Marco Eagle

Full gallery »Marco Island Relay For Life, 2013

  • Lisa Meurgue, Hannah Adams, and Marva Sutt carry the banner to lead the survivors' lap. Over the weekend, Marco Islanders stepped out to fight cancer at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, held for the first time at the Marco Island Charter Middle School. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent$RETURN$$RETURN$
  • A young family member hurries to catch up. Over the weekend, Marco Islanders stepped out to fight cancer at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, held for the first time at the Marco Island Charter Middle School. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Amber Prange of Marco Island Academy takes a spin of the Krigeer Orthodontics wheel. Over the weekend, Marco Islanders stepped out to fight cancer at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, held for the first time at the Marco Island Charter Middle School. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Marva Sutt sings the National Anthem to help open the proceedings. Over the weekend, Marco Islanders stepped out to fight cancer at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, held for the first time at the Marco Island Charter Middle School. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Survivor co-chairs Cathy Nelson, left, and Judy Mayo share a hug. Over the weekend, Marco Islanders stepped out to fight cancer at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, held for the first time at the Marco Island Charter Middle School. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Priscilla Arguelles shows her spirit. Over the weekend, Marco Islanders stepped out to fight cancer at the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, held for the first time at the Marco Island Charter Middle School. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

As the Survivors’ Lap got under way to kick off the 2013 American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life at noon Saturday, the scene could have been a promo for the movie “The Color Purple.” The cancer survivors wore purple T-shirts as a badge of honor, and they came in all sizes and ages, from 9 “and a half”-year-old Hannah Adams to ladies who were — well, considerably older. The host of purple shirts and the attendant caregivers pointed out that, as survivor co-chair Judy Mayo said before the relay’s start, “cancer touches everybody.” There are few people who have not had a family member or close friend stricken by the disease, so everyone can understand the urgent need to fight the dreaded disease in all its forms.



Full gallery »Isles of Capri Fire Board meeting

  • East Naples Fire Chief Kingman Schuldt, left, and East Naples Fire Commissioner Jeff Page listen as resident Jeri Neuhaus prepares to state her objections to hiring a division chief for Isles of Capri. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent
  • A small group of concerned citizens, including three past fire board members, participate in discussions Thursday on whether Isles of Capri Fire Control District should consolidate with another fire department. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent
  • John Rogers, a resident of the Isles of Capri Fire Control District, participates in discussions Thursday on how Capri’s board will proceed with proposals for consolidation. Seated beside Rogers is past fire board member Ted Decker. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent
  • Matt Crowder, a new member of the Isles of Capri Fire District Board, explains why he thinks time is short for making a decision on whether the fire district will consolidate with East Naples or Marco Island. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent


Full gallery »Marco beach renourishment projects

  • Two bulldozers move sand along Marco Island’s south beach as part of a renourishment project for Collier County. On Tuesday, the Marco Island Beach Advisory Committee reviewed the project’s progress. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent
  • Members of Marco Island’s Beach Advisory Committee are awed Tuesday by this roadway constructed on Hideaway Beach to move heavy equipment into place for replenishing 40,000 cubic yards of sand. Just a month ago, water reached the vegetation on the left and all sand from the beach was gone. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent
  • Nancy Richie, city environmental specialist, and Paul Fernstrum of building 6000 in Hideaway Beach discuss three T-groins to be placed on the gated-community’s riverside shore. The groins will help hold added renourishment sand in place. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent
  • Marco Island’s Beach Advisory Committee visits the south beach renourishment project Tuesday as part of an on-site workshop. Standing from left are Diane Hoover, Ralph Barnhart, Ruth McCann, Tony Ferrara, Patti Miller, and Debbie Roddy with husband, Marty. See the story, 6A. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent
  • On Tuesday, a frontend loader combines sand spewing from the dredge pipe to the left with existing sand as part of Collier County’s project to replenish sand on Marco Island’s south beach. The new sand is being dredged from Caxambas Pass. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent


