Comments by captnjimbo

Written on Letter to the Editor: Sad note:

Thank you for writing the note...we missed the obit. This guy was stunningly agile and talented...never heard that exact style of piano work before or since and he loved to interact with his audiences. Irreplaceable.

Written on East Naples mobile home park owners, like many, feel pinch from Citizens insurance :

Not fat and not a cat...but Citizen's is working huge increases on every one...changing the mitigations, increasing the prices...many fat cats are going self insured.

Written on Guest column: Island real estate offers a great time to buy:

Genuine...not here to argue with you...yours is a point of view. On the other hand, I follow the market pretty closely and while this information is not new to me, it should be of interest, at least to people that own here, and people who think Marco may be in their future. Overall helpful thinks I.

Written on Marco Island City Manager Jim Riviere retiring :

Can we not remember the turmoil and out of control spending that took place before this guy took over?

I give him high marks for stabilizing our city government.

(Also Eagle...I love the spell check! Nice.)

Written on Marco Island Academy dedicates new campus:

"One Watt"

Very clever. I was in attendance and this writer pegged it...a rewarding experience, it was.

Written on Storage wars, parking battle leave Marco Island Planning Board in center of scrum:

Both of these restaurants are favorites but both expanded their seating without regard to parking. I don't blame residents for not approving of swale parking...even though I have done it. Buy adjoining property and make a parking lot.

Hey...anybody notice the spell check feature? Good!

Written on Fiddler's Creek suits become latest in libel, slander cases involving bloggers:

Usually a kook is quickly recognized by peers. He must have really gotten under their skin.

Written on Letter to the Editor: We need more traffic enforcement:

We are in peak season...deep breaths, things will calm in a few days.

Written on Group: Dolphin, turtle deaths a sign Gulf still sick:

Hmmm! A 3 year old picture of a bird, and no mention of a tough bout of Red Tide which takes its toll on these animals.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Preventing an uprising:

If your heart stops there is a machine that will restart it while you are waiting for an ambulance. A matter of life and death in many instances, especially if the ambulance and hospital are not next door...just like if a policemen is not next door.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Preventing an uprising:

Not that I disagree with Mr. Putnam...I do agree, but the only reason I have a gun is self defense. While I feel wonderfully safe on Marco Island I have been in situations where I had no police nearby and where folks might be tempted to take advantage...has nothing to do with government...but you make your point.

PS> I also own a defibulator...same rationale.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Sad welcome?:

We just visited Siesta Key...nice beach like Marco Island...but a circus!

Buses from Sarasota hotels, 20 minutes to cross the road, Sheriff patrols on horseback.

No wonder folks rate our life and island so high...continues to validate our wisdom and good fortune for buying a little piece of this paradise.

Written on Marco Island Academy moves into new home:

in response to MrBreeze:

I had a chance to see the new school over the weekend. It looks good for the location and should work very well.

I would not agree the same thing would have been acceptable on tract K as was commented the building was to be brick and mortar not modular. So all work out well the sight and buildings seem perfect to me.

Mr. Breeze I totally agree...I also drove out there, got out of the car and walked around, looked in the doorways into the classrooms. I think it is a charming set up. I also think getting to go outside between classes will be good.

The outdoor dining area is going to be a little bright...will need some shelter...so another fundraiser perhaps.

I like it.

Written on Marco Island Academy moves into new home:

You guys should exchange phone numbers.

Written on Should dogs be allowed on Collier County beaches?:

If the question was..."should there be designated areas of doggy beaches" would the response be different?

Written on Marco Island City Council vetoes city manager pay raise, agrees to $500,000 grant from BP:

from my perspective Reviere hasdone a fine job...do we not remember the Moss gang. Seems like the city works, some projects were slowed down to matchup with the reduced revenue based on assessed values, headcount and fluff reduced and not a lot of high profile contraversy generated by our city manager. There may be a kick-a-- mentality by the new council men, and in the end, if they want this guy out they will persevere but this is our guy, we know him, he has been pretty consistant, the city is working...what is not to like? Not looking for an aurgument...just an opinion based on observation and news coverage.

