Coastal Breeze News

Florida has something new specifically designed for aging drivers. The  Florida Guide for Aging Drivers is a handy book available at no cost to senior drivers, compliments of the Florida Safe Mobility for Life Coalition. The Coalition, a group comprised of professionals from 28 organizations, created the guide to give aging drivers a comprehensive resource with the most up-to-date information available. Users will find safe driving tips, licensing information, lists of resources, and community contacts for every county in the state. Basically, the guide offers just about everything an aging driver needs to be more proactive about staying safe on the road. This book compliments ... Read More »

Plan now to take advantage of the opportunity to “vote by mail” in both the August 14th primary election and November 6th general election.  Florida is one of only a few states that offer voting by mail.  “Vote By Mail” continues to grow in popularity because of the convenience. Lee and Collier county residents are encouraged to contact the Supervisor of Elections office to request ballots for both elections.   Then sit back, relax and place your vote in the comfort of your own home or office.  No voting machines to stress you out and you can take all the time ... Read More »

H&M, Hennes & Mauritz, the design-driven global retailer known for offering high fashion and quality basics at affordable prices, is proud to announce its continued expansion in Florida by opening its first ever location in Naples, set to open this Fall. The Swedish retailer will make its debut in the Naples market at Coastland Center, the city’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination H&M believes strongly in the Floridian market and is excited to offer even more local customers access to the brand’s fashion-forward, quality collections. The approximately 20,000 square foot store at Coastland Center will include collections for ladies, men, young ladies and young men, ... Read More »

Three new members have been officially appointed to the Board of Directors at Collier Child Care Resources, Inc. (CCCR).  The organization’s mission is to support the needs of Collier County’s children, families, and early learning professionals by providing high quality education, resources, and childcare services. Niccole Howard, Executive Director of Collier Child Care Resources, Inc. said she is pleased to welcome the new members.  Howard added, “The expansion of the board and their combined talents will strengthen the organization’s goals and mission. Their leadership and direction will support our goal of providing the right environment for our children so they ... Read More »

Women are invited to a time of interactive Bible study.  The study based on the Lifeguide book ”Psalms:  Prayers of the Heart” by Eugene H Peterson brings to life how the psalms will help us relate to God as we pray our doubt, fears and anger away.  Peterson is the translator of “The Message”, the Bible in the language of today. The weekly eight-lesson study will begin 9 a.m., Friday, June 29 in the Fellowship Hall of Marco Presbyterian Church, 875 West Elkcam Circle, Marco Island. Books are $5.50 and will be available the first day of class.  For information call the church at 394-8186.   Read More »

The Big Flag Shirt, worn by the committee and select guests at the Big Flag Installation Ceremony on Memorial Day, is now available for purchase by the public. Said Chairman Rice, “The response by everyone that commented on the shirts was so overwhelming and the design so patriotic, that the committee, decided to make them the official Big Flag Shirt and make them available to the public. A portion of the each sale will supplement the Go Big Flag fund raising effort, led by Fund Raising Chairman, Leo Sutera. The fund is being developed to cover future expenses regarding maintenance, ... Read More »

The Collier County Lodging & Tourism Alliance (CCLTA), a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing regional issues of mutual importance to the tourism industry and the local community, announced the appointment of The Ritz-Carlton, Naples Hotel Manager Jon McGaunn to its Board of Directors. In his role as Hotel Manager, McGaunn is responsible for all day-to-day operations and financials of the luxury beach resort, including The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Naples, seven distinct dining experiences, expansive group function and meeting space, and 450 guest rooms and suites—all while reinforcing the high level of product and personal service excellence for which The Ritz-Carlton is ... Read More »

The appointment of Peter Rossi as Director of Marketing and Sales, his responsibilities include the development of a multi-dimensional marketing and sales plan covering the engineering disciplines that the Forge Engineering team represents. He brings 40 plus years of Marketing & Sales experience with major corporations in the worldwide market place. Pete is also an officer & member of the Naples Pelican Bay Rotary Club. Pete lives with his wife Karen, a Fine Arts Appraiser at Verona Walk for over six years. Forge Engineering, established in 1996, is a locally owned, multi-disciplined engineering firm based in Naples, Florida. Our professionals, ... Read More »

Two dozen outstanding student-athletes celebrated at awards event  Reflecting its commitment to honoring academic achievement just as much as athletic success, the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) last night named Stephen Gibbs of Altamonte Springs and Katherine Stone of Fort Walton Beach as Florida’s Scholar Athletes of the Year. The winners of the state’s most prestigious honor for student-athletes came during a banquet recognizing all 24 members of FHSAA’s Academic All-State Team. Gibbs and Stone maintained outstanding grade point averages while also excelling in multiple sports, representing FHSAA’s highest ideals for student-athletes. “The 24 members of this year’s Academic ... Read More »

Grant is one of nearly 900 to be awarded through the inaugural Darden Restaurant Community Grant Program The Immokalee Foundation, a nonprofit organization devoted to fostering a brighter future for the children of Immokalee, recently announced it has been selected to receive a $1,000 grant as part of the inaugural Restaurant Community Grant Program from the Darden Foundation, the charitable arm of Darden Restaurants Inc. The Restaurant Community Grant Program is a local grants program intended to help support nonprofit organizations in the hundreds of communities Darden and its restaurant brands serve. The donation will be used to enhance TIF’s Career ... Read More »

