Guest Columns

As the year begins to close it is always important to look at the year we have completed and look to its successes Full story »

As a counterpoint to Chairman Trotter’s commentary published in the Dec. 31 edition of the Marco Eagle, I would like to offer the following thoughts. Full story »

It is important for our city to move forward with key infrastructure improvement projects while managing our expenses in a frugal manner. Full story »

The weather has finally broken, it’s time to go out and enjoy a great bike ride! Everyone should enjoy bike rides so the Marco Island Police Department would like to educate bicyclists on some of the Florida Laws pertaining to bicycles, so everyone can enjoy a safe ride. Full story »

Residents’ Beach members are invited to join in the festivities for MICA’s Holiday Celebration at 3 p.m., this Sunday. Full story »

Holidays are a dangerous time in terms of identity theft. It is the time of year that people using their credit cards more often, and they are less careful during these times. It is key to take the necessary steps to particular care to protect yourself from holiday identity theft traps.
The first thing you can do to protect yourself against holiday identity theft traps is to be aware of high risk areas and to be extra cautious in these areas.
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We are all thankful for so much in our lives; for our families, friends, health and good fortune. Thankful for being able to enjoy the sun and sea, warmth and beauty of island living. Thankful for the faith that brings us through each day.
Me, I am no different. Full story »

The Optimist Club of Marco Island is affiliated with Optimist International, one of the world’s largest and most active service club organizations. The formation of the club was not to cast blame, encourage personal attacks, or put down the efforts of so many people that have provided programs for the youth on Marco and while some community members may have opinions as to how organizations run themselves, making it personal does not serve the best interest of our children. Full story »

With the constant concern about the economy and the city’s finances, and in an environment that celebrates sharp language and divergent opinions, please let me take just a moment to suggest that – at this point – there is no cause for alarm concerning the city’s finances and future. Full story »

As many of you know, I try to stay close to the workings of our local government and I believe “Marco is in a serious financial crisis”!
As you read this, keep in mind that the finance director resigned within days of the council authorizing an audit of the Collier Boulevard project.
1. On Nov. 3 the city manager requested the City Council approve an “urgent” $11 Million dollar, short term (9 month) loan with the city’s bank, Fifth Third. The agenda item actually asked for approval of an $11 million bond issue — however, the city could not find anyone to take our bonds. During the discussion it was determined that the city had already spent $7 million of the $11 million and the bills were sitting in City Hall to be paid. Full story »

City Manager Steve Thompson shares updates in Marco government including changes in city budget processes, changes in the government TV channel, promotion of a city employee and ongoing updates on city projects. Full story »

City Manager Steve Thompson shares updates in city government issues including city TV changing from channel 12 to channel 98 on Comcast Dec. 16, the schedule for the forensic audit of the Collier Boulevard project, construction at Mackle Park on ball fields and a state grant for sidewalks to connect the schools, Mackle Park and the YMCA. Full story »

The City has addressed two separate major financial issues over the past few weeks, and the two highlight some of the complex changes underway in Marco Island and the country.
These issues specifically involve the issuance of debt to support the continuing Septic Tank Replacement Program (STRP), and the changes in the bond market that have resulted in the city’s loss of bond insurance. The issues are largely unrelated, but show the difficulties of financing large projects in a changing economic environment.
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Were you aware that there are snowflakes descending on Marco Island? We’ve all heard the term “snow birds,” but recently a visitor to the MICA office referred to himself as a “snowflake.” He said that he and his wife go back and forth between Marco Island and New York, so their friends call them snowflakes! How funny is that?
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Last year, over 50 Collier County families shared an avoidable tragedy. Each lost someone to a prescription drug overdose; unfortunately it is likely this number will rise in 2008.
At some point in time, most of us have taken a prescription medication. Occasionally we don’t dispose of left-over or old medication properly. Prescription and over the counter medications sitting in our medicine cabinets are a ready source for youth seeking to abuse drugs. Full story »