Written on Marco Island Planning Board reviews live-aboard vessels, delays moving ahead with midtown public forums:

Wife and I had a 42' trawler for years...would spend 5 months on the water, Lake Michigan,Lake Huron, North Channel, Georgian Bay...devided our time between slips and anchorages...always felt welcome, many times locals would come out to the boat to check it out and say hello. For someone traversing the Gulf Coast the bay off the Esplanade, even though it takes a while to get there is a perfect stop. The depth is perfect for an anchor at about 15 feet...takes about fifty feet of rode, it is protected from all sides, there is entertainment on Thursday night, several great restaurants, even Winn Dixie has a dock for boater provisions. Most people that are traveling like this have good means, running a boat like most I've seen is not cheap and bringing a few bucks to the local economy is part of the joy. Marco is a lovely water oriented boater's paradise and in my experience many villages like Marco welcome the traveling boater...it is the ones that never move, that blight the waterways that you want to be able to move along, and I think we have the means to do that.

Written on Earthquake-like shakes felt Sunday morning in Collier County:

Clearly sonic booms...two of them about 5 seconds apart...earthquake?...give me a break.

Written on Clearing, brush burning raise concerns as East Naples developments take shape:

Ahhh...the smell of a changing economy. The look of Jobs returning to the area.

Good breeze today...smoke will be gone.

Ho Hum...another day in paradise.

Minto...thanks for coming to the party.

Written on After 45 years of serving the community, Marco Eagle puts icing on the (cup)cake:

Quite a milestone...well done.

25 years ago I had it mailed to me every week...Lots of competition these days but still a local Icon.

Thank you Eagle.

Written on Marco Island's south beach project preconstruction plans complete, work to start in March:

Two things come to mind. Why not provide a beach area where people can run their dogs?

Second...where does one think all of the sand that has piled up on the northern end of the beach has come from? When I first came here the Gulf was against the sea wall next to the pools at South Seas, now it is a two block walk to the edge of the water and what was a pretty cool area at tigertail has filled in. At residents beach it looks to be about a block from the walkway to the water line,a long haul for beach chairs and umbrellas, and during the same shifting sand at least two Islands have all but disapeared on the southend of Marco and Kice Island has been cut in half.

Certainly more breakwater will slow the tidal current but further changes in the understructure off Marco Island seems to be unpredictable...could the sand that has piled up be moved back to he south end??? Kind of like a redistrubution of wealth.

Written on Careful, controlled growth: Marco Island Academy campus set to open March 18:

Still a great story of vision and determination.

Written on Marco civic group sues to block miniature golf course approved by city officials :

Give me a break. I did not want this but wait until it is almost done before filing??!

Written on Dig this: Community comes together to connect Clam Pass :

What a story...DEP will be enraged with the vigilantes that took things into their own hands.

Maybe common sense will prevail and the professionals can finish the project so it lasts.

Written on Plea deal means Marco Island doctor spends holidays behind bars :

Some time ago the Eagle reported that the "patient" was an ex lover.

2 the moon makes an interesting point, but I don't think it is the Eagle that's after him...but it appears somebody is...

His personal behavior has been unacceptable and it might appear that he was in defiance of the restraining order...but it also appears that he and his wife have made a deal and he was helping...there is definitely a disconnect here but technically by having contact, no matter who initiated it, he defied his restraining order. Bad cirumstances. I hope he gets this behind him.

Written on Could Connecticut school shooting be impetus for change in gun-control laws?:

Sparky...well thought out and written...suggest Eagle staff put it on editorial. Only would like to ad a few more thoughts. The guy with the guns in Colorado...a whack. The shooter of the Arizona congress woman...a whack. The kids at Columbine...whacks and this kid in Newtown...a whack and the evidence is trickling out. The Norway killer of what...100 something...a whack. I don't need protection from guns as much as I need protection from whacks.

Written on Rescue boat sails through special meeting City Council moves forward with lifesaving vessel :

AJM...as usual a well thought out post.

