Coastal Breeze News

Nobody quite knows when blues music began, but what we do know is, without the blues, there would be no rock n’ roll, and man, the world would be a boring place without bloody rock n’ roll! This past week, I had the pleasure of attending the “History of Delta Blues” seminar by local blues musician, Danny Jo. It was both interesting and entertaining. As he told about early blues artists, he would play the songs that they were known for. All who attended seemed to enjoy the lighthearted nature and cadence of the “101” of Delta Blues. He explained ... Read More »

I so enjoyed the recent conversation I shared with Everglades Fishing Guide, Becky Campbell. She revealed little pearls of wisdom describing her vast experience “hunting” for fish. Becky speaks of fishing with a gleeful glimmer in her eye and prefers to refer to her experiences as “catching” rather than simply “fishing.” I thought it most appropriate to share my conversation with Captain Becky with other angling enthusiasts because expert tips like these are few and far between. Becky grew up in Clearwater, where she describes the water as being a beautiful crystal clear green. Due to the amazing water clarity, ... Read More »

With the water situation in Florida getting worse each year and the water rates going up almost as fast as gas prices, the general public – not only serious gardeners and those involved in the green industry here in Florida – need to take into consideration the water needs of all new landscaping plantings. I don’t think we will ever run out of water, but it may get so expensive that many people will not be able to afford to irrigate their landscape at all. I suggest we all consider moving towards Florida Friendly Landscaping. Developed by the University of ... Read More »

By Naomi & Karina Paape - [email protected] Dear Fellow Felines: Wow, was I ever shocked to learn that the number one reason cat owners surrender and euthanize their cats is because they are “going” somewhere other than their litter box. Just as shocking is that experts agree the problem is usually not the cat’s fault. There is either something about the litter box that repels these misunderstood felines, or there is a medical or behavioral problem that compels litter box avoidance. Jan says that during For the Love of Cats’ many adoption events, she and Jim “spend countless hours talking to ... Read More »

On Sunday, February 24th the community of Holiday Manor Co-op celebrated their debt retirement with a symbolic mortgage burning in front of their Recreation Hall. Holiday Manor Co-op is a senior retirement enclave located on Collier Blvd just south of US-41. The 312 unit community was purchased from the Cavin family in 1996, for six million dollars. The mortgage was retired in 2012 after the present Board of Directors (pictured above), lead by Lynn Rickert (second from left above), that it would be advantageous to pay off the mortgage three years early. Some of the original shareholders are still enjoying ... Read More »

It has been said that Comets are dirty snowballs from deep space where they formed far from the Sun and warmth of the inner Solar System. The Oort Cloud surrounds the Solar System and extends outwards perhaps two or three light years. There are maybe a trillion comets orbiting the Sun in the Oort cloud; the grip of the Sun is very weak so far out, and every now and then a passing star may eject a few comets into interstellar space or cause them to fall inwards towards us. We have just such a visitor tonight. Comets are named ... Read More »

by Janet DeAnna (with Tara O’Neill) Epiphany Project Windows – Each artist brought their own vision to their window. Can you determine what window matches what Epiphany theme? Wise Men Visit by Katie Goetzmann and Judy Crook Jesus is Baptized by The Bennett Family Jesus Calls Disciples by Corky Miller Wedding in Cana by Cathy Weis and Janed DeAnna Beautitudes by Cynthia Dayton Faithful Friends by Elizabeth Doyle Jesus Preaches by Rosellen and John Warner Jesus Heals by Wallly and Carol Hedman Consider the Lilies by Linda Freund and Cynthia Jackson Transfiguration by Wade Mundiger Father Kyle came to St. Mark’s ... Read More »

On February 7th, The Arlington of Naples held a press conference at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve to announce recent milestones, architectural plans and its goals for 2013. The 39-acre property is a Continuing Care Retirement Community sponsored by Lutheran Life Communities. The faith-based organization does welcome people of all faiths, beliefs and traditions but bases its care on the love and compassion of Christ. According to the Arlington’s website, “Nestled in a setting of tropical beauty, The Arlington will be private and secure, but also an integral member of the diverse neighborhoods of Lely Resort. This unique connection ... Read More »

With a record-breaking 100 ‘Open’ entrants, the Hideaway Beach Club on Marco Island crowned champions in the following divisions: Men’s and Women’s 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 levels. We have recognized the winners, finalists and consolation winners in each category. For the second consecutive year, the rain interrupted our Sunday morning schedule but did not affect the awesome tennis displayed on court. There was stellar play throughout the weekend with outstanding performances in each division. Upsets were rampant in the men’s 4.0 category with newcomers Mike Piro (former University of Richmond soccer star) and talented Island Club assistant pro, Eric Sonnenberg ... Read More »

A 2011 study recently released by the National Park Service shows that the 941,393 visitors to Big Cypress National Preserve generated $117,467,000 of revenue in local communities. Additionally, the report shows that the preserve assists in supporting 1,891 jobs in the area. “Big Cypress National Preserve is the backyard of South Florida and wonderful place to learn about America’s story,” said preserve superintendent Pedro Ramos. “We attract visitors from across the U.S. and around the world who come here to experience the preserve and then spend time and money enjoying the services provided by our neighboring communities and getting to ... Read More »

