Your Marco Photos

A collection of galleries of photos submitted by Marco Island residents. Submit your photos at yourmarco.com.

Full gallery »Looking Back: Historic photos from Naples

  • Tourist-tacky is nothing new. Southwest Florida history buff Alvin Lederer shares this 1935 postcard from Collier City, named for perhaps Marco Island’s first homesteader, Confederate Army Capt. William Collier, no relation to the county’s founding family. Collier built a hotel that today survives in part as the Old Marco Inn. The Collier County Museum reports Collier City was incorporated as the whole island in 1927 and was disbanded by the Florida Legislature due to inactivity in 1957. The modern-day city of Marco, where there is lots of activity, incorporated in 1997. Upload your classic postcards and historical images at naplesnews.com/participate.
  • Unidentified 1916 guests at Palm Cottage, preserved today as a mini-museum a block east of the Naples Pier, pose with their exotic trophy.
  • Spring break on a Naples beach — in April 1915. Residents and their winter guests turn out for Gymkhana Day, a popular local fest that featured picnic lunches, foot races and field day games. The buildings in the background, now long gone, served as beach cabanas and changing rooms. Courtesy of the Collier County Museum. Readers with memorabilia to share are encouraged to upload it online at naplesnews.com/participate.
  • Collier County history buff Alvin Lederer shares this truly vintage scene from Everglades City, which he plans to donate to Everglades City archives: “I bought (on eBay) the original photo of the Everglades Trolley that Barron Gift Collier brought down from Coney Island, N.Y., dated 1926 — and after 81 years the photo is going back to Everglades City. ... The building in the background is the Everglades Bank,” now a bed and breakfast. The people in the photo are not identified. Upload your classic photos at naplesnews.com/participate.
  • The ice plant — which doubled as an electricity-generating plant — was near Fifth Street and 11th Avenue South. The Collier County Museum estimates it was there until the mid-1960s. This long-ago landmark of Old Naples is brought back to life via rare family photos courtesy of Emilie Oppenheim. Readers with local memorabilia to share are encouraged to upload them at naplesnews.com/participate.
  • The Naples water tower, stood near the old — and new — City Hall until 1977, according to the Collier County Museum. This long-ago landmark of Old Naples is brought back to life via rare family photos courtesy of Emilie Oppenheim. Readers with local memorabilia to share are encouraged to upload them at naplesnews.com/participate.

These classic photos were published in 2007 in the Sunday Perspective section of the Naples Daily News.



Full gallery »Trees chopped on Marco cause outrage

  • Two out of three of Mackle Park's Royal Poincianas can no longer be saved. One tree remains standing after the city cut down the others Wednesday without a forewarning to the residents' who saw them planted decades ago.
  • Planted by neighbors decades ago, they city cut down Royal Poincianas Wednesday.
  • The blooms of the Royal Poinciana were the subject of many tourists' and residents' photographs. However, two of three trees at Mackle Park were chopped down Wednesday to the dismay of several neighbors.
  • Poinciana trees are cut down with chainsaws Wednesday at Mackle Park just weeks before the southern trees are to be in bloom.
  • Large blooming Poincianas became a landmark of the past Wednesday as Marco's Park and Rec department ordered two of three of the trees, which were planted decades ago by neighbors to the park, be cut down.

The southern blooming trees of Mackle Park were removed by the city without warning Wednesday. The park's neighbors say they learned of the Royal Poinciana's fate when they were startled by the roaring of chainsaws.



Full gallery »Marco's youngest firefighter

  • A fire ignited behind the Marco Island fire station is extinguished by Junior Firefighter of the year for 2009 Andrew Sprankle, a 4th-grader from Tommie Barfield Elementary School.
  • Taking center stage Tuesday is 2009 Junior Firefighter of the Year Andrew Sprankle, a 4th-grader from Tommie Barfield Elementary School, who received fire gear sized for the youngster, got a ride to school in the fire truck and put out fires with the help of his new Marco Island Fire Rescue Department teammates.
  • Marco Island fourth-grader Andrew Sprankle is on top of the world, or at least a fire truck, Tuesday, as he suits up in his own properly-sized fire gear as the 2009 Junior Fire Fighter of the Year. Sprankle won an essay contest at Tommie Barfield Elementary School writing about what makes his home fire safe. His award included a day of firefighting adventures with the Marco Island Fire Rescue Department.
  • Junior Firefighter of the Year Andrew Sprankle, right, a 4th-grader from Tommie Barfield Elementary School, fights his first fire with members of the Marco Island Fire Rescue Department Tuesday.

