Enjoy Your Retirement With These Two Great Golf Courses On Marco Island

June 15, 2018 By Dawn

Marco Island retirees have two fantasist Golf Courses on Marco Island that are both gorgeous and enjoyable. Be sure to check out these beautiful golf courses on Marco Island.

Hideaway Beach Club

With a 31 rating, a 94 slope, and Bermuda grass, this golf course on Marco Island sits directly on the Golf of Mexico. The gated community offers the world’s largest concentration of native Florida Live Oak Trees. Besides being one of the most beautiful golf courses on Marco Island it also offers a board walk, natural lagoons, a sports complex and a beach club with exquisite dinners. Learn more about Hideaway Beach Club on its website here.

Island Country Club

Island Country Club, coined the “Crown Jewel” of golf courses on Marco Island, is a member owned, private club. The golf course is impeccably groomed. This 18 hole course is Par 72 and will far exceed your expectations. Plus, it boasts a 50,000 square foot clubhouse. Learn more about Island Country Club on its website here.

Condos for Sale Marco Island

Now that you see the outstanding golfing opportunities here, if you’re looking for condos for sale in Marco Island, please contact us show we can find the perfect community for you to fully enjoy your retirement! We can find you a first floor condo on Marco Island or even an upscale community.

Are You Buying a Home on Marco Island?

Considering buying a home on Marco Island? We’d love to help you find one that’s just right for your needs.

First, check out available Marco Island area properties using this helpful search tool. If it’s easier, you can just call us at 239-821-7926 or get in touch with us online to let us know what you’re looking for. We’re happy to contact you however you prefer. Then, we’ll start searching our databases right away using criteria you specify!

In the meantime, you can also easily explore Marco Island real estate by price:

Also, to stay current on the latest listing and community events, connect with your Marco Island area expert on Facebook or Twitter!

ISO Marco Island Beachfront Condos For Sale?

June 7, 2018 By Dawn

Are you interested in Marco Island beachfront condos for sale? We’d love to show you one of the many Marco Island beachfront condos for sale. We have Marco Island beachfront condos for sale to show you with complete hurricane doors and windows, with a variety of styles and floor plans private balconies, and more.

We’d love to show you Marco Island beachfront condos for sale overlooking the Gulf and Bay or Marco Island beachfront condos for sale that allow pets. This area is paradise living. Do you want a three bedroom condo? We’ll find you the perfect one. Maybe you only need one bedroom. No problem!

Looking for Marco Island beachfront condos for sale with open kitchens and extra living space? Let us take you on a tour!

Are You Buying a Home on Marco Island?

Considering buying a home on Marco Island? We’d love to help you find one that’s just right for your needs.

In the meantime, you can also easily explore Marco Island real estate by price:

Also, to stay current on the latest listing and community events, connect with your Marco Island area expert on Facebook or Twitter!

What Electric Companies Serve Collier County?

May 22, 2018 By Dawn

Collier County residents get electric service from one of two electric companies. The two electric companies serving Collier County are Florida Power & Light Company and LCEC.

Florida Power & Light Company

Florida Power & Light Company, the third-largest electric utility in the country, serves approximately 4.9 million customer accounts and across half of Florida. Their customers’ electric bills are around 25 percent lower than the national average. Plus, FPL’s electric service reliability is better than 99.98 percent! It has one of the most fuel-efficient power plant fleets in the world!

LCEC

LCEC is a non-profit electric distribution cooperative serving about 210,000 customers in Southwest Florida. It’s competitively priced. It’s one of the largest co-ops in the US and one of the largest employers in Lee County, Florida. Any customer in the service territory can join the cooperative. LCEC serves customers in Cape Coral, Sanibel, Captiva, North Fort Myers,Pine Island, Everglades City, Ave Maria, Immokalee, parts of Lehigh Acres and Marco Island. The cooperative began in 1940.

Are You Buying a Home on Marco Island?

Considering buying a home on Marco Island? We’d love to help you find one that’s just right for your needs.

In the meantime, you can also easily explore Marco Island real estate by price:

Also, to stay current on the latest listing and community events, connect with your Marco Island area expert on Facebook or Twitter!

