Comments by captnjimbo

Written on Seawalls coming down? Marco Planning Board wrestles with marine construction issues :

in response to ed34145:

All of us living on the water on in the same boat, so to speak. At some point, everyone's seawall will have to be replaced. Yes, it is an inconvenience, perhaps even annoyance when it occurs next to you, but one day it will be you. It's ridiculous that one person's complaint should make an even bigger problem for all of us. But, then again, this is Marco Island!

And with due respect to Mr. Peterhans, I didn't realize that Switzerland's waterways were saline and subject to extreme tides and frequent storms.

I did not have to make up my own letter because as I was reading the article I came to the exact same position. Also, I don't think these expert contractors need advice on how to do their business from the government.

Written on Will Chick-fil-A's stance on gay marriage affect your decision to dine there?:

Actually I will patronage them more.

Written on Editorial: A tax for a 24/7 Marco clinic :

Well at least thank you for putting it out there but I think you are on the wrong side of this one. This is a private enterprise deal and let let P, Regional and NCH compete and they can compete by level of service and convenjience. For us to pick one and then tax to attract it smells like "big Government" to me, even if it is on a local and little level. Don't get me wrong, I am at the age when I might need the service and would like the convenience...and it is not really the money...it is chump change...a really creative approach could have the same result...how about the city, the county and the chamber all support who ever gives the best service to Marco by making them the preferred provider...a different kind of free market clout.

Written on Jeb Bush wants Romney to choose Rubio for VP :

If true that endorsement is a big deal. Mitt has said he wants a VP that could take over day one...that is probably not Marco...but the guy has a lot of charm and street smarts and his son of immigrant status is refreshing and no doubt would play well politically. According to Rubio's book, he has had the mentoring and support from Bush for a long time.

I don't think he is ripe yet...that said, I like him.

A short post script (PS). Rubio's family spent several years in Utah and spent several years in the Church of the Latter Day Saints. He explains the wholesome family atmosphere but also says that when he returned to Miami he also returned to the Catholic faith. Someone will make the Mormon connection a bigger deal than it should be...but what a coincidence.

Written on Guest Commentary: Nuisance, swale parking in Olde Marco :

Eileen...my apology..."SHE is right"

Written on 'Lots' of parking discussion – Marco Island City Council and Planning Board hold joint discussion during workshop session :

It was a good week for council, swale parking and horses, now if they keep out of the medical funding business it will be a "hat trick".

Written on Guest Commentary: Nuisance, swale parking in Olde Marco :

A tough letter...but he is right.

Written on Do Marco residents want 24/7 health care? Question to be answered Aug. 14 :

Some excellent commentary by several. So now here is the next question...if the city of Marco supports another walk in clinic...with tax money...who does it hurt?

Does your primary care doctor need new competition supported by the ciy of Marco Island?

Then the next question might be...is there another way to accomplish extended hours of operation from an existing provider? Just thinking outside the nine dots...the box.

Written on Do Marco residents want 24/7 health care? Question to be answered Aug. 14 :

I mentioned on another article...I am not against a 24/7 but I think it is a private enterprise issue...if Physician's Regional wants to compete with NCH feeder clinic...license them and encourage them...but whats with the city paying for it?

It isn't all that much money...now...but where does it end. If private enterprise can make a buck providing a service the let's support them. How about taxing the citizens to open up a couple new restaurants? I just don't think it is the role of city government.

Written on Physicians Regional, NCH possible suitors if Marco voters approve 24/7 clinic tax:

I came out with AJM and Chinkly on this one. Would like the service...but is a private enterprise issue. The clinic is a feeder to the NCH system...If a competitor comes to have a feeder to their hospital...well that's the American way. I would support either one with a donation but I don't go for the socialistic approach. Voted "no" and it is in the mail. Sorry.

Written on Battle lines are drawn – Marco Island Planning Board hears pro- and anti-swale parking viewpoints :

The solution is to make the swale parking illegal and ticket and tow.

If not done this will be so far out of hand we may lose control and never get it back.

I think if council does not adress this soon it should become a major election issue for those wishing to serve.

Written on Physicians Regional, NCH possible suitors if Marco voters approve 24/7 clinic tax:

Years ago we contributed 100.00 to NCH for the 24 Hour E services. Now it becomes a tax for everyone. I do not recal being asked to increase the donation to maintain the service.

