Comments by Rachael

Written on Marco residents may soon see a new fee on water utility bills:

I love how the City Council uses words like "May increase" or "Proposed fee" when associated with taxes and our city water. As if there is a chance that the council will not accept the increase in cost to the citizens of this island. It is joke.

25yearsonmarco is exactly right -- at some point it is going to get so expensive to live here that it will either price everyone out (or price out any potential buyers for those who choose to move). Good job council!

Written on Charges won’t be filed in pedestrian fatality on Marco:

What a tragedy for both families... prayers to the Vergo and O'Hea families.

Written on “It’s tradition’: Marco celebrated on Residents Beach; fireworks a success:

Marco Island -- job well done. The fireworks display was beautiful!

Written on Marco police officer charged with battery:

beating them and pepper spraying them after they are handcuffed and in the back of the police car is excessive.

if he had done this in order to get them cuffed and into the car, that would be a whole different story...

That being said, the punk kids probably had it coming to them.

Written on Marco's Code Board gives stiff fines for repeat offenders:

"The board also expressed their intent to ensure the fines were paid by the builder and not the property owner."

How is the board to know that the job is not a "cost plus" and the owners aren't in charge of the lawn maintainance? Assuming that the builder is responsible and should incur their ridiculous fines in absurd.

And speaking of fines... nearly $4,000 for 12 days worth of weeds... give me a break!

Written on New idea for controversial Tract K: Solar panels to power schools:

heebeed... unfortunately, you are right. Marco Island's mantra has always been: "If you can't afford it get off the Island."

At a certain point, it isn't about being able to AFFORD living on the Island, it is about being able to JUSTIFY THE COST of living on the Island.

Written on East Winterberry Bridge reopens:

yea! finally!

Written on Half of Marco home at risk of being demolished because it violates city code:

EFT:

I can't speak for his Realtor, but as a Realtor myself, I advise clients to use an attorney or title agent and to get a survey -- regardless of their method of payment.

It is pretty standard "CYA" advise... I would assume this guys' Realtor advised the same. This guy probably wanted to save money and didn't think it was necessary.

I have seen clients put a home under contract and find out that the home was 3 INCHES into the setback area. It was a long, expensive process to get a variance from the City. My guess is that this guy will not end up with a variance.

BOTTOM LINE: Just because this guy didn't get a survey, it isn't necessarily his realtor's fault. AND ALWAYS GET A TITLE SEARCH AND SURVEY WHEN PURCHASING A HOME!!

Written on Half of Marco home at risk of being demolished because it violates city code:

SPANKY1:

GOOD POINT! I didn't check the county website before posting... another prime example of Marco Eagle's "fact checking".

Written on Happy LCEC customers in Marco speak out against city-owned electricity services:

"City officials have identified possible rate reductions and an alternative revenue source resulting from city-owned electricity."

Seriously? Give me a break.

Isn't that the same hogwash story that they gave us about the water utility purchase... I think we can all agree how disastrously/costly that turned out.

Written on Half of Marco home at risk of being demolished because it violates city code:

The article didn't say whether or not the area in question was at any point permitted/approved by the building department...

I am assuming that the prior homeowner performed the work without a permit?!? I wish that the writer would have been a little more thorough...

If the work was not permitted/approved -- where the heck was the Code Enforcement "Officers" when the work was being preformed? They have time to drive around and measure the heights of weeds in everyone's front yard -- but they fail to notice a complete renovation (INCLUDING A KITCHEN!)?!?!

Nice job guys... now this innocent new owner is going to have to pay for your incompetence.

Written on Marco officials ponder starting own power company:

MR. FORCHT... it is refreshing to see someone actually stick up for themselves in this blog(and have the balls to post their ACTUAL name when doing so). Many people use this site to belittle and hurt people -- and all under the cloak of anonymity. Good for you for sticking up for yourself!

The back and forth between you and BLACKWIDOW shows what these blogs SHOULD be about -- opposite sides of an issue meeting on common ground in a respectful way. Kudos to both of you and thank you for keeping the peace in this negative place we call the Marco News Blog...

Written on Marco property values see greatest decrease in history:

Bill Harrison said: "There are really only two options: Take more money out of the pockets of the tax payers or cut government services..."

Hopefully the City makes the wise decision and cuts some government services. I don't like to see people lose jobs, but in a time when building has slowed TREMENDOUSLY... it only seems obvious that the building department be the first place to "trim the fat".

Past precedence shows, however, the City will most likely opt to raise our millage rate... or raise our water bill.

Written on Mary Ann Durso, Collier Habitat director, dies at 64:

Mary Ann was a wonderful person in our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sam and his family during this difficult time. God Bless.

Written on Marco Community Bank makes list of Florida’s most troubled banks:

byCharlie:

A local paper SHOULD share info and risks about what ever they deem necessary. The topic of discussion is not my issue. My complaint is that the information that the Eagle presents as “facts” is often times assumptions or water cooler gossip.

Written on Marco Community Bank makes list of Florida’s most troubled banks:

MarcoAvenger: The paper is free, but that doesn't mean that it should be entitled to print lies and trash.

