Editorial: Marco blessings

(One for each day of the week.)

In the big Thanksgiving picture, we all know what we should be thankful for.

Here is a list that perhaps only Marco Islanders would recognize as special blessings.

1. It's official. The City of Marco Island purchased Florida Water Services for $85.3 million on Nov. 6.

2. Even though the Marco Island City Council had a positive reaction from residents about purchasing the Glon property, they did the right thing by giving Marco Islanders a chance to voice their opinions in a mail referendum. The ballots will be counted on Dec. 10.

3. Residents were in an uproar over the Tract K dumping. The City Council got an earful and decided not to dump the dredging material there. An alternate site -- the waters off Hideaway Beach -- was chosen ... but at a higher cost.

4. During the heavy rains in September, Tallwood Street was one of the only roads not under water. The Tallwood Street and Bald Eagle intersection was once considered Marco's worst for flooding. The $775,000 sewer improvement project was a success.

5. Hurricane season officially ends Sunday, Nov. 30. The NOAA National Hurricane Center predicted an above-normal season, but Mother Nature once again spared Marco Island.

6. Mackle Park is on its way to becoming a first-class recreation area. Parks and Recreation Director Dana Souza is turning the park around.

7. Business at the hotels on the island are booming. Each is more than 90 percent full for the holiday week, and all anticipate strong business and are showing an increase over the same time last year. They also are looking forward to a successful Christmas vacation period.