I think it just got tough to have a doc sitting around all nightin the summertime with nothing to do. Different story in season.

Tough call, this one.

Written on Obama urges tax cuts for families under $250,000:

Are these not the Bush tax cuts that are due to expire? So he is cutting nothing. In fact his proposal is to raise the taxes and he is holding the middle class hostage to get an increase for the wealthy only. The key here is to cut the spending to match the revenues and to cut spending means get rid of waste and faulty government investments in private sector businesses in contrived industries. That's my take anyway.

Written on Battle lines are drawn – Marco Island Planning Board hears pro- and anti-swale parking viewpoints :

Why don't people park in the swales along Collier Blvd?

I see what is happening along Swallow and it is a shame and can have no happy ending for that residential community. The folks parking there are not from Marco Island and before the free parking probably beached in Naples. The word is out that there is free parking near the South Beach entrance and they are coming in droves. Over the weekend wife was coming home...two families emerged onto the street from between two swale parked vans. The parents went to the back of the van's to off load the beach stuff and their children followed them, but as the doors were open the kids went into the street and stood in the street stopping traffic. It happens all the time. The swales are getting messy, the trash has to be picked up and as this spreads it is changing the ambiance of the Island, especially the residential areas. This swale parking is just plain wrong and even the people with businesses know it. That said, there is a difference between a commercial area and a residential area. Ample parking in a commercial area enhances value...illegal parking in swales in a residential area brings down value...who wants to live in the middle of a daily circus? (if it isn't illegal it should be)

Written on Survey: Next president faces high unemployment :

Why has it not occurred to anybody that delaying SS for one year of baby boomers might eliminate or delay a couple million entry level jobs?

Written on PHOTOS Fabulous Fourth: Rain holds off giving Marco Island a picture-perfect Independence Day celebration:

Was excellent...thanks to the organizers and contributors. Almost as impressive were the 150 boats that paraded through Caxambas Pass afterward...5mph, 50 yards apart...Marco Island!

Written on Marco Councilor Waldack, injured in bike-car accident, recovering:

It shows once again...do not ride your bike in front of even a stopped car. People are looking for motor vehicles and there are natural blind spots. You might have the right of way but you can't win in a collision.

Written on Marco Island Planning Board weighs regulations for beach parking :

Marco Residents can Join MICA and get a beach pass...that lets them take care of themselves. Day trippers from East Naples or Lely etc can go to the library and get a free sticker that lets them park free at Tigertail. Those that come from other counties can pay a parking fee.

They are parking in the swales because we have no enforcement and it is spreading.

I like our restaurants and support them but when you increase your capacity without dealing with the parking you are kind of asking for an issue...that said the city can make the swale enforcement a six AM to six PM issue or issue permits in comercial zones.

Written on Obama administration to stop deporting younger illegal immigrants:

in response to KlausStoertebeker:

Interesting - America has liberal Republicans. There is still hope.

Klaus...Perhaps "reasonable" would have been a better description...but thanks.

Written on Obama administration to stop deporting younger illegal immigrants:

I am a republican and I vote...to me the issue is to shut the border. However, this policy seems reasonable to me...they are here and have been for years...they were brought by their parents and looks like they tried to fit in. 800,000 in a country of 313 million is not significant. Turning them into workers that pay taxes is a good thing.

Also, it seems to me Marco Rubio made this very proposal, or at least laid it out there in a speech a few weeks ago.

Written on Letter to the Editor: No room for horse drawn carriages:

Works on Mackinac Island (the north end of I-75)...of course there are no cars and everything moves at a snail's pace.

In spite of double bags and clean up crews scraping deposits, there is a reason there are so many fudge shoppes...and the place still stinks and flies are everywhere. Some tourist spend the night but 99% get on a boat and go away...quaint but still a crappy idea.

Is somebody trying to turn my town into a tourist trap? Cut it out already!!!

Written on Bike committee strives for two-wheeler safety :

in response to marco826:

I came to a stop sign on Giralda to make a right turn on Bald Eagle. Instinctively, I looked left for coming traffic. As I looked right, a guy and gal on two different bikes zoomed in front of my car which was inching forward. they had come on the sidewalk and on the wrong side of the road traffic pattern wise. I got a look from hell as they swerved by. I agree, some bike riders think they own the road here. Marco is conducive to riding bikes but riders need to be more diligent in their own safety when confronting cars. Common sense says they need to take the lead in good judgement when approaching any vehicle. This twosome sped along the sidewalk without slowing down and crossed right in front of me at full speed. It could have been ugly.

