Inspector to look into possible mold at Marco Marriott Beach Resort

MARCO ISLAND — The state Department of Business and Professional Regulation is sending an inspector this week to the Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort in response to a recent guest complaint of mold in a room.

The complaint was filed Aug. 8 by Palm Beach resident Mark Hannifin, who checked into a 10th-floor room on Aug. 1 with his wife and two daughters. One daughter immediately became ill. The family moved into an upgraded suite Sunday morning. The family checked out, as scheduled, on Monday. All four family members became sick and were put on antibiotic treatment for flulike symptoms and continue to be on antibiotics this week, Hannifin said. He took pictures of the darkened areas on the closet ceiling and build-up in the air conditioning vent.

The room was inspected by the hotel engineering department and cleaned. It is unclear if there was mold or condensation, said Bob Pfeffer, Marriott’s director of sales and marketing. The hotel did not charge the family for their three-night stay.

The state DBPR has no other complaints of mold against the hotel, according to Alexis Antonacci, department spokeswoman.