Free Tax Preparation Services For Seniors Near Marco Island

March 12, 2018 By Dawn

Most Marco Island seniors are well aware that Florida excludes pensions and Social Security income from taxation, but there’s still more to know. You can pay for a service or online tax preparation, but you might qualify for free tax preparation service. See, with just a short drive up Collier Blvd and up 41 to Naples, free tax help is available at a few locations through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. The programs offers free tax preparation for low-to moderate-income taxpayers over 50.

Don’t you have better ways to spend your time and money than doing your own taxes again this year? Rather than spending all that money on tax preparation services, wouldn’t you rather spend it doing something you enjoy? At this time, the following locations offer free tax services to qualifying seniors:

East Naples Community Center

3500 Thomasson Dr.
Naples, Florida

Help is available during the following times:

Monday: 10:30 AM – 02:30 PM
Friday: 09:30 AM – 02:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

River Park Community Center

301 11th St. North
Naples, Florida
Help is available during the following times:

Monday: 9:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Wednesday: 09:00 AM – 01:00 PM

Golden Gate Community Center

4701 Golden gate Parkway
Naples, Florida
Help is available during the following times:

Monday: 9:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:30 PM – 04:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 01:00 PM

Tip: Make sure you bring all of your important documents for filing.

Are You Buying a Home on Marco Island?

Considering buying a home on Marco Island? We’d love to help you find one that’s just right for your needs.

Call us at 239-821-7926 or get in touch with us online to let us know what you’re looking for. We’ll start searching right away. In the meantime, please explore our:

Also, to stay current on the latest listing and community events, connect with your Marco Island area expert on Facebook or Twitter!

Green Home ‘Sea Glass Marco’ Wins Multiple Awards

February 11, 2018 By Angie Johnston

The recently-completed green home dubbed Sea Glass Marco sparkled at the 2017 Sand Dollar Awards held in late September, taking home trophies in four categories.

The builder of Sea Glass, Kevin Williams Construction, was among some of the nation’s top builders who were recognized at the annual event put on by the Collier Building Industry Association’s (CBIA) Sales and Marketing Council (SMC), which bestowed the awards at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, the Naples Daily News reported.

Sea Glass Marco, a single-story costal contemporary, won awards for Best Green Home, Product Design of the Year—Single Family Homes, and Interior Design of the Year—Single Family Detached Homes, all within the $1.5 to $1.75M range. The home also took Best Landscape Design in the range of $30,000—$50,000.

Sea Glass is the first LEED-Gold certified green home on Marco Island, and is an open concept dwelling with three bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths. Beneath a nearly 1,000 square foot covered lanai, the home includes a full outdoor kitchen with a gas grill—perfect for hosting parties with friends, or for a simple evening under the stars. The home has a spacious master suite with a large master bath and over-sized master closet. Its private study can be used as a home office, spare bedroom, or a place to get lost in a good book. The cook of the family can revel in the chef’s-style kitchen that’s complete with a large working island, counter top-height bar, and state-of-the-art Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances.

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a symbol of excellence in green building that’s recognized worldwide. LEED certification aims to bring about electricity cost savings, lower carbon emissions, and healthier environments within homes, the workplace, institutions of education, places of worship, and other public facilities. LEED homes use less water and energy, enabling monthly savings on utilities. These homes tend to maintain their value over time. A LEED-certified home undergoes on-site inspections, documentation review, and performance testing to ensure the health and safety of occupants.

Kevin Williams Construction believes that green building produces durable, efficient, and healthy homes.

“We thank the Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA) for recognizing our leading-edge work in the residential construction industry,” reads a statement on the Kevin Williams website. “The overwhelmingly positive response to Sea Glass Marco is evidence to us that we exceeded our goals.”

The Collier Building Industry Association (CBIA) is a not-for-profit association of industrial professionals who are inspired to make a difference in their community through advocacy, education, networking, and philanthropy, according to its website.

Are You Buying a Home on Marco Island?

Considering buying a home on Marco Island? We’d love to help you find one that’s just right for your needs.

Call us at 239-821-7926 or get in touch with us online to let us know what you’re looking for. We’ll start searching right away. In the meantime, please explore our:

Music, Movies and More: February on Marco

February 7, 2018 By Angie Johnston

Mark your calendars with these great events this month on Marco.