I am not complaining about a negative article written about a local bank. I am complaining about the obvious disregard to writing unbiased, factual NEWS stories. If you are calling it a NEWS story -- it shouldn't have a slant. Period.

You seem to have a pretty heavy bias yourself -- perhaps you are one of the writers for this paper in need of Journalism 101?

Written on Marco Community Bank makes list of Florida’s most troubled banks:

globalglam:

I'm not sure that any of the writers on the Eagle staff have taken Journalism 101... I have read articles in this paper written by close friends and the "facts" written in the articles were written with distorted facts and outright lies. It is obvious that the Eagle does not care about fact-checking and undue bias.

The good news is that they are losing readership and advertisers, so they will either shape up or will become irrelevant.

Written on Marco Community Bank makes list of Florida’s most troubled banks:

DutchmanOnMarco, sharkfloss:

Unfortunately you are both correct. The Eagle has turned into a gossip column. It prefers salacious gossip over actual news-worthy articles. It has been this way for at least the past 2 years. At this point, they should really change their name to the Marco Enquirer.

Written on Marco to explore underground utility lines on its own:

Preliminary bids say it will cost "$200,000 per mile"... plan to pay at least $500,000 per mile.

As if the sewer project hasn't cost our residents nearly enough... let's add buried electric lines to the kitty. Awesome!

Written on Resident angered over Marco’s use of property:

Exactly SmokeyJoe!!!!

Written on Marco landlords may be held responsible for tenant nuisances:

I am sure that you all realize why this ordinance is being passed... the City of Marco wants another revenue source.

I am certain there will be a fee to "register" your property; and the fines will be abundant and expensive. Let's not forget to mention the eventual "habitual offenders" fine that will surely be added to some homeowners.

Get real. This isn't about appeasing neighbors, it's about getting more money into the City.

Written on Marco leaders want to look at city-run electricity:

Of course they want to buy the electricity rights for Marco Island -- it's like a cartoon all you see in their eyes are $$$.

I think we have all experienced what it is like to have the City of Marco Island owning a utility. Same service -- double the price. Every time something doesn't go their way to fund a project, they turn to raising the water rates.

I currently pay $200/month -- and that's after I completely stopped running my sprinklers! (Before it was about $600/mo.) Expect the same exorbitant rate increases if the city takes over the electric!

Written on Dog ordinance to be unleashed on Marco:

This is great! Finally positive press for the city council!

I am a dog owner and live on a street -- where it seems -- pet owners are the majority. I love the idea of opening the parks to dogs. However, I do agree that there are a lot of lazy dog owners out there that don't pick up after their dogs. (My mailbox is hit almost everyday). I have seen baggie stations at parks in other areas. Maybe if they make baggies more than convenient to those lazy owners, the mess will be a lot less? Just a thought.

Written on Marco man once charged in wife’s death freed from jail:

"If he hadn’t been arrested, Diamond could have been charged some day — if more evidence came to light — because murder has no time limit on filing charges."

Sad... this man just LITERALLY got away with murder. Sick.

Written on Barfield’s Condee is Collier’s Teacher of the Year:

Congratulations Mrs. Condee! A well deserved recognition.

Written on Rental committee sets occupancy, length terms for rentals:

This is ridiculous. NEWSFLASH: We live in a resort community. Many of the "residents" live here a few months out of the year (at best). If these people choose to rent out THEIR homes... it isn't anyone else's business.

I am tired of intolerant couch potatoes determining the way that I can use my property. These parameters were not placed on my property when I bought it and I don't appreciate them being placed on my property now.

If the renters are too loud or are conducting themselves in an unruly manner, call code enforcement or the police. Otherwise, stop being so intolerant.

Neighbors, their guests and their renters COULD make noise and COULD have children -- get over it or move to a 55+ community.

Written on Parents' lawsuit accuses day-care operator of drugging children:

ISLANDER190: How narrow-minded of you to think that these parents would intentionally put their child in danger.

Not every family has the luxury of depending on a single-income to support their family.

In an idealistic world, it would again be the 40's and all women would stay home barefoot and pregnant while cleaning the house, cooking dinner, doing laundry and helping with homework. All the while their workaholic husbands would be at the office supporting their family. Some women can accomplish all of this and help their husbands with the mortgage.

Did it ever occur to you that the mothers who do work WISH they had the opportunity to stay at home and raise their child? Furthermore, did you ever stop to think that your rude and judgmental comments make working mothers feel even more guilty about their situations?

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Matt 7:1-6
7:1 "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother's eye. Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces. NKJV

Written on Parents' lawsuit accuses day-care operator of drugging children:

"The state Department of Children & Families (DCF) had warned Marino four times about medicating children without permission before it pulled Marino’s license after a fifth complaint."

WHY DID DCF WAIT UNTIL THE FIFTH COMPLAINT?!?!?! This is ridiculous on so many levels. Although DCF did not drug the children themselves -- they allowed MARINO to practice home child care knowing that there were 4 prior complaints.

MARINO is obviously lazy and incompetent... I can't think of any other reason why someone in her position would choose to drug the children she is caring for.

