Marco Eagle

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.


Full gallery »Marco Business Expo, 2013

  • Katie O'Hara of the chamber points out the grand prize for the raffle. The 2013 Marco Island Business Expo was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce at the Marriott hotel Wednesday afternoon, to bring together businesses and potential customers. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • John Dorfler talks to Costco representative Keri Johnson. The 2013 Marco Island Business Expo was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce at the Marriott hotel Wednesday afternoon, to bring together businesses and potential customers. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Marco Eagle manager T.J. Boone mans the Scripps booth at the ballroom's entrance. The 2013 Marco Island Business Expo was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce at the Marriott hotel Wednesday afternoon, to bring together businesses and potential customers. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Jaydan Wampler, 6, is impressed by the Marco Island Police Dept.'s loaner life jacket program. The 2013 Marco Island Business Expo was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce at the Marriott hotel Wednesday afternoon, to bring together businesses and potential customers. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Michele Huss of H&R Block offers her homemade mango bread. The 2013 Marco Island Business Expo was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce at the Marriott hotel Wednesday afternoon, to bring together businesses and potential customers. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Winn-Dixie rep Carol Cunningham offers a choice - white or red. The 2013 Marco Island Business Expo was hosted by the Chamber of Commerce at the Marriott hotel Wednesday afternoon, to bring together businesses and potential customers. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Approaching the 2013 Marco Island Business Expo in the Capri Ballroom at the Marco Marriott, one could be forgiven for wondering if the main feature had already started, or previews of coming attractions were still playing. The aroma of buttered popcorn from the Sunshine Ace Hardware booth, just inside the entry, gave the feeling of a multiplex to the Expo, and given all the variety of displays and booths inside, maybe that’s not too far off. Over 30 businesses hawked their wares, touted their services, put their best foot forward, and gave away a few free samples to the consumers who were the target market for the event. They ran the gamut from A to W, from A.P. Builders to Winn-Dixie, whose booth offering free samples of a variety of wines, cheeses and olives was a popular stop, if you could find them in the corner behind a press of nibblers. Sommelier Carol Cunningham poured the wines, and threw in a smile at no charge.



Full gallery »Viva la Marco, 2013

  • A troupe of Aztec dancers entertains. The 'Viva la Marco' gala raised funds for the Marco Island Historical Society on Saturday evening at the historical museum. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • John Briggs and Gina Roberts talk with Florida discoverer Juan Ponce de Leon. The 'Viva la Marco' gala raised funds for the Marco Island Historical Society on Saturday evening at the historical museum. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • A troupe of Aztec dancers entertains. The 'Viva la Marco' gala raised funds for the Marco Island Historical Society on Saturday evening at the historical museum. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • A troupe of Aztec dancers entertains. The 'Viva la Marco' gala raised funds for the Marco Island Historical Society on Saturday evening at the historical museum. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Herb Savage reacts to the music volume. The 'Viva la Marco' gala raised funds for the Marco Island Historical Society on Saturday evening at the historical museum. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The Raiford Starke Band entertains the room. The 'Viva la Marco' gala raised funds for the Marco Island Historical Society on Saturday evening at the historical museum. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

The “Viva La Marco” gala brought together Marco Island’s historical past and culinary present Saturday evening, to help provide the Marco Island Historical Society with a bright future. A dozen historical figures in period dress mingled with the modern day guests at the Marco Island Historical Museum’s Rose History Auditorium, willing to share their stories. Eleven were MIHS members, augmented by Don Juan Ponce de Leon, in full armor and sporting both a rapier and a dagger, portrayed by Carlos Bicho. Well over a dozen local eateries, food purveyors and private chefs donated the edibles for a feast of gourmet grazing.



