Coastal Breeze News

By Natalie Strom - [email protected] It was an occasion for celebration as residents of the Fiddler’s Creek community, located off of US-41, gathered at the main entrance to witness its first Flag Raising Ceremony, held on March 22nd. The ceremony was as grand as the size of the flag. The Lely Trojans Marching Band was on hand, offering up patriotic tunes as residents filled the seats set out for the occasion. In the center median, just in front of the new flag pole, sat 13 veterans – all members of the Fiddler’s Creek Community. They were there to be honored but ... 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 »

By Natalie Strom [email protected] Three wars and thirty years of service. This is the life of James “Bud” Kornse, Marco Island resident and military veteran. Born March 5, 1927, Bud spent 30 years in the Navy. After retiring, his contributions to his country still continued. From World War II, to the Korean War to Vietnam to the present day, Bud fought for freedom and veteran affairs on the battlefield and beyond. Born and raised just outside of Atlantic City, New Jersey, Bud was the oldest of four. At the age of five, he began boxing at the local YMCA, where ... Read More »

By Coastal Breeze News Staff  On June 9th, 55 veterans and their guardians left Southwest Florida International Airport for a quick trip to Washington D.C. Sponsored by Rotary District 6960 and the Marco Island Sunrise Rotary, these veterans, many from World War II, had a chance to view both the WWII Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial The 55 veterans, all from Southwest Florida, were greeted by a send-off committee of Rotarians and an Honor Guard salute at the airport in Fort Myers. Each veteran passed through a 200 foot long display of American flags as they readied to board their ... Read More »

Marco Island Marriott’s Resident Manager Shines As Marriott International’s EDGE Award recipient Michael Tighe, Resident Manager of Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa, was awarded one of Marriott International’s top honors, the 2012 EDGE award. The EDGE (Excellence in Delivering the Guest Experience) award is an annual award presented by CEO Arne Sorenson. It recognizes world-class leadership and outstanding contributions to the success of rooms operations discipline within Marriott International. Tighe was nominated by General Manager Rick Medwedeff. “Mike is a 22-year hospitality veteran and during his past six years at Marco Island Marriott he has led the ... Read More »

David Southall, Curator of Education, Collier County Museums will present “Florida’s Role in the War Between the States” Tuesday, October, 4, 7 pm Rose History Auditorium 180 S. Heathwood Free!!! and open to the Public Light refreshments will be served! “The smallest tadpole in the filthy pool of secession” is how Florida was described in the northern press in February of 1861.  With the poorest economy, the smallest population, and vast unsettled territory, Florida still managed to provide more than 15,000 soldiers and significant financial support for the Southern cause.  Join us for a discussion of these difficult times and how ... Read More »