Written on State suspends license of Marco Island doctor jailed since Thanksgiving :

It is hard to defend a guy that keeps having these issues, but after visiting several good doctors on this Island I settled on Guidry. He has provided good analysis of my phisical condition, is judicious in prescribing, he is a quick study, he has never turned me away, if my family is visiting and needs a doctor, he will see them, he has never sent any of us to urgent care to get an antibiotic, he has no problem recomending a specialist when something goes beyond routine medicine, there is a sign in his office that says no one will be refused treatment, I have seen people come into the office and make 10.00 payments on their bill, for most common generic drugs he is a dispensing physician, you walk out of there with your meds, if you ask him a question you get an answer and while I am insured and pay full fees I sense a lot of people he sees are not insured and are on a budget. I don't think I would want to go camping with the doc, put as a practicing country doctor I still give him high marks. And I do think he provides a valuable service to the community. Just my opinion...not aurguing with yours...and PS...I smoke nothing.

Written on State suspends license of Marco Island doctor jailed since Thanksgiving :

I don't know about any set up...would not go there but my intuition is aroused. I don't think this guy had any problems with anybody until he ran for council. I don't know why he ran for city council but one would suspect an agenda. Then there was a report of a conflict with the city...something about overflow parking in someone's lot.

Then there was the story of an ex-lover, perhaps jilted that moved away for a couple of years and returned with an IUD she needed removed...she went to him with no money and it sounds like they negotiated a trade of services. Next thing you know she is on the phone with the police monitoring the call and he gets arrested for soliciting prostitution. Then there are the episodes with the wife, half his age and it sounds like booze is involved.

There is plenty of reporting but something is missing.

This is unfortunate for us folks because this is a pretty good physician and brings value to Marco Island. He has made some terrible personal choices but this last article makes him appear to be getting his life back together.

Who discovered his wife going into his house? Who was getting hurt by this? Who complained? Why now?
Like I said...something is missing here.

Written on State suspends license of Marco Island doctor jailed since Thanksgiving :

If I read this correctly, she is soliciting his support to help care for his kids, he will end up with custody after the divorce, he is considering hiring her into his office, he was in his home and she came into his house to pick up the kids...and he goes to jail. WTF?

Written on Code Compliance: Replacing more than three boards on a dock requires a permit :

Agree this is a little over the top.

When I do my deck, I will replace three and take a coffee break.

Then I will replace three.

The dock was permitted to be over the city, county,water but it still belongs to the homewoner who is responsible for it's upkeep...this is a cosmetic fix...I too think it is an overreach.

Written on Election 2012: Newcomers take down incumbents in Marco Council race:

in response to captnjimbo:

I usually make it a point to stay on subject, but today I will stray.
I certainly enjoy the articles and the opportunity to voice an opinion but when one person provides over 40% of the blogs and over 60% of the space, I think it takes away from the discussion and the quality. I could live with one blog and one follow up...anybody else?

Eagle staff...I suggested removal to make sure you saw this comment.

Written on Election 2012: Newcomers take down incumbents in Marco Council race:

I usually make it a point to stay on subject, but today I will stray.
I certainly enjoy the articles and the opportunity to voice an opinion but when one person provides over 40% of the blogs and over 60% of the space, I think it takes away from the discussion and the quality. I could live with one blog and one follow up...anybody else?

Written on Nine candidates for Marco Council have one thing in common — they're all men :

in response to MrBreeze:

Captn, I would not object to a woman for a council seat I would welcome anyone who is fair to the Residents of Marco Island.

Wise, you are.

Written on Nine candidates for Marco Council have one thing in common — they're all men :

in response to MrBreeze:

Is Jane Watt the woman who was trying to push a full high school development a short time ago?

MrBreeze...back on point...Jane Watt did indeed found a public Charter High School on Marco Island. I think it is in its second year and I see construction of facilities under way on San Marco Road.

It was a contentious effort with many obstacles along the way. I have been around for a while and was very impressed. The ongoing school is funded by the public, through the county school tax, based on students enrolled, so they have to do well as the students (parents) have a choice, but the facility itself has to be funded by private contributions and fund raising. I don't recall seeing much in the press on that effort but they must be getting somewhere because I see work being done on the site.

I'm not doing cheer leading, just wanted to point out that the feminine gender is capable of leadership in the public arena and if they could be identified and mentored we would have more options when it comes to our choices.