Full gallery »Marco Movies owner takes on Code Compliance

  • Nick Campo, owner of Marco Movies, asks Marco Island Code Compliance Tuesday to find a better way of dealing with grease trap permits and inspections. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent
  • Liz Carr, Marco Island code compliance supervisor, offers information on fine mitigation cases at Tuesday’s Code Compliance Board meeting. With Carr is the city’s attorney Burt Saunders. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent
  • Marco Movies at 599 S Collier Blvd. in Marco Walk has two grease interceptors that prohibit grease from entering the city’s wastewater. Owner Nick Campo told Code Compliance Tuesday that he has them pumped regularly. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent/Eagle Correspondent
  • Marco Island’s Code Compliance board listens to comments from Liz Carr, code compliance supervisor, as she explains fines to Marco Movies for failing to secure a grease trap permit. Seated from left are Dawn Henderson, Lou Prigge, chairman, Dick Adams, Debra Shanahan and Rony Joel. Standing before the board is Bill McMullan. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent


Full gallery »Taste of Marco at the Esplanade, 2013

  • Henry Teh of Mango's Dockside Bistro takes tickets at the restaurant's booth. The 23rd annual Taste of Marco drew crowds to the Esplanade Sunday afternoon, sampling food from a variety of local restaurants. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The 23rd annual Taste of Marco drew crowds to the Esplanade Sunday afternoon, sampling food from a variety of local restaurants. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Karen Swanker prepares to savor a key lime cupcake from Simply Cupcakes. The 23rd annual Taste of Marco drew crowds to the Esplanade Sunday afternoon, sampling food from a variety of local restaurants. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Sandi Devlin of Stonewalls with their BBQ pork sliders and tropical chicken salad. The 23rd annual Taste of Marco drew crowds to the Esplanade Sunday afternoon, sampling food from a variety of local restaurants. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Lee Ann Gabrielsen gets help with her tuna taco from husband Ken. The 23rd annual Taste of Marco drew crowds to the Esplanade Sunday afternoon, sampling food from a variety of local restaurants. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The 23rd annual Taste of Marco drew crowds to the Esplanade Sunday afternoon, sampling food from a variety of local restaurants. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Sunday afternoon, some of Marco’s fine restaurants turned into sidewalk food vendors for the day, bringing a sampling of their wares out for the Taste of Marco. With sunlight filtered by a parade of puffy clouds, the temperature was a balmy 82 degrees, making a perfect day for strolling the Esplanade, trying the various food offerings, plus a little liquid refreshment, and listening to some live music. The Taste of Marco benefits the Greater Marco Family YMCA, and presumably benefits participating eateries as well, giving customers an easy way to try their food.



Full gallery »Nest Fest, 2013

  • The Marco Eagle Sanctuary Foundation held their third annual Nest Fest Saturday evening at the Island Country Club. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Linda Turner is one of the foundation's major organizers. The Marco Eagle Sanctuary Foundation held their third annual Nest Fest Saturday evening at the Island Country Club. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Barbara Dameron wears multi-colored plumes. The Marco Eagle Sanctuary Foundation held their third annual Nest Fest Saturday evening at the Island Country Club. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Feathers (faux, of course) are the fashion statement of choice for Marcia and Alex Orsolini. The Marco Eagle Sanctuary Foundation held their third annual Nest Fest Saturday evening at the Island Country Club. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Judy Sacher and Linda Turner flock together. The Marco Eagle Sanctuary Foundation held their third annual Nest Fest Saturday evening at the Island Country Club. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Judy Sacher, chair of the 50-50 raffle, displays her fine feathers. The Marco Eagle Sanctuary Foundation held their third annual Nest Fest Saturday evening at the Island Country Club. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

This was the third annual Nest Fest for the Marco Eagle Sanctuary Foundation. The organization continues to grow, foundation president Carl Way told the group in his remarks, which blurred the distinction between a social gala and a board meeting. Moving forward, the goal is to build on their success, and expand outside of Marco Island, he said, seeking additional support both in Collier County and at the state level. The Eagle Foundation is working with national and even international groups as well, including the American Bald Eagle Foundation, based in Pigeon Forge, Tenessee where the pigeons presumably provide a good food source for any local eagles and Hancock Wildlife in British Columbia and the state of Washington.