Full gallery »Everglades City Historic Home Tour

  • Everglades City historic buildings. 1st Baptist Church. Building exterior. Photo: Gary Jung
  • Everglades City historic buildings. 1st Baptist Church. Building exterior. Photo: Gary Jung
  • Everglades City historic buildings. City Hall. The entry hall of the building features a staircase to the second floor. Photo: Gary Jung
  • Everglades City historic buildings. City Hall. Brass doorknobs and retro hardware are used throughout the building. Photo: Gary Jung
  • Everglades City historic buildings. Ivey House Bed and Breakfast. Exterior of the building.
  • Everglades City historic buildings. Ivey House Bed and Breakfast. Sitting area in the Cottage. Photo: Gary Jung


Full gallery »Marco YMCA fair, 2013

  • Katherine Spina, 11, shows off the goldfish she won. The Fair on Marco, benefiting the YMCA and MICMS, was held over the weekend at Veterans' Community Park. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Kids get excited zooming around on the Gatorland ride. The Fair on Marco, benefiting the YMCA and MICMS, was held over the weekend at Veterans' Community Park. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Olivia Hamilton, right, and Alexis Dwyer give a thumbs up. The Fair on Marco, benefiting the YMCA and MICMS, was held over the weekend at Veterans' Community Park. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Andrew Meyers has no problem conquering the climbing wall. The Fair on Marco, benefiting the YMCA and MICMS, was held over the weekend at Veterans' Community Park. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Frank Feinman scales the climbing wall. The Fair on Marco, benefiting the YMCA and MICMS, was held over the weekend at Veterans' Community Park. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

This past weekend, Marco Island went to the fair. At least, those who were willing to brave a brisk wind and below average temperatures went, to the second annual Fair on Marco, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Veterans’ Community Park. They rode the midway rides, frolicked in the bounce house and humongous slides, and pestered their parents for carnival food like cotton candy and do people really eat deep fried candy bars? They spun the wheel at the Kriger Orthodontics booth for the chance to win an iPad and other prizes. They listened to homegrown and imported entertainment, including a ZZ Top tribute band Trezz Hombres, the Lords of Cool, and the MICMS Jazz Band and Starz from Marco Island Charter Middle School.



Full gallery »Lely students partner with Discovery Channel for marine film project

  • Special to the Daily News/Jason Easterly Lely High Marine Science students Cristal Navarrete, 19, from left, Walker Hardy, 17, Alex Trujillo, 16, and Jashy Paul, 17 review video and audio clips taken for a class project done about Rookery Bay in conjunction with Discovery Education at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples on Wednesday morning.
  • Special to the Daily News/Jason Easterly Lely High Marine Science students use iPads to gather video and audio clips for a class project done about Rookery Bay in conjunction with Discovery Education at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples on Wednesday morning.
  • Special to the Daily News/Jason Easterly Lely High Marine Science students Kamil Rychlinski, right, 17, and Christian Orantes, 18, review their scripts as they gather video and audio clips for a class project done about Rookery Bay in conjunction with Discovery Education at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples on Wednesday morning.
  • Special to the Daily News/Jason Easterly Lely High Marine Science teacher Mark McGarity helps students discuss possibilities for their class video project done about Rookery Bay in conjunction with Discovery Education at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples on Wednesday morning.
  • Special to the Daily News/Jason Easterly Lely High Marine Science students Kamil Rychlinski, 17, from left, Lupe Lopez, 18, Christian Orantes, 18, and Geoff Glander, 17, review their scripts as they gather video and audio clips for a class project done about Rookery Bay in conjunction with Discovery Education at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples on Wednesday morning.
  • Special to the Daily News/Jason Easterly Lely High Marine Science student Lupe Lopez, 18, narrates a portion of video for a class project done about Rookery Bay in conjunction with Discovery Education at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Naples on Wednesday morning.


Full gallery »Marco Eagle marks 45th anniversary

  • Old photo Robert Tamplin
  • Marco island historical society Original photo on the front page the first edition of the Marco Island Eagle on March 31, 1968.
  • Clark, Deirdre; me citykid 828 tues pic 1 Caption: Deirdre Clark, just eight months old when Marco Island opted for cityhood by a narrow margin, was featured symbolically on the front page of the Marco Island Eagle. Her dad Don, at the time executive director of the Marco Island YMCA, brought her to the impromptu flag-raising ceremony held in front of the Eagle building. Quentin Roux took the shot.