Marco 826...right on. I am an experienced biker and I have posted on this subject before.

I yield to cars and trucks no matter who has the right of way...and never go in front of a vehicle at a stop sign without solid eye contact with the driver and even then will usually pass to the rear. When you consider the age and condition of many of our local drivers you would think twice about riding down the road...even on the bike lanes. If you are on the sidewalk and have to yield to a walker, what's the big deal?

Good post.

Written on Letter to the Edito: Parking – Another Fort Myers Beach?:

It is far from being selfish...it is about preservation of a precious asset...peace and tranquility...

Written on Letter to the Edito: Parking – Another Fort Myers Beach?:

Way to go BenJaron.

Written on What's hot? What's not! Marco Island City Council budget subcommittee gets first peek at capital requests for 2013 :

His department negotiated with the county, got what he needed at no charge and saved 92K. Attaboy.

For some reason I am suspicious on the need to replace that Smokehouse Bridge...suggest Mr. Riviere dust offf the engineering studies and republish the findings and options.

When the Winterberry bridge was being completed I had a chat with one of the workers and complemented them on such a nice new bridge...he told me they tore down a perfectly good bridge to build the new one...the old one needed some work on the footings or something.

Do we really need a new bridge at Smokehouse?

Written on Contractors raise the roof on Marco Island city manager's decision to move building inspectors to Naples :

I am not close enough to this to make a viable assessmnet but 26years on Marco makes a pregnant point.

Also it has been my impression over the last few years that Riviere, following years of expanding city growth under the Moss regime, has steadily reduced head count. I don't know him but have been impressed by his common sense approach at attempting to manage expense. In the process I do not see the island falling apart because of these reductions. My intuition is to give this a chance. Maybe there are more opportunities to reduce city services that can be provided by the county...we do after all send our money to the county.

Written on Beach shuttle, off-site parking and Tigertail Beach top list of Marco Island's 'no swale parking' solutions :

Yes...burden those home owners and condo dwellers with free parking for daytrippers. Sorry, not the answer. That is a residential area and should not become commercialized like that. I noticed over Easter the parking lot at Stilts along with beach access was around 10.00. Obviously thier owners aren't organized like a normal condo.

Written on About half of local high school students fail FCAT test:

in response to OldMarcoMan:

Did The Charter School take this test? If they did how did they do?

Back on point I thought this was a good question. I p[oked around...was told Marco Academy had fewer % gifted, larger % Special Ed but still scored third in the district and slightly ahead of Lely...in its first year.

In my opinion not great, but a good start and I would bet there will be good improvement as expectations are higher.

Written on Beach shuttle, off-site parking and Tigertail Beach top list of Marco Island's 'no swale parking' solutions :

Are the beach goers going to pay a fare for the shuttle or does that come out of the parking fee?? That's the only way I would do it. Who says we need to provide accomodations for day trippers. The Hamptons solution is the smartest and the best...no illegal parking and when our spots are filled move to another beach.

The tigertail bridge accomodation would be good for every one and the bridge cost could be coverered by an increase in the parking fee. As it is there are on most days some empty places in the lots because swales are free. There may be a lot of solutions to the parking problem but one thing is for sure...the undiciplined swale parking has got to stop.

As far as the restaurant parking goes, the accomodation has a direct impact on these local businesses but I have found that if there is no parking many times there are no tables either...we just move along. Part of a business location issue is the number of seats and the number of parking places. Where does it say the city must provide them? Same with the beach.

Written on About half of local high school students fail FCAT test:

Just for the heck of it I went on line and took a couple of tenth grade sample tests. The first was a study of the effects of drought in Jamestown on the early settlers. I answered 5 out of nine correctly. The second was the medicinal value of serpent venom. I scored 9 out of 9. Truth is I read the second more carefully but I also thought the questions in the first were a little tricky, in some cases there were answers that were more targeted than others. Have some fun, take the tests yourself.

Written on Marcophiles: Konrad Meyerhofer: – I came; I saw; I loved it; I stayed:

Nice article...good luck and happy life Konrad, you have served the community well, enjoy your retirement.

Written on Marco Island’s City Council resolves Bald Eagle Drive lighting controversy:

Back to the lights...we need a sensitivity to history and neighborhood before making arbitrary decisions that affect those nieghborhoods. A good lesson here and a good democratic process...lots of winners.

