Marco Island Noontime Rotary

Marco Island City Manager Mike McNees spoke to the Marco Island Noontime Rotary at their meeting this past Thursday, August 7. The Rotary meeting was held this time in the Marco Island Fire Department meeting room. 

McNees reviewed current major projects the City is currently addressing, including the Collier-Barfield Intersection traffic improvement project, which will last an entire year;all of the utilities have to be relocated first before the surface changes can take place.   

He also addressed various repaving projects, the annual City water system treatment procedure, wastewater treatment, and the City’s new “e-bike” ordinance. 

One of the largest projects being investigated by the City is the proposals and studies for potential water quality improvement in Marco’s many miles of canals. These would include dredging and possibly adding culverts under San Marco Road to allow for better draining and north/south tidal flow. 

McNees also encouraged the audience to get the “Code Red” app, which would be very important and useful during the hurricane season.  
Also at the meeting, Rotary member Al Diaz introduced two outstanding students - Erns Cadet and Christian Martineau- who recently attended Rotary’s six-day seminar, entitled “Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders,” held at Florida Southern University in Lakeland, Florida. 

This is a leadership development seminar for outstanding high school seniors involving a week-long program focused on developing leadership skills through discussions, group projects, and interaction with experienced Rotarians. 

The seminar attended by these two young students provides a college-like experience,including lectures and presentations on ethics, leadership, communication, and community involvement,plus valuable insights into community service and future leadership roles.  

These two young men were selected by the counselors at Lely High School, where they attend.Rotary memberAl Diaz, who has been doing this program for over 20 years, said,“This leadership program is often a life-changing experience for the students.I am so impressed by the quality of young people coming out of school today!” 

Rotary is a global network of over 1.4 million business, professional, and community leaders united by the ideal of "Service Above Self.” Through weekly meetings and a network of over 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries, members work together to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards, and promote goodwill and peace worldwide.   

Lely High School students Erns Cadet (left) and Christian Martineau (right), who recently attended Rotary’s 6-day seminar, “Seminar for Tomorrow’s Leaders,” at Florida Southern University in Lakeland, spoke to Rotary members at their meeting this past Thursday.