Scuba Marco’s New Beginning

Scuba Marco is bearing witness to ancient Roman philosopher Seneca’s sage observation that “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.”

After 28 years in the historic Olde Marco cottage where it began, the dive shop has a new home along North Collier Boulevard. The business shifted operations to a space in the Chamber of Commerce Plaza in early May.

Necessity is the reason owners Jeff and Jessi Dawson made the move from the building, which is one of Olde Marco's oldest. The cottage is thought to have been constructed a few years before the 1929 start of the Great Depression.

Several years after learning a move would eventually be required, the Dawsons were notified last spring that they’d definitely have to vacate the Bald Eagle Drive building because its owner, the Carvelli Restaurant Group, intended to raze it to create much-needed parking for its restaurant, the Snook Inn, which is located nearby.

“We looked on and off for four years because the Snook came at us in waves,” explained Jeff. “Three times said, ‘You have to be out in three to six months, or six months to a year. So we'd start looking and then their plans would change and we'd get a reprieve. And then a couple years later, it’s, ‘You got six months. So the third time that happened, we were like, ‘We have to find a spot.’”

Scuba Marco offers diving instruction and certification, dive trips locally and elsewhere in Florida, equipment for rental or purchase, tank fills, wetsuits, fins, masks, and snorkels, and a multitude of other accessories.

The Dawsons described the new location as ideal for several reasons, one being an easier-to-find location on Marco’s main drag. Another is the convenience of bringing their boat to the small marina behind the plaza for diving trips, rather than a long walk to the Snook Inn from their former shop.

“The tank drop-off area in the back is much nicer,” noted Jessi. “When customers need to get their scuba tanks filled, it's very easy. It’s right at the back door.”

Stepping through Scuba Marco’s door three weeks after the move meant entering a bright, orderly, and welcoming space that appeared to have been long established. However, cautioned the Dawsons, some tasks still remain before the move-in process is complete.

“But it feels fantastic knowing that we have a home and we can provide even better service for our guests and have more opportunities for our guests to find exactly what they need,” said Jessi.

They cited a host of people they’d like to publicly recognize for helping make the move possible. They include Jessi Dawson’s parents, Gary and Barbara Hobson, Tom and Stan Stam, Charlie Whelan, Larry Culvert, Greg Barrett, and Ralph Unruh of Total Automation Solutions.

“I’ll just say that the scuba family is huge and there are many, many ‘thank yous,’” said Jeff. “We have overwhelming appreciation for everyone that has been involved for the years this has been in the making.”

When asked what they’d like to impart to the public, he issued an invitation.

“Come and see us,” said Jeff. “There’s never been a better time than now to scuba dive, because what's going on above the water is not as good as what's going on underneath the water.”

Scuba Marco is now located at 1110 N. Collier Boulevard, first floor. For more information, please visit scubamarco.com or call 239-389-7889.