Coastal Breeze News

Marco’s own Alessio Luna, a local seventh grade student at Manatee Middle School, successfully passed a bill through the House and Senate. “I loved the debate! It was realistic and you felt as though you were really in Congress.”  Alessio was among local students from Marco Island Charter Middle School, Manatee Middle School and St. John Neumann attending the 8th Annual YMCA Youth in Government Junior State Assembly held in Haines, Florida. This was Alessio’s second visit to the assembly. Students develop legislation and present their bill to their peers at the assembly, modeling the state legislature. These delegates serve ... Read More »

By Noelle H. Lowery - [email protected] Now, the real work begins. After nearly four years of design, planning and debate, the Marco Island City Council has instructed city staff to complete the bid package for the $11.5 million Smokehouse Bay Bridge project and put it out for bid. The measure was approved during a special meeting last week by a vote of 5-2 with Councilmen Larry Honig and Larry Magel voting against it. An idea to patch up the bridges for $650,000 was pushed aside in favor of moving forward with the project, and was characterized by Public Works Director Tim ... Read More »

By Natalie Strom - [email protected] Marco Island Academy has finally made the move to its permanent location. Students left for Spring Break and came back to a new school on March 18th. The site, made up of modulars connected by decks, is located on San Marco Road and has been years in the making. But in only one week’s time, the entire school was packed, moved and unpacked, making it ‘business as usual’ by the time Spring Break had come to a close. “We had so many parents and students that helped – even some grandparents came,” says MIA Board Chair, Jane ... Read More »

Let the warming trend begin! The average air temperatures in April are a few degrees higher than March, and will range between 61 and 86 degrees. This will in turn raise our average water temperatures up into the mid to high 70’s. Look for areas out on the flats where you have grass on one side of the boat, and sand on the other. Here you can fish the same flats on the top end of the incoming tide for Speckled Trout and Pompano. Cast out 3/8 oz bucktail type jigs tipped with very small fresh shrimp pieces for scent. ... Read More »

By Elinor Stanton The Marco Island Writers (MIW) met for their spring meeting on March 13th at the Marco Island Center for the Arts. Three local authors and members of MIW presented their books and their experiences in getting published. Robert Messier reported his first book has been published; One Hundred Years of Thrillers and Chillers, a review of 1,600 films of four genres from 1912-2012; science fiction, horror, mystery and fantasy. Copies of his book were available for sale. Donald Sunshine read from one of his books, noting he has published six books. His latest book, Life’s Moments is ... Read More »

On Monday, March 18th, the Naples Childrens Education Foundation held an awards ceremony at the Bay Colony Golf Club in Naples to distribute grants raised through the Naples Winter Wine Festival, ranging from $31,000 to more than $2.4 million. Tiffany D. Homuth, YMCA’s Chief Volunteer Officer/Board President accepted a check for $265,000 on behalf of the Greater Marco Family YMCA’s work with children in East Naples. “The Y is an organization that fosters lasting personal and social change. The Y is about changing lives for the better, that is why our work in East Naples is extremely important” said Tiffany ... Read More »

Without a doubt, talent is a necessity on the professional tennis tour. There are so many different examples of junior tennis stars that are unable to make a living at the next level. The primary reason: Lack of weapons or, in other words, a talent deficiency. However, as we delve into the real world, the typical tennis player took up the sport at a later age and has far more realistic goals. As we focus on this particular group of tennis players, it is vital to talk about all the components of winning CTA or USTA league matches. If we ... Read More »

By Noelle H. Lowery - [email protected] Marco Island Utilities officials may be singing “We’re in the Money” this fall. If the city’s efforts to refinance its 2003 utility system revenue bonds are successful, the island’s water utility will free up $6.7 million in cash this September. The funds currently are held in an escrow account as insurance on the 2003 bonds. The refinancing also will cut the interest rate in half on the bonds — from an average of six percent to three percent. “This is actual cash,” says Marco Island City Councilman Ken Honecker, who has served as a member ... Read More »

The Marco Island Historical Museum is thrilled to host South Florida: A Villager’s View, oil paintings from Tara O’Neill on display from April 3, 2013 to June 27, 2013. The opening wine and cheese reception, which is free and open to the public, will be held on Thursday April 4, 2013 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Marco Island Historical Museum. Live entertainment provided by J-Robert. The tiny island of Goodland, Florida, has been a special source of inspiration for local award-winning oil-painter Tara O’Neill for many years. Born the ninth of ten robust children to an Irish ... Read More »

I’ve recently gained admittance into a secret world, a parallel universe, as it were. A world both frenzied and fabulous: a world that exists only deep inside… The Art Festival. The parallel reference is certainly true; participating in art festivals doesn’t mean you have any idea how to organize one. Sure, you know the pretty bits that apply to you: there must be an application and selection process. There must be an itinerary for setting up and breaking down. There must be goody bags with cool gifts! There must be rules. I’ve always read the rules very carefully to avoid ... Read More »

