Marco Island Sun TimesNews:Local News:The Goodland Beat

Uncovering buried treasure

Thu, 17 Aug 2006 09:44:31 EST

"From the sweeping grasslands of the Everglades to sunny Naples, Collier County's history is alive with tall tales, unusual artifacts and hard evidence of the past that range from the intriguing to the downright odd."

How Good Land Point became Goodland

Thu, 17 Aug 2006 09:44:32 EST

Johnny Roberts and his wife Margaret are believed to have founded Goodland in the late 1800's.

Directions in Goodland: How do you know where you are?

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 09:52:26 EST

How do we know where we are if there isn't some sign noting our location, or at least an arrow pointing the right way?

Fishing, romance, the memories thereof and The Liars Club

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 09:38:42 EST

Secret clubs... clandestine organizations... covert meetings? There is so much more than meets the eye in this Southwest Florida community of Goodland, which is about as different from neighboring Marco City as night is to day.

Love, liberty and independence

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 08:41:33 EST

In honoring our history with thanksgiving and respect, we celebrate several holidays throughout the year, including Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Veterans Day.

Spammy Jammy Party recap

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 08:42:50 EST

Little Bar rocks. Merrill rocks. Rayford Starke Band rocks. And the 2006 edition of Spammy Jammy - held last Saturday in Goodland - was absolutely volcanic!

May the force be with you

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 09:10:17 EST

Want some evidence that the 1930's was a tough decade?

The countdown begins

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 09:02:15 EST

Doesn't it seem like we go from one countdown to another?

Precious moments and the first kiss

Fri, 30 Jun 2006 02:40:39 EST

Do you remember your first kiss? I do. I was in eighth grade and it was the last day of school before summer vacation. Ed Chambers came walking toward me and, before I knew it, he kissed me on my cheek. Stunned, I suddenly was transformed into a cloud like dream state.

Life goes by at a slower pace these days

Thu, 8 Jun 2006 09:23:07 EST

I was under the impression that all the snowbirds have flown north for the summer. But walking the streets of Goodland this early morning, I realized I was incorrect.

Home, Sweet Home

Thu, 1 Jun 2006 06:06:57 EST

Some people call Goodland quaint and charming. Others call it home. The history and culture of the past, the stories of local bounty, the ruggedness of surviving and the beauty of our land are at an arms length here.

Rainfall tops biggest gossip in Goodland

Thu, 25 May 2006 08:55:56 EST

Well, I thought that the busy season screeched to a halt last week. But no, I was wrong. I think it is this week that the full meaning of "off-season" has finally hit home.

Summertime blues, though the living is still grand

Thu, 18 May 2006 11:45:03 EST

Well, the good news is that Stan's birthday bash in Key West, celebrating his 80th year, was a blast. Like Stan said, "Everyone came back in one piece, good or better than before they left."

A rose by any other name...

Thu, 11 May 2006 09:04:02 EST

Desdemona was a woman with a mission. She was up with the sun. There was no lounging in bed or drifting off to catch a few more winks. She was building a rocket ship.

Don't let others dream for you

Thu, 4 May 2006 06:09:04 EST

The Collier County News reported in 1927, "Barron Collier offers to assist the State Road Department in financing a quarter of a million at 5.5 percent for the balance of the current year."

Have fun and be happy

Thu, 27 Apr 2006 08:26:46 EST

The community that plays together stays together. And that's what seems to be happening this spring. The Poker Run, the community garage sale and Easter in the Goodland (boat) Park are just a few events organized and supported by residents of this tight community.

Community involvement... and the Easter Bunny is coming to town

Thu, 20 Apr 2006 11:01:34 EST

First things first. Or maybe, it's all as one.

Goodland's having a party... and you're invited!

Thu, 13 Apr 2006 08:51:08 EST

This Saturday, April 8, Little Bar Restaurant is presenting Southwest Florida artist Tara O'Neill's exhibition of original oil paintings and geclee reproductions.

Southwest Florida pioneers were a special breed of survivor

Thu, 6 Apr 2006 08:34:22 EST

The lore of years ago has always generated intrigue when pirates roamed the seas and explorers discovered new land. When men and women left the safety of their familiar realm and stepped into the unknown marking their own path.

What's your idea of paradise?

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 08:55:27 EST

Welcome to paradise. What a concept. I thought that what I considered paradise as it relates to Southwest Florida was the same as what everyone else thought of as paradise. Wide open spaces, the gulf and all its various tributaries, the huge sky, the river of grass, the stars at night, the subtle change of seasons, and all the land and sea critters that work together as one are a few aspects, in my view, that fall into the category of paradise. Blooming hibiscus, the flowering orange tree, water lapping, fish jumping and palm fronds swaying in the breeze are included.

