A Forever Home for MIA

Marco Island Academy is on the cusp of realizing a long-held dream – construction of permanent buildings and a soccer field on its San Marco Road campus. Ground is expected to be broken in June 2019 for the first segment of the three-part project.

Phase One will include a multi-use gym with a stage and a school lobby. MIA needs a total of $4.5 million for Phase One. To date, MIA has raised $2.6 million in gifts and pledges toward Phase One of the new building.

Phase Two of the two-story building will consist of an academic center, while Phase Three will include the soccer field, removal of the portable classrooms that are now utilized, and more. Total project costs are $12.5 million. MIA owns its land free and clear thanks to Bill Young, who generously forgave his $2 million loan to MIA.

This giant step forward for the school, which first opened in 2011, was announced on Feb. 22 at an event held at the Marco Island home of staunch MIA supporters, Bill and Karen Young. Entitled “Revving Up for the Rays,” the cocktail party served as a kick-off of the capital campaign to finance the work.

For more on this story, turn to the March 1 issue of Coastal Breeze News.