Andrew Sprankle, Junior Firefighter of the year for 2009. The 4th-grader from Tommie Barfield Elementary School won an essay contest on home fire safety leading to a ride to school in a fire truck, full fire gear of his own and a chance to put out his own fires Tuesday, Nov. 10.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Everglades City celebration

  • The Everglades City Fourth of July parade was held July 5, 2009. It was headed by the Deaconess Bedell, as well as the Barron Gift Collier and wife Julia (characters portrayed by Edward and Kathy Miracco of Marco Island).
  • The Everglades City Fourth of July parade was held July 5, 2009. It was headed by the Deaconess Bedell, as well as the Barron Gift Collier and wife Julia (characters portrayed by Edward and Kathy Miracco of Marco Island).
  • Shaylee Deleon, 6 months, was the July 4th parade of babies 0-1 winner. The Everglades City Fourth of July parade was held July 5, 2009.
  • These kids wait to be in the Everglades City Fourth of July parade, which was held July 5, 2009.
  • “Barron Collier” waves at the old Collier County Courthouse during the Everglades City Independence Day Parade on Sunday. Ed Miracco of the Marco Island Historical Society enjoyed playing our county’s founder as he rode on a swamp buggy built and driven by Jim Bryan of Chokoloskee. The entry won a prize.
  • This is the essence of Everglades City, local people just having fun and showing their patriotism, as seen in our parade on Sunday, July 5, 2009, to celebrate Independence Day.

The Everglades City Fourth of July celebration was held July 5, 2009.



Full gallery »Doggie Happy Hour

  • Princesses are among the guests at Dog Happy Hour held at CJ's on the Bay, March 25. Karen C. Saeks, President of Bedtime Bundles, said she was 'thrilled and amazed' by the success of the first Doggy Happy Hour fundraiser. 'I give it two paws up,' she exclaimed.The goal was to raise at least $5,000, which was greatly exceeded by the collection of more than $17,000, Saeks reported after the event. 'We are bursting at the seams with pride and wanted to share this news with you.' EAGLE i Karen Saeks, President of Bedtime Bundles
  • Scenes from March 25 Doggy Happy Hour at CJ's on the Bay.
  • Scenes from March 25 Doggy Happy Hour held at CJ's on the Bay to benefit Bedtime Bundles. The event raised more than $17,000.
  • Scenes from March 25 Doggy Happy Hour at CJ's on the Bay.
  • Scenes from March 25 Doggy Happy Hour at CJ's on the Bay.
  • Scenes from March 25 Doggy Happy Hour at CJ's on the Bay.

Doggie Happy Hour raises more than $17,000, March 25, for Bedtime Bundles to benefit immigrant farm workers and their families. The event at CJ's on the Bay included a fashion show, raffle and costume contest. Karen Saeks, President of Bedtime Bundles, said she was "thrilled and amazed" by the success of the first Doggy Happy Hour fundraiser. "I give it two paws up," she exclaimed.The goal was to raise at least $5,000, which was greatly exceeded by the collection of more than $17,000, Saeks reported after the event. "We are bursting at the seams with pride and wanted to share this news with you." EAGLE i Karen Saeks, President of Bedtime Bundles



Full gallery »Your Photos: Wild Animals & Nature May 2008

  • Petra Gustkey writes, 'this picture is of a fence about 15 miles north of US 41 in the Turner River area. I guess a long time ago people had livestock out there or so I was told, the fences still remain in a some of the areas.'
  • A prairie in the Florida Everglades.
  • Petra Gustkey snapped this photo of a storm rolling in near the Turner River area off of US 41.
  • Petra Gustkey snapped this photo of a rainbow over an orange grove near Immokalee.
  • Petra Gustkey captured these dolphins swimming in the Gulf of Mexico off of Caxambas Park.
  • Taken at Caxambas Park in Marco Island.

Photos submitted by our readers showing the unique wild animals and natural beauty in and around Southwest Florida. Submit your own photos at naplesnews.com/participate or send photos via email to webninjas@naplesnews.com.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Sunrises & Sunsets May 2008

  • End of the Day Sunset at Vanderbilt Beach. A fishing boat makes for home as a surf fisherman makes a few last casts to try his luck. Always a beautiful time of day with beach goers raising a toast to old Sol for another beautiful day in Southwest Florida.

We live in paradise. The sunsets are a daily bonus. Get your fix here. Submit your own photos at naplesnews.com/participate or send photos via email to webninjas@naplesnews.com.



