Coastal Breeze News

Yesterday Joyce Crain, operator of Prescriptions 4 Hope, was arrested by Marco Island Police. She appears to have operated under fictitious names that are similar enough to names we do business under as to cause confusion to the public.  Although she has never been employed or directly affiliated with our organization, she had been allowed to utilize a small amount of our space under a license agreement. After we became aware of potential legal violations on her part, we terminated the arrangement and notified the proper state and local authorities. We have taken all reasonable steps to protect the public, ... Read More »

As a Registered Voter on Marco Island (and Candidate for Marco Island City Council), your recent article regarding the Press Conference announcing Physician’s Regional opening a walk-in clinic on Marco and discussion of the Referendum did not include some “key elements” that all Voters need to know about the Referendum. There are actually 2 issues, but unfortunately, the way the Referendum is structured, they are co-mingled and the Voters of Marco I’m afraid will be unintentionally confused. The first issue is the Referendum: this was rushed through by an announcement on Friday, June 1st of a Special Called Council Meeting ... Read More »

Dear Senator Rubio, I have written you on two occasions to provide input on the current economic crises that confronts my fellow Americans, and I have provided some recommendations to address our escalating national debt. And, I appreciate your taking time in the past to address my concerns. Thru the sixties, I was, like most college students of the era, a Democrat. In the seventies and early eighties, I held a minor elected position in my home town as a Republican. Now, I am an independent, frustrated American who believes that our country is on a course of self-destruction. We ... Read More »

Several months ago I sent a Letter to the Editor of the Naples Daily News stating that East Naples and Marco Island did not have to endure carpetbagger representation on the Board of County Commissioners. District 1 has a wonderful, energetic and honest representative in Donna Fiala, and there is no need for someone from North Naples, supposedly moving into the District to support us. In a head to head confrontation, at the South Regional Library June 13th, between Donna Fiala and Steve Cosgrove it was apparent who knows the district better, and would make a far better representative than someone who would work for it ... Read More »

We would very much like to express our thanks to Karen Nettles, Tiffany Homuth and Sharon Krohn at Mutual of Omaha Bank and Steve Stefanides of Christmas Island Style for setting up the fund to replace Steve’s bike. To the Marco Island community who has so generously responded. Very special thanks to Mark, Island Bike’s supplier and always to Matt Walthour, who once again has shown unbelievable effort and friendship in order to help Steve.  Tina, Steve and Kim Zandy Read More »

For an event that should be very uplifting for everyone, Marco’s  annual July 4th fireworks display has been the cause for that ‘feeling of dread’ (Angst) as our city fathers annually struggle to find the funds necessary to help celebrate one of the most patriotic holidays of the year. Sure there are other ways to party on that day but how better to finish a day long celebration than with an inspirational fireworks display. At a City Council meeting a few months ago, funding this year’s fireworks made its annual appearance on the agenda amid moans and groans about how ... 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 »

Following the City of Marco Island’s recent decision to move the building inspection services division and its inspectors to Collier County, the Marco Eagle published an article on May 25, 2012, entitled Contractors Raise the Roof on Marco Island city manager’s decision to move inspectors to Naples. After reading the article, it is apparent that many residents may have some unanswered questions. As the former Community Development Director for the City of Marco Island between the years 2006 and 2010, I may be able to provide some additional information and clarification. During my tenure with the City, the Building Services ... Read More »

If you are a Marco Island contractor or have dealings with the Marco Island Building Services Department, you need to be aware of personnel changes proposed by the City Manager which may have a significant impact on your business. Our understanding is that the plan is to merge the Marco Island Building Services Department with that of Collier County. Our current inspectors will become Collier County employees, work out of the Collier County office, and cover Collier County inspections in addition to Marco Island. As the current Building Services Department works well, we feel it is imperative to become active ... Read More »

The results of the elections in France and Greece warn of grave prospects for the forthcoming elections in the US. The forces of socialism have won the day and will propel Europe into a deeper recession and more socio-economic chaos that will have worldwide repercussions. It is abundantly clear that “austerity” to the French and Greek electors is a hollow concept and one to be avoided. The voters of France and Greece have chosen to continue and increase their dependence on the State. The notion of providing for one’s own future and self-reliance are being eradicated. The French and Greeks ... Read More »