Full gallery »Your Photos: Physicians Regional medical clinic on Marco

  • The new Physicians Regional medical clinic on Marco Island held a big grand opening celebration Saturday featuring the “Flying Elvi,” a troupe of Elvis-impersonating parachutists. Submitted by user RandiMorse
  • The new Physicians Regional medical clinic on Marco Island held a big grand opening celebration Saturday featuring the “Flying Elvi,” a troupe of Elvis-impersonating parachutists. Submitted by user RandiMorse
  • The new Physicians Regional medical clinic on Marco Island held a big grand opening celebration Saturday featuring the “Flying Elvi,” a troupe of Elvis-impersonating parachutists. Submitted by user RandiMorse
  • The new Physicians Regional medical clinic on Marco Island held a big grand opening celebration Saturday featuring the “Flying Elvi,” a troupe of Elvis-impersonating parachutists. Submitted by user RandiMorse
  • The new Physicians Regional medical clinic on Marco Island held a big grand opening celebration Saturday featuring the “Flying Elvi,” a troupe of Elvis-impersonating parachutists. Submitted by user RandiMorse
  • The new Physicians Regional medical clinic on Marco Island held a big grand opening celebration Saturday featuring the “Flying Elvi,” a troupe of Elvis-impersonating parachutists. Submitted by user RandiMorse

The new Physicians Regional medical clinic on Marco Island held a big grand opening celebration Saturday featuring the “Flying Elvi,” a troupe of Elvis-impersonating parachutists. Submitted by user RandiMorse



Full gallery »Physicians Regional grand opening

  • The final jumper and, at bottom, the drop plane. Physicians Regional new Marco Island medical center at the Shops of Marco held their official grand opening Saturday, with an assist from the 'Flying Elvi' parachute jumpers. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Physicians Regional new Marco Island medical center at the Shops of Marco held their official grand opening Saturday, with an assist from the 'Flying Elvi' parachute jumpers. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The crowd cranes their heads skyward as the Elvi descend. Physicians Regional new Marco Island medical center at the Shops of Marco held their official grand opening Saturday, with an assist from the 'Flying Elvi' parachute jumpers. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The hair functions like a crash helmet. Physicians Regional new Marco Island medical center at the Shops of Marco held their official grand opening Saturday, with an assist from the 'Flying Elvi' parachute jumpers. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Physicians Regional new Marco Island medical center at the Shops of Marco held their official grand opening Saturday, with an assist from the 'Flying Elvi' parachute jumpers. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The Elvi gather for a post-landing group photo. Physicians Regional new Marco Island medical center at the Shops of Marco held their official grand opening Saturday, with an assist from the 'Flying Elvi' parachute jumpers. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Elvis was in the house, in the air, on the soundsystem, and all over the parking lot. While the purpose of the “Rockin’ Grand Opening” event was to introduce Physicians Regional new Marco Island medical clinic to local residents, the focus was on the King. The highpoint literally of the festivities on Saturday afternoon was the arrival by parachute of “The Flying Elvi,” a troupe of Elvis-impersonating parachute jumpers. They came in waves, with 10 total Elvi dropping in, in addition to the two already on the ground at the Shops of Marco. Thousands of spectators lined up all around the flimsy barrier of police tape that kept one section of the parking lot at the shopping center at San Marco and Barfield Drive South open for a landing spot.



Full gallery »Imagination Ball, Marco Island, 2013

  • The Imagination Ball, to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, was held Saturday evening at the Marco Marriott. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Virginia and Frank Keefer. The Imagination Ball, to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, was held Saturday evening at the Marco Marriott. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The Imagination Ball, to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, was held Saturday evening at the Marco Marriott. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Event chairs Dick and Debra Shanahan. The Imagination Ball, to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, was held Saturday evening at the Marco Marriott. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Reppard and Summer Gordon enjoy sunset on the terrace. The Imagination Ball, to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, was held Saturday evening at the Marco Marriott. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Jim and Wanda Riviere with Sandy and Frank Recker. The Imagination Ball, to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, was held Saturday evening at the Marco Marriott. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

The Imagination Ball, to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, was held Saturday evening at the Marco Marriott.



