Looking Back on 2021

There was never a shortage of news for the Coastal Breeze to report on during 2021. In Part Two of the year’s recap, we will provide our readers with a quick synopsis of some of the biggest local stories of 2021. 

Real Estate Sales Skyrocket 

Over the last year, the real estate market on Marco Island was a seller’s dream, as property on the island continued to be a sought-after commodity. Sales exceeded expectations and the demand was high for a Marco Island address, whether it was a lot, a condominium or a house. 

Currently, there are over 300 new homes under contract that will be or are being built on the island. There were 665 single family homes sold and closed in 2021, compared to 568 in 2020 and 406 in 2019. There were 842 condo units sold and closed in 2021, compared to 617 in 2020 and 462 in 2019. There were 291 lots sold and closed in 2021, compared to 272 in 2020 and 120 in 2019.

As of January 10, 2022, there are 57 single family homes, 50 condominiums and 71 lots actively listed for sale.

Marco Loses a True Road Warrior

On the early afternoon of August 31, 2021, Dwain Naftal took a call for a motorist in distress, which would be his last roadside assistance dispatch. He was fatally struck by a vehicle near the intersection of Collier Boulevard and Isles of Capri Road, while rendering aide to a stranger.

Naftal was a guardian angel to many residents and visitors over the 24 years, answering calls for flat tires, dead batteries, lock-outs and tow truck requests. At his celebration of his life there was a long procession of those who shared his passion for helping others, as well as those who were assisted by Naftal in the job he held for nearly a quarter of a century.

Subsequently, the driver who struck Naftal was charged with Vehicular DUI Homicide by FHP, following an investigation of the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Marco Island Academy Realizes a Dream 

For the last decade, community leaders and Marco Island Academy (MIA) staff steadily moved forward, until fall 2021, when they opened the doors to the brand-new facility that now houses the local charter high school.

For years, MIA has been rated as a high performing high school within the State of Florida and is recognized nationally. It now has a facility which mirrors the dream.

MIA is still involved in fundraising to complete the school’s athletic fields and support buildings.

Short Term Rental Problems 

The issues concerning Short Term Rentals (STR) continue to plague the entire State of Florida. Additional pressure is being placed on local legislators to return some level of authority to local communities that are struggling to control the issues that affect the quality of life in their municipalities and counties. 

Collier County recently enacted a Short Term Rental Registration Ordinance for the unincorporated areas of the county. Marco Island City Councilors chose not to follow suit on enacting a similar ordinance. Instead, council again chose to rely on revisions to a noise ordinance, and will revisit the issue late this spring. Councilor Rich Blonna is looking to bring a “White Paper” forward at the first meeting in January.

Council Finalizes 10 Year Review of Comprehensive Plan

The Marco Island City Council held its second and final meeting in October of 2021 regarding the Adoption Package for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. The process, which involves the adoption of a new 20-year plan for any municipal or county entity in the State of Florida, is required by the State of Florida. The plan must be updated every 10 years and a report sent to the state.

“Such a plan provides the principles, guidelines, standards and strategies for the orderly and balanced future economic, social, physical, environmental and fiscal development of a community or county that reflects that entities commitments to implement the plan and its elements.” Florida Statutes Title XI, Section 163.3177. The components of that plan cover all aspects relevant to the current and future needs of the municipality or county in question.

Work Begins on Station 50 and Veterans Community Park

Some have wondered whether the time would ever come, but early in the fall of 2021, shovels full of dirt were ceremonially turned over at the sites of two of the largest capital projects ever undertaken by the City of Marco Island. Work began in earnest on these two projects, which will amount to an approximate investment in city improvements of $25 million.

The replacement of the 30-year-old Fire Department Headquarters, as well as the build-out of Veterans Community Park commenced in the fall. Work will continue over the next 12 to 18 months (or more) before both projects are completed. 

MIFR Loses Two Long Term Members

On a warm Saturday evening in the early fall of 2021, two of Marco’s own enjoyed a gathering of their primary and secondary families. They came together to celebrate a combined 56 years of service to the community they dedicated their lives to. Their firefighting family, together with their own families, came out and raised a glass to them both. That evening, Division Chief Chris Crossan and Captain Jim Pope basked in the well wishes and love of their families and significant others, as well as their second family from the firehouse.