Full gallery »Your Photos: On the Scene

  • More than 200 parishioners, Marco Islanders, visitors and kind pets gathered on the new St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Labyrinth to celebrate Easter - “Island Style.” Accompanied by J. Roberts on Steel Drums and guitar music by the Rev. John Ineson, the congregation sang, heard an inspiring sermon by the Rev. Kyle Bennet, Rector of St. Mark’s and received communion and a blessing of the animals. The new labyrinth provides a place for a “walking meditation” and a quiet respite in the beautiful surrounding garden. The Labyrinth is open to the whole Marco Island community and is located on Bluebird Avenue (just east of St. Mark’s, 1101 North Collier Boulevard.)
  • An anaconda visits the Petco store in North Naples where the owner bought the pet five years ago.
  • An anaconda visits the Petco store in North Naples where the owner bought the pet five years ago.
  • Dan Almaral snapped this photo of a traffic accident on Pine Ridge Road around 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2008.
  • Dan Almaral snapped this photo of a traffic accident on Pine Ridge Road around 2:40 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2008.
  • The beautiful stained glass from the front, is now the last light standing of the old First Baptist Church on Marco Island.

Are you there when news happens? Community members send these shots taken with cell phones and their personal cameras.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Pets 2008

  • This is Daphne & Penelope. They belong to Mark and Michelle Thieme of Naples.
  • This is Miss Kitty. She is spoiled rotten.
  • Thursday night was Audrey Johnson Founder's Night Pet Food Donation night at the Collier County Fair. Participants could donate pet food for free gate admission. Donated pet food was passed on to Brooke's Animal Legacy - represented by Tink Bechtol and dog Hogan - who is up for adoption.
  • Josie Stropes lives in Naples with Jerry Stropes, She is the happiest Pug in town.
  • Golden Gate resident Sue Brennan shares these photos of her cats Stinky and Smokey. She writes ' Here are my cats. Thought you would enjoy these photos.'
  • 'These are my two Australian Shepherds. Bandit and Skunk.'

Southwest Florida residents love their four-legged (and two-legged) friends. Submit your photos at naplesnews.com/participate



Full gallery »Your Photos: Sunrises & Sunsets March & April 2008

  • This is our beautiful daughter Deborah Jones (5) enjoying the sunset at Residents Beach. She said 'the sun just melted in the water!'
  • Anna Perkins took this photo of a fantastic sunset over a golf course along Lely Boulevard.
  • Anastasiya Felis writes, 'There was not a cloud in the sky as the sun set on Wiggins Pass Beach on March 16th.'
  • Trish Mulligan snapped this photo of a fantastic Naples sunset.
  • This was taken at the Naples Pier on March 1, 2008.
  • Paul and Bobbie Violette write, 'We wanted to share our favorite photo of Residents' Beach where we have enjoyed many wonderful hours of warm days and beautiful sunsets.'

We live in paradise. The sunsets are a daily bonus. Get your fix here. Submit your own photos at naplesnews.com/participate or send photos via email to webninjas@naplesnews.com.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Vacation Snapshots 2008

  • John and Joan Wissocki of Naples encountered two grizzly cubs who had wandered away from their parents. John snapped this picture during the couple's Alaskan vacation.
  • Linda Sadler snapped this photo in Bermuda. She writes, “This is a picture of the Bermuda Gombey - they show up on the streets the day after Christama s(Boxing Day) and dance before the people who throw money at their feet. The dances are energetic, and grow swifter gradually, while the spectators become more wild and energetic.”
  • How about a 2008 smile from our Orlando friend Shamu!
  • Mark Brandau of Marco Island gets a breakfast visit from good ol' Bikini Bottom's Squidward!
  • Darby Neil, 14, snapped this photo of the Rockefeller Plaza street sign during her trip to New York.
  • Lori Morris sends us this photo from her daughter, who is attending college at the University of Hawaii. Lori writes, 'I thought this was pretty cool!'

Going somewhere? Show us where you've been! Readers can submit their own photos via email to webninjas@naplesnews.com.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Wild Animals & Nature April 2008

  • Gates Rodenfels writes, 'This is a short-tailed hawk and I took this picture on Saturday, April 5th at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.'
  • This frog was waiting patiently for his nightly feeding in a lighted entryway that attracts an array of flying insects.
  • This American Avocet in it's breeding plumage wonders up and down the beach at Delnor-Wiggins State Park in Naples searching for a mate. Although none of the same species is within miles, this American Avocet seems very content just strolling around on this beautiful day.
  • Dylan Kalvin writes, 'These photos were taken this weekend in the Moorings subdivision with our Kodak EasyShare z612 digital camera. My family has been debating whether the dark birds are Golden Eagles or young Bald Eagles. What do you think? Just thought these photos were more testament to the paradise we live in.'
  • Ray Mackmin writes, 'We found this Spotted Eagle Ray at our seawall last weekend on Marco Island and got some great pictures.'
  • This is a baby woodpecker I happened to catch a picture of.