Full gallery »Physicians Regional on Marco Island

  • Walt Tester, director of facilities, gives the treadmill a test walk. Physicians Regional new Marco Island medical center is already open for business at South Barfield and San Marco in the Shops of Marco, with their official grand opening set for Saturday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Rick LoCastro, Todd Gibson, Taylor Hamilton, and Walter Tester were key members in preparing for the new facility. Physicians Regional new Marco Island medical center is already open for business at South Barfield and San Marco in the Shops of Marco, with their official grand opening set for Saturday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Some of the staff, typically about 20 on a given day, gather outside for a group photo. Physicians Regional new Marco Island medical center is already open for business at South Barfield and San Marco in the Shops of Marco, with their official grand opening set for Saturday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Todd Gibson, R.N., Director of Emergency Medicine. Physicians Regional new Marco Island medical center is already open for business at South Barfield and San Marco in the Shops of Marco, with their official grand opening set for Saturday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Radiologic technician Randi Morse with her brand new X-ray machine. Physicians Regional new Marco Island medical center is already open for business at South Barfield and San Marco in the Shops of Marco, with their official grand opening set for Saturday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Julie Sanabria and Lauren Coons staff the front desk. Physicians Regional new Marco Island medical center is already open for business at South Barfield and San Marco in the Shops of Marco, with their official grand opening set for Saturday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent


Full gallery »Marco Island Academy Construction

  • Mark Tolson, contractor for Marco Island Academy’s new campus, meets Feb. 15 with Jane Watt, the academy’s board chairwoman, to discuss wiring for computers and phones in nine portable classrooms. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent
  • Parents Kate Younger, in red, and Cathy Schmidt with Marco Island Academy principal George Andreozzi consider the need for cable connections in classroom being equipped to house students in March. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent
  • This worker had to move indoors on Feb. 15 as rain temporarily halted construction of the Marco Island Academy new facility. Plans are to open the new campus on March 18. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent
  • Work is temporarily halted due to rain Feb. 15 on this elevated walkway that will connect nine portable classrooms on the Marco Island Academy’s new campus on San Marco Road. Cheryl Ferrara/Eagle Correspondent


Full gallery »2013 Kiwanis Car Show

  • Gina Larsen gets a closeup look at Dick Fracasse's '39 Ford convertible. The Kiwanis Club of Marco Island packed the grounds of the NCH Healthcare Center for their ninth annual Car Show on Sunday, presenting 182 gorgeous automobiles under bright blue skies. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Ed Chesney checks out a 1947 Continental. The Kiwanis Club of Marco Island packed the grounds of the NCH Healthcare Center for their ninth annual Car Show on Sunday, presenting 182 gorgeous automobiles under bright blue skies. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • This Packard hood ornament was called 'the goddess of speed.' The Kiwanis Club of Marco Island packed the grounds of the NCH Healthcare Center for their ninth annual Car Show on Sunday, presenting 182 gorgeous automobiles under bright blue skies. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The Celtic Spirit School of Irish Dancing entertains the throng. The Kiwanis Club of Marco Island packed the grounds of the NCH Healthcare Center for their ninth annual Car Show on Sunday, presenting 182 gorgeous automobiles under bright blue skies. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The Kiwanis Club of Marco Island packed the grounds of the NCH Healthcare Center for their ninth annual Car Show on Sunday, presenting 182 gorgeous automobiles under bright blue skies. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Fidencia Pla peeks into a '57 Chevy Bel Air. The Kiwanis Club of Marco Island packed the grounds of the NCH Healthcare Center for their ninth annual Car Show on Sunday, presenting 182 gorgeous automobiles under bright blue skies. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

he 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 $5 to inspect the 182 cars entered in the show, everything from Grant Miller’s 1934 Packard with it’s “Goddess of Speed” hood ornament, to Bill Filbin’s 2011 Corvette Grand Sport with a mirrored underside of the hood, the better to view the engine.



