Marco Lake Fountain Awaits Completion

The bubblers at Marco Lake are on but not the fountain. In the August 9th edition of the Coastal Breeze News, we reported on a fish kill in and around the Mackle Park Lake. After being notified of the kill and upon investigating complaints of an overwhelming stench from that area by neighbors we went to view the area in person.

The complaint was confirmed, as we were unable to spend more than a few minutes at the side of the body of water before being required to retreat to our vehicle due to the overpowering stench. The last week of July we communicated with Miguel Carballo, Marco Island City Manager of Fleet and Facilities, in an effort to inquire as to what was being done and asked about the two “bubblers” in the lake that have been out of service for an extended period of time.

On August 7 Mr. Carballo responded to our questions.

Question: Update on progress on pump repairs and target dates for those repairs?

Answer: We estimate the fountains to be back up and running in approximately three weeks.

Question: Did you receive back a chemical analysis of the condition of the water and its contents?

Answer: The water samples that were taken are at a lab in Tallahassee testing for a variety of toxins, including the herbicide. Last Friday we were given an estimate of a few weeks for the results.

Mr. Carballo also mentioned in subsequent conversations and communications that he was estimating a two to three-week timeline for the repairs or replacement to be completed on both of the pumps. Results from the requested Tallahassee report on the water quality have still not come in. 

When viewed on the morning of September 4th, the pump located in the vicinity of Canine Cove was now in operation and working fine. The bubbler fountain at the large bridge on the north side of the lake is still awaiting repairs. In the future should citizens observe problems around the park they should call and identify the issues observed at 239-642-0575.  The park is open seven days a week from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM with the exception of holidays.