About Marco

Location of Marco Island

Marco Island is located in southwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico, 50 miles south of Ft. Myers,  16 miles south of Naples and 100 miles west of Miami. The largest of the Ten Thousand Islands, it is 6 miles long and 4 miles wide, and is connected to the mainland by 2 bridges. Southwest Florida International Airport in Ft. Myers is about an hour’s drive from Marco Island. Marco Island’s airport, is for private planes and is 3 miles north of the island.

History

Not much is known about the ancient history of the island, however archeological evidence supports the theory that the Calusa Indians fished or hunted on the island over 3,500 years ago. Ponce de Leon, on many of his voyages to southwest Florida, stopped off on Marco Island to pick up fresh water he had discovered there around 1513. For the next 50 years the island gre slowly with activity centered around a clam factory and a pineapple plantation. It wasn’t until around 1922 when Baron G. Collier acquired most of the island, that residential development began.  In 1964 the Deltona Coporation began the large scale development of a planned waterfront community for resort and leisure living.

Beaches & Shelling

With 3.5 miles of white sandy beaches, it provides a great environment for those who want to leisurely bask in the sun; and for those who would like a casual stroll in search of the vast variety of shells.

Fishing

Some of the finest fishing in Florida surrounds Marco Island. Snook, redfish, trout, sheepshead, snapper and pomapano are some of the species found in the backwaters and in many cases around your dock. Around the artificial reefs, a few miles offshore, grouper, red snapper, barracuda and drum are plentiful.  Many charter boats operate from the local marinas and are equipped with tackle, appropriate licenses and captains who know where to fish.

Boating

Marco Island’s waters are ideal for boaters. With access to the Gulf, surrounding bays, rivers, canals and the backwaters of the Ten Thousand Islands, the choice is endless. Marinas with sales, service and boat storage are conveniently located at several locations. Rentral boats are available from several locations.

Golfing

There are several courses within a few minutes drive of Marco Island and within a 16 miles radius of the island there are over 30 courses. Fine weather allows golfing year round.

Tennis

Courts are plentiful throughout hte island. Many condominiums have their own courts. There are also many other public and private facilities available.

Medical Facilities

A fully staffed Urgent Care Center is open 24 hours a day.  Emergency helicopter service is provided to the Naples Community Hospital if needed. This hospital is a general acute care facility and is regarded as one of the finest of its size in teh nation.  There are also many physicians, dentists and chiropractors in private practice.

There is a well-equpped animal clinic with a veterinarian and assitants, located on the island.

Schools

A fully accredited elementary school,with grade’s Kindergarten through fifth, is located on the island. Students in grade 6 through high school are bussed to respective schools on the mainland.  The high school, with outstanding academic and sports fields, is located just 12 miles from the island.

Marco Island Charter Middle School and Marco Island Academy High School are also on the island.

Churches

The island is blessed with many beautiful houses of worship, with over 10 denominations.

Shopping & Services

Many shopping areas dot the island, with drug stores, hardware, men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, home furnishings, liquor, photography, printing & office supplies, arts & crafts, marine and fishing, jewelry and variety shops. There are beauty shops, dry cleaners, auto repairs, builders, real estate brokers, lawn services, nurseries and much more.  Professional services include a number of practicing attorney’s, investment brokers, insurance, computer and mortuary.

Accommodations

There are 3 fine hotels located directly on the beach; another is just across the street from the beach and an apartment motel is located on the bay.

Restaurants

There are many fine easting establishments to satisfy a full range of appetites; from the finest seafood, steaks, chicken and ethnic specialties to party food, sandwiches and “fast food”.

Financial Services

Five full service banking institutions are conveniently located on the island. Also, many major brokerage houses call the island home.