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Marco Island Sun & Scene : Upcoming Comedy Show , Iguanas' Destruction, Bill Slashing Controversy, Shoreline Project Halted, Fatal Crash Investigation, and More! 🌴🤣🦎🚧🛩️ #CommunityCatCare🐱

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Marco Island Sun and Scene

Marco Island Sun and Scene

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Marco Island Sun & Scene : Upcoming Comedy Show , Iguanas' Destruction, Bill Slashing Controversy, Shoreline Project Halted, Fatal Crash Investigation, and More! 🌴🤣🦎🚧🛩️ #CommunityCatCare🐱

Marco Island Sun & Scene : Upcoming Comedy Show , Iguanas' Destruction, Bill Slashing Controversy, Shoreline Project Halted, Fatal Crash Investigation, and More! 🌴🤣🦎🚧🛩️ #CommunityCatCare🐱
Exciting news in Marco Island: National comedians, iguanas causing damage, small project red tape slashed, shoreline project stalled, fatal plane crash investigation, drive-thru food pantry, meetups & live music, happy hour highlights, Farmers Market Wednesdays, and feral cat care support! 🌴🎤🦎🔨🌊✈️🐱🌮🎶🍹🍸

Author

Feb 17, 2026

Finally, some warmer weather on our horizon!  There are some upcoming local comedy shows that you might want to think about getting your tickets for now, before they sell out.  Traffic seems to be heavy, due to the closing at Barfield and Collier, but we are managing to keep everything moving, even though the population is up!  Local restaurants are busy...and the beaches are full!   🌞

Joke Of The Day

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

Because he was too shellfish!

Get ready for a night of major laughs as the acclaimed Venturino's Comedy Series brings a powerhouse lineup to Marco Island.

 

The Arts Center Theatre will host this special event, giving local audiences a rare chance to see nationally touring comedians in an intimate setting.

 

Headlining the evening is viral sensation and philosopher-comedian Rodney Norman, known for his uniquely uplifting and insightful humor.

 

He will be joined by a stellar cast of performers.

 

The show also features the sharp observational wit of Vee Shally, writer and podcaster Nick Gordon, and the dynamic series namesake himself, Larry Venturino.

 

This event is a fantastic opportunity to experience a diverse range of top-tier comedic talent right here on the island.


Read More...

An invasive green iguana population is causing major problems for Marco Island homeowners.

 

Their extensive burrowing is particularly destructive, undermining and cracking expensive seawalls, leading to thousands in repair costs.

 

Complicating matters, the City of Marco Island no longer removes invasive species from private property.

 

This policy forces residents to hire private animal control experts, an expense that can range from hundreds to over a thousand dollars.

 

Beyond the financial burden, the iguanas threaten the local ecosystem.

 

They devour native plants and have been observed taking over the burrows of the state-protected Florida burrowing owl.

 

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission classifies them as a prohibited species and encourages humane removal, leaving property owners to manage a problem that has become an unavoidable and costly reality.


Read More...

A new bill could bring much-needed relief to Florida homeowners facing frustrating delays on minor repairs.

 

Proposed by Rep. Tiffany Esposito of Fort Myers, House Bill 1049 aims to cut bureaucratic red tape for small-scale home improvement projects.

 

The legislation would eliminate the need for local permits on many jobs costing less than $7,500.

 

This is especially welcome news in Southwest Florida communities like Matlacha and Bokeelia, where permitting hurdles have significantly slowed hurricane recovery efforts for residents.

 

The proposal targets smaller jobs like building fences and other non-critical fixes.

 

However, it carefully maintains permit requirements for any work involving structural, electrical, or plumbing systems to ensure safety remains the top priority.

 

As HB 1049 advances to the State Affairs Committee, local residents are hopeful for a reform that could make rebuilding just a little bit easier.


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The Sand Dollar Island berm has seen multiple rounds of maintenance and emergency repairs since its original restoration in May 2023.

 

The project, designed to improve water flow and rebuild the shoreline using dredged sediment, holds a permit through 2037, allowing for regular upkeep every two years as well as emergency interventions when needed.

 

Storms like Tropical Storm Idalia in 2023, followed by Debby, Helene, and Milton throughout 2024, forced city officials to act quickly, with repairs spanning from late 2024 into early 2025.

