Present Day Marco Island

A sun-drenched jewel on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, Marco Island features six miles of beach and over 100 miles of waterways within its 24 square miles. Marco Island is the largest Barrier Island within Southwest Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands area extending from Marco Island to Cape Sable. It lies within the subtropical to tropical climate zone and experiences a distinct wet and dry season with most of the rainfall occurring between the months of June and October. With a permanent population of 16,521 and a peak winter season population of 40,000, Marco Island’s residents and visitors alike call this special Island ... Paradise.

The City of Marco Island is located in Collier County, a short drive from the City of Naples. It is well known for its high quality of life, natural resources, casual atmosphere, and friendly people.

On August 28, 1997, the people of Marco Island elected to incorporate. Marco Island became a city for the second time. (The first time the city was known as Collier City and was incorporated in 1927, but later unincorporated.) The first seven-member City Council was subsequently elected with a council-manager form of government. City Council hired a city manager to assist in undertaking the task of providing traditional municipal services. With the invaluable assistance of many citizens who volunteered to serve on various committees, the structure of the City took place. The new City Council took on many issues simultaneously, including the development of a comprehensive plan, a land development code, and operating departments to include law enforcement, fire-rescue, parks and recreation, public works, community development and administration. City Council recognized the serious island infrastructure problems and has undertaken an aggressive capital improvement program. Bridges and roads have been repaired. Storm drainage problems continue to be addressed. Waterways are dredged to ensure safe boating access. Over 100 miles of streets, storm drainage, rights-of-way, 12 bridges, and six parks come under city jurisdiction. In May 2001 the City acquired the Bank of America building property on Bald Eagle Drive for $1.2 million. Located adjacent to the existing police and fire department property and across the street from the Marco Healthcare Center, this facility compliments the public service center of Marco Island as its first City Hall.

Following years of negotiations, the City acquired the water and wastewater system from a private owner in November 2003, at a cost of $85.3 million. The decision to acquire the utility was made with wide public support and now allows the community to make reasonable and environmentally sound decisions regarding future water supply and environmentally safe wastewater treatment processes. A business plan is under way to provide for better and more reliable water sources, new water treatment capacity, and an expansion of the wastewater collection system to eliminate septic tanks.

In 2003 the voters elected to acquire 6.85 acres of property near the town center at a cost of $10 million. The property will be master planned to provide a variety of recreational and cultural opportunities.

Marco Island continues to attract visitors from all over the world and its property is in high demand. Quality commercial structures were and continue to be built along with upscale residential homes, condominiums and hotels. Architectural standards help ensure quality development that promotes the unique quality and ambiance of Marco Island.

There are about 1,754 remaining vacant lots. New homes are constructed at a rate of about 200-300 each year. The recent trend has been the demolition of older homes with the replacement of larger residential structures. While homes and condominiums are considered to be expensive compared to most communities in Florida, there is a wide variety and price range for homes, condominiums and vacation rentals. The retail businesses, quality restaurants, superb hotel and conference facilities, quality neighborhoods, easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, and pristine environment are among the finest in the nation. The white sandy beaches along the bright blue Gulf of Mexico, when combined with the warm winter climate are among the reasons that the residents and visitors call Marco Island "paradise."