robin” Lewis, III, a Certified Environmental Professional, Professional Wetland Scientist, Certified Senior Ecologist and President of Coastal Resources Group explained the dire situation during ... Read More »

Donna Fiala  [email protected] It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas………..everywhere we go. And that it is! Everything looks so happy and cheerful, brightly colored lights and decorations. It almost makes my heart sing, and it certainly puts us all in the mood to enjoy this time of year, no matter what religion we practice. The Vietnam Wall memorial event presented on Dec. 7th -Pearl Harbor Day-was very moving and emotional. I had the honor of sitting next to Walter Tucker, a survivor of Pearl Harbor and a World War ll veteran. What a terrific guy Walter is! At nearly ... Read More »

By Monte Lazarus  My mind is numb; my senses are dull. It’s all because Christmas Selling Season started shortly before Halloween this year…and it’s accompanied by endless political commercials. The mailbox is overflowing with catalogs. No wonder the Post Office is floundering. Junk mail rates probably do not cover Post Office expenses. However, the GREAT news is that I have compiled a superb Christmas list that I have dispatched to Santa because he will surely be enthralled by what I really, really want. First on my list is commonplace according to television: On Christmas morn, according to numerous commercials, I ... Read More »

Tarik Ayasun  [email protected] A new and strange battle for domination of the Islamic world is being fought in the Middle East. On one side is Shiite Iran, on the other side is Sunni Turkey and the battlefield is Syria. Why is this an important battle and what will it mean for the geopolitics of the area? Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, two Middle Eastern dictators, want to form a united front against their neighbor Turkey, a NATO ally, which on this issue seems to have the silent backing of the US Government. Both Iran ... Read More »

By Coastal Breeze News Staff  Bealls Outlets has expanded their store in Island Plaza by taking on a neighboring unit, adding approximately 1200 square feet of space. While making changes to incorporate the additional space into the store, the existing space was completely remodeled. According to Regional Bealls Outlet Manager Ken Apple, “We wanted to expand for years due to demand from our customers. We were finally able to do it. Now we have the room to lay out the merchandise in a way suitable and appealing to our customers. As an example, we have expanded our house wares area, ... Read More »

By Joan Kelly If you are suffering the loss of a loved one through death you might be interested in a support group. Marco Lutheran Church is offering a Christ centered program starting Jan. 5th. The journey from mourning to joy will assist, encourage and support you as you cope with your loss. This is the tenth year the program has been offered. Sessions begin at 9:30AM with fellowship and a chance for the group to develop a special relationship. Class time is from 10AM to noon. It is presented on DVD by experts in the field. Each person will have ... Read More »

By Natalie Strom  [email protected]  Lauren Feinman and her family picked the perfect name for their latest restaurant venture. Mango’s Dockside Bistro at The Esplanade offers even more than its name suggests. The restaurant, which opened its doors just over a month ago, gives off a fresh, tropical feel before one even walks through the door. Brightly colored umbrellas hover over the outdoor tables just as they did at The Chef’s Express, the Feinman’s previous restaurant in Old Marco. Lauren and her parents, Rick and Chef Annie, served breakfast and lunch and catered events for over six years as owners of ... Read More »

By Capt. Carl Kelly “Some boats can handle a chop. Some boats can run skinny. Some boats can’t do either. We like to think our boat can do both.” Ralph Brown spoke of the boats his company, Dream Boats Global, will produce. His brother, Bob, will be an integral part of the company. But Brown wasn’t selling his boats so much as he was selling his company. He was meeting at Marco Island Yacht Club with a small group of potential stock holders. Dream Boats is a new company that will build and sell a line of boats based on ... Read More »

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Craig Woodward [email protected] While most know that the Spanish discovered Florida and that the U.S. later purchased it from Spain, few know that for 20 years England owned and controlled the state, which they divided into East Florida (the peninsula) with its headquarters in St. Augustine, and West Florida (the panhandle) with its headquarters in Pensacola. These twenty years were a critical time for the U.S – from 1763 to 1783 – the years encompassing the American Revolution, a time when life might have been much easier if an ally like Spain and not England controlled the area south of ... Read More »