Written on TripAdvisor touts free parking at south beach; Marco Island Planning Board says swale parking must stop:

Ian...you are correct of course...that is why the city must change the law. I think they would also be able to issue permits for event parking if that is what we want.

Written on TripAdvisor touts free parking at south beach; Marco Island Planning Board says swale parking must stop:

Action at last. Ajm3s comments well targeted... again. Also, anybody notice the 30 no parking signs on Swallow to keep the driveways clear...once the overall problem solved perhaps they can be removed.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Utility rates: Why?:

in response to ajm3s:

May I suggest you subscribe and read the MIPO newsletter

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?shv...

MIPO brings forth issues to the surface that may seam trivial for residents, however they may have long lasting impact on the quality of life. By definition, property owners pay for all improvements and operations of this island less federal grant monies to which we can claim a portion of its costs.

As property owners, we are seeking to understand as well as impact the decisions made, both day-to-day and long term, by city management and council, including appointed boards and committees. MIPO's goal is to provide a review and perspective of issues from the view of residents, NOT necessarily the CITY's perspective, NOT a city director's perspective, NOT the city manager's perspective, and NOT necessarily some members of the existing council who have lost the vision.

We often hear that the city is providing for its residents, yet we find ourselves looking at building plans, development proposals that do NOT reflect the character of this city as a place to raise a family, retire or vacation. As property owners we wish to be fairly represented against a backdrop of ever increasing commercialization (i.e. density transfer), restrictions (i.e. ROW standards), and spending (i.e excessive utility and building expansion). We are not against change, we are against a vision that is not in keeping with a vision that has been laid out decades ago, and to which we loved when we first crossed the bridge.

MIPO strives to have an impact as directed from its members and to provide information gathered from property owners who attend city sponsored committee meetings, workshops and council meetings as public attendees. And let us not forget, MIPO represents residents regardless, if some issues appear divisive. A dialog is healthy. We just want to be heard and not dismissed simply as malcontents or MISINFORMED. MIPO strives to populate all public meetings in an effort to gain insight and remind elected officials and city management, that this island is not simply an engine for growth, but a place to live and to maintain a sense of quality that is so aptly expressed in the Planning Board's mission statement:

"...Board's focus is to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors on Marco Island while managing growth and development and protecting the island’s tropical small town character."

MIPO wishes to remind the city management and elected officials the need to protect the island's small town character and MIPO wishes to press this vision because in the end it benefits us all.

As an example, Mr. Magel suggested at the last Planning Board meeting that the city needs to address parking because there are folks from the 951 corridor that will come to this island for its beaches. He believes in a vision that is not necessarily in keeping with a "small tropical town".

a MIPO member

Good Stuff here.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Visitors not welcome:

I have reread the letter and all of the comments and while I don't agree or disagree with ajm3's hinting that there may be a sinister plot, I do think he hit a hot button that swale parking, trollies and bathrooms on bridges could permanently degrade the quality of life that we have purchased. We should think twice and maybe three times before becoming overly accomodating to day trippers.

An occasional trip to the keys, Miami Beach or Fort Lauderdale beach should be recommended to anyone planning the future of Marco Island...too much density can make a few a lot of money but does anybody here really want to live like that?

Written on Letter to the Editor: Visitors not welcome:

There is a reason for Key West and there is a reason for Marco Island. Key West was developed as a tourist attraction by railroad Barron Henry Flagler. Marco Island was developed by the Mackle Brothers (Milwaukee) as a retirement resort...different cultures, both with a purpose. My wife and I have been around for 25 years and everyone is friendly. Go figure.

Written on Collier sheriff's checkpoints: Catching law-breakers or targeting Hispanics? - POLL:

My wife, a cute, petite, 61 year old grandmother is constantly scrutinized by airport security. Why, so they can demonstrate that they are not only profiling muslim looking people. If this continues to make news you can expect a check point near you.

Stop without cause seems intrusive to me. I understand the need but it doesn't feel right.

Written on Overflow parking at South Marco beach has city leaders seeking solutions :

I thought I was finished with this but I would like to answer mh12...but not argue.

As a business person I agree with you but I suspect, because I have been monitoring, that people are driving onto the island, driving to the south beach entrance (There is the Sunset Grill, a great place) but for the most part they trek to the beach and about 3 pm the exodus begins...they drop their trash as they reload their cars and they drive away.