Full gallery »Goodland Boat Parade, 2013

  • Chuck Thomas of Marco turned his cruiser into a set for 'The Lion King.' With a theme of Broadway musicals, the Goodland Boat Parade on Saturday afternoon contended with a brisk breeze in the event benefiting Avow Hospice. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • John RItchie's crew includes 'Mary Poppins' and a chimney sweep. With a theme of Broadway musicals, the Goodland Boat Parade on Saturday afternoon contended with a brisk breeze in the event benefiting Avow Hospice. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Val Jones, rear, and Michele, Bernie and Pat Brzazowski show all the raffle tickets they purchased for the cause. With a theme of Broadway musicals, the Goodland Boat Parade on Saturday afternoon contended with a brisk breeze in the event benefiting Avow Hospice. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Mark Diefenthaler's craft was the first of three to choose 'Hair' for their inspiration. With a theme of Broadway musicals, the Goodland Boat Parade on Saturday afternoon contended with a brisk breeze in the event benefiting Avow Hospice. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • John Ritchie's boat recreates 'Cabaret.' With a theme of Broadway musicals, the Goodland Boat Parade on Saturday afternoon contended with a brisk breeze in the event benefiting Avow Hospice. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Susie Walsh is a cheerleader on Rob Reiley's 'Grease' entry. With a theme of Broadway musicals, the Goodland Boat Parade on Saturday afternoon contended with a brisk breeze in the event benefiting Avow Hospice. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

The theme of this year’s Goodland Boat Parade was “Broadway Musicals,” but the event on Saturday will be remembered most for the boats “Blowin’ in the Wind.” The stiff breeze, with gusts up to approximately 30 knots, posed a real challenge for the skippers of the 14 vessels entered in the parade, even without the spectator boats that insisted on blundering into the their path.



Full gallery »Forme de le Femme, 2013

  • Naples artist Joel Shapses with 'Eve,' his fused glass piece that took first prize. The Marco Island Center for the Arts debuted their new 'Forme de la Femme' exhibit in a receptionTuesday at their gallery on Winterberry Dr. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Zane Balks-Russell won honorable mention for one of two works hung in the show. The Marco Island Center for the Arts debuted their new 'Forme de la Femme' exhibit in a receptionTuesday at their gallery on Winterberry Dr. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Cindy Anderson poses with the Karen Swanker piece she bought, entitled 'It's a Lot to Carry Around,' which was awarded third prize. The Marco Island Center for the Arts debuted their new 'Forme de la Femme' exhibit in a receptionTuesday at their gallery on Winterberry Dr. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The Marco Island Center for the Arts debuted their new 'Forme de la Femme' exhibit in a receptionTuesday at their gallery on Winterberry Dr. This untitled piece was sculpted by Robert Branstrator. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Marco Island Center for the Arts program coordinator Elaine Michaelis displayed her collection of antique perfume bottles. The center debuted their new 'Forme de la Femme' exhibit in a receptionTuesday at their gallery on Winterberry Dr. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Zane Balks-Russell's block print, labeled 'Bedroom Nude,' won honorable mention. The Marco Island Center for the Arts debuted their new 'Forme de la Femme' exhibit in a receptionTuesday at their gallery on Winterberry Dr. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

The Marco Island Center for the Arts opened their latest show Tuesday evening with a reception at the center's gallery on Winterberry Drive. Entitled "Forme de la Femme," the exhibit features new interpretations on an old theme, celebrating the female body. This has been a staple of artists for millennia, probably going back to when a caveman admired his significant other as she doffed her bearskin, and proceeding through Goya's "Maja Desnuda" and Duchamps' "Nude Descending a Staircase." But the takes on this well-worn row presented by the artists at the Center for the Arts showed the topic is far from exhausted.



