marconews.com Accounts

As I have stated many times, The Mackles and all envolved with the development of Marco Island were far ahead of their time. To take on such development in that era was a very big deal to pull off.

They had the right stuff and we should admire their work. I love my Deltona Home and hope it will remain standing for another 48 years.

As most of these stories go the so called smart people call in consultants then they spend the taxpayers dollars while the people in charge are paying themselves top dollar also. Then that group moves on to new territory and the taxpayers are left holding the bag.

We all know that the water rates are a complete ripoff. If the City had any sense they would have laid re-use water lines along side the sewer mains for STRP. I would have gladly paid some monies towards that for irrigation purposes.

Ideas like that make to much sense although I do believe it is run on Collier to make the main drag look green and lush.

Remember "its expensive to do business in paradise" Does it take a special license to work in paradise? Are there special tools to work in paradise? Do you need a special vehicle to work in paradise? I must have missed the "paradise" class and training.

Moon, the old saying "build it and they will come".

Now throw in social media with internet contact and then see what you have.

2themoon. I am not old. I am not retired. I live in a modern city. I see what development brings.
First, it brings people. Next, it brings the problems more people in one area bring. Trash, crime,other people who want to make profit from the influx of people. So sit back and think about your little harmless parking garage and think about how many more people after it is posted on internet sites how simple it is to go to Marco Island south beech. Furthermore, where exactly is the property for this three story parking garage. Why not throw in a shuttle bus why you are at it.

Do you still want a parking garage?

If I had to be "stuck on a rock" I can not think of a better one to be stuck on.

Marco Island has changed my life and I am not even a kid. Who could not enjoy this place. It is my favorite place to be. When I am not there I think about it most of the time.

I do believe that the "dying generation" is still live and kicking. I would consider myself one with the same thoughts as peace,quiet and less development. More residents or part time residents still one and the same "homeowners" as I am still not old, not retired, not senile.

I find it important that Deltona's deed restrictions be kept alive as it spells out the island and the lifestyle. As I have said many times Deltona was far ahead of their time. I will agree some "minor" changes may apply today but really minature golf. I find the concept something you would find in a "tourist trap" town. I find that is not Marco Island quality. I think MICA wants to be shure it is as correct as possible keeping in tune with Deltona.

I agree that Residents Beech is good for the resident. For 100 dollars to have quality access and parking to the beech is a great deal. I think that should never go away period. I like that probally the best feature as I bought here for the beech.

Guys like me and ajm3s still believe in this island and I believe many more are in majority as we truly love this place and want to protect it's quality.

AJM You are right. Like you, I am very disappointed with the new Council. What happened to the platform that they ran on? Watch spending, cut waste, listen to the people?????

AJM3 The citizens of Marco Island missed out by you not running for a City Council seat.

Old Marco Man is 100% correct but due to the folks on this island that can be convinced by smoke and mirrors the majority is leaning to stupidity. I think that this is going to be the new normal for the island. Stupidity.

All of these "boards" should be eliminated. These are people looking to spend some other persons money. They get a little authority and it goes to their heads.

I have seen it many times over. Then they use the Board as a "stepping stone" to further political appointments or offices. It is the oldest play in the book. Hang around first, get on a board,get hired or run for office and get on the taxpayer dime.

Here we go again. Hype,Hype,Hype,Run,Run,Run,Buy,Buy,Buy........

Ian Do not put words in my mouth. My opinions are I hate no one. I do not like dishonest people period. Be that a person in political office that was intrusted by the people to be honest, to the business owner who should be honest with his/her customer or the local worker who does not do his job right.

That being said I feel the "average guy" like I am needs a voice on the island. I have never run for any office in my life but I stand for one thing rights. People have rights. To be treated fair as in business, City spending, and City matters, to property rights through ownership of land. That is my stand, do not try to spin it your way.

The voting demographic is changing people like me are planning to move full time there and they will make the change. If not then you will see a good buy on a Marco Island home as I will leave.

Ian-Curtis. I bought my 1967 Deltona home from the "origional owner" they purchased the home for "retirement" and enjoyed it seasonally until 2002 when in their 90's they could no longer travel down to it. Deltona was a vision of not only retirement but "vacation homes" The Mackel Brothers and Deltona had vision. That included all being schools,open space,layout, and beech access.

So Ian when you grandparents were "brought here" in 1967 I am shure that you were a visitor to their home right? Then some 23 years later you became a resident according to your post you have been here 23 years which would be 1990.

I know in 1990 the ecomony was very poor and my guess is you either moved in with the grandparents or better yet they left it to you.
How did you get here Ian?