Poker Run, golf carts and pirates in Goodland

Thu, 30 Mar 2006 08:55:28 EST

The excitement of the upcoming inaugural Goodland Poker Run is gathering momentum. The anticipation of winning money and having loads of fun definitely has some lure.

Urban legends told throughout the centuries in Goodland

Thu, 23 Mar 2006 11:58:49 EST

Story-telling around the campfire, writing home from across the sea, gossiping at the corner pub or reading front page news... how much of what we swear as true, actually has basis for fact?

Poker Run coming to Goodland

Fri, 10 Mar 2006 10:47:50 EST

Change. It's about to take place in every aspect of our lives. It always has, and it always will.

It's a small, small world

Wed, 1 Mar 2006 06:14:44 EST

The 10th Annual Mardi Gras Goodland Boat Parade benefiting Hospice of Naples has evolved into a major Southwest Florida event.

The essence of a community

Wed, 1 Mar 2006 06:14:44 EST

A frightful war cry rose, quivered, and ceased. A volley of shots rang out. Charlie Amathla (an indian chief swayed by the white man's promises about to lead his party into the white soldier's hands) and his companions fell dead on the trail.

Gearing up for Mardi Gras Boat Parade

Wed, 1 Mar 2006 06:14:45 EST

Giving takes on an unlimited spectrum of forms. The 10th Annual Mardi Gras Goodland Boat Parade on Saturday, Feb. 18 is one example of a community's involvement towards the good of a common goal.

Too many good things to say about 'snowbird season'

Wed, 1 Mar 2006 06:14:46 EST

Even though full-time Goodland residents look forward to and enjoy the slow and quiet pace of summer, the "snowbird season" - which just about triples the village population - enhances all the good that typifies the community spirit of Goodland.

It's all about the community

Thu, 26 Jan 2006 10:01:35 EST

Goodland is not even one square mile and the "season" hasn't really started. In fact, winter residents have only begun to trickle south and the hint of a steady stream of snowbirds hasn't yet been evidenced.

2006: Another 'good' year in Goodland

Thu, 26 Jan 2006 10:01:36 EST

When it comes down to it, health, friends and family are the most important treasures in life. The priceless value of the strength of heart, faith and appreciation of all we are - and all we have - is without comparison.

Goodlanders like the way 'things' are

Wed, 14 Dec 2005 10:58:39 EST

Goodland is a small town community, a community like any other historic American community settled by those able to "see" outside of the box.

There are angels in Goodland

Thu, 8 Dec 2005 09:04:35 EST

I didn't want to interrupt Damas Kirk from protecting the crates of stone crabs with shovelfuls of shaved ice, so I took pictures of the "postcard beauty" view around Kirk's Fish House instead.

Seminole Indians knew when to evacuate, do you?

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 01:55:42 EST

As the popularity of Florida expanded during the 1900's, stagecoaches and river steamers were followed by railroads.

Yes, Goodland is alive and well

Thu, 22 Dec 2005 12:45:15 EST

First and foremost, Goodland is still standing. And not only still standing, but up and running as the primary destination site in southwest Florida.

The Spirit of Goodland comes shining through

Thu, 17 Nov 2005 09:28:33 EST

Back from San Diego and cruising the area a week after Wilma hit, my first stop was at the Goodland Post Office.

We're not closed, just gone for vacation

Thu, 28 Jul 2005 09:03:59 EST

The red cardinals have long gone, heading north weeks ago; and even those cute little finch birds scrounging for the bird seed I leave on the window sill have disappeared. And I wonder where those big black bird bullies have traveled.

Free Buzzard Punch this Sunday at Stan's

Thu, 21 Jul 2005 10:40:33 EST

Stan's Idle Hour Restaurant on Sunday is a sight to behold. It's one of those instances where one really needs to live through the experience to actually know what people are talking about. Come to think of it, that's true with everything concerning this one square mile called Goodland.

Goodlanders can get involved with CERT

Thu, 14 Jul 2005 11:42:42 EST

Tax-free products, hurricane seminars, and daily reminders on television and in the newspapers of the possible outcome of a major tropical storm are common, and necessary, topics of interest this time of year.

The party's over but the howling is just beginning

Thu, 7 Jul 2005 09:35:06 EST

Being a professional weatherman is one of the few career choices where one can be wrong a good portion of the time and still be No. 1 in the ratings and receive one raise after another.

Spammy Jammy this weekend in Goodland

Thu, 7 Jul 2005 09:35:08 EST

One of the most important social events in Collier County, and more specifically, Goodland, is coming this Saturday, June 25.

