A Look Back: The Year in Review

When residents of the island think about the “off-season”, they tend to think there is little that goes on at their Florida address. Unfortunately, that is as far from the truth as it gets, as the issues that consume many of the hours in the first five to six months of each year continue as unabated as the summer sun.

Short Term Rental (STR) Debate Continues

Opponents of the STR legislation passed by the citizens with a majority of voters in August of 2022 had filed several lawsuits that were funded by real estate interests.

Council sought a second legal opinion in the early summer months of 2023. However, it was a memo from City Attorney Alan Gabriel in late summer that pointed out that State legislation, specifically Chapter 2023-304 as passed during the 2023 Session of the Florida State Legislature rendered the Marco legislation unenforceable. “Specifically, Section 14 (1) of Senate Bill 250 states that a municipality located entirely or partially within 100 miles of where either Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Nicole made landfall shall not propose or adopt any moratorium on construction, reconstruction or redevelopment of any property damaged by either hurricane, nor may a municipality propose or adopt more restrictive or burdensome amendments to its comprehensive plan or land development regulations,” wrote Gabriel in his three-page memorandum to the council.

Gabriel’s review of the matter was supported by an independent review of the material and interpretation by outside counsel, which concluded that based on the date of adoption (December 5, 2022) and the scope of the Registration Ordinance, the City’s Vacation Rental Registration Program, “establishes a set of more restrictive or burdensome land development regulations, and is therefore null, voided and preempted under state law.”

Residents had hoped the STR would resolve what they saw as uncontrollable short-term rental problems. Not all would agree with Gabriel’s reading of the new law, but a council majority refused to expend additional taxpayer dollars to contest the issue.

Rios Charges Come To A Close

The charges brought against former Marco City Councilman Victor Rios concluded when he was convicted and sentenced on three counts and cleared on two.

After a two-and-a-half-day trial in the Collier County Court House, former Marco Island City Councilor Victor Rios was convicted of three separate felony counts regarding Florida State Statute 817.568 (2) (a). That statute reads: Any person who willfully and without authorization fraudulently uses, or possesses with intent to fraudulently use, personal identification information concerning another person without first obtaining that person’s consent, commits the offense of fraudulent use of personal information, which is a third-degree felony and is punishable by a fine of $5,000 and up to five years in prison per count.

He was found not guilty as charged on two separate felony counts concerning violations under Florida Statute 831.01 regarding the forging and altering of public records and/or certificates.

Rios’ charges were brought about as part of an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement upon a referral from the Department of Business and Professional Regulations over alleged improprieties regarding a condominium board election at the Belize Condominiums in 2019.

Camp Able Celebrates Its 17th Year

One of the most anticipated and enjoyable events shared between participants and islanders is the annual Camp Able weeklong festivities. Here you will find island business, social clubs and residents coming together to provide a wonderful experience for children from all walks of life.

During the week spent on Marco Island they participate in many activities, ranging from boating, a day at the beach, talent shows, and movie events.

Myrna Diaz, wife of Al Diaz who is an active Noontime Rotary member, was equally excited as her husband. Both had volunteered religiously since the event’s inception 17 years ago by Father Bennet at St. Marks. “We love the event and are so excited to see all these wonderful youngsters and young adults enjoy themselves,” said Myrna.

FireHouse Subs Provides Grant Marco P.D.

When funding appeared to be dwindling for a high-water rescue craft for the Marco P.D., Chief Tracy Frazzano turned to Joan Taylor, who had worked diligently as the Accreditation Program Manager for the department. She in turn brought the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant Program to Chief Frazzano’s attention and received her permission to proceed, working with Marine Division Sgt. Angel Casabona regarding the grant. They in turn were notified of the approval of the $17,916.99 application for the new craft and equipment for the department.

Rich Stoltenborg Leaves Behind A Large Legacy  

What drives a person to retire after thirty years in the same job, only to drive 1,500 miles south to embark upon another decade of dedicated service in the same profession before retiring a second time?

“This time, I think is the last time,” said a smiling Captain Rich Stoltenborg of the Marco Police Department as he sat back with friends and fellow officers on that special day of his “final” retirement in September of 2023. Stoltenborg finished 40 years as a professional Law Enforcement Officer and he and his wife were now preparing for a well-earned retirement and some downtime, but not before he and some friends moved his “other” office to a new location, that being the Marco Island Boxing Club’s move to Naples, continuing his other passion, teaching young men and women in a sport he loved.

Marco Becomes A Cruise Line Destination

The American Cruise Lines will be making Marco Island a regular stop on its weekly trips between St. Pete and Key West this season. American Cruise Lines is primarily known for their inland and river itineraries. Their vessels primarily cruise in the Mississippi River and its tributaries in addition to other specialized sailings throughout the U.S.

“This is a real plus for the Marco community as we get an opportunity to show off our wonderful island to 75-100 visitors during each trip of the ship,” said Dan High, General Manager of Rose Marina.