The following unsolicited letter was received by Russ Herrmann, eyesight chairman of the Marco Island Lions Club: To whom it may concern: I want to thank each and every one of those involved in helping me get my new pair of glasses. I have been using these magnifying cheaters which were getting me by but wasn’t enough. These new glasses sure make it nice to see clear again. Also Dr. Eads’ office and staff were extremely nice, courteous and very helpful in getting the lens and frames that are my best. Again, thank you again for all your helping me ... Read More »

Tuesday, May 1, 2012   Why not let “We the People” decide?   As most Citizens who have been paying attention know, there are some major issues that affect ALL of Marco that could or have already been brought before the existing City Council.  As one of the few announced candidates to run for election to City Council this coming November, I would like to suggest that items that are not ‘time-sensitive’ be deferred until the next Council is elected.  Among the potential or existing issues and why I believe a decision on these can be deferred (in no particular ... Read More »

From the bottom of my heart, Thank you! The intent of this letter is for both my family and I to express our sincere gratitude for all those involved in my recovery.  I will begin with a brief description of my experience. Monday, 06 February 2012 I was admitted to the Collier Blvd. Physicians Regional Medical Center.  ER diagnosis was a streptococcus A infection in right arm, (necrotizing fasciitis), which had entered the blood stream causing blood poisoning, (sepsis), which in turn caused internal organs to shut down or suffer, including acute tubular necrosis, and pancreatitis. The admitting physician felt ... Read More »

Recently I received the following question in an email from a Citizen of Marco Island: “Please tell me how you justify a 6000 gallon cap or even the 4000 gallon cap on sewer outflow.”  I replied: “Justification is easy”. 1.  The Taxpayers of the City of Marco Island paid approximately $97,000 to Burton & Associates for a Cost of Service (COS) Study and probably spent a similar sum of money for Staff Time and supplies to supply the necessary documentation that was required or needed to perform the COS. 2.  Burton & Associates does about 60 such studies per year and have ... Read More »

Response to Article by Larry Magel, Chairman, Marco Island City Council in the March 29-April 4th issue. OUR CITIZENS DO DESERVE THE FACTS: Our newly elected Chairman of the Marco Island City Council, Larry Magel, in his first newspaper article started his term on the negative, go figure!!! The Marco Island Property Owners (MIPO) facts were based on the Independent Consultants first recommendation of the M1 version of the Cost of Service Study. Based on the M1 study, the MIPO figures that were quoted are accurate. This can be verified by public record. MIPO does not have the luxury of ... Read More »

Let’s get the real facts, our citizens deserve it A reporter asked me why I wanted to be Chairman of the Marco Island City Council and I replied, “I want to communicate with our citizens.” You deserve to know the real facts on the issues that come before the City Council, not what some group wants you to hear. When you have the real facts you can decide if you want to support the issue or oppose, but you’ll do so being fully informed. Let me cite some examples. The major issue being discussed at Council today is what are ... Read More »

Recently I had the opportunity to address one hundred Marco residents on a variety of subjects. During side conversations with members during the program, as well as meetings around town after the program, it became clear to me that some citizens don’t know when to call the police, some don’t know how, and others “feel bad for bothering the police”. I’d like to illustrate my points with current and real world events. In the last week, two homes, one on Fruitland and one on Echo were burglarized. Entry was gained by prying open the garage service door on one home ... Read More »

Thank you Marco Island. The people, merchants, restaurateurs and businesses on Marco Island give back so much to this community. The San Marco Council of Catholic Women want to take this opportunity to thank these people for their overwhelming generosity, that made our Casino Night such a success. OUR CORPORATE SPONSORS: Pension Planners, Inc., Ross Title & Escrow, Inc., David Stonier, Duane Thomas Marine Construction, Larry Caruso, Re/Max Realty, Pat Wilkins Team, Keller Williams, Jeff Bogan, Allstate Insurance, Island Title, Capri Fish House Restaurant, Sterling Motorsport, Inc., Jack Bertelsmeyer, James Bertelsmeyer, Tom & Shannon Barrett, M/M Robert Sullivan, and Don & Mary Ross. OUR RESTAURANT SPONSORS: Their participation in our ... Read More »