Local News

Residents living next door to short term rental properties may find some relief to their troubles – eventually. The rental housing advisory committee completed a draft ordinance that will require short-term rental homes to be registered with the city of Marco Island. Full story »

Some rational answers surfaced Wednesday evening regarding what first appeared to be irrational behavior between the City of Marco Island officials and physician Andrew Guidry. What didn’t surface was a solution to the ongoing dispute over the use of the parking lot at 19 Bald Eagle Drive, adjacent to the police department. Guidry and the city first developed a working relationship as interdependent neighbors in February of 2005 when the city was making plans to construct the Marco Island Police Station. Full story »

Once cute and caged exotic pets, iguanas are increasingly becoming a concern for some Marco Island residents. Steven Roberts, who lives near an inland waterway in central Marco, reported seeing a four-foot-long green iguana on his dock. “I had never seen an iguana on Marco Island before, even though I had heard they were here. I was most concerned that it might attack our dogs which we occasionally let roam in our backyard, or that it might attack me or my wife,” Roberts said. Full story »

If a snap survey of local youngsters is on the mark, a lot of Marco Island mothers are in for some serious pampering come Sunday. It’s Mother’s Day, of course, and local moms can expect cards, gifts and dinners by way of appreciation. Full story »

According to a notice from the City of Marco Island, On Thursday, North Collier Boulevard and Bald Eagle Drive will be milled. Full story »

According to a notice from the City of Marco Island, on Friday, Sheffield Drive will be temporarily closed at Sunset Street South. A detour is scheduled, beginning at 7 a.m., to guide through-traffic to San Marco Road for a two-block section between Covewood Street to the west and South Floral Street to the east. Full story »

The sweet sound of the Morning Musicians filled the multi-purpose room at Tommie Barfield Elementary Wednesday morning. This chorus of fourth and fifth grade students, under the direction of music teacher Lisa Braren, performed a program dedicated to positive behavior and making good choices. Full story »

At the beginning of this weeks’ CERT (Citizen Emergency Response Team) session we were greeted and thanked by MIFD Chief Mike Murphy. The chief voiced his full support for Marco Islands’ citizen corps, and reinforced to us just how important our various support roles are, and how we will take part of the burden away from the fire and police departments as well as helping our fellow Marco neighbors. Full story »

Former Superintendent Ray Baker reached a tentative agreement with the Collier County School District to settle a lawsuit against the district for $555,000. “We believe the agreement is a fair one. It is not great for either side, but it is good for both sides,” said School Board Attorney Richard Withers. Baker filed his lawsuit against the district on Aug. 20. The lawsuit alleged the School Board violated state Sunshine Laws, so its July 31 vote to fire Baker was void. Full story »

People manifest their first impressions of Marco Island’s myriad charms in different ways. Some return for regular vacations, others take the plunge and buy property, but Jeff Bonaventure had a slightly different angle after first heading over the Judge S.S. Jolley Bridge in 2004. Full story »

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People might just be mistaken if they think that hunger in Marco Island’s backyard is a myth. Ask 40 local agencies, such as soup kitchens and pantries, shelters and nurseries, and they’ll confirm that hundreds of Collier County residents simply don’t have enough to eat. Full story »

Running out of time and into some money, residents receive updates to sewer connection procedures and bills. Residents in the North Barfield and West Winterberry districts have until May 14 to contact the city if they wish to use the city’s contractor for connecting to the sewer system. Full story »

Generally there may be a contentious moment or two during a City Council meeting. Last night, the challenges began before anyone even entered the meeting room. A Marco Island Police cruiser sat barricading the entrance to the parking lot next door to where City Council meets. The lot, belonging to physician Andrew Guidry, is part of the property at 19 Bald Eagle Drive near the police and fire departments. Guidry donated the land for the police department and according to city officials had a verbal agreement to supply overflow parking in exchange for the city providing lights in the lot and the payment of the electric bill for their use. Full story »

Tax planning is an indoor sport, usually only played by adults. This particular tax game is played for the benefit of younger family members. Most are about 4 years old or younger… 50 is good, but the younger the better. Actually, we train our clients to call when the baby is born. Full story »