Winter Concert Series

Every Sunday in February from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. come out to Mackle Park to hear some of your favorite musicians. On February 11th Marco Big Band will take to the stage. On the following Sunday, Michael Nardi & Friends will wow audiences. Finally, on February 25, you can come out and rock with Rick and the Speedbumps.

Movie in the Park

Bring your lawn chairs or blankets out to Mackle Park on Friday, February 23 to enjoy a showing of the romantic fantasy film, Beauty and the Beast, from 6:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you get the munchies during the show, all of your favorite concessions—including hotdogs, popcorn, chips, and soda—will be available for purchase at $1 each.

Keep Our Beaches Beautiful

In honor of Bernardo Bezos, a beloved citizen and leader on Marco Island who passed away in January, the city has scheduled a beach clean-up for February 10 at 8:00 a.m. at the South Beach Boardwalk. Bezos was president and treasurer of the Marco Island Civic Association (MICA), and president and on the board of directors of the Beach Advisory, Beach Clean-up, Neighborhood Watch, Marco Island Foundation of the Arts, Marco Police Foundation, and the Cuban-American Club of Marco.

Are You Buying a Home on Marco Island?

Considering buying a home on Marco Island? We’d love to help you find one that’s just right for your needs.

Call us at 239-821-7926 or get in touch with us online to let us know what you’re looking for. We’ll start searching right away. In the meantime, please explore our:

2 New Chefs at Italian Restaurants on Marco Island, Naples

February 3, 2018 By Angie Johnston

Got a hankering for some delicious Italian cuisine? Two great restaurants, Sale e Pepe and D’Amico & Sons, are shaking things up with two new executive chefs at the helm to give their patrons even more of a pleasurable dining experience.

Sale e Pepe

Say, “Hello,” to Antonio Minichiello, the new executive chef at Sale e Pepe, a posh restaurant at Marco Beach Ocean Resort. The Italian native, who hails from the southern town of Avellino, recently told the Marco Eagle that he likes to take his patrons on a mouth-watering tour of his native country with his two new, six-course tasting menus, Avellino and Campania. “It’s like a trip that goes to Sicily, all the way through the south and stops in Rome, and up to Tuscany and finishes up in Milan.”

Growing up, Minichiello showed an interest in cooking and entered culinary school when he was 15. After graduation, he put his skills to use and, over time, his stellar performance landed him in restaurants like the Four Seasons in London, and the two-Michelin starred Four Seasons in Prague, Czechia. According to the Eagle, Minichiello has also served as executive chef at the Veranda at Four Seasons in Las Vegas.

D’Amico & Sons

Dishes on the menu at D’Amico & Sons in Naples taste that much sweeter with the new executive chef, Franco Paniccia, at the helm. This chef knows his way around a restaurant, from bussing tables at his family’s establishment at age 14, to waiting tables at other restaurants, to excelling at multiple roles within the kitchen, to demonstrating his brilliance at the executive chef level. Not only is Paniccia a master of Italian foods, but he’s got the chops for French, Peruvian, and Cuban cuisine, too. Visit this elegant restaurant and taste his Italian cuisine for yourself. Word on the street is that D’Amico’s Sunday brunch is not-to-be-missed.

Are You Buying a Home on Marco Island?

Considering buying a home on Marco Island? We’d love to help you find one that’s just right for your needs.

Call us at 239-821-7926 or get in touch with us online to let us know what you’re looking for. We’ll start searching right away. In the meantime, please explore our:

Money-Saving Tips for Your Marco Island Home

January 22, 2018 By Angie Johnston

If you’re looking for ways to stretch your dollar, and most of us are, consider these tips and tricks to help save money in and around your Marco Island home.

Simple Shower Clean

Instead of purchasing an expensive cleaner for your shower, full-strength vinegar will work just fine. Using a spray bottle, spray the vinegar onto your shower walls and glass. You really don’t even have to wipe it off, but you can rinse it off after about an hour if you want. Enjoy your shower’s clean sheen.

