COVID-19

During 2021, COVID-19 remained a major story for the State of Florida on three different fronts. The first, the surging numbers of people contracting COVID-19 during the summer months, resulting in some of the year’s highest numbers.

In addition, Governor Ron DeSantis maintained his steadfast stance against “closing down” the state’s economy and education system, measures that were taken in 2020 to try and slow the spread of the virus.

Lastly, the effects on Southwest Florida from the soaring demand for short term rentals (“STRs”) by Florida’s East Coast residents, who sought access to beaches and entertainment, which were temporarily shut down on their side of the state.

Marco Island Yacht Club Expands Dockage

Marco Island City Council approved a major expansion for the Marco Island Yacht Club (MIYC), which added an additional 27 new docks to its facilities. Docks ranged from 45 to 125 feet in length. Five of the 27 new docks will be fixed dockage with 40,000-pound lifts.

MIYC Board of Directors Chairman Dave Everitt spoke about a shortage of larger dockage in Southwest Florida and the pressing demand that was a driving factor in the boards’ decision to expand availability on Marco Island.

Environmental Impact of Red Tide

Environmental issues regarding red tide and its effects on marine life made the news a number of times in 2021. Local environmental stewards reported sick shorebirds, dead fish, horseshoe crabs and other marine life. Over the last decade or more, the issue of red tide and its causes has continued to be on the front burner for both state and local environmentalists.

Local environmental stewards maintain a close watch on all aspects of Marco Island’s marine and wildlife populations, including shorebirds, tortoises, dolphins, manatees and other species.

Progress continues to be made in regard to rebuilding the Hoover Dike that surrounds Lake Okeechobee. This project, which is due for completion in 2022, is a part of the solution to the large discharge of nutrient polluted waters down the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie Rivers.

Former Councilor Victor Rios Arrested

Former Marco Island City Councilor Victor Rios was arrested in February of 2021. His arrest followed the issuance of warrants for felony counts, alleging his involvement in document forgery in the 2019 Belize Condominium Association elections.

Arrest warrants were issued for Victor Rios after an extensive investigation was conducted by the State Attorney’s Office (SAO). The investigation occurred after allegations were brought forward against Rios by a number of Belize Condominium owners. These owners alleged that their voting ballots were signed and submitted to management by Rios, not them. The SAO found credible evidence to proceed with the charges and subsequently warrants were issued.

Victor Rios pleaded innocent to the charges against him, and he has requested a jury trial.

Walker Marine Group Sold

One-Water Marine, Inc., a publicly traded NASDAQ company, acquired Walker Marine Group on Marco Island, owned by James Walker. One-Water Marine acquired all new and used marine craft sales, as well as the entire service and parts operations, which were a part of the Walker Group. Walker maintained real property ownership for the locations.

Walker Marine Group presently operates Walker’s Marine Sales on Bald Eagle Drive on Marco Island, Walker’s Hideaway Marine on 705 East Elkcam (also on Marco), Walker’s Coon Key Marina in Goodland, Walker’s Yacht Sales in Fort Myers, Walker’s Yacht Sales in Fort Myers Beach, Walker’s Hideaway Marina in Cape Coral and Wahoo’s & Flying Bridge Marina on North Road in Naples.

In the last year of operations, Walker Marine Group generated $80 million in revenue in sales, service, parts, financing and insurance during the 12-month period. This acquisition of Walker Marine by One-Water Marine will mark the largest acquisition by that group.

Assisted Living Facility Approved

After an extended courtship with the City of Marco Island, Walter Chancey of Chancey Design Group finally received approval for an 86-room, 92-bed combination Assisted Living and Memory Care facility. The facility will be built on property located at the intersection of Heathwood and San Marco Road, purchased from Naples Community Hospital.

Originally, the project was turned down by Marco Island City Council in 2020. Plans were then downsized and resubmitted in early 2021. In April 2021, City Council approved the revised project, and construction is slated to begin in first quarter of 2022.

Progress at Tigertail Beach Area

Early in April, Collier County staff members, County Commissioner Rick LoCastro, the Friends of Tigertail, a FWC Regional Biologist, City Councilor Erik Brechnitz and members of the Hideaway Beach Association and Taxing District (assisted by Humiston & Moore Engineers), met to discuss challenges facing the Tigertail Beach area. The ongoing issues concern maintaining the proper flow of water into that area, as well as “over-wash.” A potential course of action to help improve these issues was discussed, and Hideaway Beach members and the Friends of Tigertail shared a proposed plan.

• Maintain the lagoon area as a wet estuary. 
• Address shoaling in the lagoon through initial dredging and future maintenance dredging with considerations to seagrasses. 
• Restore Tigertail Lagoon and Sand Dollar Island to 2017 conditions or earlier. 
• Use excess sand to restore and enhance Sand Dollar Island which will prevent further over-wash.
• Establish and maintain a circulation channel on the back side of Sand Dollar Island. 

It is hoped that in the next several months a project approval may be forthcoming on a plan that would take into consideration all parties’ concerns, to help ensure both the approval and funding.  

Island Country Club Renovations

The Island Country Club (ICC) embarked upon a major multi-million-dollar project, which their leadership team promises will make it one of the area’s premier private clubs. Planned renovations include a new fitness center, upgrades to the tennis facility, locker rooms, golf pro-shop, dining facilities and expanded indoor and outdoor seating.

The refurbishment and expansion of the services provided to the ICC membership accompanies the recent upgrade of its 18-hole Championship Golf Course.