A Vivid tale of Florida’s time as a U.S. Territory with Rodney Kite-Powell

Find out about Florida's move from a territory from the comfort of your home!  You can watch the Zoom Program on Thursday - November 6th at 2:00 PM!  Get the facts from Rodney.  Register Here.

The Sunrise Rotary club, the Noontime Rotary club, and the Kiwanis Club are pulling together on November 8th on Marco Island at the Marco Island Charter Middle School and hoping to pack meals for those in need through Meals of Hope.  Registration starts at 8:00 AM in the Gymnasium.
The goal is to pack 200,000 meals in just two hours, with each club contributing to raise a total of $60,000.
Volunteers of all ages are invited to join in this impactful event.
By supporting their fundraising efforts, you can help provide meals for hungry children in Collier County, just in time for the holidays.
Join the cause to end hunger and make a difference in your community.
Visit Meals of Hope Marco Island to learn more and get involved.

Coastal Art Walk is BACK!

Time:  10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

When:  November 9th

The Coastal Art Show has Been Going on for 18 years and features local artists, whether it be wearable jewelry, wall art, or other wonderfully crafted specialty items, there is something for EVERYONE.

South Beach Cleanup - Keep Our Local Beaches Clean

Where:  Approximately 900 S Collier Blvd., Marco Island, FL 34145

When:  November 9th from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM

All are welcome to come help pick up trash and debris from the beach.  Make sure to wear sunscreen and a long-sleeved shirt if you are sensitive to the sunshine.

The Marco Island Farmers Market is round the Corner!  Wednesdays are about to get Fresh!

• Dates: November 12th 2025 through April 15th 2026
• Day: Every Wednesday
• Time: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Location: Veterans Park, 901 Park Ave, Marco Island, FL 34145
• Holiday Schedule: In case of a holiday on a Wednesday, the market may be moved to the preceding Monday.

For more information on becoming a vendor, check out the City Website with the Applications!  They are available now.

Wine and Food Experience in Naples - November 15th

📅Date: November 15, 2025

🕔Time: Early Admission 12:00 p.m. • 🎫General Admission 1:00–4:00 p.m.

📍Location: Paradise Coast Sports Complex, 3940 City Gate Blvd. N, Naples, FL 34117 • Admission: Single admission price (tastings included).

Join an elevated afternoon of culinary delights—taste samples from acclaimed local chefs and emerging talent, sip premier wines, beer, and spirits, enjoy live music and mixology, all at the USA TODAY Wine & Food Experience in Naples.  Find out More About Restaurants and Sponsors.

November 2025 Kayak Fishing Event

• When:  Mon, November 24, 2025
• Location:  Shell Island/Rookery Bay (Shell Island launch)

Typically, MSC kayak trips will last approximately five to six hours and will cover 5 to 7 miles.  It is a great way to try out fishing from a kayak and spend some time relaxing in the backwaters around the Marco Island/Naples area.  

Get on their Kayak List!  

Book Your Thanksgiving Dinner NOW Before it is too Late with this Direct Link to Open Table Restaurants Open in Marco Island on Thanksgiving Day!

I get the Question a Lot about who is open on Turkey Day.  This Thanksgiving, if You Are Looking for Dine Out Options, Check Out These Local Restaurants that are on OpenTable so You Can Make Your Reservation Ahead!

Tesoro at The JW Marriott

Sale e Pepe at The Marco Beach Resort

Deep Lagoon Seafood and Oyster House at The Esplanade

La Tavola on Winterberry

Saturday Food Pantry – Drive‑Thru

• 📅 Date: Saturday

• 🕒 Time: 9:00 AM

• 📍 Location: 1818 San Marco Road, Marco Island, FL 34145

• 🎟️ Admission: Free

• 📄 Details: A drive-thru food-pantry service for the community. Approach via San Marco Road, turn by Island Garden Center on Capt. Horr Way and follow the signage.

The intense struggle for affordable housing in East Naples has reached another critical point.

Collier County commissioners unanimously approved a proposal to rezone a 9.5-acre property for a new 92-unit apartment complex at 8928 Collier Boulevard.

Of those units, 28 are specifically reserved for workforce and income-restricted housing.

This move directly targets the housing crisis affecting essential workers like local teachers and nurses.

The project, from developer Bonita Flores 1 LLC, is in a rapidly growing area near a future Costco.

However, the approval sparked debate about development density.

Some officials voiced concern that developers might use a small number of affordable units to push through larger, market-rate projects.

The decision highlights the difficult balance between encouraging new construction and ensuring it serves the community’s most urgent needs, with thousands of local families still facing unaffordable housing costs.

Happy Hour Highlights 

Island life: sunscreen, cocktails, and questionable decisions....🍹🌊🍸

We always have a Lot of great options for happy hour across the island. Here are some of the top spots with their typical schedules in no order:

• Pinchers Happy Hour: All Day EVERYDAY!  Enjoy Two of the Same Drink From Open to Close.
• Stilts in Marriott Crystal Shores Happy Hour:  Daily from 2:00pm to 6:00pm.
• Sunset Grille - Happy Hour: Monday-Friday 2:00pm to 5:00pm.

• Snook Inn - Happy Hour: Monday–Thursday, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  

• La Tavola Restaurant and Bar - Happy Hour: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

• Italian Deli and Market - Happy Hour: Every day from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  Don't Forget KARAOKE MONDAYS!

