MICA's woman of the years — Ruth McCann

"Hello, can you tell me where I can get a wheelchair?"

"Hi, I have some furniture to donate, but don't know where to take it. Where should I take it?"

"Excuse me, but my car broke down. I need a mechanic."

To whom or what do you suppose those phone calls for help were directed?

Not to a medical supply store, a furniture outlet or a car repair shop. No, those and other similar calls for assistance went to MICA, the Marco Island Civic Association.

Such issues are not part of MICA's mandate, nor of its mission. Yet MICA's executive director, Ruth McCann, says it's just part of her job at the organization that has a lot to say about what goes on in this city.

"We do our best to help out whenever we can," Ruth says with a smile, reflecting on her almost 14 years with MICA. The past eight or so have been as its executive director.

"I've not been asked to stand on my head or anything like that, but sometimes we are sort of like the Yellow Pages or the Welcome Wagon for some folks."

Ruth McCann is modest. There's a lot more to her job than being nice to people with problems.

Since she and husband, Denies, moved here in 1989, Ruth has been at the heart of controversies and conflicts, civic improvements and public issues. That's because MICA tends to be led by bold, outspoken board members who have not been timid in tackling tough subjects.

MICA, of course, has specific responsibilities that take much of Ruth McCann's time. They include dealing with deed restrictions on much of the island and operating the Residents' Beach.

"My husband, Dennis, is manager of the beach, so my work on that is limited to some 'inside' matters,' "Ruth explains.

She and Dennis met in their hometown of Philadelphia and discovered Marco in 1988 after a planned vacation in Jamaica was canceled because of a hurricane there.

They moved here a year later.

Ruth was with MICA before Marco became a city, during the move toward cityhood and the sometimes tumultuous early days of city government.

Photo by CHRIS CURLE, Marco Eagle

MICA's executive director, Ruth McCann

MICA guards its powers over deed restriction approvals.

"Deltona instituted the restrictions and turned the authority to enforce them over to MICA when they the island in 1986." Ruth explains. "So we have an architectural review committee that must approve all the plans for buildings on Marco in deed restricted areas. In most cases the city zoning and the deed restrictions work well together."

But Ruth has seen her share of controversies, with MICA purporting to represent 20,000 people, including many part-time residents.

One example is the on-again, off-again effort to create an assisted living facility next to the Marco Healthcare Center. MICA insists that if NCH wants to do it, NCH must build and operate the center, rather than out-sourcing or subletting.

Says Ruth succinctly about that issue, "It has not been resolved."

Diplomacy is a skill she has learned and gets to practice most of the time.

"Every day is an adventure and every day seems to bring another issue that hadn't been here before. It's always a good test for my mind because I like work that requires some thought and research."

Ruth often can be found at city council meetings, representing MICA's views on contentious issues.

"I do enjoy presenting the MICA viewpoint, but not quite as much when the meetings go very long. "

Does city council listen to Mica's positions and concerns?

"I think they do listen, but of course they have a lot of other groups trying to get their ears as well. Councilors have a difficult job to do and I respect that. MICA tries to do the best for the residents."

One ongoing MICA concern is increased public access to the Marco beach.

"We favor more beach access from the street, but with supporting facilities, including restores and parking," Ruth explains. That issue is far from resolved.

Right now Ruth and the MICA leadership are focused on the July 4th beach party for members and their families. It will include a DJ, games, sandcastle contests, food and drink from noon on. MICA won't have its own fireworks show. Members will enjoy the city fireworks show that night.

But as mica's face and voice to the public, Ruth seems to have enough "fireworks" to keep her busy every day.