Full gallery »Everglades Seafood Festival weekend, 2013

  • Cindy Cross of Stuart cooks up crab. The Everglades Seafood Festival turned with 40 this year, with tens of thousands packing the tiny town of Everglades City for music, food, rides, games and fun all weekend. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Headliner Jerrod Niemann rocks the stage. The Everglades Seafood Festival turned with 40 this year, with tens of thousands packing the tiny town of Everglades City for music, food, rides, games and fun all weekend. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Page Steiner stays on the mechanical bull for a long time, but not forever. The Everglades Seafood Festival turned with 40 this year, with tens of thousands packing the tiny town of Everglades City for music, food, rides, games and fun all weekend. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The Everglades Seafood Festival turned with 40 this year, with tens of thousands packing the tiny town of Everglades City for music, food, rides, games and fun all weekend. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The Everglades Seafood Festival turned with 40 this year, with tens of thousands packing the tiny town of Everglades City for music, food, rides, games and fun all weekend. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Loreana Blankenship of Miami ponders her food choices. The Everglades Seafood Festival turned with 40 this year, with tens of thousands packing the tiny town of Everglades City for music, food, rides, games and fun all weekend. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Everglades City is a little off the beaten path. The former county seat of Collier County, it sits surrounded by the mangrove swamps of Everglades National Park, an old-fashioned fishing village where life goes by at a leisurely pace – 51 weeks a year. But one weekend a year, E-City shakes off its doldrums and hosts the Everglades Seafood Festival, bringing upwards of 50,000 people down the solitary two-lane access road, and hosting one heck of a party.



Full gallery »Jammin in the Hammock weekend, 2013

  • Jammin' in the Hammock brought bluegrass-loving crowds to Collier-Seminole State Park on the Tamiami Trai bothl Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Jammin' in the Hammock brought bluegrass-loving crowds to Collier-Seminole State Park on the Tamiami Trai bothl Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Wyatt Fussell, two, has plenty of shade under his hat. Jammin' in the Hammock brought bluegrass-loving crowds to Collier-Seminole State Park on the Tamiami Trai bothl Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Ian and Stephanie Orlikoff brought their own hammock. Jammin' in the Hammock brought bluegrass-loving crowds to Collier-Seminole State Park on the Tamiami Trai bothl Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • The Bug Tussle Ramblers play a traditional song. Jammin' in the Hammock brought bluegrass-loving crowds to Collier-Seminole State Park on the Tamiami Trai bothl Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Karen Batten, Bob Shea and Doug Gerdon play in the open air. Jammin' in the Hammock brought bluegrass-loving crowds to Collier-Seminole State Park on the Tamiami Trai bothl Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Perfect weather put the icing on the bluegrass cake for the sixth annual "Jammin' in the Hammock," the music festival sponsored by the Friends of Collier-Seminole State Park. Six bands, plus a Sunday morning "bluegrass gospel sing and jam" fronted by festival emcee Mike Robinson played to a healthy of blessed-out bluegrass lovers at the park, located just east of County Road 92 on the East Tamiami Trail.



Full gallery »Party In The Park, Marco Island, 2013

  • Amy Metcalf flies through the sky on Zippy the zipline. On a busy weekend, the Party in the Park sponsored by the Marco Island Sunrise Rotary at Veterans Community Park saw light crowds both Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Julia Perriguey holds Reina, a Miki dog. On a busy weekend, the Party in the Park sponsored by the Marco Island Sunrise Rotary at Veterans Community Park saw light crowds both Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Carla Upham comes up smiling in the bounce house. On a busy weekend, the Party in the Park sponsored by the Marco Island Sunrise Rotary at Veterans Community Park saw light crowds both Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • With no lines, these girls took the opportunity for multiple zipline rides. On a busy weekend, the Party in the Park sponsored by the Marco Island Sunrise Rotary at Veterans Community Park saw light crowds both Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • On a busy weekend, the Party in the Park sponsored by the Marco Island Sunrise Rotary at Veterans Community Park saw light crowds both Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Vendor Tom Hunter of New York shows his jellyfish in resin. On a busy weekend, the Party in the Park sponsored by the Marco Island Sunrise Rotary at Veterans Community Park saw light crowds both Saturday and Sunday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Marco Island loves a party, but maybe there is a breaking point, after all. The second annual running of the Party in the Park, sponsored over the weekend by the Marco Island Sunrise Rotary, had the elements that usually will reliably draw a crowd on the island. Centrally located at Veterans Community Park, with plenty of parking, and the booths for the Farmers Market that takes place there every walk clearly marked on the grass, Party in the Park offered live music, food and drink, including wine and beer, vendors selling art and crafts, a bounce house, face painting and one brand new attraction.