Full gallery »Marco Island Planning Board Meeting

  • Owner of a storage facility on Chalmars Drive, Jerry Helms tells Marco Island’s Planning Board Friday that changing storage already allowed in C-5 zoning to be allowed in C-4 would be unethical. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent
  • Mike Kelly, Sr., of Progressive Auto Storage asked Marco Island’s Planning Board Friday if it would consider an ordinance to allow industrial storage in this five-story, 75-foot car condo located at 720 Bald Eagle Drive. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent
  • Joe Irvin, Marco Island zoning administrator (left), and Bryan Milk, community affairs director, listen to discussion on granting Progressive Auto Storage a conditional use change during Friday’s Planning Board meeting. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent
  • Restaurateurs in Old Marco complained to Marco Island’s Planning Board Friday that these trees planted on the west side of Bald Eagle Drive are set closer than 18 feet. That distance, specified by city permit, would have made it possible to park in the city-owned swale. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent
  • A large crowd attends Friday’s Planning Board meeting to protest a conditional use change for Progressive Auto and to discuss parking problems in Old Marco. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent


Full gallery »Taste of Marco 2013

  • Corey Perrine/Staff Mike Nojunas manager at Mango's Dockside Bistro, prepares whipped cream strawberries topped with a blueberry on a stick for paying guests Sunday, April 7, 2013 at the Esplanade in Marco Island, Fla. A few thousand came out to enjoy restaurant entrees, various alcoholic beverages and desserts from tent booths during the 23rd Annual Taste of Marco. The occasion ran from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in a celebration of food and entertainment. The Greater Marco Family YMCA sponsored the event.
  • Corey Perrine/Staff Diane Leger of New Brunswick, Canada, center left, talks with Henry Tah head server for Mango's Dockside Bistro at their booth Sunday, April 7, 2013 at the Esplanade in Marco Island, Fla. A few thousand came out to enjoy restaurant entrees, various alcoholic beverages and desserts from tent booths during the 23rd Annual Taste of Marco. The occasion ran from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in a celebration of food and entertainment. The Greater Marco Family YMCA sponsored the event.
  • Corey Perrine/Staff Greg Miller of Cape Coral sings James Brown's 'I Feel Good' Sunday, April 7, 2013 at the Esplanade in Marco Island, Fla. Miller has been singing for 35 years but only 2 years with his self-named band: the Greg Miller Band. A few thousand came out to enjoy restaurant entrees, various alcoholic beverages and desserts from tent booths during the 23rd Annual Taste of Marco. The occasion ran from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in a celebration of food and entertainment. The Greater Marco Family YMCA sponsored the event.
  • Corey Perrine/Staff Patrons peruse Sunday, April 7, 2013 at the Esplanade in Marco Island, Fla. A few thousand came out to enjoy restaurant entrees, various alcoholic beverages and desserts from tent booths during the 23rd Annual Taste of Marco. The occasion ran from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in a celebration of food and entertainment. The Greater Marco Family YMCA sponsored the event.
  • Corey Perrine/Staff Grace McLaren, top clockwise, of Marco Island, drinks water next to her sister Anna Convery of East Windsor, N.J. and niece, Katie Convery of Marco Island, Sunday, April 7, 2013 at the Esplanade in Marco Island, Fla. A few thousand came out to enjoy restaurant entrees, various alcoholic beverages and desserts from tent booths during the 23rd Annual Taste of Marco. The occasion ran from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in a celebration of food and entertainment. The Greater Marco Family YMCA sponsored the event.
  • Corey Perrine/Staff Crispy grouper cones wait to be served at Mango's Dockside Bistro's tent booth Sunday, April 7, 2013 at the Esplanade in Marco Island, Fla. A few thousand came out to enjoy restaurant entrees, various alcoholic beverages and desserts from tent booths during the 23rd Annual Taste of Marco. The occasion ran from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in a celebration of food and entertainment. The Greater Marco Family YMCA sponsored the event.


