Important Update regarding the Marco Island Academy

Due to a tremendous support at the local, regional and  state level for the Marco Island Academy,  we have been advised to move to Tract K in order to have enough land to accommodate growth. The Marco Island Academy will be a model for not only the District, but also likely at a much higher level. The following information was submitted to the Collier County School Board under the Facilities portion of the Charter application:

“We would like to respectfully request the surplus land at Tract K at no lease cost for our permanent location. According to F.S. 1002.33(18)e,  if a district school board facility or property is available because it is surplus, marked for disposal or otherwise unused, it shall be provided for a charter school’s use on the same basis as it is made available to other public schools in the district. We have also spoken to the head of permitting for bald eagles at the State of Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. She explained that since the Academy has an environmental component integrated into its curriculum, we are eligible for a Special FWC Eagle Permit. This will allow us to build within 100 feet of the eagle’s nest of Tract K.

According to the State of Florida, projects that receive a FWC Eagle Permit, the following minimization efforts may be required:

·      Avoid construction activity (except those related to emergencies) within 100 feet of an eagle nest during any time of the year except for nests built on artificial structures, or when similar scope may allow construction activities to occur closer than 100 feet.

We strongly believe that this is the best location, because it allows adequate space for the Academy to expand if necessary. Land on Marco Island is scarce.  More importantly, Tract K was deeded specifically for a school. It is also located within walking distance from Tigertail Beach, which will be ideal for our Marine Science program.”

Even though our location is changing, we remain committed to a positive relationship with the Greater Marco YMCA.

Jane Watt, Chair, Marco Island Discovery Center