Coastal Breeze News

By Coastal Breeze News Staff  The Marco Island Unit of the American Cancer Society has a new Unit Executive Director, Lisa Honig. Prior to accepting her new role, Lisa had a successful 26 year career in Information Technology Management and in Computer Storage Sales and Consulting Services. Lisa has already hit the ground running, visiting area businesses and communicating with the Board of Directors. She reviewed progress on plans for two major upcoming events, the Relay for Life and the Gala, and attended last week’s Relay for Life Kickoff at the Marriott. If the Honig name sounds familiar, it is ... Read More »

By Coastal BreezeNews Staff  In an instant, a natural disaster can take away everything. Assistance is needed immediately. The basics: food, water, shelter, and in the case of Hurricane Sandy victims, warmth, are immediate necessities. There are those who go into survival mode and yet make every effort to accommodate their neighbors as well as themselves, like First Responders. Once basic needs are met, one can try to ‘dig themselves out.‘ For those close to an impacted area at heart, but physically far away, it is hard to sit idly by while every cell in your body wants to be ... Read More »

COASTAL HISTORY Craig Woodward  [email protected]  As we reflect on a peaceful Veteran’s Day with great weather and our local beaches full, it is hard to envision a time when Florida skies were full of fighter pilots, our coasts under constant watch for enemy attack, and U.S. sailors both dead and wounded were being brought into Florida hospitals. World War II was not only fought in Europe and in the South Pacific, but was also fought here at home. Few remember that Nazi Germany brought WW II literally to our shores, with U-boats (submarines) paroling up and down our coasts looking for ... Read More »

COASTAL COMMENTS Donna Fiala [email protected] Today my subject will just be about the Islands. First, Marco Island – Tigertail Beach. People have been inquiring lately about access to Tigertail Beach and when the boardwalks will be complete. The county is building, and in some cases rebuilding, the boardwalks from the huge parking lot (a place for residents, friends, visitors and tourists to park!) to the water. By the time you receive this column, three of those boardwalks are scheduled to be completed. Actually, they look finished right now but are awaiting the installation of the ADA required handrails. Those should ... Read More »

By Monte Lazarus [email protected] My dream came true. I won a gold medal! It isn’t from the London Olympics, but it’s awfully close. It’s probably not real gold, but it’s heavy and “golden” and has a magnificent blue ribbon. In my feeble mind it’s Olympic quality, and that’s that. It took Olympic teamwork to win it, since it was the result of a four day team trivia competition on the “Allure of the Seas,” a cruise ship to end all cruise ships. It has everything Columbus ever wanted: a rock climbing wall; an ice skating rink; at least a thousand ... Read More »

By Jane A. Marlowe [email protected] The American Cancer Society Marco Island Unit kicked off Relay For Life at a reception hosted by the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort on Wednesday, November 7. The event was held in one of the Marriott’s Lanai Suites offering a lovely view of the Gulf waters and lush tropical foliage along a private walk a few steps from the beach. A cocktail reception buffet was provided courtesy of Porky’s Last Stand, Publix Foods and the Marriott. Raul Medina, Chair of Relay For Life Marco Island, welcomed guests and committee members inviting them to view a ... Read More »

By Coastal Breeze News Staff  Over 175 supporters gathered at the Snook Inn on November 8 for the Marco Bald Eagle Sanctuary’s “Welcome Back to the Nest” celebration. Feathers and floral shirts filled the Chickee Hut as friends gathered to support Paleo and Calusa, the bald eagle couple that reside in the Sanctuary on Tigertail Court. It was revealed during the evening that Calusa, the female, had recently been spotted nesting with eggs. Read More »

By Coastal Breeze News Staff  In its first historical tour, the Marco Re-enactors hosted 16 ladies from The Summit House Condominium of Marco Island. The women experienced the private docent tour which is hosted by the Marco Island Historical Museum. Beginning at the Museum, the ladies were treated to local historical author and member of the Re-enactors, Betsy Perdichizzi, as their docent. “Her wealth of knowledge made the experience a unique historical tour,” said Arlene Riegel of The Summit House. The ladies began their tour at the museum, learning about the first settlers and marveled at the all too realistic ... Read More »

By Natalie Strom [email protected] Dreamlander Eco-Adventure Tours of Marco Island recently carried out the ancient tradition of the “Blessing of the Fleet.” Expanding its paddle board and kayak operation to include wave runners and boat tours, the paddle – and now power – friendly company is doing things right, starting with The Blessing. The Blessing of the Fleet is a centuries-old tradition originating in southern European fishing communities. The Blessing is used to ask for the safety of mariners, good harvest from the sea, clean waters and good will and peace among peoples of the world. Launching its “Dolphin and ... Read More »

By Coastal Breeze News Staff  Just in time for the winter season and holiday giving, here’s a history of Sanibel for kids. “The Story of Sanibel Island; A History for Younger Readers” is a new publication from local historian Marya Repko. The little paperback book tells about the pioneers on this special island, the growth of tourism, “Ding” Darling’s effort to save the land for wildlife, the building of the Causeway and the founding of the City. One adult reviewer said, “this was the first comprehensive history of the island that I have read. I enjoyed it.” “The Story of ... Read More »