Written on Nine candidates for Marco Council have one thing in common — they're all men :

I was lucky enough to work with a lot of strong women in my career, converted a sales force that was 100% men to 50-50...used first initial and last name on the reports. Was accomplished by keeping an open mind and picking the best candidates at the time. Performance ratios were equal regardless of gender.

There is still a stereotype in the minds of a lot of old men, brought up in a different era...but people of similar development, education and experience do not think differently on serious things based on their gender...also have grown daughters that are educated and experienced...and respected by their peers because of that.

Locally, once Jane Watt gets the school going, financed and managed she would be an excellent, educated and experienced executive that has proven that she can survive and excell in the public arena...I am sure there are others but perhaps because of their age and station they have higher immediate priorities...might need some nurturing, mentoring and encouragement. My opinion based on my experience..

Written on Letter to the Editor: Just asking:

Actually this consultant came with an excellent track record for reporting the facts.

Written on Guest Commentary: Paul Meyer – The tale of two cities :

Difference of opinion does not equate to dysfunctional and we on Marco Island are not afraid to speak up and disagree. The challenge of leadership is to focus on the areas of consensus and quite frankly that is hard to do and few people have the ability to get out of their own skin. That said we need people to serve that have a longer view and some balance of youth would be helpful to us all.

Written on Letter to the Editor: The choices for City Council are clear:

Laurie Flynn makes some very thoughtful comments on some of the advantages of promoting Marco as a destination, although fundementaly I think of us as a residential community...not Fort Myers Beach. The tourists the hotels are attracting certainly bring the people that do us the most good. I'm not sure beating up councilmen who might have some personal finance issues is relevant, the last 4 or 5 years have been tough on a lot of people that are retired...are they meeting their responsibilities as our representatives...a better measuring stick methinks.

Written on Romney releases 2011 tax returns; paid $1.9 million, 14.1% rate:

Zookeeper...I like your stuff!

Written on Guest Commentary: MPD – New no parking zones and fines :

To those responsible for the parking rules and enforcement...cudos to you. You listened and took action. You take a lot of heat for a lot of things and you should get an accolade when you are this responsive. PS, I think the boat launch belongs to the county and you have a lot of boaters on the island that use it, not only for daily boating, but when the boat needs to be serviced. (Be careful what you wish for...)

Written on Romney releases 2011 tax returns; paid $1.9 million, 14.1% rate:

in response to 1Paradiselost:

I'm reading a lot of spin from you guys about other subjects, and not the FACT Romney was a major stock holder in a Chinese Oil company that's in Bed with Iran!

If that does not bother you, Satin should be your guy for president! Cnooc Oil is now working with the government of Iran to buy oil rings right here in the Gulf of Mexico.

CNOOC is a familiar name to Americans. In 2005, Congressional pressure ended a bid by the company to buy California's Unocal, which was ultimately sold to Chevron.

By the way the pipeline that goes from Canada to New Orleans is a direct line with NO openings in it... nothing for St. Louis of any city that the pipe passes.

I have a Canadian friend who works for the company that is working on the pipeline.

The oil will be delivered in the port of New Orleans to THE HIGHEST BIDDER!. There are no guarantees that Americans will see a ONE drop unless they are the highest bidder.

So, Let's not be naive, Money in life rules, you know that!

Please try to respond to the subject without mentioning Obama.. If you noticed I did NOT mention the guy! I bet you can't!

http://money.cnn.com/2012/07/23/news/...

However 1P, the pipeline would have provided 30,0000 jobs...and the oil flowing through the pipeline will be taxable, and the oil could be sold to highest bidder, including Exxon-Mobile and Shell...at a lower cost than shipping it across the world...and the more oil available...the lower the price per barrel and I would much rather send the money to Canada...who will use it to develop their economy...and the people will spend their money right here on Mark Up Island...doncha know?