Another NASCAR Goodlander pops up

Thu, 7 Jul 2005 09:33:03 EST

Reading about Vicki Woods's exciting experience riding as a passenger in a NASCAR racing car in the Goodland Beat column last week reminded a certain Goodlander of his thrill associated with NASCAR.

Summertime thrills and adventures abound in Goodland

Wed, 15 Jun 2005 07:22:29 EST

Ask longtime Goodland resident Vicki Wood what fun is all about.

Everglades rescue heroes work while we sleep

Wed, 8 Jun 2005 04:17:45 EST

Throughout the ages, Indians, adventurers and entrepreneurs led the way in "civilizing" the primitive and harsh lands of Florida.

Saints and Sinners in Goodland

Thu, 2 Jun 2005 08:42:58 EST

Goodland doesn't just welcome the brave, the hearty, the bold. The daring and the outlaw comes into town in many forms.

The winds of change blow through Goodland

Wed, 25 May 2005 03:42:21 EST

A broken plastic cup rattling along. The torn pages of a forgotten telephone book ruffling one after another. A row of vacant cement trailer pads waiting, their usefulness diminished.

Stan's birthday brings pirates, scurrilous buccaneers

Wed, 25 May 2005 03:42:21 EST

Another active tourist season has come and gone. And do we know anything more than we did before?

Mar-Good beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Tue, 17 May 2005 06:15:40 EST

Do you ever feel like the world is spinning out of control in chaos, whether from local or global news?

Good news in colorful Goodland

Thu, 5 May 2005 08:22:30 EST

Something great is happening to Drop Anchor Trailer Park and it has something to do with colors.

Season not yet slowing down for Goodlanders

Thu, 28 Apr 2005 09:08:09 EST

Just when it seems that things have slowed down a bit and season is starting to wind down, CD recordings, Elvis sightings, and pirate aficionados are causing a stir of activity in Goodland.

Springing ahead in Goodland

Wed, 20 Apr 2005 10:27:50 EST

Southwest Florida. Even with snake infested swamps, scorching heat, alligators on the prowl, and mosquitoes as big as silver dollars, Realtors were still able to sell this beautiful and sometimes torturous land to unsuspecting souls as "paradise."

The good in Goodland is its people

Wed, 13 Apr 2005 10:27:20 EST

"Don't mess with Goodland" seems to be the battle cry in Goodland the past six years. We have bumper stickers, T-shirts, and have had dozens of strategic community meetings in regard to preserving the essence of this historical fishing village.

Land sales in Goodland and changing times

Wed, 6 Apr 2005 02:51:16 EST

The effort to preserve Southwest Florida history and the struggle to retain the essence of this one square mile precious community of Goodland has taken a huge stride.

Sunday, Mar-Good's last hurrah

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 07:47:23 EST

The Goodland Civic Association (GCA) and the Goodland Preservation Coalition (GPC) hosted an information-only meeting on community historical preservation March 18 at the Community Center.

And the beat goes on, in Goodland

Thu, 24 Mar 2005 09:09:06 EST

A man on the street the other day, talking about condos lining the Goodland waterfront within the next half dozen years, said, "Change is going to happen anyway in Goodland. Why get involved?"

Goodland celebrates birthday, offers history lessons

Thu, 17 Mar 2005 09:45:33 EST

Goodland is kicking up her heels this month and getting all dolled up to celebrate her 55th birthday and is looking as beautiful as ever.

Fighting for that which you love

Thu, 10 Mar 2005 07:46:31 EST

"A true friend inspires you to believe the best in yourself, to keep pursuing your deepest dreams - most wonderful of all, he or she celebrates all your successes as if they were his or her own."

Elections loom in Goodland

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 01:55:42 EST

Common sense. What common sense is for one could be entirely different for another. Some Goodland residents feel that the whole direction of what Goodland is and where it's going depend upon the upcoming elections for the board of directors for the Goodland Civic Association (GCA).

All eyes drawn to Goodland for Mullet Festival

Thu, 3 Feb 2005 08:02:28 EST

The Mullet Festival started with humble beginnings 21 years ago, according to Ron Kennedy, aka Peg Leg. I only heard a brief summary from him, but I imagine that with a camp fire ablaze along the river, Kennedy might warm up a bit with story upon story of living in this special fishing community those early years.

Buzzard feathers flying, the 21st Mullet Festival begins

Wed, 26 Jan 2005 07:08:51 EST

Another Mullet Festival is swimming our way at Stan's Idle Hour Restaurant this weekend. That means the 21st year of thousands of people winding their way into Goodland to pay tribute to the unassuming, bug-eyed fish.

Second retail store opens in Goodland

Thu, 20 Jan 2005 08:35:50 EST

Debbie Klosik, with the encouragement of husband Frank, is living her long time dream with the opening of her shop in Goodland. It's located within the historic timbers at the Old Marco Lodge Crab House Restaurant on Papaya Street.