Full gallery »Marco Water Plant

  • Marco Island Utilities provides services to all island residents every time they turn on a faucet or flush a toilet. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Water plant operator Scott Henriksson monitors electrical panels. Marco Island Utilities provides services to all island residents every time they turn on a faucet or flush a toilet. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Dozens of filters use reverse osmosis to cleanse drinking water. Marco Island Utilities provides services to all island residents every time they turn on a faucet or flush a toilet. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Utilities General Manager Jeff Poteet demonstrates how a sweep arm removes sludge from a water treatment tank. Marco Island Utilities provides services to all island residents every time they turn on a faucet or flush a toilet. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Dozens of filters use reverse osmosis to cleanse drinking water, says Utilities General Manager Jeff Poteet. Marco Island Utilities provides services to all island residents every time they turn on a faucet or flush a toilet. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Water plant operator Arnie Priebe shows the end result of the city's potable water system - clean water. Marco Island Utilities provides services to all island residents every time they turn on a faucet or flush a toilet. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

The headquarters for Marco Island Utilities is at the North Water Treatment Plant, behind a chain link fence topped with barbed wire and a remote controlled gate, off of Elkcam Circle. If the expenditures involved in utility operations are massive, it isn’t because the department has built itself a Taj Mahal. Utilities General Manager Jeff Poteet’s office is in a doublewide trailer, one of three within the sprawling complex of tanks, pumps and treatment equipment. The carpet is tattered and mud-stained, with racks of engineering drawings, mismatched furniture and ancient, scuffed chairs around a nondescript table. Marco Island, Poteet explained, has two distinct water sources. The bulk of the water used comes from the Marco Lakes site, a 207 acre facility nine miles north of the island near the corner of U.S. 41 and Collier Blvd., which provides six to eight million gallons per day. This water is fresh, and comes primarily from groundwater infiltration, rainfall that flows into the lakes.



Full gallery »South Marco Beach renourishment project

  • David Albers/Staff - Sand is pumped onto South Marco Beach by crews from Cavache dredging company on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, in Naples.
  • David Albers/Staff - An excavator spreads sand onto South Marco Beach as part of a beach renourishment and erosion control project on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, on Marco Island.
  • David Albers/Staff - An excavator spreads sand onto South Marco Beach as part of a beach renourishment and erosion control project on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, on Marco Island.
  • David Albers/Staff - Sand is pumped onto South Marco Beach by crews from Cavache dredging company on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, in Naples.
  • David Albers/Staff - An excavator spreads sand onto South Marco Beach as part of a beach renourishment and erosion control project on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, on Marco Island.
  • David Albers/Staff - An excavator spreads sand onto South Marco Beach as part of a beach renourishment and erosion control project on Tuesday, April 2, 2013, on Marco Island.


Full gallery »Easter Sunrise, Marco Island, 2013

  • Marco's Easter sunrise service at the beach turned 25 on Sunday, with thousands of worshippers on a beautiful morning. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Rev. Bruce Fiol, who gave the sermon at the first ceremony, returns for the silver anniversary. Marco's Easter sunrise service at the beach turned 25 on Sunday, with thousands of worshippers on a beautiful morning. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Marco's Easter sunrise service at the beach turned 25 on Sunday, with thousands of worshippers on a beautiful morning. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Rev. Bruce Fiol, who gave the sermon at the first ceremony, gets a hug from Debbie Servente after the service. Marco's Easter sunrise service at the beach turned 25 on Sunday, with thousands of worshippers on a beautiful morning. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The sun rises behind the stage during the ceremony. Marco's Easter sunrise service at the beach turned 25 on Sunday, with thousands of worshippers on a beautiful morning. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Marco Island has been setting its alarm clocks early on Easter morning for a quarter century. Sunday morning, thousands thronged the beach behind the Madeira condominium and the Marriott hotel for the 25th Anniversary Easter Sunrise Service, trooping down Collier Blvd. in the predawn darkness carrying blankets, beach chairs, and still dozing toddlers. They heard a message of hope and resurrection, mirrored by the sun rising in a beautiful sky behind the stage, with just enough clouds to paint a spectacular display in the east. The principal Easter message, entitled “Would You Believe It?” was delivered by the Rev. Bruce Fiol, who as founding pastor of the Marco Presbyterian Church delivered the sermon on Marco’s first Easter dawn service on the beach, back in 1988.