Let's set the record straight first. Yes, I bought a home on Marco Island and I am very proud of that fact and reaching that goal in life that lets my wife and I do that. I earned every dime to buy it and earn every dime to maintain and hold it. So Ian when we work 60-70 hours six to seven days a week to pay for it and people like you complain about people like us who are supporting the island. Your frikin lucky we have supported your as you say "meager mooching lives"

Second, I do not need to be told by you were to live or not to live. Last I checked my name is on the deed not yours. The problem is you think your name is on the deed and can make stupid statements like "we do not need you".

Well pal, if the island was not the island and just another subdivision Mooches like you would be in a wourld of hurt as you would have to tow you own rope. The only problem is Grandma's house is not worth what you thought it would be on your exit plan and now you are stuck there. That's why all you "full timers" are mad. You hoped the golden goose was going to keep laying eggs and you just waited a little to long friend. So maybee it is time for you to leave the island so me and the other 833's can have the 23 years that you have enjoyed. Better yet move away and keep your home and all the costs with it and see how it feels on this end fool.

I am wondering if the the "three new guys" as they run as have fooled the voters of Marco Island. The people were so desperate for change you could not help to vote for them.

So far, I am not impressed with their quiet conduct which seems to go along with the majority.

Mr. Issler is still fooling himself if he believs that Marco Island is tilting towards "families" vs. "retirees"

Some may want the scales to tip that way but the only reason this has got some truth to it is the lower property values has opened the door to affordable ownership of a home on Marco Island. Prior to that "families" could not afford to live on Marco Island. I for one want to retire here and am not concerened with "family" lifestyle. My home town which was once a quiet rural community was transformed in the 90's building boom to a "family friendly community"
Schools were built, subdivisions popped up everwhere. Farmers were bought out for their land and farming was no longer a part of the community. New police, fire and municipal buildings and services were added. Parks were built, along with golf courses. Community Centers with pools and gyms and large meeting facilities all came new out of the ground.

Land values soared as everyone wanted to live there. Today after the crash, the homes are valued 50% less than the aquired price. Forcloseure was high, houses were sold cheap.

With urban sprall came Crime. The police and Fire forces are on constant call for traffic accidents and police matters. The number of daytime home breakins has risen. Thefts of cars and from parked cars has risen. You have to be on guard to live there or you will be a crime victim.
The City is millions of dollars in debt due to lack of tax revenue from houses that lost value and business that closed. Legacy costs for retired City workers are pushing the City further and further in debt. Many people have and many more will walk away from their homes.

Is this the future you see Mr. Issler for Marco Island? I have lived all my life in that area and I dare you to tell me that "retires" are not the primary part of Marco Island.

Retirees are the anchor of Marco Island. If you do not think that leave. If it goes your way with the "family City" I will leave before I get there. When I get there, I plan to run for a Council seat that truly represents the "little Guy" and that voice will be heard.

I think the Mayan Calendar calls for the end of the "Code Board" on 12/21

Doodles, Great Name!! "Hosed" or "Hosed Again"

I like the way the cops can "retire" out of a crime. That's just great, send some pictures, get a pention, take some training, get hired back. Does the word "retired" mean two paychecks? Does the Chief of Police realize how foolish this looks to the citizens of Marco Island.

Are these people just not accountable to anyone?

Code police. There it goes folks. Now the "badge and handcuffs" start to come out for Code Compliance. Maybee he can send pictures of the offense seeing he is handy with a camera. There goes the rolling rock starting here. All you "do-it yourselfers" and "Mr.Fix-it" beware.

K-Daze Great point. The City is totally out of touch and this Fire Chief along with them. As in most communities the Fire Dept always has a wish list for purchase. This Fire Boat is over the top and just plain foolish.

We need to name the new boat. Let's take a poll. I say like "Marco Spends it" or "Fools Money" for suggestions.

Question, How long will it take for a "special tax levey or milledge" to appear to fund "Fire & Ems services" on Marco island once they really find out how much the boat will cost including "joy rides" with diesel fuel at a all time high.

It's Baywatch relived, bring on the girls in binkini's

Mr. Issler, If Marco Island is not a retirement destination what are you doing here?
I purchased my home in 2002 and looked forward to retirement here. You are so wrong in saying that "retirees are a small portion of those that live here".

Look around. My neighbors are all retired. I go to the store mostly retired older folks. I go to the beech, older folk, visitors and tourists. I go to the local bar on Saturday night I was the youngest person in the place and at 11.00 pm the next to the last in the place listening to the band playing to a empty bar.

So Mr.Issler tell me where this "non retirement" crowd is on Marco Island as I still am the "youngster" as my neighbors call me. They find it hard to believe my age and planning my retirement so soon. Again, what are you doing here?