Cooperation and compromise or confrontation and gridlock; the route to Renaissance or Armageddon Guest Commentary By Roy Eaton We are at a crossroads in America. We are a polarized nation at a time when most civilizations with similar longevity began to falter. Former empires began to stumble when their leadership became indifferent to the needs of their populace, engaged in self-indulgence, lacked moral conviction, and waged war to expand markets and obtain natural resources. Most societies failed when the general public became overly materialistic, complacent, and inattentive to the needs of others and to the actions of their faltering government ... Read More »

Hope HealthCare Services was named recipient of the 2012 Business Ethics Award presented by the Uncommon Friends Foundation. The award, announced during the UFF’s annual “An Uncommon Evening” event on June 7 at the Harborside Event Center in Fort Myers, was created in 2006 to recognize businesses in Southwest Florida that uphold the highest standards of ethical behavior throughout all levels of the organization. Samira K. Beckwith, president and CEO of Hope, accepted the award on behalf of Hope’s 1,100 staff members and 1,200 volunteers. “This award is a reflection of the integrity, values and ethical responsibility demonstrated by our ... Read More »

By Natalie Strom [email protected] Marco Island’s newest apparel shop has arrived just in time for summer. Featuring the latest trends, straight from Miami, Sol y Arena offers hot styles at cool prices. “This shop is a gift from the heavens!” explains owner, Lidia Tanko. “I love working with clothes, fashion and accessories. I’ve done it all my life.” Thanks to the support of her husband, Andrew Tanko and daughter, Susan Lopez, Sol y Arena offers Latin-inspired clothing that the ladies, both born in Costa Rica, love. As a tour guide for many years in Costa Rica, Lidia brought clothing buyers ... Read More »

Donna Fiala d[email protected] Ooooo, it’s really getting hot, humid and very buggy. It seems there are more mosquitoes than normal for this time of year. Oh well, it only lasts for a few months and then we have our marvelous weather for the rest of the year. Tim Pinter advised the county recently that the Interlocal Agreement between the County and the City of Marco Island concerning the public restroom and Erosion Control Structures for Hideaway Beach have received a Certificate of Substantial Completion. The Building Department still has final inspections, which are scheduled to be completed shortly, so if ... Read More »

BUZZ FROM THE SWAMP  Patricia Huff  [email protected] There are many painters who live in this area, and the Museum of the Everglades will be highlighting some of our very special, talented local “artists” during the summer months. Mr. Paul Tribble, who has been teaching the Art Classes at Everglades City School since 1978 has once again inspired his students to draw, paint and create a selection of imaginative pieces for this summer’s exhibit. Some of the art work is a collaborative effort painted by several students. All of the students have produced beautiful, individual art that is well worth a trip ... Read More »

Naples Children & Education Foundation will hold its world-renowned Naples Winter Wine Festival charity event Jan. 25 – 27 in Naples, Fla. The festival is an intimate affair for 580 guests and has raised $107 million for underprivileged and at-risk children since 2001. A highlight is the live auction, which features rare wines, one-of-a-kind experiences and other treasures. Trustees of NCEF founded the festival, which is its major fundraiser, and host it annually. The theme for the 2013 festival is When Stars Align; a nod to the many stars involved in the festival including vintners, chefs, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and ... Read More »

With temperatures in the 90s, Collier County residents are turning on their air conditioners — and deputies are turning up the heat on unscrupulous air duct cleaning companies. Ads offering a low price on air duct cleaning can seem like a great deal with minimal risk. And while most air duct cleaning companies are legitimate, the Collier County Sheriff’s Office cautions the community to beware of companies that use less-than-reputable tactics. CCSO is investigating complaints involving elderly homeowners who claim they were scammed by companies that specialized in determining the health of a home environment for $49.95. In all of ... Read More »

William “Bill” George Rogowski, 81 of Marco Island, FL passed away peacefully Thursdays, May 31, 2012 at Avow Hospice of Naples after having a stroke two days before. Bill was a man who graced all with love and kindness. A man who would help a stranger, never complain, and a strong work ethic. A man who worked hard all his life, adored his family, and loved his precious wife of 58 years, Joan. This world would be a better place if we could learn a little from such a wonderful man. After serving customers for over 30 years in the ... Read More »

By Natalie Strom [email protected] The Marco Island YMCA recently wrapped its annual Waterwise Program for third grade students at both Tommie Barfield Elementary and Manatee Elementary schools. As the end of each school year approaches, Miss Dottie, Aquatics Specialist at the Y, teaches these students the importance of boating and water safety. With the help of the Marco Island Fire Rescue Department and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 95, the fifteen-plus year program was, once again, a success. “I designed the program over fifteen years ago,” explains Miss Dottie. “Every third grade class at Tommie Barfield has been ... Read More »