Beginning to Welcome Back Our Friends and Neighbors

The fact that we had to change the clocks last weekend should mark the first indication that we are drawing closer to the time when we welcome back many of our seasonal friends. A few of my friends have already returned and started to join us for coffee each morning. Others are busy opening up their homes or condominiums and prepping their boats for what many of us hope will be some great times out on the water.

Some have come back to find that they lost a neighbor and friend or two over the summer months, causing them to take the time to reflect on their own choices moving forward. Loss is a terrible thing to deal with and we send our condolences.

Many of our returning friends will be elated that Publix has reopened its doors at the Shops of Marco at the corner of Barfield and San Marco. I hope you’ll be happy at the expanded opportunities in that facility. From prepared foods to a larger drive-thru pharmacy, you will find surprises around every corner. I think I know someone who will be banning me from the expanded bakery area (it does look wonderful), and of course I’d never fail to follow orders in that regard, not me!

There have been a few new eating establishments that may have opened since you were here last, and some more are preparing to open soon. I’m not sure if we took a count of banks, restaurants or pharmacies in the Collier County area which one would come out on top. It seems on every corner you can find one or another of these businesses within those categories. 

One thing for sure, it may be smart this season to take the time a day or two in advance to make a reservation if you want to enjoy your favorite eatery. My sixth sense tends to tell me that the pent-up demand for freedom of travel may be one of the biggest challenges we face this year, as an overabundance of visitors may be coming our way which will result in our favorite places doing very well.

Due to some lingering labor issues with the airlines, air travel may be a little more nerve-racking over the holidays. So book and arrive early for your flights and pack an extra ounce of patience over the normally busy travel times. The unfortunate agents that man those kiosks are not the enemy, they can only work with what is available. Remember, they are just people like you, and they deserve a little bit of respect and shouldn’t be set-upon because the computer they are working on isn’t helping them, or you.

I know that wherever you go you find costs of goods and services exploding. I’m sure it’s the same where we have family up north. I am greatly concerned that the slight increase we’ll see in our Social Security checks in January will be pretty much evaporated through the increase in inflation that continues to rise.

I’ve been made aware of a few builders that have been advising clients they can no longer honor the contracts that they signed a year ago. This is a real problem, as families have laid out down payments on homes that they now may have to either pay more for or be engaged in a legal battle that no one wins. Do your research and make sure you have the protection of dealing with a well-known and financially stable builder who won’t leave you hanging.

In fairness, I will say some contractors have had an unusually difficult time getting the materials which allow them to finish a contract. A shortage of electrical, appliances and some plumbing materials have presented problems for a number of contractors.

However, the old adage is still true. “If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Be a smart buyer and avoid the pitfalls of making poor decisions.

As you return and drive around the island, you’ll probably notice a beehive of activity in several spots. Fire Station 50 is about to be demolished and a new FEMA hurricane and flood rated facility will be erected in its place to replace the 30-year-old structure. In addition to that, the Veterans Community Park is undergoing a buildout to meet the vision the community has had for it since the purchase of the property shortly after incorporation in 2003.

Recently a Site Plan Approval was passed by the Marco Island Planning Board for the Assisted Living Facility soon to be built on property purchased from NCH on the corner of San Marco and South Heathwood. NCH has also committed to the construction of a new Urgent Care Facility to take the place of the outdated one on another portion of that property, and will update the professional service building that houses the NCH Rehab Facility and other professional offices.

A lot going on and a great deal of activity on our little island. Stay informed by following the Coastal Breeze News either online at www.coastalbreezenews.com or our Facebook page, or by simply picking up a fresh copy every Thursday morning around the island and in East Naples.