Prepare for a Move

If you’re planning to sell your home, and you don’t intend to take much of your furniture with you, it’s a good idea to begin selling some of your old or heavy pieces ahead of the move. Not only will this help save money on your moving expenses, but it can help your home appear more open and airy to potential buyers. You may be able to invest the profit from your furniture sale, and savings on your moving expenses, into furniture for your new home.

Start a Grocery Garden

What better way to help reduce your grocery bill than to grow some of your own? Instead of purchasing herbs, try your hand a starting yourn own herb garden. If it works out well, graduate to planting your own fruits and vegetables. These small changes can result in big savings for you and your family.

Are You Buying a Home on Marco Island?

Considering buying a home on Marco Island? We’d love to help you find one that’s just right for your needs.

Call us at 239-821-7926 or get in touch with us online to let us know what you’re looking for. We’ll start searching right away. In the meantime, please explore our:

Experience The Esplanade on Marco Island

December 22, 2017 By Angie Johnston

Nestled next to Smokehouse Bay, The Esplanade is a mixed-use development that’s complete with shops, restaurants, residences, and a scenic marina. It has the architecture and elegance of old-world Italy with all of the modern conveniences and luxuries you’ll love.

Shops

With upscale shops situated inside of 50,000 square feet of retail space, The Esplanade has a distinctly fashionable feel that makes it more than just another pretty space. Within an 1,100-foot stretch along Smokehouse Bay, you can peruse specialty shops for women, men, and children, or appreciate an afternoon of art at Sunshine Studios of Marco Island, or at The Artist’s Gallery Marco Island.
Treat yourself to Rick’s Island Salon and Day Spa, a full-service salon and spa where you can enjoy a relaxing pedicure, facial, and hot stone massage.

Restaurants

Sit down for a tasty meal of lobster tail, aged prime rib, or filet mignon at CJ’s on the Bay, or grab some sushi from Mango’s Dockside Bistro, a restaurant featured on HGTV’s Island Life. If those options don’t suit your fancy, you might be in the mood for some Gulf red snapper from Chop239. Cold Stone Creamery and 5th Avenue Coffee Company can round-out your delectable delights.

Residences

Designed in Italian-style architecture that’s enhanced with abundant tropical landscaping, The Esplanade includes 72 multi-family waterfront residences that overlook a scenic 77-boat-slip marina.

In the evenings, visitors and residents can stroll along the promenade and watch as a setting sun colors everything in butterscotch gold as it disappears into the horizon.

Are You Buying a Home on Marco Island?

Considering buying a home on Marco Island? We’d love to help you find one that’s just right for your needs.

Call us at 239-821-7926 or get in touch with us online to let us know what you’re looking for. We’ll start searching right away. In the meantime, please explore our:

Picayune Strand: The Forest Near the Sea

February 19, 2016 By Angie Johnston

Marco Island and the surrounding coastline are best known for such things as surf, sand and ocean sunsets. However, sometimes area residents prefer to spend a day enjoying the shade of beautifully towering oak or cypress trees, or perhaps an easy hike for breathtaking wildlife viewing opportunities.

Fortunately, Picayune Strand State Forest is less than an hour’s drive from your Marco Island home, and it makes a fabulous day or weekend trip.

Recreation in Picayune Strand State Forest

The Sabal Palm Hiking Trail is a 3.2-mile trail affording hikers an opportunity to view majestic 100-year-old cypress trees and several species of native wildlife.

Patient birders are usually able to spy multiple species of woodpeckers, wood storks and several other species of seasonal avian visitors. Cyclists have miles of forest roads and trails to explore, as well.

Equestrians can enjoy the 22-mile Belle Meade Tract*, which includes 10 paddocks and a primitive equestrian camping area.

The best part is that your canine pals can come along for the trip (if they’re not already booked for a playdate at Marco Island’s best dog park). Your four-legged friend must stay on-leash during your visit, but the entire area is extremely dog-friendly – just remember to leave only footprints.

Hunting and Camping in the Most Beautiful Forest Near the Sea

Backpacking is a favorite weekend activity within Picayune Strand, and campsites are available throughout the forest. Seasonal hunting is permitted in the wildlife management area and is regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

*It’s important to note that all horses in the forest must have current negative Coggins test results. For everyone’s health and safety, riders are required to carry proof of test results at all times.