Collier County hosts many national art festivals and gallery/museum exhibits throughout the year. But there is one event that stands apart from the others and it’s happening Sunday, March 17, 11-5 PM. It’s the 11th annual “Five Painters & a Potter.” The uniqueness of 5P&P stems from the fact that it is comprised of nationally known artists all of whom work locally and have had deep roots in our community for decades. The party – and it is most certainly a party as well as an exhibition – is held at Jim Rice’s Clay Place, 1555 Shadowlawn Dr. (corner of ... Read More »

“AAUW has been making progress since day one,” pronounced House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) this week to a room filled with AAUW members and other women from the Florida area. The AAUW Palm Beach County (FL) Branch hosted an event Wednesday on women’s economic justice issues with Pelosi and Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL). Women from Miami, Naples, St. Augustine, Palm Beach, and other areas of Florida gathered at a community center in the Village of Palm Springs to share their personal stories and concerns about issues facing women today — from equal pay to passing the Violence Against Women Act. Susan Berlin, ... Read More »

The Guadalupe Center of Immokalee has inducted seven new members into its Wall of Honor, the highest recognition given by the non-profit organization, for playing pivotal roles in the growth of the Guadalupe Center and its programs. Four of the seven are residents of Marco Island. The new honorees are Doug and Grace Herr; and Bud and Eileen Roche, all of Hideaway Beach Club. The Herrs have served as Mentors to the high-achieving high school students in the Guadalupe Center Tutor Corps, and have played major roles in the expansion of the Guadalupe After-school Program (GAP). The GAP program provides ... Read More »

Cheryl Mort of Marco Island was the BIG winner at Monday night Bingo at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island. She being congratulated by Marv Klein. Bingo is being played every Monday. Doors open at 5:30 PM. The Public is welcome! Norma Faccone of Marco Island was the BIG winner at Monday night Bingo at the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island. She is being congratulated by Dr. Herb Kern. Bingo is being played every Monday. Doors open at 5:30 PM. The Public is welcome! Mary Anne Murphy of Naples was the HOT BALL winner at Monday night Bingo at the Jewish ... Read More »

Cinematographer/director Elam Stoltzfus will take his audience behind the scenes of his craft at a March 14 presentation in Naples sponsored by the Friends of Fakahatchee. Stoltzfus has been telling stories of Florida’s natural heritage for almost three decades.  His talk and video presentation will tell how he has traveled the state of Florida collecting stories and images to produce award-winning programs such as Living Waters, Big Cypress and Kissimmee Basin.  His latest project involved documenting the Florida Wildlife Corridor Expedition by traveling 1000 miles from the Everglades to Okefenokee Swamp in 100 days.  This documentary of this experience will ... Read More »

Calusa Garden Club will be presenting a Standard Flower Show on March 16 and 17 at the Marco Island Center for the Arts located at  1010 Winterberry.  The theme this year will be Asian Fusion.  All designs will have an Asian influence. Judging for the event will be held on Friday, March 15.  Nine accredited judges from Southwest Florida will participate.  The show will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on the following two days.  Admission is free to the public and donations will be gratefully accepted. In addition to floral design, both full-sized and ... Read More »

Keller Williams Realty, Inc. announced today that it is the largest real estate franchise company by agent count in the United States, with approximately 80,000 associates. In recent years, Keller Williams Realty has posted record growth numbers, surpassing RE/MAX, Century 21, and now Coldwell Banker to secure the industry’s top position. The news, based on publically available information as of February 6, 2013, was announced in front of more than 10,000 Keller Williams associates during the company’s annual convention in Dallas, Texas. During his standing-room-only, annual State of the Company address, CEO Mark Willis made the announcement, stating, “Keller Williams ... Read More »

Edward Jones financial advisors in the Marco Island area announce that the financial-services firm  ranked No. 8 on FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For 2013” list in its 14th appearance on the prestigious list. Edward Jones ranked No. 3 in the large-company category and was the highest ranking financial-services firm. Edward Jones’s FORTUNE rankings also include top 10 finishes for 10 years and consecutive No. 1 rankings in 2002 and 2003 and consecutive No. 2 rankings in 2009 and 2010. Last year, the firm ranked No. 5 overall. ”Our 30,000 financial advisors, branch office administrators and associates in ... Read More »

The Chinese New Year has just arrived and last year’s magnificent dragon has flown away to make room for this year’s snake!  This is a great time to visit the Dalton Discovery Center at Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center and learn all about snakes and the other creatures that call southwest Florida their home.  The Dalton Discovery Center is home to over 100 animals, including a live loggerhead sea turtle and a variety of snakes – an Eastern Indigo Snake, a Pine Snake and a Red Rat Snake. Plus, every day on the Lutgert Commons Deck, guests can participate ... Read More »

High in the Peruvian Andes, Stig Dalström, the Wild Orchid Man, searches for rare and unknown orchids. These mountains of Amazonas are the birthplace of the mighty Amazon River and home to the legendary rainforest that blankets its basin. In his quest to find unknown orchids, he discovers the mysteries of this region – from the ancient ruins left by unknown people to one of the world’s tallest waterfalls, unknown to outsiders until 2005. The Gulf Coast Orchid Alliance invites you attend the exclusive Southwest Florida screening of “The Mountains of Amazonas,” to be shown at the Alliance’s “Third Thursday” ... Read More »