3 To Know: Breaking ground on Fire Station #51

1. Breaking ground on Fire Station #51

DeAngelis Diamond recently broke ground on Marco Island Fire Station #51.

BSSW Architects designed a state-of-the-art facility that will accommodate Marco Island’s first responders. This 8,785 sq.ft. marine-based station will feature two stories, two boat bays and will house an ALS engine and a transport rescue.

“Station #51 represents 40 percent of the calls responded to on this island and is the marine base for our rescue boat,” said Jared Grifoni, City Council chairman. “The station’s impact on the safety of our island and surrounding waters cannot be overstated. This station will be a first-class facility for our first-class fire rescue department.”

Over 50 members of the Marco Island community gathered to celebrate the commencement of this long-awaited project. Among them were city council members, state representatives, local pastor, Father Tim, Marco Island Police Department and Marco Island Fire Rescue.

“On behalf of DeAngelis Diamond and BSSW Architects and the rest of our design consultants that worked on the design of this fire department hand-in-hand with Chief Murphy and Deputy Chief Batiato, we’d like to thank the city of Marco Island’s residents, the City Council and the fire department to be for the opportunity to be apart of this special project,” said Preconstruction Manager Bryan Trtan. “It is truly an honor to build a state-of-the-art fire station which will accommodate the brave men and women of the fire department as they serve the Marco Island community. We really appreciate being apart of this and we thank you all.”

2. City Council meets Monday

The Marco Island City Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the community room, 51 Bald Eagle Drive.

There are no ordinances, resolutions or quasi-judicial hearings on the agenda. Council will, however, discuss the process for hiring a new city manager. At their last meeting the councilors unanimously voted to terminate former city manager Lee Niblock with cause. Niblock plans on appealing the council's decision.

3. Marco Island Historical Society seeking male historical reenactors

For many years, the Marco Island Historical Society (MIHS) has sponsored a group of enthusiastic community members who love to act, and now it's seeking male actors to join its troupe. MIHS needs male actors desperately and often, and the rewards are tremendous. Remember how great if felt to take that bow back in 10th grade when you were Julius Caesar or Paul Revere? And in case you think acting is a sissy thing, consider John Wayne, Gregory Peck and Gary Cooper.

For more information, call Marion Nicolay at 239-394-1254 or Betsy Perdichizzi at 239-394-6817.