Stories with Audio

Around four dozen fourth and fifth grade students sang their hearts out Wednesday afternoon for an overflowing dining room at Konrad’s Seafood and Grille on Collier Boulevard. The first public performance of the year by Tommie Barfield’s own Morning Musician’s featured a variety of choreographed song and dance routines led by Lisa Braren, music teacher at Tommie Barfield Elementary (TBE). Full story »

Marco Island Farmer’s Market at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church will return in full swing Wednesday mornings starting Nov. 21 and running through April 16. The market will open for business at 7:30 a.m. and close at 11:30 a.m. sharp. Full story »

Mike Kelly Jr. was short and to the point when summarizing his company’s new 427 cubic inch, 550 horsepower performance motorcycle he calls the Vanquish V8. Full story »

Lely High School encourages seniors to get those college applications in now, since students who wait to the last minute this year will quite possibly miss the bus. Full story »

More than 20 chef-wannabes of all ages gathered at Blu Fusion restaurant this weekend for the opportunity to learn from some of the best chefs on the island. Paul Johnson, recreation leader for Marco Island Parks and Recreation says these tantalizing classes are “cooking up interest.” Full story »

Over 140 students from Tommie Barfield Elementary School braved the early morning rain on Wednesday to take part in Collier County’s official kickoff for International Walk to School month. Full story »

Some things never change. Today’s teenagers, like those of generations passed, still need a “crowd” to hang out with. Friends to talk to. Somewhere to belong. Whether it’s sports, music or academics, to someone between the ages of 13 and 19, a healthy social life counts. Big time. Full story »

In the coming weeks, women all over the world will sport tiny pink ribbon pins, to support, encourage and remind one another that living healthy should remain a top priority. The reality is, consistent, yearly mammograms save lives of mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. The time to schedule an appointment is now — October is breast cancer awareness month. Full story »

Husband and wife Barbara and Jack Mannix had the distinction Wednesday at 9 a.m. sharp of being first through the doors of the long-awaited Dollar Tree store at the Shops of Marco. Full story »

Break out the funny money and pick that lucky racehorse, the second annual Island Derby returns to Marco Island on Oct. 13. The adult fundraiser to benefit Tommie Barfield Elementary students, was a sellout last year, raising nearly $17,000 to benefit area youngsters. Full story »

The American Red Cross, Collier County Chapter, will celebrate 80 years of humanitarian service next year. As the county plans to honor volunteers who show up in the face of disaster to offer a compassionate “helping hand” to victims in time of need, a diminutive handful of volunteers from Marco Island offer a ponderous thought to a community left, seemingly, unaware: Are people fully prepared to handle an unfortunate, disastrous event in paradise? Full story »

Whether you’re new to the island or just visiting and looking for a worship service that fits your needs, Marco Presbyterian Church could be right for you. Full story »

When the daughter of environmental specialist Nancy Richie, Camille, expressed an interest in archaeology and later joined the Marco Island Historical Society, a light went off in certain Islanders’ minds. Full story »

Late Tuesday, the Knights of Columbus and the Council of Catholic Women gathered together at San Marco Catholic Church to find out how to prevent and recognize warning signs of the fastest growing criminal industry in the world, human trafficking. Full story »

The City of Marco Island Parks and Recreation’s idea to offer free math tutoring to local kids became an overwhelming hit this month, with numbers almost doubling expectations. Starting Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Joan Van Glabek will begin tutoring five to 13 year olds, one evening a week. Full story »