As far as the fire boat this is another step to "exclusive" living on Marco Island. I can hear it now "we have a state of the art fire boat" for the realtor to use as a sales pitch to MR&MRS. boat owner who has come to the island looking to purchase. We also have this brand new bridge so you can speed as fast in you car as your boat. "Do not worry if you crash our state of the art EMS will take great care of you on land and sea".
Next, like I say we need a Marco Island "Air rescue helicopter" so we can handle the transport to a "level one trama center".

This is the "New Marco Island " demographic as some see it. Jet set boater, fast cars, aircraft and of coarse "Multi-millon dollar home. This "support" system the city is putting in place is all part of the "big picture" I have been seeing and writing about for years. It is a plan that unfortunatly does not include many of the current residents of Marco Island in Deltona Homes with lower tax rates no boat or fast car or aircraft ownership.

The plan is to have this infustructure in place to "market" the island to a new clientel. One with a lot of money.

I figure I will remain with my fast classic car, classic chopper motorcycle, rock music loud as I like it that way but my classic Deltona Home will have to remain. That may be a problem fitting in to the "New Marco Island" but who cares.

Let's see the hour meter and a log matching every "rescue" of the new boat. You know as well as I this is just another "toy" for the fire dept. and City Officials to play with.

I am waiting to see the "training" time that will be spent on this boat. The taxpayers will pay for the boat,fuel,and the paychecks of all on the boat on the clock.

What is next a Marco Island Helicopter?

Where are the new guys stopping the spending spree?

Are you already not thinking of the taxpayers who elected you??????

I think they have already dropped the ball. All talk no actions. What a disappointment to see this at the first big decision after the election.

They speak of the "donzi" as it is a piece of crap. Why not just us "waverunners" like the Sheriff uses. and keep the current boat.

1Paradise, Thank you. Actually it is pure greed driven along with the "fear" of the "Code Police" that will get most folks. Duuh sounds like that type of salesman justifying his "costs" but working on a mere 5-7% which we all know is false. It is a shame that people on Marco Island are subject to this but with the internet one can make better choices and get a fair deal.

I am not saying to work for free just be honest and you will have more work than you can handle. If duuh told the whole story most HVAC contractors charge 10% markup on the equipment package then a fair rate for the install. I am fortunate to be able to install my own HVAC and purchase wholesale.

I would not be able to afford "contractor" prices on Marco Island. I feel sorry for people on limited incomes or retired that have to pay out the nose. I show my neighbors how to do many things themselves, help them if needed, and advise pricing to them. I feel it is the least a good neighbor can do.

Duhuh, Well professor, if you want to have a Electric lesson here on this blog lets go. First you speak of Voltage. The part you are missing is the Amperage. Electrons travel trough "conductors" Amperage determines how fast the travel. Your anaolgy of 24v can kill you but at what amp? 1amp 100amp 1000amp If you want to teach remember your first lesson Electrical power seeks the easy and fastest way to ground. That is why wire is made of copper or aluminum not plastic or wood. The human body with its make up of tissue and water which are good conductors make us vunerable to shock.
"Amperage" The speed of which an electron travels through or down a conductor. 7th grade Electronics Class. You must have missed that class.

Second. Safety. True most 220v shocks rarley happen by grabbing wires. If you are indeed a Electrical/Mechanical Contractor you should know that most fatal or injury shocks occur at the unit, panel, or disconnect.

Example, Tech forgets to turn off disconnect opens unit service panel starts to perform service or disconnect unit "Bam" gets hit. Tech thinks disconnect is off, it is in a bank of disconnects, does not check at unit starts service "bam" hit. Most times its a screwdriver that crosses the legs and the shock happens. Tell me you never seen that?

As far as the "dock" issue the NEC code at the time the homeowner stated 1985 the dock was installed by a contractor and wired by a contractor. NEC in 1985 was romex (residential) and ground lug near water. I have seen many underwater pool lights that have takoffs from the "fuse" panel to a sub box and run out to the pool light box in UG Romex with a ground #8 wire then to a 1/2" ground rod. That was code in 1971 we had such a pool as a kid and I would refuse to swim in it with the light on. That pool was wired by an "electrical contractor" and inpected by the City and passed.So your arguement is that now that GFCI has come along it is up to the homeowner to "upgrade" to current code due to repairing his deck. So lets say your company vechicles are not equipped with front/side/rear airbags. It has rust and the paint is faded you repaint it, you then should "upgrade to all airbags" so you or your workers are protected in the event of a collision right? Answer that, where does it end. Where do you draw that line?

Laduve, Typical answer. You cannot defend your position due to not having one. Then next is to insult to try to not look foolish to further your weak answer. I think you need to rethink your position before just insulting someone. Again, I am not a "Putz" no need for "sticking hand in fan" whatever that means.

Try to stay on topic and try to educate yourself with the facts other than your insults. Many folks find this to be a matter that is taken serious.