Full gallery »Spring Jubilee, 2013

  • Grace Kingen, 4, shows off the fruit of her egg hunt, despite her little brother Josh claiming the egg. Thousands of young children, with parents and grandparents in tow, turned out Saturday for Marco's Spring Jubilee at Mackle Park. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Adelie Wold knows just how old she is. Thousands of young children, with parents and grandparents in tow, turned out Saturday for Marco's Spring Jubilee at Mackle Park. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Kate and Cooper Gottfried get their photo taken with the Easter bunny. Thousands of young children, with parents and grandparents in tow, turned out Saturday for Marco's Spring Jubilee at Mackle Park. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • MIA cheerleaders Sarah Reisinger, left, and Brytni Mirarcki show off their wares at their bake sale. Thousands of young children, with parents and grandparents in tow, turned out Saturday for Marco's Spring Jubilee at Mackle Park. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Egg hunters line up for the starting signal. Thousands of young children, with parents and grandparents in tow, turned out Saturday for Marco's Spring Jubilee at Mackle Park. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Four and five-year-olds scoop up plastic eggs. Thousands of young children, with parents and grandparents in tow, turned out Saturday for Marco's Spring Jubilee at Mackle Park. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Both the “egg roll” and the “roll away the stone” aspects of Easter brought thousands of Marco Islanders out for large scale get-togethers over the weekend. The Easter Bunny went to bat first, with the annual Spring Jubilee “eggs-travaganza” held Saturday morning at Mackle Park.



Full gallery »Marco Island Seafood Festival, 2013

  • The Seafood and Music Festival brought crowds of people to Veterans' Community Park Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The Seafood and Music Festival brought crowds of people to Veterans' Community Park Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Betty Jo Mahon serves up some shrimp and rice. The Seafood and Music Festival brought crowds of people to Veterans' Community Park Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • JRobert comes between saxophonists Newt Cole, left, and Don Hulgas. The Seafood and Music Festival brought crowds of people to Veterans' Community Park Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Volunteers Barb and Carmen Dasti take a break. The Seafood and Music Festival brought crowds of people to Veterans' Community Park Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Jim Long lays down a beat on the congas. The Seafood and Music Festival brought crowds of people to Veterans' Community Park Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Now in its fifth year, the Seafood and Music Festival has become a Marco tradition, giving islanders the chance to kick back, listen to live music, and perhaps enjoy an adult beverage along with their seafood.



Full gallery »Fakahatchee Cruise, 2013

  • A pair of cormorants take to the sky. The Friends of Fakahatchee offers boat tours through the 10,000 Islands to Fakahatchee Island, home of early settlers to the area. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Naturalist Patrick Higgins talks to the passengers aboard the Starfish. The Friends of Fakahatchee offers boat tours through the 10,000 Islands to Fakahatchee Island, home of early settlers to the area. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Steve Koreny of Naples takes in the view from the Starfish. The Friends of Fakahatchee offers boat tours through the 10,000 Islands to Fakahatchee Island, home of early settlers to the area. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Passengers and guide Patrick Higgins disembark from the Starfish. The Friends of Fakahatchee offers boat tours through the 10,000 Islands to Fakahatchee Island, home of early settlers to the area. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Guide Patrick Higgins talks mangroves with the guests. The Friends of Fakahatchee offers boat tours through the 10,000 Islands to Fakahatchee Island, home of early settlers to the area. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The aptly named prickly pear can inflict painful puncture wounds. The Friends of Fakahatchee offers boat tours through the 10,000 Islands to Fakahatchee Island, home of early settlers to the area. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

The Friends of Fakahatchee runs an “Island Cruise” during the winter season, but only when the tide is high enough for the boat to get through, to Fakahatchee Island. Departing from the Everglades National Park ranger station between Chokoloskee and Everglades City last Wednesday, the Starfish threaded her way through the bays and narrow passages between the mangrove cays that make up the 10,000 Islands. Twenty-five souls set out, shades of Gilligan, on “a three-hour tour.”