By Coastal Breeze News Staff This Saturday, November 17, local charities are coming together with the goal of packaging 150,000 meals to feed local needy families. Volunteers of all ages are needed and welcomed for a short time commitment, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Marco Island Charter Middle School. This is an especially good volunteer activity for school-aged children. Each year, Meals of Hope seeks to outperform the previous year’s record, making the pace of the event fast and fun. The event is a collaboration of the Marco Island Sunrise Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club and Noontime Rotary Club. ... Read More »

By Coastal Breeze News Staff The Second Annual Marco Island Paddle Challenge was held at the Esplanade on November 4. The family oriented day brought paddle boarders and kayakers from near and far, participating in endurance and sprint races. Onlookers viewed the race from the deck of CJ’s on the Bay and Mango’s Dockside Bistro. Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Marco Alumni, proceeds from the event will go towards college scholarships for local high school students.   Read More »

By Natalie Strom natalie@co[email protected] With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to get the family together for the usual holiday greeting card photo. Sick of the same old “Say Cheese” photo year after year? Thanks to Christmas Island Style and local photographer, Mila Bridger, Marco residents will have a chance to take unique, professional holiday photos – of their pets. As one of its many planned activities throughout the next two months, Christmas Island Style will host “Holiday Pets on Parade” at CJ’s on the Bay at the Esplanade on December 4. From 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Marco ... Read More »

By Monte Lazarus [email protected]  About 200 interested, curious folks came to Marco Island’s first Home Improvement and Remodeling Show at the Marriott on November 5. The show was the idea of Katie O’Hara, Marketing and Sales Director of the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce, and Katie, along with the Chamber’s President, Kevin Donlan, Executive Director Sandi Riedemann, Administrative Assistant Donna Niemczyk and the ever-helpful Chamber volunteers ran a flawless program. Business exhibitors covered the full range of home services, including everything from financing a home to building it, protecting it and providing all the necessary appliances. Surveying, electronics, banking, ... Read More »

By Coastal Breeze News Staff Why does a seemingly vivacious beautiful woman think she needs fitness help? According to Missy Prange (one such vivacious, beautiful woman), it wasn’t something she went looking for, but rather, something she stumbled across. Missy saw friends on social websites commenting on having a delicious Pina Colada shake early in the day or a Butterfinger shake for lunch. The conversations included comments about having more energy and feeling good, so soon, Missy wanted to know more. What her friends had to say piqued her interest. She heard names like “Body by Vi,” “Visalus” and “a ... Read More »

By Carol Glassman Bill Moore learned an expensive lesson or two at the city’s Code Enforcement meeting on November 13. Representing his wife Margaret, owner of a property at 1270 Stone Court, Moore objected to applying and paying for a permit to repair a docking facility. When the city realized the facility had already been repaired/replaced, Moore was offered the option of obtaining an after-the-fact permit. Moore strongly resisted, denying any city code had been violated. City Building Official Bob Maher did not agree, reporting his findings after visiting the property. Maher said the facility had been completely redecked and ... Read More »

By Natalie Strom  [email protected]  The weekend of November 2 was a busy one for the Crazy Flamingo. Celebrating its 23rd year in business on Marco Island, the restaurant hosted a three-day celebration that culminated on Sunday, November 4 with the annual wing eating competition. A fixture on Marco Island, “The Bird,” as it is affectionately called by local patrons, has always been known for its ice cold beer, piping hot wings and great live entertainment. Centered around this theme, bands played throughout the weekend to a crowd of all ages. Bill Beck performed on Friday, Reggae band SowFlo played on ... Read More »

By Natalie Strom [email protected]  As the STRP sewer project on Marco Island rolls through the hills of Caxambas, workers are digging up more than just dirt. Advanced Archaeology Inc. and Mitchell & Stark Construction have worked together throughout the historically sensitive area, unearthing thousands of early Native American artifacts and most recently, three intact glass bottles from the early 1900’s. Located at the Southeast tip of Marco Island, Caxambas is known for its ancient Calusa shell mounds that later served as an early settlement in the Pioneer Era of Southwest Florida. One such pioneer and notable name was Jim Barfield. ... Read More »

TO YOUR HEALTH C. Scott Campbell [email protected]  Growing up in Richmond, Virginia, I had a front row seat as my father, Reverend Carl L. Campbell of the Ray of Hope Church, answered his calling and dedicated his life to caring for others. My father held this extraordinary position for 42 years. In the 31 years I have spent in health care—an industry inextricably linked to the concept of caring—I have come across countless people who say their choice of a health care career was based on a mission to help others. Yes, a calling to touch lives. Understandably, giving thanks and ... Read More »

PROTECTING & PRESERVING Nancy Richie  [email protected] Monthly, different local groups and residents make the effort to organize and pick up trash on Marco Island’s beach. Weekly, we all make the effort to throw trash in the appropriate receptacle; the regular trash bin which goes to our overflowing county landfill or the recycling bin which keeps excess trash out of the landfill so that products can be repurposed and reused. Those are our choices at home and work. Daily, we pick up trash as we take walks in our neighborhoods, parks or on the beach. Trash; it is part of our life. ... Read More »