Holiday stories

Christmas season might seem a long way off when the outdoor temperature is 94 degrees … but not for the Marco Island Christmas house and business decorating contest committee. Full story »

Wow — those fireworks on the Fourth of July were spectacular! I arrived at Residents’ Beach around 6 p.m. on the holiday, and after linking up with friends, went for a beach-combing jaunt at the water’s edge. I passed some sand sculptures. One was an extra large rendering of a sea star and the artist had covered the top with at least a hundred calico scallop shells. Full story »

Folks do things a little differently in Everglades City. At few times is that more evident than at the town’s annual Fourth of July parade, held Sunday. “Our fireworks are the best,” said Mayor Sammy Hamilton Jr. “That’s the reason we don’t do it the same day as everybody else, because ours are the best and we want everyone to be able to come and see ours.” Full story »

On a day when Marco Island beachgoers showed patriotism with flag-patterned beach chairs, swimsuits and towels, 9-year-old Rosie Poling displayed a symbol that she hoped people would notice: a peace sign. Rosie entered the Marco Island Kiwanis Club’s sand castle contest with a peace sign made of sand and decorated with multicolored shells that she found on the beach. To accompany her entry, she made a paper sign that read, “Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with Marco Island.” Full story »

In a sense, Friday is a routine holiday for the average American, but it’s particularly significant for a newly sworn-in citizen such as Sascha Bonte. Full story »

There truly is nothing like a Fourth of July Celebration at the Marco Island Residents’ Beach. Our members arrive early, toting umbrellas, coolers (with no glass, of course!), beach chairs and beach toys. With umbrellas and sun shades dotting the sand, the beachfront instantly becomes a cornucopia of color. Full story »

When Mary and Henry Watkins arrived in Naples in 1949, they brought with them a new tradition — fireworks! “My husband’s family owned a fireworks factory in Indiana,” recalls Naples’ first lady of hospitality. “There weren’t any fireworks displays here, or if there were, they were minimal. So we just did our own thing. Every year, he’d shoot fireworks off the beach in front of house.” Full story »

America’s birthday is coming up and residents of Marco Island are looking for ways to celebrate. Of course, everyone is looking forward to the electrifying fireworks that are shot off from the beach on July 4. Full story »

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A recap of the Memorial Day events planned in Southwest Florida on Monday. 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. Middle school student Danny Quintana said his mom Frances is in for a surprise gift. “You wouldn’t be able to live happily without parents, so it’s good to thank (moms) on Mother’s Day,” he said. Full story »

Christmas came early for Christmas Island Style, but this time it was the benefactor helping the organization with a successful golf fundraiser. Full story »

Things may slow down soon, but Marco Island is still hopping after an early Easter raised fears for some and hopes for others of a stunted season. “I did see the first car carrier yesterday,” said Debbie Naeckel, office manager at Shipps Landing Condominium Association. Full story »

As if on cue, Mother Nature held off on the sprinkles until after the sunrise service. And that was to the delight of an estimated 4,500 people who flocked to the beach this morning on Marco Island to participate in the 20th annual Easter Sunrise Service. Full story »

The Marco Presbyterian Church once again invites everyone on the Island and mainland Naples to join them in celebrating the 20th Annual Easter Sunrise Service on the Beach at 7 a.m. this Sunday, March 23 at the Marco Island Marriott Resort & Spa, and Mike Seigfried, Marco Presbyterian Church Administrator, said that smiling member volunteers will be delivering flyers to Island businesses the days before to remind people to bring their own blanket or chair. Full story »