 

Currently, another maintenance cycle is underway, expected to wrap up by February 15, 2026. This marks the second scheduled upkeep alongside several emergency fixes since the project began.

 

Residents recall when access channels near Coconut Island were narrow and self-sustaining, raising questions about environmental impacts despite the beach being more inviting for visitors.


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  • Wed, Feb 18: 77°/62°F. Mostly sunny, warm.
  • Thu, Feb 19: 77°/65°F. Mostly sunny, breezy.
  • Fri, Feb 20: 78°/65°F. Sunny and warm.
  • Sat, Feb 21: 78°/64°F. Mostly sunny.
  • Sun, Feb 22: 77°/51°F. Mostly sunny, turning cooler in the evening.

Quote Of The Day

"Live in the sunshine, swim in the sea, drink the wild air." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

A weekend flight through the serene wilderness of Southwest Florida ended in tragedy.

 

A small plane crash in the remote Ten Thousand Islands has left one person dead and a pilot alive, triggering a major federal investigation.

 

The Cessna A185F aircraft went down under what officials are calling unknown circumstances west of Everglades City.

 

First responders from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, along with fire and EMS crews, rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a downed plane in the water near the Port of the Islands resort.

 

Upon arrival, they discovered the aircraft had overturned and was partially submerged in the shallow waters.

 

Two people were confirmed to have been on board the flight, which departed from Marco Island Executive Airport.

 

While the pilot survived the ordeal, the passenger was fatally injured in the devastating incident.

 

The wreckage was later recovered from the water and transported to Goodland Boat Park on Marco Island.

 

Now, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken charge of the case to determine what went so horribly wrong.

 

Investigators will meticulously examine the aircraft, review maintenance records, and analyze the pilot's experience as they search for answers.

 

The full story of this heartbreaking crash may not be known for months, as such investigations are often lengthy and complex.


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Saturday Food Pantry – Drive‑Thru

  • 📅 Date: Saturdays

  • 🕒 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.  Donate to this great cause if you can.  We all love to help our Marco Neighbors.

Meetups and Outdoor Live Music Options

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 HourEvery Day, 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm
  • Mango's @ Esplanade - Happy Hour: Every Day, 11:00 am to 6 pm
  • La Mesa - Happy HourEvery 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
  • Island Hideout:  Happy Hour:  Monday thru Wednesday 3:30 - 7PM

 

The Marco Island Farmers Market...  Every Wednesday until April!

  • Dates: Ongoing 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.

 

An urgent call for support echoes across Marco Island and greater Collier County as a local nonprofit launches its annual cat food drive.

 

The organization, For the Love of Cats, is seeking donations to help dedicated volunteers who care for the region's estimated 50,000 free-roaming and feral cats.

 

These unsung heroes provide daily food and monitor colonies, while also managing overpopulation through humane trapping and neutering efforts.

 

This community-led initiative is crucial, especially as Collier County Domestic Animal Services signals a move toward a formal Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release program.

 

The success of the drive directly supports healthier cat colonies and the residents who care for them.

 

Every contribution empowers these essential efforts, ensuring our community’s most vulnerable animals receive the nourishment they need to survive.


Read More...

Duke is a loving boy who has been diagnosed with FeLV. He has been described as a total lap cat, and needs a lap to call his own! Come by today to learn more about this beautiful boy and see how you can help him thrive.

 

Ready to adopt? Visit Patty Baker Humane Society Naples' Main Shelter during our walk-in hours Tuesday – Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. No appointment is necessary!

 
Ready to Adopt?  Find out More with the Links.

 

Duke is a Male Cat

4 Years 9 Months

14.8 lbs.

Location: Main Shelter

Adoption Fee: $0

 

If you want to set an appointment or have questions, contact Patty Baker Humane Society Naples at 239-643-1555 option 4, ext.15.

 
 
Do you have room for a sweet, new friend?  Click below for more information or to sponsor or adopt Gable or another animal in need.
 
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Marco Island Sun and Scene

© 2026 Marco Island Sun and Scene.

Sun & Scene is your weekly guide to what’s happening on Marco Island. We share fun events, cool places to visit, tasty food spots, and local news — all in one easy email. Whether you live here, visit often, or just love the island, Sun & Scene helps you stay in the know and enjoy the sunshine all year long.

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