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Marco Island!

 

 

“Paradise Found on Florida’s Gulf Coast.”

Anna Maria Island

Marco Island

A Barrier Island and City in Collier County, Florida

 

Marco Island, Florida is a beautiful barrier island located in southwest Florida, just south of Naples in Collier County. Known for its stunning white-sand beaches, calm Gulf waters, and relaxed tropical atmosphere, Marco Island is the largest of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands. It blends natural beauty with upscale living, offering luxurious resorts, waterfront dining, and abundant opportunities for outdoor activities like boating, fishing, kayaking, and shelling. With its rich Native American history, scenic parks, and peaceful neighborhoods, Marco Island is both a popular vacation destination and a desirable year-round community, especially for retirees and nature lovers.

 

Marco Island experienced significant impacts from Hurricane Ian when the storm made landfall in southwest Florida on September 28, 2022. Although Marco Island was not in the direct path of Ian’s eyewall, it still faced severe weather conditions with a storm surge between 4–6 feet, and tropical storm-force winds causing local flooding, damaged trees, signage, and some structures, especially older or less protected buildings.

Location & Size

Situated just south of Naples in southwest Florida, Marco Island is accessible via the S.S. Jolley Bridge and the Goodland Bridge.

The island is approximately 24 square miles, encompassing both land and water areas.

Founded

Marco Island’s history dates back to around 500 A.D., when the Calusa people inhabited the area. In 1896, William D. “Captain Bill” Collier opened a hotel on the island, known today as the Olde Marco Inn. Significant development occurred in the 1960s under the Deltona Corporation, transforming the island into a premier resort destination. Marco Island was officially incorporated as a city on August 28, 1997.

MARCO ISLAND WEATHER

Population

Approximately 16,000 residents as of 2023.

Known For

  • Beaches: Pristine white-sand beaches, including Tigertail Beach, ideal for shelling and birdwatching.

  • Outdoor Activities: Boating, fishing, kayaking, and exploring the nearby Everglades.

  • Wildlife: Diverse ecosystems supporting manatees, dolphins, and various bird species.

  • Cultural Sites: Marco Island Historical Museum showcasing Calusa artifacts.

Cost of living

  • Median Household Income: Approximately $104,105.

  • Median Home Price: Around $1.1 million as of April 2025.

  • Median Rent: Approximately $6,500 per month as of May 2025.

 

 

Things to do

  • Beaches: Relax on Tigertail Beach or South Marco Beach.

  • Nature Tours: Explore the Ten Thousand Islands by kayak or boat.

  • Fishing: Charter fishing trips for deep-sea or backwater fishing.

  • Dining: Enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants like Snook Inn.

  • Arts & Culture: Visit the Marco Island Center for the Arts for exhibits and events.

Fun Facts

  • Historical Artifact: The “Key Marco Cat,” a wooden Calusa artifact, was discovered on the island and is now displayed at the Marco Island Historical Museum.

  • Development: The island’s transformation in the 1960s was one of the largest planned developments in Florida at the time.

  • Hurricane Impact: In September 2022, Hurricane Ian caused significant storm surge damage to the island.

Nearby Cities

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