Photos submitted by our readers showing the unique wild animals and natural beauty in and around Southwest Florida. Submit your own photos at naplesnews.com/participate or send photos via email to webninjas@naplesnews.com.



Full gallery »Your Photos: The People of SW Florida April 2008

  • Erik Swenson (age 17 months) enjoys his first experience with seagulls on the beach at Delnor Wiggins State Park - March, 2008.
  • Alexa Phillips writes, 'Please find attached a picture of the Calusa Park Elementary First Grade Team at work with the Young Authors Conference last Friday. We had a guest Author (John Archambault of 'Chicka Chicka Boom Boom') and fun was had by all. Our theme was Fairy Tales ... obviously.'
  • Paula Marker writes, 'This is pretty funny actually. We were driving around some streets of West Terry in Bonita Springs and spotted this sign next door to the house for sale. I actually saw the mail person get out of the mail delivery truck to take a snapshot and I decided to do the same. Thought Bonita residents might enjoy the humor of these people!'
  • This is our beautiful daughter Deborah Jones (5) enjoying the sunset at Residents Beach. She said 'the sun just melted in the water!'
  • Island girls will be island girls! Willow and Elizabeth from Marco Island play in the giant waves on Saturday with their fellow Island friends from Pine Island, McKinley and Jaydn.
  • Watch out!! Tommie Barfield Bunnies are on the loose!! They are having fun every where on Marco Island! Willow and friend Jay are 1st grader's at TBE. They are in Mrs.Madonna's class and they wish her a Happy Easter!

Submit your photos at naplesnews.com/participate or send photos via email to webninjas@naplesnews.com.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Project Polaroid

  • Polaroid by Leslie Herzer
  • Polaroid by Chris D. King
  • This Polaroid is of Gary Hochberg and his cousin Jim during a trip to Washington, DC and Williamsburg, VA in July 1963. Hochberg writes, 'our great Uncle Ralph took us on the trip to see the sights in Washington, and then to colonial Williamsburg. Jim and I were just 7 years old and we spent most of our childhood as close friends.'
  • Lisa Mair submitted this Polaroid of her fishing.
  • This photo is of my grandmother Victoria Rowe and her third husband Jesse shortly after they were married. They were just cutting up. I don’t know what year, probably 1976. — Edward Grubbs
  • Jorge Velasquez submitted this Polaroid of his son.

Maybe you still use it now and then. Or perhaps it’s gathering dust on some shelf in the garage or waiting in a box, ready for your next yard sale. Your Polaroid. Brownies and Instamatics were fine, but no other camera gave the shooter the immediacy, the intimacy and the elation of reproducing life in their hand.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Pilot makes emergency landing behind hotel

  • The pilot of an experimental sea plane made an emergency landing Wednesday evening, April 9, 2008, in the waters behind a North Naples hotel.
  • The pilot of an experimental sea plane made an emergency landing Wednesday evening, April 9, 2008, in the waters behind a North Naples hotel.
  • The pilot of an experimental sea plane made an emergency landing Wednesday evening, April 9, 2008, in the waters behind a North Naples hotel.
  • The pilot of an experimental sea plane made an emergency landing Wednesday evening, April 9, 2008, in the waters behind a North Naples hotel.
  • The pilot of an experimental sea plane made an emergency landing Wednesday evening, April 9, 2008, in the waters behind a North Naples hotel.
  • The pilot of an experimental sea plane made an emergency landing Wednesday evening, April 9, 2008, in the waters behind a North Naples hotel.

The pilot of an experimental sea plane made an emergency landing Wednesday evening, April 9, 2008, in the waters behind a North Naples hotel.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Lunar eclipse on Feb. 20, 2008

  • Greg Pacter writes, 'Sorry this is late. I thought you'd like it for the February 20 lunar eclipse gallery. I took this shot when the clouds were rolling in.'
  • Vicki Baker sent us this photo of Wednesday’s lunar eclipse. The total eclipse phase lasted nearly an hour. The next total lunar eclipse won’t occur again until 2010.
  • Vicki Baker sent us this photo of Wednesday’s lunar eclipse. The total eclipse phase lasted nearly an hour. The next total lunar eclipse won’t occur again until 2010.
  • Vicki Baker sent us this photo of Wednesday’s lunar eclipse. The total eclipse phase lasted nearly an hour. The next total lunar eclipse won’t occur again until 2010.
  • Vicki Baker sent us this photo of Wednesday’s lunar eclipse. The total eclipse phase lasted nearly an hour. The next total lunar eclipse won’t occur again until 2010.
  • Vicki Baker sent us this photo of Wednesday’s lunar eclipse. The total eclipse phase lasted nearly an hour. The next total lunar eclipse won’t occur again until 2010.