It was a wonderful gathering of great folks, good food, excellent music and a great many funny stories. Other retirees were on hand for the celebration. Although they may not have been together for a while, firefighters will always share a sacred bond that is hard to understand unless you’ve bunkered up and answered the call.

FWC Uses Grant Funds to Remove Derelict Vessels

In the fall, utilizing funds from a grant, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission (FWC) personnel began the process of removing three derelict vessels in the waters around Marco Island and Naples. The costs were estimated at $37,400 to remove three of these vessels. The first was a sailboat in Factory Bay. A second vessel was off of Keewaydin Island, and the third was in Naples Bay.

Derelict/abandoned vessels are defined as hinderances to navigation or in danger of polluting the waters due to the discharge of harmful pollutants. Aesthetics may also be a factor.

The Florida State Legislature has appropriated monies to a grant fund that local municipalities may apply for in order to have these vessels removed. Florida FWC manages this process.

Commissioner LoCastro Holds Town Hall

County Commissioner Rick LoCastro held a Town Hall in December to provide a review of what is happening in Collier County, and specifically on matters that directly impact Marco Island and surrounding areas.

Amongst the issues was the reconstruction of Goodland Road, the completion of the new terminal building at the Marco Island Executive Airport, and the recent controversy surrounding the Caxambas Boat Ramp.

LoCastro was accompanied by management staff from Naples Community Hospital, who discussed their plans to rebuild the urgent care facilities on the island along with other issues concerning residents.

Marco Island Yacht Club Christens New Docks

The Marco Island Yacht Club (MIYC) unwrapped an early Christmas present when they officially christened 27 new docks. The dream for additional dockage began in 2008, and finally become a reality when Board Chairman David Everitt and Commodore Geoff Walker broke a ceremonial bottle of champagne over the handrail of one of the dock’s walkways.

Council Overrules Planning Board Rejection of Dock 

When a property owner at the end of Sundrop Court requested a 10-foot extension of his dock to accommodate a new vessel, the Planning Board denied that request. The rejection stirred a considerable uproar by residents who felt that the board had erred in their judgment. The board cited issues such as the size of the boat, the indefinable issue of “small town feel,” and the much debated and misunderstood “riparian rights to a view across another’s property.”

The city staff had recommended the approval of the request, based upon the application and the city’s codes. The Planning Board rejected the request in a 4-3 vote, and the owner appealed to the Marco Island City Council. In December, city council spent three hours acting as the Zoning Board of Appeals at a special meeting on the matter, and in a unanimous vote, overruled the Planning Board’s rejection.

Dr. Harper Report Being Reviewed

The much-awaited Environmental Research and Design Report on water quality in and around Marco Island was received late in the summer. The $197,986.00 review on the probable sources that impact water quality in our canals and off island had been anxiously awaited by the city. The report will act as a foundation for action plans to facilitate the needed water quality improvements.

The Waterways Advisory Committee is presently reviewing the report and will concentrate on putting together recommendations to city staff for their review, as well as the city council.

Realtors Swear in New Board of Directorshe Marco Island Area Association of Realtors (MIAAOR) swore in the 2022 Board of Directors at its annual Christmas luncheon at the Marco Island Hilton Beach Resort and Spa in December. At that meeting, the 2021 Board President Jim McGregor turned the gavel over to incoming President Jack Winnik, as McGregor concluded his stint as Board President.

Christmas Events Return to Marco

After a year of subdued events celebrating the Christmas holidays in 2020 due to COVID-19, the Christmas Island Style Committee brought back a full slate of events for the community in 2021.

Residents and visitors enjoyed a wonderful Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration, held at Mackle Park this year due to construction at Veterans Community Park. The annual Christmas Street Parade returned to San Marco Road, along with a number of other festive events.

NCH Announces New Urgent Care in the Works

As part of the plans for the Assisted Living Facility (ALF), which was recently approved, Naples Community Hospital announced that it is in the process of developing specifications for a new Urgent Care and Professional Office Center on the island. Funding will come from the sale of unused property owned by NCH to the Chancey Design Group. The Chancey Design Group will be developing the ALF at the intersection of Heathwood and San Marco Road.

The new center will bring state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and other additions to the older center, which will stay in operation until completion of the new facility. As part of their plans, NCH will also renovate the office building on their campus that presently houses professional offices and rehabilitation facilities.