Annual Beach Passes Available to Residents At MICA

The Marco Island Civic Association (MICA) was established in 1973 and is the oldest and largest civic organization on Marco Island. As such, it has continued to be an advocate for civic improvement and the betterment of the island for its citizens. 

When Deltona Corporation was wrapping up its involvement on Marco Island in the 1980s, it placed the Marco Island Residents’ Beach and established Deed Restrictions governing the development of the island, under the control and operation of the Marco Island Civic Association (MICA) for the enjoyment and protection of Marco Island residents. It has remained that way since the Mackle Brothers finalized their operations on the island. 

During the recent outbreak of COVID-19 throughout the nation and here in Florida, the board of MICA took steps early on to protect residents. They initially shut down the Residents’ Beach parking facilities at the outset of the pandemic, and then gradually reopened when it became prudent. They also suspended short-term rental passes. 

In the last month, as Residents’ Beach Pass permits came up for renewal, they announced nonrenewal of short-term rental passes, but continued to offer a pass for annual rentals (those renting for a minimum of 12 months).

Residents here on the island and members of the Residents’ Beach Association continue to be able to purchase one-week passes for their guests who are in town visiting, without requiring the member to have to accompany their guests to the beach. 

Access to Marco Island beaches still is available without MICA permits at several locations: Tigertail’s County Beach at the end of Hernando Drive, the Collier County South Beach access point and parking facilities near Sarazen Park, the Turtle Lot on South Collier Boulevard with its public beach access point near Winterberry Drive, and the other public beach access point near Maple Avenue, north of the Madeira Condominiums. 

Over the years, MICA has made numerous improvements to the main Residents’ Beach Association facilities, as they have sought to improve the experience for residents of the island. They have added additional chickee huts along the beach, improved the bathhouse and shower facilities, and the boardwalk leading to the beach, improved picnicking areas and shade offerings, as well as enhancing the beautiful Paradise Grill and public seating areas. They also have been deeded a South Beach Access point and parking at the intersection of Swallow Drive and South Collier Boulevard adjacent to the Collier County South Beach Access. 

Residents requiring a renewal of their annual beach pass may do so from the comfort of their homes by visiting the MICA website at www.marcocivic.com. Or they may visit the MICA offices located above the Mutual of Omaha Bank at 1770 San Marco Road on Marco Island.