Top Stories

MIA Students Revive Local Golf History With Documentary

Michael Hook, president of the Marco Police Foundation, takes a shot out on the green at the Eagle Lake Golf Course.
The Tony Lema Tournament was once the biggest event on Marco Island. Though few on the island remember it today, the tournament once drew some of the biggest names in the country, including Richard …

The Big Red Engine That Can

The Marco Island Fire Department held a ‘Push-In’ ceremony for their brand-new fire engine on Thursday, October 22. A small crowd gathered to take part in a tradition dating back to the 1800s and …
Matt’s Beach Shack owner Matt Loebs stands outside the concessions booth at Tigertail Beach. His business will be taking over services at the beach after four years of vacancy.
After over four years of vacancy, a new vendor is coming to Tigertail Beach.  Matt’s Beach Shack, which operates out of Lover’s Key in Fort Myers, was approved by the Board of Collier …
More news
Marco Island Marine Unit joined other agencies and responded to a report of a seaplane capsized in the Ten Thousand Islands in the Everglades.

Safety is Priority One for Marco Marine Patrol Unit

On October 22, 2026, I joined Marco’s Marine Patrol duo, Officers Josh Ferris and Alex Cordero, for a morning waterways patrol. Officer Ferris has been with Marco Island Police Department (MIPD) …
The new Y building.

Y Announces Mid-January Grand Opening for New Building

The long-awaited Healthy Living Center at the Marco YMCA is progressing steadily. But it may be the new year before Y members have full access to the building CEO Cindy Love calls the Y’s Crown …

Guerin and English Private Wealth of Raymond James Welcomes New Associate

Jason Grimes joined Guerin and English Private Wealth of Raymond James in 2026 with a passion for helping individuals and families navigate important financial decisions and pursue their long-term …

Tommie Barfield Celebrates Fall with Annual Festival

A pumpkin patch, face painting, arts and crafts, and the smell of food mixed with the sound of laughter in the air conjure feelings of nostalgia from a Fall Festival of one’s youth. On Tuesday, …

Thank You, Coastal Breeze News Readers!

During local election season, Coastal Breeze News helps residents get to know the candidates seeking to represent them. One way we do that is by videotaping interviews with the candidates, giving …
Councilor Tamara Goehler asks whether units for a proposed Live Local development could be reserved for police officers, teachers or other island employees.

Hilton Application Withdrawn, Council Discusses Affordable Housing

During the October 19 City Council meeting, the Hilton redevelopment application was withdrawn; Councilor Bonita Schwan reported obtaining a temporary injunction against John David Boggs for stalking …
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Community News

Marco Presbyterian Offers Free GriefShare Events This November

Grief can be especially difficult during the holiday season, and no one should have to walk through it alone. Marco Presbyterian Church is inviting anyone in the community who is experiencing loss to …

Arts Center Theatre Kicks Off New Season

Jean Rowles

Arts Center Theatre launches its 2026-2027 season with “Packing Up Polly”, a hilarious Southern comedy by Leslie Kimbell, playwright of Four Old Broads and Miss Magnolia Senior Citizen Beauty …

Fort Myers Offshore is BACK!

Those big powerboats from Fort Myers Offshore (FMO) were back at CJ’s on the Bay last weekend! Fort Myers Offshore was excited to launch its 2026-2027 season with a run to Marco Island.  …
Wall No. 1: Día de los Muertos grass wall and skull masks at the Marco Island Center for the Arts with Brett, Myriam, Patricia, Hyla, and Kayla.

Día de los Muertos Grass Wall and Masks Display

A big thanks to the art students from the Marco Island Charter Middle School (MICMS) under the guidance of art teacher Georgann (Gigi) Garraty. This annual Día de los Muertos exhibit is ready for …
Día de los Muertos party decorations at Eric and Kelly Blum’s home.

Marco Cruise Club Celebrates Día de los Muertos

It is traditional on this special Mexican day of celebration to wear colorful clothing and display pictures of loved ones and pets who are no longer with us. In that spirit, members came dressed for …
Gary Bill, Jerry Defibaugh, Dave Walsh, Bob McQuarrie, Keith Wohltman, Jay Terzis, and Marv Nathanson.

Marco Men’s Club Hurricane Ball at the Glades Country Club

A sold-out crowd enjoyed the Marco Men’s Club Hurricane Ball at the Glades Country Club on October 23. Dave and Susie Walsh were crowned the Hurricane Ball king and queen. New York Rhythm …
New members Marvin Nathanson, Lynn Nathanson, Jill Scarnavack, and Kim Porter.