Written on Local church builds house and hope for a family:

What an awesome thing for the United Church to give back to the community in a big way. Way to go guys!

Written on Alleged TV scam lands Marco teen in jail:

nice...

Written on Long voyage for Marco yacht club proposal:

This is ludicrous. How this received any kind of approval at this point is beyond me.

Written on There from the start: Tucker, longest serving Marco councilor, to step aside:

HAWKE1: I believe you are one of the "vocal minorities" that Glenn was referring to. As one of the unvocal majority I can say – I am tired of hearing your negative banter.
Perhaps your mother did not teach you the age-long lesson: If you don’t have anything nice to say – don’t say anything at all. Your comment was negative and did nothing to enhance this write up. In the future, keep your negativity to yourself.

Glenn you have done a wonderful service to this community by running for council. Thank you and God Bless you.

Written on Sewer hookup violators get their day in quasi-court:

maharg, lolala:

Unfortunately, it has turned to this. Marco Island has become a joke to our neighboring communities. I had a conversation with a woman from Bonita yesterday and she went on and on about our "sewer saga" on Marco Island.

This is ridiculous. When I first moved here, this island was community oriented, fun, gorgeous place to live. Now... not so much.

I hate to sound cliché -- but can't we all just get along?

Written on Students arrested at 2 high schools during protests:

OLDMARCOMAN: Sadly... you are right.

Written on Marco mustard case lands man back in jail:

It's pretty obvious that this guy has anger management issues...

More importantly, though: What is he doing carrying a container of mustard? Is it a "just in case I need it" bottle -- or was this a premeditated squirt?

Written on Marco police briefs: February 8:

MR. BALZER: stealing $1.09 worth of goods at age 70?!?

It cost more in fuel to transport this guy to jail... what is going on here?

Written on Marco man won’t be prosecuted in wife’s death in pool:

TBALL866 and JUSTICE4JEAN: I am sorry that you and your family were not able to see this loser go to court. Sometimes our justice system is unjust.

As for the bloggers... I have found that on this site people will take any situation and throw a negative or sarcastic spin on it.

When you try to defend yourself -- or someone else -- these posters will eat you alive. It is better to ignore them and silently seethe. They are intentionally controversial, but when people stop giving them provoking material to respond to, they stop posting on your story.

Unfortunately, that is the nature of these blogs. It is a bummer to have to defend yourself (or a loved one) against hurtful comments. However, it is a wonderful platform for someone like you to expose Mr. Diamond for what you believe he really is -- a killer.

Hang in there and God Bless.

Written on Lely High teacher Larry Wilkinson dies after heart attack in classroom:

What a horrible tragedy. Prayers to the Wilkinson family during this time.

Written on Collier County Fair president dead in apparent murder-suicide:

What a tragedy. The article didn't mention if the Bells had children or not. I pray that they didn't. This would be a horrible thing for children to deal with. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this family.

Written on Police Beat: Dec. 11, 2007:

Can't these people get into the yuletide spirit? All these domestic violence and DUI arrests before Christmas... it is so sad.

Written on Marco council starts ball rolling toward special fire assessment:

BBYRONE46: Exactly!!!

Written on Judge dismisses CARES complaint:

Not only is CARES wasting our tax dollars -- they are wasting our time -- I'm not sure which is worse.

Written on Marco police briefs:

J421C63: What an insightful contribution to these blog comments. Are you JOSEPH E. SWENSON -- or one of the other perverts that are registered on Marco Island?

Written on Marco Island teachers take a stand:

I have two children at Tommie Barfield and I believe that the teachers I have had the pleasure of working with have done an extraordinary job teaching their students. That being said, this job is not a teller job at the bank or a fry cook at McDonalds.

The teachers are going to “stop posting bulletin boards, stop holding parent conferences after hours and stop making comments on interim reports” and start to do more videos and seat work. This is something that negatively affects the students (and the students’ learning ability) that they claim to “love”. I am outraged.

I’m sure it is safe to assume that the teachers are not too dense to realize the plight of our local economy. The fact that the school board is able to offer any raise to the teachers is surprising. One of the last articles written on this subject stated that the total cost of the proposed settlement to the teachers was $5 - $6 Million. What do the teachers want the county to spend $50 Million? Where do they expect that this money will come from?

If you can’t make ends meet at $39K + a year – while only working until 3:05 PM only nine months a year – get a second job, or find another career. It’s a harsh reality, but that’s what the real working world does when they don’t have the strength of a union protecting their jobs.

I hope that the teachers wizen up and realize who they are hurting here (and FYI it is not the school board) and get back to doing their job – which is to teach our children.

Written on Marco council starts ball rolling toward special fire assessment:

"Council set the assessment at the highest amount possible to leave open the option of reducing it later..."

Right... the City is not going to give a red cent back. Even if they don't use it for bridge improvements, they will find some other useless project to squander it on.

Written on Marco police briefs:

Don't we have enough sex offenders on Marco Island already? JOSEPH E. SWENSON -- and all of the other child molesters on Marco -- get the heck out of here!

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