BenJaron has got it right.

Now I am done.

Written on Overflow parking at South Marco beach has city leaders seeking solutions :

Yea! Good ideas from the folks.

Written on Overflow parking at South Marco beach has city leaders seeking solutions :

It was vieled but what I was hinting is that if it were residents flocking to the beach the MICA lot would have been full...and also that while the street was loaded with cars the visitor lot was 25% vacant.

It is convenient to blame the free bridge but it is a combination of a beautiful beach, an increasing population and ability to park everywhere that's bringing the folks. Could you imagine the traffic with this attraction, if we did not have the extra bridge.

Our beach has become an "attractive Nuisance" and the result is out of control parking. Police the parking and you bring management to the situation. finis

Written on Overflow parking at South Marco beach has city leaders seeking solutions :

One more thing...MICA we need your leadership.

Written on Overflow parking at South Marco beach has city leaders seeking solutions :

Another visit yesterday...swale parking up to Florentine Garden's. 20 spaces open in the parking lot, only 9 spaces used in the MICA lot (was around 3pm)

Trash everywhere...the beaches might belong to everyone but Marco belongs to it's residents. I agree that the quality of life as we know it is at risk and certainly anyone looking at condo's or houses in the south beach area are going to be turned off, off, off if they are shopping in that environment. That certainly will affect values negatively and it is wrong, wrong, wrong!

I would stop swale parking except by permit and exceptions would be for when it would serve the Marco Community...art show, church...some scheme like that.

Written on Overflow parking at South Marco beach has city leaders seeking solutions :

It is not about who is special. I have been observing and am now pretty convinced that the great majority are people from off Island. I have also observed the public lot to have 20 or more spaces available and the MICA lot to be half full as swale parking migrated as far south as Courtyard Towers. People are driving RV's into the swales, sprinkler heads are being damaged. I have seen children walk onto the street hidden between two cars...worse yet adults will emerge from between their vans and suv's directly onto the street to lift their hatch to remove their beach gear. It is unsafe to ride a bike along the side of the street and the pandemonium is increased because trucks and cars are pulling trailers with boats and PWC...and are in a hurry to get to Caxambas Park to launch their day on the water. Somebody is going to get killed on Swallow...perhaps the street should be shut down in this condition...of course then how do the people that live there get home.

I do not wish to sound elitest...I am not, but when my wife and I purchased on Marco Island we had a choice and decided against Naples, against Ft Meyers beach, against South Beach, Miami etc. etc. Marco has become a day trip destination and I am thinking instead of providing more parking and shuttles perhaps it would be wise to provide less and then find a way to provide a permit to Island residents who live a couple miles from the beach.

What we have experienced in the last few weeks is not acceptable and should be stopped. Council has some tough decisions to make and I am suggesting that making it easier might indeed make it worse...try to imagine every swale within 4 blocks of the beach in the same condition as Swallow and Seagrape and if it is okay to swale park there...why not Collier Blvd?

Written on Death of bald eagle on Marco Island ‘like losing a child,’ sanctuary founder says:

With a few days to think about this, perhaps we should discontinue electricity to Marco Island so we can make the sanctuary safer for eaglets.

Written on Letter to the Editor: Marco Island not a day trip destination:

I live in the area also and this swale parking is bad news. My sense is that the visitors are not coming from off Island but are folks renting condos or homes and want some time on the beach...note the real problem comes around spring break when younger families can get some time away. If there was a way to accomodate them without becoming Disney World there might be some merit. How about weekly passes that could be issued to temporary renters or house guest that perhaps be entitled to a 50cent pp shuttle on the trolley that could go into service peak times...got to be some kind of answer. Swale parking as we see it now is not the answer and must be fixed.

Written on Boaters urge Marco leaders to repeal anchoring law invalidated three years ago:

That was a few years ago and now I am a retired boater that has enjoyed anchoring in beautiful spots in the Great Lakes for years...and we spent a lot of money over the summer in restaurants and local shops. I thought it a travesty that such a great destination as ours was so unfriendly although quite frankly most of our boater friends that visited here could be accomodated within the unfreindly rules...mostly because we could pick them up and show them around. Our police simply needs laws that can let them act on noise, light or physical pollution and laws that encourage squatters to move along. Most transient boaters like to visit and move along and have a place to get out of the weather and rest for a few days. Derilects we don't need or want.

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