Marco Island, Florida
By Jim Hunt for the News and Journal
After shoveling what I hoped was my last pile of snow and knocking the final icicles from our
garage roof, my wife and I came to a mutual realization—our winter-worn bodies needed a
break. A week in a warmer climate sounded like the perfect remedy. Fortunately, my wife’s
longtime friend, Connie, owns a house on Marco Island and graciously invited us to spend the
week with her.
Connie and her late husband, Angelo, built their home on Marco Island back when the area was
just beginning to evolve into the sought-after winter retreat it is today. Over the years, my wife
visited many times, but I was always tied up with work or tackling a home project. Truth be told,
I never considered myself a “beach person.” The idea of baking under the sun and ending up
with sand in every imaginable place never quite appealed to me. But as I would soon discover,
my beach aversion was about to change.
Our journey started with a direct flight from Pittsburgh to Fort Myers, Florida, on Spirit
Airlines—just a quick two-hour trip on a Sunday afternoon. After landing, we headed to baggage
claim, and while waiting for our luggage, my wife nudged me and whispered, “That guy over
there looks like Joe Manchin.” I took a closer look and, sure enough, it was West Virginia’s
former U.S. Senator. As a familiar face in the Mountain State, he was in town for a speaking
engagement, and we chatted for a few minutes. It’s funny how often I run into fellow West
Virginians while traveling.
Shortly after, Connie arrived to pick us up, and we loaded our bags for the drive to Marco Island.
Her home is in a prime location—just minutes from the beach, shops, and a variety of
restaurants. As we settled in, I couldn’t help but admire the beautiful decor and the spacious,
screened-in lanai, where comfortable chairs surrounded a large table, perfect for entertaining.
The pool sparkled under the Florida sun, and despite a brief rain shower, the skies soon cleared.
That evening, we enjoyed a delicious homemade spaghetti and meatball dinner, complete with
wine and a cheese tray. We spent the rest of the night laughing over Family Feud and testing our
knowledge with Jeopardy, all while mapping out our plans for the week ahead.
Monday brought cooler temperatures and occasional rain showers, making it the perfect day for a
driving tour of Marco Island. Connie, a seasoned local, took us to her favorite spots, showcasing
the island’s transformation over the years. Towering palm trees lined the streets, and we
marveled at the elegant waterfront homes, each one more meticulously landscaped than the last.
At one point, we witnessed a woman pull her car over to help a large turtle that had wandered
onto the road. Armed with a towel, she gently encouraged it back toward the water—a small but
heartwarming moment of kindness.
By Tuesday, the weather had improved, and I decided to mix a little business with pleasure. I met
up with my friend Sam Toles, a previous guest on my Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast, who
made the two hour trip from Fort Lauderdale to have lunch with me at The Sunset Grille, a laid-
back beachside restaurant. Over a delicious meal, we discussed his company, CiviSocial, which
helps cities navigate social media more effectively. When I returned to the house, I noticed a few
extra shopping bags—evidence that Connie and my wife, Pam, had taken advantage of the local
sales while I was out.
Stay tuned for next week’s column, where we visit the planned community of Ave Maria,
Florida, home to Connie’s daughter, Kristie.