Saturday, November 14, 2026
Winner Overall Most Iconic Photo: Catherine Miltz captured these Roseate Spoonbills in her backyard. “Roseate Spoonbills are my favorite birds,” Miltz said, “We are fortunate enough to have them nest in the mangroves behind our house.” How many places can you live and have Roseate Spoonbills nesting in your back yard.? Definitely an iconic Marco Island scene.
Winner Most Iconic 1970s Photo (tie): Mark Creighton sent this picture of a big grouper haul in 1973.The picture was taken on a dock on the Marco River. The fishermen are Mark Creighton, Shorty Gadd, Bob Creighton and Bruce Chamber.
Winner Most Iconic 1970s Photo (tie): The Morris Family from Sidney, Ohio is fishing the Jolley Bridge in the early 70s. From left, Mark, Scott, Dad Robin and Mike. Missing are Julia and Mom Nancy who were probably shelling on the beach!
Winner Most Iconic 80s Photo (tie): John Behan shot this photo at South Beach on Christmas Day, 1980. Note the wrecked boat on the beach.
Winner Most Iconic 80s Photo (tie): Vicki Pershing took this picture of her husband Keith, owner of Island Automotive, with friends after winning a demolition derby in the early 1980s. Pictured are: A.T. Schmadtke, Keith Pershing, Chuck Shields, Don Orofino, David Dahnke and Princess, the shop dog.
Winner Most Iconic 90s Photo: Emmelina Semmler shot this great photo of the Rose O’Shea in the 1990s.
Winner Most Iconic 2000’s Photo: Coral-Jeanne O’Connor caught Queen Mary in action on the stage at Stan’s.
Winner Most Iconic Photo Modern Era: Michele Evangelista captured this beautiful rainbow over the water from the deck at The Mirage.
Second Place, Most Iconic Modern Era Photo (tie): Hilda Champion captured this lovely shot of Cape Marco and Marco Beach.
Second Place Most Iconic Modern Era Photo (tie): Mary Alger captured this action shot of the chickee huts being re-roofed at Residents’ Beach.
Third Place Most Iconic Modern Era Photo. John Cavanaugh captured this paddleboarder at sunset.
Honorable Mention Most Iconic Modern Era Photo: Michael Nan went to the air to get this beautiful photo of the south end of the island.
All of the entries in the City of Marco Island 25th Anniversary Photo Contest were from the Deltona Era forward, as a variety of beautiful images poured in to the Coastal Breeze News, via email and personal delivery.
While disappointed that no pioneer-era entries made their way into the contest, organizers are thrilled with the overall participation, as well over 100 photos were entered into the contest.
The contest was for amateurs only, but you’d never know it by looking at the impressive array of entries. In addition to the photos in the print edition, other fine examples can be found online at coastalbreezenews.com.
The Overall Most Iconic image was deemed to be Catherine Miltz’s shot of three Roseate Spoonbills. Miltz said the birds nest in her backyard. Only on Marco Island!
The Most Iconic Modern photo award goes to Michele Evangelista who captured a beautiful rainbow in the clouds from the deck at her Mirage condominium.
The oldest photo entered into the contest was Mark Creighton’s 1973 shot of a big catch of Grouper. The 1980s had a tie for the top spot: Keith Pershing and a group of colleagues behind Island Automotive celebrating a demolition derby win and John Behan’s cool shot of a car on South Beach at Christmas. There’s also a long-abandoned, apparently shipwrecked boat on the beach.
The 1990s is represented proudly by Emmelina Semmler’s iconic shot of the Rosie O’Shea, the Mississippi River Paddleboat that was dear to many Marco Islander’s hearts.
Queen Mary at Stan’s in Goodland is representing the 2000s, thanks to a great action shot by Coral-Jeanne O’Connor.
The Coastal Breeze News teamed with the Facebook Group Growing Up Marco Island to bring our readers this contest.
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