Council Recognizes Safe Boating Week, Silent Heroes and Longevity

City Council meetings most generally begin on an uplifting tone, first with a short prayer from one of the island’s clergy. That would be no different during the first meeting of May when the Reverend Scott Kerens of Marco Presbyterian Church took to the podium to bless those present for the meeting.

Council Chairman Greg Folley then left his chair on the dais to begin a series of presentations to employees and groups being recognized. The first presentation was both a lesson in safety, and a thank you from the city for the great work being done by the America’s Boating Club, which seeks to educate boaters on the safety aspects of wearing proper personal floatation devices (life jackets) during any activities on or around the water.

The City of Marco Island took the opportunity to recognize this simple rule as we approach National Safe Boating Week, May 20th through May 26th, 2021 and the start of the year-round effort to promote safe boating. Council Chairman Folley presented the club with an Official Proclamation declaring this upcoming week as Safe Boating Week and urging all those on the waters in and around Marco Island to wear an appropriate life jacket while boating.

Next on the agenda was a group that City Manager Mike McNees could have referred to as “unsung heroes” on the island. The City’s Public Works and Utility Departments were recognized for their quiet roles in returning city operations back to normalcy after any event that impacts the island.

“Their roles, like that of First Responders, are vital to maintaining order and a sense of routine on a 24/7 basis. They make sure the roads and bridges are open and safe, water is flowing and the sanitary lift stations around the island are operational. They are our frontline of First Responders,” said McNees as he recognized them as part of National Public Works Week May 21st through May 27th, 2023.

Longevity recognition came next, and the following employees were recognized for their service to the city and the citizens of Marco Island.

Juan Monsalve – five years, Marco Police Department

Allan Reyes – five years, Marco Police Department

Lynn Musgrave - 10 Years, Customer Service Mgr. Marco Utility Dept

Dustin Beatty - 20 Years, Captain/Marco Fire Rescue

Read more about the May 8th City Council Meeting in the May 18 Edition of the Coastal Breeze News or online at www.coastalbreezenews.com.