Full gallery »Fine Arts & Crafts, Marco Island, 2013

  • Artist Thom Millsap's colors pop from his bright tropical landscapes. The Marco Island Center for the Arts hosted a 'Fine Crafts' show over the weekend, along with the Calusa Garden Club's 'Asian Fusion' exhibit and a pottery sale from the Clay Guild. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Artist Marian Howard's watercolors show the influence of Andrew Wyeth. The Marco Island Center for the Arts hosted a 'Fine Crafts' show over the weekend, along with the Calusa Garden Club's 'Asian Fusion' exhibit and a pottery sale from the Clay Guild. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Sandy Wallen with her 'Best in Show' garden club entry. The Marco Island Center for the Arts hosted a 'Fine Crafts' show over the weekend, along with the Calusa Garden Club's 'Asian Fusion' exhibit and a pottery sale from the Clay Guild. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Gayle Palmer tries on a new hat. The Marco Island Center for the Arts hosted a 'Fine Crafts' show over the weekend, along with the Calusa Garden Club's 'Asian Fusion' exhibit and a pottery sale from the Clay Guild. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Janet DeAnna shows a sushi platter she made. The Marco Island Center for the Arts hosted a 'Fine Crafts' show over the weekend, along with the Calusa Garden Club's 'Asian Fusion' exhibit and a pottery sale from the Clay Guild. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Connie Lowery was not one of the exhibits, but did encapsulate the Garden Club's 'Asian Fusion.' The Marco Island Center for the Arts hosted a 'Fine Crafts' show over the weekend, along with the Calusa Garden Club's 'Asian Fusion' exhibit and a pottery sale from the Clay Guild. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Art was all over the place this weekend at the Marco Island Center for the Arts. The parking lot held a “Fine Crafts,” or fine art and crafts show “Fine crafts fits on the signs better,” said organizer Pam Patullo. Over 30 artists, craftspeople and at least one game maker, hawking a hybrid of golf and badminton, all showed their creations, in a well-attended show on a beautiful day. Inside the building, the Calusa Garden Club displayed their “Asian Fusion” show, with artistic arrangements of plants and flowers inspired by Eastern themes, along with an exhibit of Oriental brush paintings by Marco Island’s own Edythe Newbourne in La Petite Galerie. To round things out, the Clay Guild’s members put on display, and for sale, ceramic works created by the group, within the Arts Center’s headquarters and gallery is located at 1010 Winterberry Drive.



Full gallery »Duck Derby, 2013

  • John Martin, 10, joins his fellow swimmers for the Presentation of the Colors. Dottie's Duck Derby had its 18th annual running Saturday to benefit the YMCA. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Debra Shanahan waits for the winner at the finish line. Dottie's Duck Derby had its 18th annual running Saturday to benefit the YMCA. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The ducks prepare for their race. Dottie's Duck Derby had its 18th annual running Saturday to benefit the YMCA. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Volunteer Rich Kaplan delivers a load of ducks to the starting gate. Dottie's Duck Derby had its 18th annual running Saturday to benefit the YMCA. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • They're off! Ducks head down the lane, with an assist from the Marco Island Fire-Rescue Dept. Dottie's Duck Derby had its 18th annual running Saturday to benefit the YMCA. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • 'Head Duck' Dottie Weiner watches the proceedings. Dottie's Duck Derby had its 18th annual running Saturday to benefit the YMCA. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Pamplona may have the Running of the Bulls, but Marco Island has the Derby of the Ducks. Once again, Dottie’s Duck Derby returned to the pool at the Greater Marco Family YMCA on Saturday, offering Islanders the chance to do a little “off track betting” for a good cause. Master of Ceremonies Steve Reynolds presided, despite nursing a nasty sore throat, and the theme song on the sound system was “Disco Duck.”