The total eclipse on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 lasted nearly an hour. The next total lunar eclipse won’t occur again until 2010.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Wild Animals & Nature March 2008

  • Jean Guy writes, 'I found this limpkin on one of our small bridges where I live in Corkscrew Woodlands in Estero.'
  • Dan Almaral sends us this great photo of seagulls in action at the Naples Pier.
  • Anastasiya Felis writes, 'Animals are not the only attraction at the Naples Zoo.'
  • Shanna Fabbrini writes, 'A butterfly takes a break on our back porch.'
  • 'A windy day at the Naples Pier' - Shanna Fabbrini tells us that she 'took this picture at the Naples Pier a few years ago.'
  • Anna Perkins snapped this photo of a bee on a flower in the median of Lely Boulevard.

Photos submitted by our readers showing the unique wild animals and natural beauty in and around Southwest Florida. Submit your own photos at naplesnews.com/participate or send photos via email to webninjas@naplesnews.com.



Full gallery »Your Photos: The People of SW Florida March 2008

  • Tyler Anderson, age two, visited his grandparents, Rocky and Deby Barron, in February. Tyler loved going 'outside' to fish with 'papa' and explore Barefoot Beach in Bonita.
  • Frequent contributor John Henry writes, 'These photos were take at about 3:30 PM today from the access walkway to Barefoot Beach from the South entrance off Bonita Beach Road, North Naples. Facing N/W showing locals and visitors enjoying a lovely Easter afternoon on the Beach.'
  • Abby & Joshua Vyn, four and two year old grandchildren of Tom and Lynda Murtha of Toronto, and Bonita Bay, Bonita Springs. The pictures were taken in late November. The children were dressed in red as their parents attempted to take pictures for their Christmas cards.
  • Plenty of beach goers spent the day on Vanderbilt Beach soaking up the sun and sand on a warm sunny Friday winter day.
  • Trish Mulligan sends along this photo of some friendly local wildlife.
  • Tyler Anderson, age two, visited his grandparents, Rocky and Deby Barron, in February. Tyler loved going 'outside' to fish with 'papa' and explore Barefoot Beach in Bonita.

Submit your photos at naplesnews.com/participate or send photos via email to webninjas@naplesnews.com.



Full gallery »Your Photos: Marco Island YMCA Skate Competition

  • Skate competion was held March 16th at the Marco Island YMCA. The kids were so excited to get their photo with Shadow Skate team. Front row left to right Marco kids: Robert Rossetti, Jacob Warren, Conner Bowden, Hagen Smith. Back row left to right Pro skaters: Skye Trafton, Kahrhon B., John Murray, Troy Cole.
  • Shark of the park champ Conner Bowden and Pro Skater Kahrhon B.
  • Left to right 1st time Shark of the Park Hagen Smith, new Shark Conner Bowden, and Kahrhon B. Back row Joe Smith skate park supervisor.

Skate competion was held March 16th at the Marco Island YMCA. The kids were so excited to get their photo with Shadow Skate team.



Full gallery »Your Photos: The Esplanade's First Thursday event

  • Carol Rosasco, Cindy Crane, and Cindy Daly with Captain Hook at the Esplanade's First Thursday. The event was a preview to 'The pARTy, Swashbuckling Soiree', a fundraiser for the Art League, Marco Island's Center for the Arts to be held on March 28th.
  • Captain Scarface, Captain Hook, and Captain Black at the Esplanade's First Thursday await the upcoming 'The pARTy, A Swashbuckling Soiree', a fundraiser for the Art league, Marco Island's Center for the Arts on March 28th.
  • Christine Neal and Charlie Neal celebrate with Captain Hook at the Esplanade's First Thursday in anticipation of 'The pARTy, A Swashbuckling Soiree' fundraiser for the Art League, Marco Island's Center for the Arts to be held on March 28th.
  • Liz Doyle and Bill Doyle with Captain Hook were winners of the Pirate's Treasure Hunt sponsored by the Art League, Marco Island's Center for the Arts. 'The pARTy, A Swashbuckling Soiree' will be held on March 28th.

The Esplanade's First Thursday event was a preview to "The pARTy, Swashbuckling Soiree", a fundraiser for the Art League, Marco Island's Center for the Arts to be held on March 28th.




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