Mackle Brothers Vision and STR

I have been a resident of Marco Island for over 50 years and have witnessed many changes, but little from the original master plan established by the Mackle Brothers (I knew and worked for them for three years). Their vision was for a diverse community of retirees, working people and vacationers. Twenty-five years ago, we voted to become a city to insure that vision. In addition, the Mackles were firm believers in the property rights of the property owners of each community they developed to insure a place for all.

My children were born and raised on Marco Island and fortunately, after college, they each returned to Marco Island to raise their families; and they could not have done so without the opportunities the community offered due to the Mackle Brothers vision: retirees, working people and vacationers.

While there are a few code violations by vacationers, not all homeowners toe-the-line. By passing the proposed unreasonable code, we might just as well remove the Welcome to Marco Island sign at the foot of the Jolley Bridge.  

There has been a small minority pushing the issue. I wonder how many of them rented a vacation home before they purchased a house to call home; I know of several.

Please vote NO on referendum to keep Marco Island a vibrant and diverse community.