• Kane Tiki Bar & Grille & Quinn's at The JW Marriott both Offer  Happy Hour - Daily 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

• Sami's - Happy Hour: Monday–Friday 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

• Marco Island Brewery Happy Hour: Daily 3:00pm to 6:00 pm or after 10pm.

• The Speakeasy - Happy Hour: Monday–Saturday 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  

• Dolphin Tiki Bar & Grill - Happy Hour: Every day, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

• DaVinci’s - Happy Hour: Every day, 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

• Marco Prime - Happy Hour: Every day, 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm.

• The Oyster Society - Happy Hour: Every day, 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. 

• Arturo's - Happy Hour:  Every Day, 4:45 pm to 8:00 pm.
• The Boardroom - Happy Hour: 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
• CJ's @ Esplanade - Happy Hour:  Every Day, 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm
• Mango's @ Esplanade - Happy Hour: Every Day, 11:00 am to 6 pm
• La Mesa - Happy Hour:  Every Day, 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm
• Tesoro - Happy Hour:  Every Day,1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
• 844 Gulf & Prime - Happy Hour: Every Day, 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
• Sale e Pepe - Is Temporarily CLOSED.

• Quinns at Marriott: 📅 Daily Happy Hour + Live Entertainment (Thu–Sun) 🕒 Happy Hour: 2–4 pm | Music: 6–9 pm

• Cavs:  Happy Hour: Monday to Friday 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
• SandBar:  Happy Hour:  Monday to Friday 2:00 to 6:00 pm and don't forget all-you-can-eat CRABLEGS Sunday and Mondays!
• FIN Bistro:  Happy Hour: Tuesday to Saturday 4:00PM to 5:00 PM in the bar for 20% OFF all beer and wine with a Social Hour Menu featuring $12 bar bites.
• 2 Sheas Salty Dog:  Happy Hour: 7 Days a Week 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• Nacho Mama's:  Happy Hour: Daily 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

A wave of community pride is sweeping Marco Island as three local educators were named 2025-2026 Collier County Teachers of Distinction.

Congratulations to Dawn Lombardi of Marco Island Academy, Martie Miller from Marco Island Charter Middle School, and Georgina Dolan of Tommie Barfield Elementary for this incredible honor.

Announced by Champions For Learning, this recognition is a key part of the prestigious Golden Apple Program.

The teachers were chosen from a remarkable pool of nearly 1,500 nominated educators across the county, based on thousands of submissions from students, parents, and colleagues.

These 59 distinguished educators will now present their unique classroom strategies to a committee.

Only six will be chosen to receive the coveted Golden Apple award in March, with a celebration dinner to follow in April.

Joke Of The Day

Why did the pelican refuse to share his fish on Marco Island?

Because he didn't want to be a "pelican't"!

🎲 Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub – Trivia Nights

• 📅 When: Wednesdays, 7:00–9:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Paddy Murphy’s Irish Pub

• 📄 Details: Weekly trivia nights — fun atmosphere, team play, and great prizes.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Marco Men’s Club – Monthly Meeting

• 📅 When: 2nd Wednesday of each month, 10:00 AM

• 📍 Location: Marco Lutheran Church

• 📄 Details: Local men’s social and service club with regular speakers, social outings, and networking opportunities.  Join Here.

🃏 Canasta Club of Marco Island

• 📅 When: Every Tuesday, 1:00 PM

• 📍 Location: Mackle Park - 1361 Andalusia Terrace, Marco Island

• 📄 Details: Weekly canasta games open to residents and visitors who enjoy this classic card game.

Marco Island Shell Club

• 📅 Nest Event: November 28th - Holiday Shell Art Sale

• 📍 Mackle Park & local venues

• 🎟️ Membership or Drop-in

• 📄 Details: Shell enthusiasts gather for weekly art workshops, excursions, and seminars. Proceeds from shell art sales fund scholarships and marine research.

Rotary Club of Marco Island (Noontime)

• 📅 Weekly Meetings

• 📍 Local venues & community projects

• 📇 Contact: Jennifer M. Tenney | 239-610-1101

• 📄 Details: A civic-minded club focused on scholarships, “Flags for Heroes,” and meal packaging events that uplift the community.

Line Dancing?  Why Yes we Have That!

When:  On Tuesdays Starting October 7th 2026 at 9:30-10:30AM Low Beginners &10:30-11:30AM High Beginners

What it is:  A class featuring line dancing for all who attend.  18 and Up

Cost:  $10 per class per person.

See more and Get Signed up Here.

Marco Island Sportfishing Club

• 📅 Events & Tournaments Year-Round

• 📍 Marco Island marinas & waterways

• 📇 Contact: marcosportfishingclub.com

• 📄 Details: Organizes outings, tournaments, and socials for all levels of sportfishers.

Car Cruise In

When: Saturdays From 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Marco Corvette & Muscle Car Club.

Where:  Marco Lutheran Church parking lot.

Find out More:  MarcoIslandCorvettes.com

A Fantastic Family Private, Luxury Yacht Charter Option Right in Marco Island!

Athena Yacht Charters runs right from Marco Island and you can take the family on a sunset cruise for a few hours, a daily trip, or a longer ride to the Dry Tortugas, The Bahamas, or an overnight charter to The Florida Keys.  To find out more about what The Athena has to offer just visit the website for pricing and selections!