By Don Manley U.S. Coast Guard officials recently announced the suspension of an aggressive eight-day search for teenagers who went missing off Florida’s Atlantic coast after embarking on a fishing trip. The search involved a variety of aircraft, boating vessels and hundreds of people stretching as far north as Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. You think you have heard it all, […]
First Day of School for TB’s New Principal
By Don Manley Monday was a first day of school, of sorts, for Kathleen “Karey” Stewart. She is the new principal at Tommie Barfield Elementary School, replacing Jory Westberry, who retired in June after leading the school for 14 years. Stewart has been a school administrator in the Collier County district for 15 years, most recently serving as principal at […]
Chamber Announces FIRST “Chamber Champion” Rick’s Island Salon & Day Spa
Submitted Lisa and Rick Popoff are the perfect example of a Chamber Champion. With head to toe services as their business, Rick’s Island Salon and Day Spa has been providing outstanding service since 1992, and has been a selfless contributor to the Marco Island community since the day they opened their doors. As a past president of the Chamber and […]
La Scarpa Moves to Heritage Square
By Coastal Breeze News Staff La Scarpa has moved to Heritage Square, a perfect location to enjoy a day at the salon and spa, shop with friends, sip coffee at the new Starbucks and lunch at the popular Philly Grill. But make sure to leave enough time to explore the racks at La Scarpa. La Scarpa has been a Marco […]
MIA Rays Open Season with Promise
By Roger LaLonde The Marco Island Academy (MIA) football team is “bigger, stronger and more experienced,” says third-year coach Greg Fowler. “We look forward to competing at a higher level.” The ingredients are there, but so is a tough schedule. In its preseason tussle, the 2A Rays host 4A Gateway Charter of Fort Myers, at home for a 7 PM […]
Lely Playing Up for Preseason Game at Island Coast
By Roger LaLonde Two seasons ago, Culmer St. Jean began the ascension of the Lely football program. He was rewarded with being named All-Area Football Coach of the Year. A year later, he took his charges to its first district title in 17 years and won a playoff game. Maybe he should have been rewarded with the coaching honor again. […]
Marco’s Surge Wins Trunk Full of Trophies
By Barry Gwinn In July, Disney World puts on their annual 3v3 tournament in its ESPN Wide World of Sports facility in Orlando. It is a national tournament with each team bringing six players. They range in ages from Under 6 to Adult. This year the tournament was held on July 31, August 1, and August 2. As they have […]
Tarik Ayasun Speaks at JCMI Deli Night
By Coastal Breeze News Staff Friday, August 14, the Jewish Congregation of Marco Island (JCMI) opened its doors for a Deli Night featuring speaker Tarik Ayasun. Prior to Shabbat services and Tarik’s speech, sixty guests noshed and kibitzed in the social hall. Guests enjoyed the feast of pastrami and corned beef sandwiches on rye, with all the traditional accompaniments you […]
Letter to the Editor: NOW LET’S HEAR THE TRUTH
Words cannot describe how disappointed I am with all the commentaries by a few malcontents in this Island that will stop at nothing to get their way to further their personal agenda. There is enough blame to go around; the question is where do I begin? First a non-Island resident attacks a City Councilman at a public meeting with false […]