By Jane A. Marlowe  [email protected]  The Marco Island Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with the Marco Eagle and the Naples News Media Group, hosted the 24th Annual Marco Island Christmas Gala on Sunday evening, December 4th. The event was held at the Bistro Soleil in the Olde Marco Inn. The weather cooperated with cool, easy breezes on the deck during a leisurely cocktail hour. Barbara Prigge, whose husband is a new member of the Marco Island Fire Rescue Foundation and treasurer of the Marco Island Police Foundation explained. “I am home decorating our house every year at this time. This ... Read More »

The Traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall arrived on Marco Island before noon, Tuesday, December 6, 2011 escorted by hundreds of proud motorcyclists, Collier County Sheriff’s deputies, Florida Highway Patrol officers and police officers. They were honoring fallen heroes of a war which did not receive the kind of unconditional, unwavering support which sustained the fighting forces of World War II. Lee Rubenstein, Chairman of the Traveling Wall Committee that brought the Wall to Marco Island said, “If one person comes here and can let go and is relieved, it’s well worth it.” In an opening ceremony, guest speaker Doug Hartman, ... Read More »

By Natalie Strom  [email protected]  When Emily Savage first moved to Marco Island the shells along the beaches were diverse and abundant. Today, many of those shells she so casually collected can now only be found in her shop, Shells By Emily. In 1978 Emily relocated to Marco from Miami with her husband, Herb Savage. Their move made sense as Herb was an architect for the Deltona Corporation which initially developed Marco Island. Not long after their move, Emily tried out shelling on the local beaches. On her first excursion she found a shell that no one could identify. It turned ... Read More »

Vickie Kelber  [email protected] Through the years, we have taken many trips during the holidays. When we worked, we enjoyed getting away for a few days between Christmas and New Years. Now retired, we like to visit other locations either just before or on Christmas to see how they celebrate their holidays. From these experiences, I’ve developed my personal six rules for holiday travel. Rule #1. Use common sense. When planning the trip, avoid the high travel days by traveling a few days before or after Christmas or New Years. Airlines typically over book at the holidays, so make sure you ... Read More »

By Coastal Breeze News Staff Six members of the Marco Sportfishing Club held a fishing clinic for Marco Island Cub Scout Pack 234. About 20 Cub Scouts and many of their parents were at the meeting and they had a great time learning about fishing, being a good angler and other things they need to know to earn their merit badges. Four “learning areas” were set up, and the Cub Scouts and their parents spent about 10 – 15 minutes at each area before they moved on to the next one. After about an hour, they had been to every ... Read More »

Submitted Once again, the Kiwanis Club of Marco Island has begun their annual toy drive for the children of our area. In lieu of donating toys, the club is requesting monetary donations. By doing so, it allows the club members along with the Lely Key Club to shop for appropriate toys for children in the area. K-Mart on Tamiami Trail in Naples has generously offered to open their doors to our “Santa’s helpers” on Sunday, December 18, 2011. In the past the discounts and assistance from K-Mart provided a wonderful selection of quality toys for the students. The gifts will ... Read More »

Submitted  Terrific Kids for December – It was a busy meeting on Thursday for the Kiwanis Club of Marco Island. The recipients of the Terrific Kid Award brought their parents, siblings and principals to the presentation. Gayle Thawley was assisted by Fred Twilla in presenting the December nominees with their t-shirts, plaques and, as Gayle calls them, their trophies (Kiwanis pencil). When you hear the comments from the teachers such as organized, creative, inventive, leaders, role models and enthusiast, you know why this group of children was awarded “Terrific Kids.” Each month, the Kiwanis Club of Marco Island recognizing children ... Read More »