Marco in Bloom Winners

The chair of Marco In Bloom, Victoria Myers, announced the winners of the 24th annual Marco In Bloom Landscape Competition during the April 6th City Council Meeting. This cherished event, sponsored by the Beautification Advisory Committee, encourages residents and businesses to adopt Florida-Friendly landscape practices suited to our Southwest Florida climate.

A new category this year, Residential Florida-Friendly, is defined by creating stunning landscapes with minimal turf grass that thrive on limited water and fertilizer. This year's entries highlighted lush, vibrant gardens with large shade trees, minimal grass, and colorful plantings - demonstrating that eco-friendly designs can be both stunning and sustainable. The Beautification Advisory Committee strongly encourages residents to embrace this vital and beautiful trend.

The event received 87 nominations, from which 36 outstanding landscapes were selected for judging based on creativity, use of color/texture/contrast, pride of ownership, curb appeal, and Florida-Friendly practices.

The evening celebrated community participation, with special thanks to volunteers, judges, businesses, and all entrants for helping make Marco Island a more beautiful and welcoming paradise for all who live, work, and visit. The Beautification Advisory Committee looks forward to the 25th anniversary next year.

Congratulations to all the 2026 winners:

• Residential Professionally Designed: 205 S. Beach Dr., Hideaway Beach, owned by Matt and Carrie Basler.
• Residential Personally Designed: 1264 Orange Ct., owned by Kent Ward.
• Residential Florida-Friendly: 200 Angler Ct., owned by David and Marie Welch.
• Cul-De-Sac: 685 Embassy Ct., cared for by John and Julie Klare.
• Commercial/Public Building (tie): Marco Island Historical Museum @ 180 S. Heathwood Dr.
• Commercial/Public Building: Brawn Builders @ 583 Tallwood St.
• Condominium: Pier 81 @ 1069-1079 Bald Eagle Dr.