New Coast Guard Auxiliary Building Opens at Caxambas

The long wait for the official opening of the Marco Island Coast Guard Auxiliary’s new building in the Collier County Caxambas Park is finally a reality. Delays due to Covid, supply chain as well as a little issue known as Hurricane Ian that caused flooding and destruction of park areas substantially delayed the official opening date for the much awaited new facility.

On February 23, Flotilla 9-5 hosted interested parties to view the new facility which replaced the very antiquated double-wide trailer that had previously served as their home. 

No one who walked through the new facility left unimpressed as the comments by those that visited were all positive, according to Richard Hurd, the PIO officer for the group.

One of the most impressive additions to the design of the facility was an electric lift which will allow those with a disability to access the elevated structure to attend meetings and classes.

Another big draw by attendees were the actual scale models of Coast Guard Craft which were on display and were created by Richard Heinrich. The scale models have been on display throughout the Naples and Marco Area and have been the subject of great interest by many who have viewed them.

In addition to classroom areas, the building also houses various offices as well as storage areas for equipment and work areas for plotting searches, if necessary, and other responsibilities that include disaster relief work and search and rescue. 

Promoting and enhancing recreational boating safety is one of the main focuses of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. As part of that enhancement of recreational boating skills the Flotilla is hosting a whole series of safe boating classes throughout the month of March. The local Flotilla meets the third Wednesday of each month starting at 7:00 PM at the Caxambas Park location at 905 Collier Court Boulevard. For more information visit their website by Googling Marco Island Coast Guard Auxiliary.