3 To Know: Shops of Marco Publix demolition planned

1. Marco Island Historical Museum's Kaitlin Romey honored as "Unsung Hero"

On March 6, the Rotary Club of Marco Island Sunrise presented its Unsung Hero award to Kaitlin Romey. Romey was recognized for her services to the Marco Island Museum.

In the 19 months since she was hired, Romey's cataloged, labeled and recorded nearly 10,000 items in the museum collections, assisted in the development of the museum’s new exhibits, supervised graduate and undergraduate museum interns and volunteers, facilitated research requests with the public, and otherwise performed the daily work essential to the preservation and accessibility of the history and heritage of the Marco Island community. 

As Sunrise Rotary’s Unsung Hero, Romey received a plaque commemorating the recognition. In addition, the club will donate $100 to a charity of her choice and 20 polio vaccines in her name as part of Rotary International’s effort to eradicate polio.

2. Shops of Marco Publix demolition, renovation planned

The Publix located in the Shops of Marco is planning to undergo a partial demolition and renovation. According to Raul Perez, the city's chief building official, Publix submitted a permit for partial demolition of its building on Dec. 12. A representative from Publix confirmed that the store will be renovated, but said he didn't have any additional details as of Tuesday afternoon. Updates on this developing story will be in future editions of the Eagle and online at marconews.com.

3. Gala raises more than $100,000 to bring Key Marco Cat home

The Marco Island Historical Society’s Affaire to Remember Gala on Saturday, March 3, raised more than $125,000 to help bring the world-famous Key Marco Cat and other rare Pre-Columbian Native American artifacts “home” to Marco Island. Several of the most significant artifacts will be brought together again on Marco Island for the first time in more than 100 years, and will be on display at the Marco Island Historical Museum from December 2018 to April 2021.

The return of the artifacts also presents a unique opportunity to enhance the museum’s “Paradise Found: 6,000 Years of People on Marco Island” gallery where they will be showcased. Enhancements will include elements to illustrate and amplify the story of the artifacts and the people who created them by introducing state of the art animation, hands-on activities for visitors and more.

For information on how you can support the return of the Key Marco artifacts, call 239-389-6447 or visit theMIHS.org.