Coastal Breeze News

By Steve Reynolds The 2nd Annual Rib Cook-Off was recently held at the Marco Island Brewery and a capacity crowd was on hand to taste the succulent ribs served hot off the grill. The Marco Island Brewery was again the host venue for the event which benefits the Marco Police Foundation. Seven “Ribbers” took part in the event which raised over $3,000 for the Marco Police Foundation. Celebrity Judges sampled the offerings for such categories as taste, look and overall greatness. Only 1 and 1/ 2 points separated the winner from the 2nd place runner –up. Jan Graf, who submitted ... Read More »

Marco Police Foundation President, Bill Morris, announced today the award of scholarship renewals to Caitlyn Hood and Lauren Hood, daughters of Marco Police Officer Brian Hood.  Each of the students will receive a $1,000.00 scholarship for the fall 2012 semester at their respective institution. In her most recent semester, Lauren Hood successfully completed 21.5 credit hours at Jacksonville University.  In 6 semesters, Lauren has completed 107 credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of 3.09.  Her career objective is US Naval pilot. In her second semester of attendance at Harriet L. Wilks Honor College of Florida Atlantic University, Caitlyn ... Read More »

As of July 2012, the State of Florida leads the nation together with Georgia, Oklahoma and Texas in Police Officer fatalities.  Sadly, given the current rate of on-duty Police Officer deaths, 2012 will likely mirror or surpass 2011, reaching the unfathomable triple digit benchmark. In mid FY12, the Police Department identified a need for eighteen sets of body armor for its sworn officers (Full-time, Reserve and Auxiliary).  These units replaced armor that had exceeded the manufacturer’s service life, or were being provided to personnel who were never issued body armor.  The Police Department was unable to budget for these items ... Read More »

The Marco Island Police Department wants to work with you to make Halloween safe! We will have several extra Police Officers on duty during traditional trick or treat hours.  Additionally your Police Officers will be supported by Code Compliance Officers, Reserve & Auxiliary Police Officers, Police Volunteers as well as members of the Marco Police Foundation – Neighborhood Watch group. Please consider the following suggestions: • A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. • If your older children are going alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on ... Read More »

The Marco Police Foundation is pleased to announce the election of William G. Morris as the organizations new President. An active member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, his term officially commenced at the March Director’s meeting. Mr. Morris is an Island attorney with offices on Marco since 1983 practicing general law. He has been actively involved in community service since his arrival including President of the Art League of Marco Island, the YMCA, and the Marco Island American Cancer Society. His Board of Director responsibilities have included the United Way and the Marco Chamber of Commerce. The Marco Police ... Read More »

The Marco Police Foundation is excited to announce the next “Lunch with the Chief” on May 19th in the beautiful main dining room of the Island Country Club. In addition to being selected for its outstanding food and service, the Island Country Club will be able to accommodate the large response expected to hear the keynote speaker. Mr. Michael E. Hyde, M.Ed, Vice President for Advancement and External Relations with The Jackson Laboratory group based in Bar Harbor Maine will speak on the possible establishment of a genetics research institute in the area. Enormous challenges must be met before such ... Read More »