The only real problem with that pipeline is that it would have spent a lot of miles a little too close for comfort near our major midwest aquifer...however the players came up with a plan to re route it...it would have been longer and provided even more revenue...but the greenicks at the EPA and our President jumped on that to kill the deal...not a problem for the Canadian's though...it's a free economy so they can build their pipeline to their west coast and ship their oil to China...giving them the advantage of cheaper oil while we pay what ever the middle east monopoly can get away with. That decision to kill that pipeline was perhaps the absolute worst one made by our admisnistration in years. When are we going to come out of this stupor we are in?

Written on Romney releases 2011 tax returns; paid $1.9 million, 14.1% rate:

It looks to me like Romney paid almost 19 times more in taxes than Obama. His rate is not the story. His rate would have been double had it not been for his generous contributions to qualified charities. Charities reduce the burden on the available taxes and the nice thing about them is YOU get to decide where the money goes and where it will go the furthest and do the most good...unlike the black hole of our federal government where much of the money goes to people sitting around trying to figure out ways to get rid of it and justify more. Even the most ardent liberal knows a very high percentage of our taxes is wasted or used for things that many would not approve if they had control. You can bet that 10% of Romney's income went to the church...Mormon's tithe. That still leaves 2.7 million donated to other legitimate charities and those places need only known by the people that recieve the money, the people that give the money and the IRS who's job it is to check to make sure the charities are legit...no one else's business.

Written on FACT CHECK: Ryan takes factual shortcuts in speech :

I do not usually engage in back and forth but read my post. I did not say Obama had anything to do with that plant...he did make a statement that he would save the plant. All show and no go.

Eastwood...82 years old and showing it, in my opinion was brilliant...simple prop, no teleprompter and the most relaxed guy in the room. You speak for yourself...but I don't make fun of people that may be a little bit senile.

Also, I don't usually argue politics. I did not vote for the Obama/Biden ticket...was not thrilled with the choice...but could not see a man who had done nothing and hardly ever voted on anything as president...he did not earn that job, unless you see the perspective in a recently published book by Monica Crowley. In so many words she states that Barry's parents were communists, and backs it up, points out that his father's dream was about bringing communism to Kenya and by no coincidence Barack's autobiography was named "dream's of my father"

You start to piece this together, along with the people he associated with in Chicago, the fact that nobody can get a good handle on this guy's history and the fact that one way to fundementally change America would be to bankrupt it, then you would start to belive Ryan when he says time is running out.

To simply demean either Ryan or Romney is not fair. They are wholesome, they are disciplined, they don't need the money, they are experienced and they both have a proven record of accomplishment.

One can usually count on you for some interesting perspective, and sometimes you are ignored, but I think you gave me a cheap shot without thinking it through.

This will be my last word on the subject.

Written on FACT CHECK: Ryan takes factual shortcuts in speech :

Obama said he would save the plant. He did not.

It was none of his business in the first place.

GM ended up with a plant it did not need, for a reason, and they decided to close this particular plant...for a reason.

Written on Do you think Mitt Romney made a good decision in selecting Paul Ryan as his vice presidential running mate?:

Politically it should probably have been Rubio but Ryan is a good man and shows Romney is serious about fixing the budget as well as sparking business. My take, anyway.

Written on Marco Island 24/7 clinic idea not likely to survive after voters' rejection :

I voted against the city becoming involved.

If I were asked to donate as we were years ago I probably would...something MICA might want to encourage.

Written on Neighbors report couple performing sex act in community pool :

in response to 2themoon:

Stiff penalty for these two, cops new what was going down. the head investigator is very cunning and figured things out lickity split. Now we need a hardened prosecutor to crack this case wide open.

You have brought some value to this stupid story...enjoyed.

Written on Marco Island voters oppose overnight walk-in clinic tax, subsidy:

I would still welcome PR to participate...but as a business. In season they could make a buck here.Out of season nobody can.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Disappointed visitor:

Give me a break. I hope you come back, Marco Is a great place without the excrement and flies that the horseys would bring. Makinac Island also a charming place and they have what...50 people following horses around trying to clean up...and if you know the territory, they do not try to mix motor vehicles and horses...except for an ambulance and a landing strip nothing with a motor there...even UPS delivers by wagon...all downsides here and except for the guy that made the motion, council did the right thing...if you lived here you would go along.

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