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Think back five, 10, 15, 20 years — back then when you closed your eyes and dreamed of being in your ultimate dream location. Did you think of Marco Island? I know I did!

My dream came true in 1989 when we packed up the house and headed south on I-95. Even now, when looking for a vacation spot, it is hard to beat Marco Island. There certainly is nothing like Marco!

Friends traveled the coastline of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and the east and west coasts of Florida, searching for the ideal retirement location. Their decision was made when they crossed the bridge to Marco.

A big factor in another friend’s choice was the age mix and the fact that our island is home to elementary and middle schools. Kiddingly (I think), a good friend said she and her husband moved to Marco Island because they can wear shorts everywhere! But seriously, the casual-elegant dress code of Marco Island is certainly easy to adjust to and takes up much less room in the closet.

When you consider areas in which you have lived in the past, do you remember seeing so many people walking, jogging and biking? The number of people enjoying the outdoors on Marco is great. It’s such a pleasure to go for a bike ride and give a quick wave to all those you pass. Walking our dog the other night, I had several conversations with passersby I had not met before. Yes, Marco is a very friendly island.

It is probably true for most of us that we moved here because the weather is simply perfect, the beach is stunningly beautiful, and Marco is an island. As an island, our everyday needs are met by the local businessmen and women who count on all of us to shop on Marco. If you are a MICA member, you have a MICA Membership/Discount Card. This card may be used at over 100 Island businesses to obtain at least a 10 percent discount every time you frequent their locations.

This reminds me of a story. In the first year after we moved to Marco and considering what he had done in recent months, my husband realized that he had not crossed the bridge to leave Marco Island in over three months! Since then, I’ve met many others who take great pride in the same accomplishment — not leaving the Island for months at a time. They will do whatever it takes not to cross the Marco River and head north, especially now with the price of gas! I am happy to shop and spend my time on Marco, but also confident knowing that a mall is not far away and that I don’t have to drive to Timbuktu to make large purchases.

It is always enjoyable to reminisce about why we moved here. In doing so, we are reminded once again of the uniqueness of our Marco Island community.

For information about the Marco Island Civic Association, please call 642-7778.