Full gallery »'Big Sift' on Marco Island

  • Joe Mankowski shows some of the pottery and shell tools found. In 'The Big Sift,' volunteers are helping professional archaeologists find Native American artifacts in material scooped from ancient settlements. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Gene Erjavec and Joe Mankowski display some of the pottery and shell tools found. In 'The Big Sift,' volunteers are helping professional archaeologists find Native American artifacts in material scooped from ancient settlements. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Bradley Rubash hefts his shovel while scooping up shells. In 'The Big Sift,' volunteers are helping professional archaeologists find Native American artifacts in material scooped from ancient settlements. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The helpers look for treasure. In 'The Big Sift,' volunteers are helping professional archaeologists find Native American artifacts in material scooped from ancient settlements. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • In 'The Big Sift,' volunteers are helping professional archaeologists find Native American artifacts in material scooped from ancient settlements. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • In 'The Big Sift,' volunteers are helping professional archaeologists find Native American artifacts in material scooped from ancient settlements. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

For people apparently a lot of them who harbored fantasies of being an archaeologist, the lure was irresistible. The call went out for volunteers to assist in the “Big Sift,” culling through material unearthed in ancient Native American middens on Marco Island, and citizens responded by the score. “We had over a hundred people out here the first day,” said Joe Mankowski, supervising the dig on Addison Court. Joseph Mankowski, M.A., RPA, is an archaeologist, and the president of Advanced Archaeology, Inc., of Fort Lauderdale. The Big Sift began on Monday, and will continue through next week, with the volunteer program concluding on March 22.



Full gallery »St. Patrick's celebration on Marco Island

  • The Lely High School Marching Band adds the oompah. The Sons and Daughters of Erin held their St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 10, and marched right into a fair at Veterans' Community Park. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Dave Walsh dresses for the occasion. The Sons and Daughters of Erin held their St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 10, and marched right into a fair at Veterans' Community Park. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • A tartan-clad bagpiper dresses up any occasion. The Sons and Daughters of Erin held their St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 10, 2013, and marched right into a fair at Veterans' Community Park.
  • A Daughter of Erin, holding the banner, has one hand free to wave. The Sons and Daughters of Erin held their St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 10, and marched right into a fair at Veterans' Community Park.
  • Hilary Noyes gets into the spirit of the day. The Sons and Daughters of Erin held their St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 10, and marched right into a fair at Veterans' Community Park.
  • Helen Donaghy of O'Donoghue's Bar & Grill serves up a Reuben roll-up. The Sons and Daughters of Erin held their St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 10, and marched right into a fair at Veterans' Community Park.

Once again, Marco got a jump on the rest of the Irish-American world, holding the annual parade one week early. The Sons and Daughters of Erin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade marched up Bald Eagle Drive on Sunday, and headed right into Veterans’ Community Park, for some entertainment, merchandise, and perhaps a traditional Irish carbonated beverage.



Full gallery »Harbor Arts Festival, 2013

  • Ceramicist Sandy Moore Howe's bowls come with chopsticks and a way to hold them. The Goodland Arts Alliance held their inaugural Harbor Arts & Music Festival on Sunday at MarGood Harbor Park in Goodland. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Jarrett Stinchcomb discusses his paintings with fellow artist Dana Crabbe, left. The Goodland Arts Alliance held their inaugural Harbor Arts & Music Festival on Sunday at MarGood Harbor Park in Goodland. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Photographer Kathleen Nimtz Rinaldo goes by 'Kat.' The Goodland Arts Alliance held their inaugural Harbor Arts & Music Festival on Sunday at MarGood Harbor Park in Goodland. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Artist Carolyn Burger stays cool and shady. The Goodland Arts Alliance held their inaugural Harbor Arts & Music Festival on Sunday at MarGood Harbor Park in Goodland. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Tara O'Neill with some of her recent paintings. The Goodland Arts Alliance held their inaugural Harbor Arts & Music Festival on Sunday at MarGood Harbor Park in Goodland. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Painter Esau Rodriguez' work draws on his Mexican roots. The Goodland Arts Alliance held their inaugural Harbor Arts & Music Festival on Sunday at MarGood Harbor Park in Goodland. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Art is boffo in Goodland. Even though it takes a little effort to find your way to MarGood Harbor Park, enough people did so on Sunday to keep the inaugural Harbor Arts & Music Festival bustling.



