30 Years Ago: Eagle Publisher William Tamplin dies

Photo by ROGER LALONDE

In the Eagle

Publisher William Tamplin dies

William R. Tamplin, 64, publisher and editor of the Marco Island Eagle, died on July 17 after an extended illness.

Tamplin founded the Eagle in 1968 and in 1971 he and his wife Jeanne sold the newspaper to The New York Times. Tamplin continued to serve as publisher and editor and his wife as assistant publisher.

Under Tamplin the Eagle grew to become one of the largest weekly newspapers in Florida and the U.S. Starting with three employees, staff grew to 20. Tamplin was charter president of the Kiwanis Club of Marco Island, early grand knight in the San Marco Knights of Columbus, former commodore of he Marco Bay Yacht Club and Island Yacht Club, a member of the Rotary Club and Marco Island Country Club.

Collier County commissioners will reconsider a community parks referendum. In a workshop session. Commissioners John Pistor and Cliff Wentzel, who had cast votes against a referendum that included Marco Island, had support from Ed Clark, head of the Marco Island Taxpayers Association and Ira Evans of MITA. On July 13 commissioners approved a referendum that includes Marco Island, which would be voted on in November. Of the $8 million bond, only $400,000 is expected to be used for Marco Island parks. Commissioners Mary Frances Kruse and David C. Brown, who voted to have the referendum, agreed to bring the issue back to the commission at its meeting on July 27. Commissioners would have to vote to overturn the first vote to allow the referendum ballot.

Lt. Brian Tomlinson is to head the Collier County deputies on Marco Island, replacing retiring Capt. Les Binns. Tomlinson has been the sergeant investigator for Marco Island and Everglades City. He will oversee 15 deputies.

More than 150 islanders gathered for retiring Capt. Les Binns' recognition party. Binns was the first county law officer assigned to Marco Island. The party was by invitation only to be able to use O'Shea's Restaurant Admiral's Room. Binns served Marco Island for 16 years.