Kiwanis Welcomes New Members, Officers, and Board

Kiwanis Club of Marco Island held its Installation Dinner on Wednesday, October 21, at CJ’s on the Bay. Incoming President Marie Lynn McChesney welcomed Kiwanis members, guests, and past Florida …
Obituaries
Ray Kane
Ray Kane
Ray Kane, 81, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, in Naples, Florida. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Raymond H. and Martha M. Kane. Ray grew up in Seaford, Long Island, and graduated from …
Mary Holway
Mary Holway
Mary Holway passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at the age of 93. She was the cherished daughter of the late James and Marguerite Purvis. Born in London, Ontario, Canada, Mary moved to …
William J. King, Jr.
William J. King, Jr.
William J. King, Jr., beloved son, brother, and uncle, passed away unexpectedly on October 7, 2026, in Naples, Florida. Born on March 30, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bill leaves behind …
Eric Eugene Roach
Eric Eugene Roach
Eric Eugene Roach was taken too soon on September 25, 2026, at age 67. He was headed to work on his motorcycle in Marco Island, Florida. Born in Wilmington, Ohio, and raised in Defiance, Ohio, Eric …
KING Jr Paul Douglas WEB.jpg
In Loving Memory of Paul Douglas (Doug) King, Jr.
Paul Douglas (Doug) King, Jr. passed away surrounded by the love and affection of his wife, Bonita, and family on September 5, 2026, at Naples Community Hospital, Baker Campus, Naples, …
Opinion
Letters to the Editor

Vote for Jason Bailey for City Council Vote for Jason Bailey for City Council

Marco Island has been part of my life for nearly 40 years. I was born and raised here, spent some time away, and always hoped I would have the chance to come back and raise my own family on this …

Supporting Jason Bailey for City Council

Marco Island is facing serious challenges - water quality, city finances, quality of life concerns, and more. These issues require experienced and thoughtful leadership. That’s why I’m supporting …

Supporting Jason Bailey

Supporting Jason Bailey   As a fellow member of the Marco Island Planning Board, I have had the opportunity to see Jason Bailey’s leadership up close, and I believe he would be an …

My Vote for City Council

In 1960, I came to Marco Island and discovered paradise. When I returned with my wife in 1982, I saw a changed island but still a paradise. We bought a condo. We became full-time residents in 2002 …

Marco’s Future Deserves Seat at the Table

Marco Island is more than a retirement destination. It’s a place to raise families, build businesses, educate children and create a future worth inheriting. As a parent, a daughter of a Marco …

Greed is Good?

"LORD, won’t you buy me a Mercedes Benz...?” When you look at the contributions to the six City Council Candidates running for office on a 24-square-mile island are you aware enough to …

Endorsing Residents First Candidates

I am writing to endorse the Residents First candidates for Marco Island City Council: Teri Sommerfeld, Rick Woodworth, and Dennis Bartolucci. Public trust in Marco Island’s City …

Commit to AWT Now

For years, Marco Island’s water testing data appeared to show gradual nitrogen improvement in our canals. Clean Marco Waters questioned that narrative — because …

Please Join Me in Voting Residents First

Marco Island is a place we call home. We want it to remain a safe, peaceful community where residents can enjoy the quality of life that brought us here. That is why I am voting for Teri Sommerfeld, …

Vote for Chris Ricci

I would like to voice my support for my friend and Marco Island City Council candidate Chris Ricci. I’m extremely glad he is running for City Council as he is exactly the type of person we need. He …

Guest Commentary

Marco Police Foundation Rates 2026 City Council Candidates

As Marco Island begins voting for who will fill its 2026 City Council seats, the Marco Police Foundation reviewed the candidates and rated them on local public safety and law enforcement issues.

The More You Know, The More You Vote NO

I n this time of ever-increasing prices and declining affordability, it is tempting to latch onto any legislation that promises tax relief. Amendment 3 to the Florida Constitution is an example of …

It's Time for Florida to Go Hands-Free

Every day, Floridians witness the same dangerous scene: a driver looking down at a phone instead of the road ahead. They're texting, scrolling social media, reading emails, selecting a playlist, or …

Flock Caution

A tale of caution and HORROR of how not only Flock but emerging technologies such as Axon can be utilized warrantlessly and abused against law-abiding citizens to stampede over their Fourth Amendment …

How Much More Growth Can Marco Island Really Handle?

If Marco Island feels more crowded than it used to, there is a reason. Traffic is heavier, parking is more difficult, our beaches and waterways are busier, and our roads, bridges, utilities, police, …
Our columnists
Learning golf, or anything else for that matter, requires seeing the forest as well as the trees.