Full gallery »WWII AT-6 flies over Marco Island

  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Tom Huntington, of History Flight, prepares a North American AT-6 Texan to fly over Marco Island at the Marco Island Executive Airport on Friday, Mar. 8, 2013 in Naples, Fla. History Flight is a non-profit organization dedicated to World War II history. Huntington and John Makinson, tour WWII planes, and offer the public a chance to fly aboard. Proceeds fund research and recovery expeditions to bring Missing in Action servicemen home from remote battlefields of WWII. Huntington and Makinson will be at the Marco Island Executive Airport with two planes through the weekend and in West Palm Beach later this month.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Tom Huntington, of History Flight, flies a North American AT-6 Texan over Marco Island on Friday, Mar. 8, 2013 in Naples, Fla. History Flight is a non-profit organization dedicated to World War II history. Huntington and John Makinson, tour WWII planes and offer the public a chance to fly aboard. Proceeds fund research and recovery expeditions to bring Missing in Action servicemen home from remote battlefields of WWII. Huntington and Makinson will be at the Marco Island Executive Airport with two planes through the weekend and in West Palm Beach later this month. 'It's awesome to give this experience to people,' Huntington said.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Tom Huntington, of History Flight, flies a North American AT-6 Texan over Marco Island on Friday, Mar. 8, 2013 in Naples, Fla. History Flight is a non-profit organization dedicated to World War II history. Huntington and John Makinson, tour WWII planes and offer the public a chance to fly aboard. Proceeds fund research and recovery expeditions to bring Missing in Action servicemen home from remote battlefields of WWII. Huntington and Makinson will be at the Marco Island Executive Airport with two planes through the weekend and in West Palm Beach later this month. 'I fly in honor of veterans and current military personal, especially for people that gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives,' Makinson said.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Tom Huntington, of History Flight, flies a North American AT-6 Texan over Marco Island on Friday, Mar. 8, 2013 in Naples, Fla. History Flight is a non-profit organization dedicated to World War II history. Huntington and John Makinson, tour WWII planes and offer the public a chance to fly aboard. Proceeds fund research and recovery expeditions to bring Missing in Action servicemen home from remote battlefields of WWII. Huntington and Makinson will be at the Marco Island Executive Airport through the weekend and in West Palm Beach later this month. 'It's awesome to give this experience to people,' Huntington said.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Tom Huntington, of History Flight, flies a North American AT-6 Texan over Marco Island on Friday, Mar. 8, 2013 in Naples, Fla. History Flight is a non-profit organization dedicated to World War II history. Huntington and John Makinson, tour WWII planes and offer the public a chance to fly aboard. Proceeds fund research and recovery expeditions to bring Missing in Action servicemen home from remote battlefields of WWII. Huntington and Makinson will be at the Marco Island Executive Airport with two planes through the weekend and in West Palm Beach later this month. 'I fly in honor of veterans and current military personal, especially for people that gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives,' Makinson said.
  • Dania Maxwell/Staff Tom Huntington, of History Flight, prepares a North American AT-6 Texan to fly over Marco Island at the Marco Island Executive Airport on Friday, Mar. 8, 2013 in Naples, Fla. History Flight is a non-profit organization dedicated to World War II history. Huntington and John Makinson, tour WWII planes, and offer the public a chance to fly aboard. Proceeds fund research and recovery expeditions to bring Missing in Action servicemen home from remote battlefields of WWII. Huntington and Makinson will be at the Marco Island Executive Airport with two planes through the weekend and in West Palm Beach later this month.



Features