Full gallery »Wet Paint Live, 2013

  • Artist Malenda Trick's palette is a work of art itself. The chamber of commerce Wet Paint Live event brought out art lovers all over the island watching paintings being created, and then bidding on them in a charity auction on Wednesday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • William Ward Mosely shows his dramatic sunset scene. The chamber of commerce Wet Paint Live event brought out art lovers all over the island watching paintings being created, and then bidding on them in a charity auction on Wednesday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Carolyn Burger takes a smile break while working on her painting at the Olde Marco Inn. The chamber of commerce Wet Paint Live event brought out art lovers all over the island watching paintings being created, and then bidding on them in a charity auction on Wednesday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Malenda Trick paints the scene at the Collection shops in Old Marco. The chamber of commerce Wet Paint Live event brought out art lovers all over the island watching paintings being created, and then bidding on them in a charity auction on Wednesday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Betty Newman's enigmatic canvas sold for $1,000. The chamber of commerce Wet Paint Live event brought out art lovers all over the island watching paintings being created, and then bidding on them in a charity auction on Wednesday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Judy Harthorn painting at the Esplanade. The chamber of commerce Wet Paint Live event brought out art lovers all over the island watching paintings being created, and then bidding on them in a charity auction on Wednesday. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Nineteen local professional artists took up the challenge in this, the sixth annual outing for the Wet Paint Live event, working "en plein air" and completing a painting from start to finish in one day. The resulting canvases were then auctioned off in a fundraiser, held for the first time at the Rose History Auditorium at the Marco Island Historical Museum, with celebrity auctioneer Chris Lombardo presiding. Proceeds from Wet Paint Live were apportioned among the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce, their Leadership Marco Scholarship Fund, and MIFA, the Marco Island Foundation for the Arts.



Full gallery »Marco Marriot Super Bowl Party, 2013

  • Jane Watt checks her squares in the benefit football pool. The Marriott's 'Big Game at the Beach' drew about 400 to watch the Super Bowl on the big screens Sunday evening. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • By the end of the game, most of the crowd had fled indoors for warmth. The Marriott's 'Big Game at the Beach' drew about 400 to watch the Super Bowl on the big screens Sunday evening. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Fans use beach towels to cover up. The Marriott's 'Big Game at the Beach' drew about 400 to watch the Super Bowl on the big screens Sunday evening. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Kurt Anderson gives a ride to Ann Anderson. The Marriott's 'Big Game at the Beach' drew about 400 to watch the Super Bowl on the big screens Sunday evening. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Krystal Reyes helps herself to the unlimited chicken wings. The Marriott's 'Big Game at the Beach' drew about 400 to watch the Super Bowl on the big screens Sunday evening. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent
  • Janice Halbuer and Melissa Carlson stay bundled up. The Marriott's 'Big Game at the Beach' drew about 400 to watch the Super Bowl on the big screens Sunday evening. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Marco Islanders got to experience a little of that feeling Sunday night. Mother Nature took a great idea, the Marriott's Super Bowl beach party, and used it for a little demonstration of just what "wind chill factor" is all about. The hotel clearly had a winning formula – discounted rooms, unlimited beer, wine, and chicken wings, and a forest of inflatable big screen televisions broadcasting the biggest sporting event of the year. The response proved the point, with 175 rooms sold to locals, opting for a hotel stay literally minutes away from their homes. Approximately 400 showed up to watch the game along the Gulf, with another Marriott party for visiting meeting planners happening right next door.




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