KELLY FARRELL / Staff

Marco Island City Councilman Frank Recker is concerned about "blight" under the Goodland Bridge including abandoned vehicles and evidence of loitering. Recker said his concerns came after an incident where someone was assaulted with a baseball bat under the bridge that led to an arrest by the Marco Island Police Department in early August.

KELLY FARRELL / Staff

Several vehicles are stored under the Goodland Bridge and Marco city councilor Frank Recker is concerned for the aesthetics as well as the health and safety of people at Moran's Marina located near the bridge. The Marco Island Police Department and Marco Island Code Enforcement are investigating whether county and city code violations exist under and near the bridge that may need to be cleaned up.

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MARCO ISLAND — An incident in early August involving two men, a woman and a baseball bat sent one person to the hospital, another to jail and some people concerned as to whether the incident is a sign of decay under the Goodland Bridge.

“(The area under the Goodland Bridge) is filled with debris, chairs, broken down cars, boats out of the water, under repair or stored, live (people) aboard boats, homeless, drug dealers and a marina not in compliance with zoning laws. In short, it should be on the other side of the bridge,” wrote Marco Island City Councilman Frank Recker in an e-mail to City Manager Steve Thompson and Community Development Director Steve Olmsted.

Recker said his concerns came after a report of a violent dispute under the Goodland Bridge near 3200 San Marco Road as well as a recent police ride along.

According to police reports, Moran Marina’s Dock Master Earnest Charles Garrett, 61 got into a confrontation when his girlfriend was approached by her ex-husband, Michael Melicia, 49.

Garrett told police that after verbal attacks from Melicia and a physical lunge, Garrett picked up a baseball bat to defend himself. The incident occurred about 6 p.m., Aug. 3.

He struck Melicia once in the forehead, according to reports.

When Officer Ed Stenzel arrived on the scene he saw that Melicia had a laceration and blood on his forehead. He was transported by ambulance to Naples Community Hospital.

Garrett was arrested, taken to the Naples Jail Center and charged with aggravated battery with bodily harm/ disfigurement.

Garrett, still incarcerated under $15,000 bond, has a public defender. He entered a written plea of not guilty Aug. 15. His court date Monday is being rescheduled pending further information from the prosecution.

An artist who spends much of her time painting at Moran’s Marina thought the unfortunate incident was an isolated one.

“Charlie (Garrett) has been really good about getting rid of unsavory people. Unfortunately the ex-husband (Melicia) thought this woman was still his wife and attacked (Garrett,)” said the woman, who wished not to be identified.

She said her grandchildren often visit and she lives a “quiet life” painting on her boat at the Marina and living in a Golden Gate home.

While Recker said the area under and near the Goodland Bridge is a “disconcerting environment” others seem to think it’s a great environment for art and music.

Local musician J. Robert Houghtaling said there is a gathering under the bridge every Saturday of musicians playing acoustic guitar and bringing chicken or fish for everyone to share.

“We sit around and make music ... It’s just a down home get together under the bridge,” he said.

Houghtaling said there is “no trouble” under the bridge and the people are very friendly, quiet and neat.

“You need to be tidy because it’s a public space,” he added.

Police Chief Thom Carr said there is “hardly ever a problem” in the area.

“Now there’s a big concern and I know where it’s coming from,” he added.

Recker said he would like to see more done and was disappointed that the police and code officials “went there and yawned.”

Recker said he plans to address his concerns to all of the City Council members.

“I’ll tell them, ‘I’d like to introduce you to a part of Marco Island you’re probably not familiar with’ It’s hard to believe it’s Marco,” he exclaimed.

Recker said he believes the conditions worsened after a hotel and restaurant near the bridge was torn down to make way for new development a couple years ago. A large, upscale condominium project was planned at the location but was cancelled due to a decline in the real estate market about two years ago.

Chief Code Enforcement Officer Eric Wardle said he went to the area for a site visit.

“There was nothing that jumped out at me when I was there ... I saw some chairs. It’s not really a code violation to have a chair,” Wardle said.

He plans to revisit.