The “AHA” Moment – In Golf and Anything Else

Why do you improve—even hit the ball noticeably better—during a lesson, only to feel as though you’ve forgotten it soon afterward? In my experience, the answer often has to do with what I …
Jamie Stucker, M.D.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Shines Light on Importance of Women’s Health

Every October, pink ribbons serve as a powerful reminder that breast cancer affects millions of women and families. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that promotes …

Lizzie Borden Took an Ax?

I have a confession. I am a bit obsessed with Lizzie Borden. I’m not alone. Several dramatizations have surfaced over the years, including a recent, wildly popular, yet …

The Pirates, the Curse, and the Hanging Tree of Key Marco

Before it was Key Marco, it was Horr’s Island, but before Captain John T. Horr came and settled on the ancient shell mounds that are modern-day Key Marco, dark deeds were afoot that still haunt the …
Welcome to the world, Ash! First seen on September 24, Ash is the fifth offspring of mom Rakes. Folks on the tour often name the new babies. Not knowing if the newborn is a boy (Asher) or a girl (Ashley), it was named Ash to stay gender neutral!

Baby Dolphins Three, Four, Five and Six Have Arrived!

The 10,000 Islands Dolphin Research Project on board the Dolphin Explorer has been monitoring the feeding habits, travel range, social habits, survival rate, genealogy, population accrual, and …

I Got Rear-Ended… Now What?

Rear-end collisions are the most common automobile accidents. They make up about one-third of all motor vehicle accidents on U.S. roads and involve over two million people. The National Highway …

Homecoming: A Love Story for Any Age

In a world where romance stories have been subdivided into a seemingly endless array of subgenres (romantacy, historical romance, paranormal romance, Viking romance…) and tropes (slow burn, enemies …

Less is More – One of the smartest financial strategies

Question: My financial life is too complicated. Between retirement accounts from former employers, multiple bank accounts, investment statements, credit cards, and financial apps, I’m overwhelmed. How can I get back on track? …
Sports

Flyin’ High at Skim Jam 2026

It was all good vibes and warm weather on Saturday, October 17, at Skim Jam 2026. The annual event, sponsored by Old Naples Surf Shop, had skimmers flying high and low, with all proceeds benefiting the Audubon of the Western Everglades Shorebird Stewardship Program.
Old Naples Surf Shop held its Skim Jam 2026 on Saturday, October 17 at a new location just a block north of the pier. The event brought boys and girls, men and women together for a morning on the …

Falcons, Sprinklers Can't Dampen Rays' Homecoming

Sarah Friedhoff reacts to being named Homecoming Queen at halftime of the Marco Island Academy football game. 

Marco Island Academy didn’t follow the Homecoming blueprint of scheduling a weak opponent for an easy win on Friday, October 25. Instead, they hosted a tough Saint Stephen’s Episcopal team from …

Florida News

FDOT Outlines Major I-75 Expansion

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I-75 will see a major expansion in the coming months, with the addition of three new express lanes and a complete resurfacing from Golden Gate Parkway to Alico Road in Lee County. According to …

Florida pushes publishers to play down climate change in textbooks

How Florida quietly removed climate change content from textbooks “Good morning, class! Please take your seats. I’m your new science teacher, Mr. Ilg. “You’re probably wondering what happened to your old teacher, Ms. Glowasky. She made one factual comment on Facebook about Charlie Kirk, got fired, sued the school board, and collected a […]

FBI arrests Ohio man on charges of threatening to kill Rep. Fine, his family

A 26-year-old Ohio man was in custody after threatening to kill U.S. Rep. Randy Fine and his family, according to the congressman and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The FBI determined there was probable cause to arrest Alex Miller of Columbus after investigators tracked his identity to an email address that sent a message with […]

Like other Florida universities, UNF gets one presidential candidate to consider

One finalist has emerged for the University of North Florida presidency, following a trend of state institutions relying on an “exceptional circumstances” carveout to state policy that otherwise requires three or more finalists. The university received 152 applications, search committee chair and trustee Jack Boyle said, calling it a “clear reflection of UNF’s momentum and […]

Did school vaccines just become a campaign issue?

Mandated vaccines for school attendance—and a parent’s ability to reject those vaccines— may have been injected into the race for Florida governor. With five months left before he’s term limited out of office, the administration of Gov. Ron DeSantis Monday released a proposed regulation that would eliminate a number of vaccines required for public and […]

Donalds chooses state Sen. Bryan Avila as his running mate for Florida governor

Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds named Miami-Dade County Sen. Bryan Avila to serve as his running mate Tuesday. The son of Cuban exiles, Avila, of Miami Springs, has served in the Florida Legislature since 2014, when he was first elected to the House of Representatives. He won a seat in the Senate while running unopposed […]