Guest Commentary: A Marco Island Thanksgiving

I’m thankful for all past and present City Councils creation of today’s lowest property tax rate in the state of Florida: The City of Marco Island’s low property tax rate of 1.6414 includes police, fire/rescue, parks and recreation, public utility, city planning, permitting, building inspection, environmental specialist, code enforcement and all other city services.

I’m thankful to walk the white sand beaches: Life is a gift. Mornings are gifts. Every time you wake up, stretch out those arms and say, “Thank you for the gift of a brand new day in Paradise!”

I’m thankful to see the wonderful sunsets: Oh to have the gift of sight! What a blessing! With your eyes, you can watch the magnificent world you live in. You are able to enjoy the beauty of Collier Boulevard, the waving Palm Trees, the star studded nights, the gentle rolling surf of the Gulf of Mexico, the gliding Pelicans and soaring Eagles.

I’m thankful you can hear the rolling surf and the rustling of the palms: Take the time to hear the laughter of children playing games and adults playing bocce in Mackle Park, friends communicating over dinner at the many fine restaurants of Marco Island or your companion simply saying the words “I love you” or “I am here for you.”

I’m thankful for the growing number of parks and recreational activities: The growing number of athletic fields, movies in the park, Veterans Park, etc.

I’m thankful for the new historical museum and the expanding Collier County library.

I’m thankful you can ride and walk the many new miles of bike trails and wide new sidewalks. Leisurely walking, health walking, jogging and bicycle riding just became so much easier, move. You are joy in motion.

I’m thankful for Marco Island’s beautiful Collier Boulevard.

I’m thankful for having a plentiful water supply to drink: Marco Island Utilities has developed a secure water source that will take us through the periods of drought and protect our landscaping investments and to quench your thirst.

I’m thankful for your family: Isn’t it great to part of a family where we find the opportunity to grow, share, give and receive love?

I’m thankful for your friends: Sometimes we find care and support from friends. True friends who stand by you, who know your quirks and weird ways, but have decided to love you anyway.

I’m thankful for your colleagues: The people who give you inspiration and guidance to help you succeed in your goals.

Thankful for the religious leaders of Marco Island: They have walked their talk and you have seen how their love for God has changed their lives.

I’m thankful for the sanitary sewer system as it comes closer to completion: The completion will assure that the many canals and waterways of Marco Island will remain safe and more secure from environmental concerns.

I’m thankful for all the city of Marco Island directors, staff and hourly employees who really care for their city. I’m thankful for the many volunteers and citizens of Marco Island who make up the many committees, boards, and foundations that help our city function.

I’m thankful for the many citizens of Marco Island. For those that came before cityhood, for those that supported cityhood and all the taxpayers.

I’m thankful for the believers of Marco Island. They are the ones who see the goodness in the City of Marco Island and believe in what it will be.