Joe Batte

Right now is probably not the best time to be brought up in front of Marco Island's Code Enforcement Board, if you are a property owner who has failed to make required repairs, or especially if you are a landlord ...

I find it odd that the Smokehouse Bay Bridge project dominates the City Council and the news. As has been reported, the existing bridge has never been found to be unsafe by any government agency, or engineering firm. Yes, it’s ...

Dear Editor, On behalf of the Marco Island Police Department and its members we would like to recognize and thank Executive Auto, the Marco Island Moose Lodge, the Marco Island Police Foundation and the generous people of our community for ...

With speeches, songs, flags, and uniforms, Marco Island came together Monday to honor those who gave their lives in the nation's armed conflicts. Several hundred gathered at Veterans' Community Park under a blue sky dotted with white clouds to honor ...

On the agenda for discussion, a proposed community center for Mackle Park quickly escalated into a debate Monday over approving the new facility. Community Affairs Director Bryan Milk presented a two phase plan for complementing concrete structures that w

Marco Island's City Council wants to replace City Manager Jim Riviere quickly and confidentially. On Monday, both possibilities were discussed. Riviere announced his retirement on April 18 after serving the city for more than three years. Councilors voted

If a series of coincidences sparked Marco Island City Manager Jim Riviere's resignation, Councilor Larry Honig says he did not strike the match. Unfolding events during the week of April 15 may have led some to speculate about the city ...

Marco Island City Manager Jim Riviere announced his resignation today, effective in September.

Moving advisory board meetings to the city's Community Room, and putting them on television, seems to be bearing fruit as a strategy to encourage public participation. Thursday morning, the public comment portion of the Waterways Advisory Committee meetin

Appraisals of City Manager Jim Riviere ranged from a low of fair to a high of outstanding during Marco Island's City Council Monday. Even with no failing grades, council refused to approve a pay raise for the city's CEO. The ...

The only problem at the ninth annual Kiwanis car show, held Sunday outside the NCH Healthcare Center, was knowing where to look. At every turn of the head, more vintage vehicles, and some nice new ones, demanded attention. Thousands paid ...

City Manager Jim Riviere said he wants more transparency in government. That’s why on Wednesday the Beautification Advisory Committee became the first of seven advisory groups to meet in the Community Room where their action

Celebration and fraternity rang in a new year Sunday at the Marco Island Yacht Club for the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce. Nancy Carrington, incoming chamber president, her executive committee and 2013 board of direc

What will the year ahead bring? After a year of heated debates, political upheaval, and ongoing unresolved issues, some of what is coming over the bridge for Marco Island in 2013 can be summed up in four words: More of ...

City Council moves forward with lifesaving vessel