Hope HealthCare Services was named recipient of the 2012 Business Ethics Award presented by the Uncommon Friends Foundation. The award, announced during the UFF’s annual “An Uncommon Evening” event on June 7 at the Harborside Event Center in Fort Myers, was created in 2006 to recognize businesses in Southwest Florida that uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior throughout all levels of the organization. Samira K. Beckwith, president and CEO of Hope, accepted the award on behalf of Hope’s 1,100 staff members and 1,200 volunteers. “This award is a reflection of the integrity, values and ethical responsibility demonstrated by our ... Read More »

USA Triathlon is pleased to announce that 30 event sites from across the United States have been selected to form the inaugural USA Triathlon Youth Splash & Dash Aquathlon Series in 2012 and the Greater Marco Family YMCA has been chosen to be one of the 30 sites to offer this event. Educating youth athletes between the ages of 7-15 about the multi-sport lifestyle is one of the primary objectives if the series, which is focused on participation and having fun, rather than competition. “The first ever USA Triathlon Youth Splash and Dash Series is a fantastic way to introduce ... Read More »

I attended the event staring Donna Fiala and Steve Cosgrove at the South Regional Library June 13th and all I can say is if Mr. Cosgrove believes in fiscal responsibility now is the time for him to withdraw from the race for County Commissioner. He is wasting his own money as well as Donna Fiala?s. Mr. Cosgrove seems to be a very nice person, but he is challenging the wrong person. The room of about 200-250 people was packed with Donna Fiala?s supporters and hardly a person appeared in support of him. Donna got all the applause at every turn, and the standing ovation, that Mr. ... Read More »

I wake each day so appreciative that I have been blessed since 1989 to call MarcoIsland my home. Each time I walk through the grocery store, church, or pass through the community so many of my neighbors and friends have asked me to think about stepping up and running for our city council. I have prayed long and hard about stepping up to help my community. Regretfully I can not afford to serve. For those who know me, if I took the job, it would be 24/7. My hope is those who choose to serve will stay focused on preserving the residential ... Read More »

At 6AM on Sunday 6/24/12 power to the Island failed. The Marco Island Water & Sewer Department has systems and procedures in place to ensure the potable water distribution system pressure is maintained and wastewater is contained in the collection system. The treatment plants have emergency backup generators.  These generators allow the plants to function under full capacity.  The morning of 6/24/12 emergency backup power generators at the North Water Plant (NWP), Reclaimed Water Production Facility, South Water Plant (SWP), and Marco Shores Wastewater Treatment Plant automatically maintained power at the treatment facilities when the normal power source failed.  Utility ... Read More »

The following was a notice about the loss of Steve Zandy’s custom-made bike. Before Coastal Breeze News had a chance to print the article, or even upload it online, several islanders banded together to start a drive to replace Steve’s bike in the likely event it isn’t found. If you would like more information on how to donate to this effort, contact Karen Nettles at 662-617-9206 or Steve Stefanides at 239-250-8348. Drop off cash or a check to the Mutual Bank of Omaha receptionist, made out to Christmas Island Style if you wish to donate. An accounting of all monies ... Read More »

By Natalie Strom [email protected] Marco Island’s newest apparel shop has arrived just in time for summer. Featuring the latest trends, straight from Miami, Sol y Arena offers hot styles at cool prices. “This shop is a gift from the heavens!” explains owner, Lidia Tanko. “I love working with clothes, fashion and accessories. I’ve done it all my life.” Thanks to the support of her husband, Andrew Tanko and daughter, Susan Lopez, Sol y Arena offers Latin-inspired clothing that the ladies, both born in Costa Rica, love. As a tour guide for many years in Costa Rica, Lidia brought clothing buyers ... Read More »

By Marilyn Honahan Tucked away in a small shop off North Barfield Drive, is an artist who has been working his craft for many years. Jason Wallett is a jewelry designer who crafts unique and original designs into custom made objects of art. Jason is a designer and goldsmith, originally from Australia, where he completed a five year apprenticeship in one of the highest end designer workshops in West Australia, which regularly receives national awards. In his workshop, you can have your jewelry repaired, refurbished to look like new or redesigned from sketch through to final product. Jason prides himself ... Read More »

The clean, safe fuel will be available for the first time on the island Tampa-based TECO Peoples Gas is bringing natural gas service to Marco Island for the first time. Peoples Gas is installing infrastructure to serve commercial and large residential customers on the island. Service is scheduled to begin by the end of the year. TECO Peoples Gas invites you to hear more about the plan to supply Marco Island with clean, reliable and abundant natural gas. What:             Introduction of natural gas to serve Marco Island When:            10 a.m. Tuesday, June 26 Where:           Marco Island Marriott Resort, Golf Club and ... Read More »

Diagnosis & Treatment of Hand & Wrist Ailments Ronaldo Carneiro, M.D., Hand & Wrist Surgeon Tuesday, June 26, 2012 • 6:30-7:30 p.m. 605 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island If you suffer from painful hand and wrist conditions such as carpal tunnel, base of the thumb arthritis, trigger finger and more, you’ll want to attend this informational presentation by Ronaldo Carneiro, M.D. Dr. Carneiro is currently the Head of the Division of Hand and Wrist Surgery for Physicians Regional Medical Group. His professional experience includes serving as Professor of the Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Miami and Chief of Surgery and Head of the Hand Surgery Department at ... Read More »