Greeting the new year with optimism and hope in Goodland

Thu, 13 Jan 2005 01:15:51 EST

How do we need to be, to accomplish what we hope will be? Putting the horse before the cart, I asked friends in Goodland about their 2005 New Year's resolutions. Here are their responses.

Welcome to Goodland

Thu, 6 Jan 2005 07:13:33 EST

Another new year is here to list our goals and vision of how we want our life to be. And in Goodland, what does that mean?

Christmas bustle thrives in Goodland

Wed, 22 Dec 2004 05:01:34 EST

The Goodland community is alive and well. Looking for the good and beauty is fairly easy most of the time. Another busy season is inching forward, and the spirit of the community has begun to be evident, starting out with the successful Goodland Civic Association (GCA) craft fair and pancake breakfast two weekends ago.

Combs honor and preserve Southwest Florida history

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 01:55:42 EST

Loving something so much and following your heart to get there and then becoming that which you love is something that happens to us all no matter what it is that we're devoted to, are partial to, or are inclined towards.

The vision of a community

Thu, 9 Dec 2004 07:56:11 EST

What makes a community work? Like product branding, the reasons we magnetize to a certain type of community depends on the type of product we prefer. We can love several different brands, but it doesn't mean that all the brands have to be the same.

Conquistadores and dreamers live the good life in Goodland

Thu, 29 Apr 2004 09:06:52 EST

What is it we want? Gold? Treasures of diamonds and rubies? Dollar signs saturating the cells of our minds? In years gone by, obtaining treasures and dreams had a lot to do with brave men and women crossing seas, mountains and deserts, surviving the elements in trade, barter and ingenuity, using the weapon of truth and handshake or fist and pistol.

State Route 92 would be a better choice for boat ramp

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 01:55:42 EST

Yes, a picture is worth a thousand words. Gene Moss of Kirk's Fish Co. painted for me, again, a vivid scene of living in Southwest Florida in the 1950s ­ a time when living in Goodland and on Marco wasn't all soft and manicured.

Goodland in the spring

Wed, 14 Apr 2004 04:16:03 EST

What do you picture when you think of Goodland? Stan's on Sunday? Fishing? Beautiful views at every vista? Our earth and natural resources? Great entertainment, neighborhood friends, and food? Political and personal strife? Yes. We are all here and accounted for. All of it and all of us are what makes a community alive.

A jewel of a community

Wed, 5 May 2004 04:58:08 EST

There is so much going on in Goodland, I don't know where to start. First of all there was that walk I took tonight. It was starlight and clear. The stars were so bright and there were so many of them.

The community park and spirit of the community

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 01:55:42 EST

The way to reconcile the world, according to Aikido, a philosophy of martial arts, is to handle incoming physical attack and energy without hurting your opponent while still protecting yourself.

Garage sale goodies in Goodland

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 12:14:09 EST

Uncover trash to treasure and discover new found riches walking the streets of Goodland this weekend, March 20 and 21. The annual village garage sale, sponsored by the Goodland Civic Association, will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

Coon Key Marina now open

Wed, 17 Mar 2004 09:50:18 EST

The new kid on the block, Walker's Coon Key Marina, is located at the southeast tip of Goodland and is too pretty for words. Their user friendly Web site, walkersmarine.com, comes in as a close second. The Walker's are in the "big time", but the wake they have made in Goodland seems to be very smooth.

Gators Galore from Goodlander

Wed, 10 Mar 2004 09:10:53 EST

Elhanon Combs, in talking about his friendship with now deceased long-time Goodlander Betty Bruno, said "We worked together to promote conscientious development here. She didn't want to see Goodland not be Goodland."

Community bond is afloat in Goodland

Wed, 3 Mar 2004 01:30:27 EST

Elaine Ritchie did it again. Along with countless volunteers, family, friends, and neighbors, the 8th annual Goodland Mardi Gras Boat Parade last weekend was a skillful success by all who participated in this fund-raising effort benefiting Hospice of Naples.

8th Annual Mardi Gras Goodland Boat Parade this weekend

Wed, 25 Feb 2004 02:30:33 EST

Goodlanders, Islanders, and Naples residents are making preparations for the eighth annual Mardi Gras-Goodland Boat Parade this Saturday Feb. 21.

Musings in Goodland

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 01:55:42 EST

Starting off is a letter I received from Goodlander Evelyn White:

Where do we go from here?

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 01:55:42 EST

Elections are looming on all fronts. Changes in all matters of life are happening faster than the speed of light. As citizens of the nation and the communities in which we reside, we are given the opportunity to vote for candidates that most represent our individual attitudes and outlook of life.

What is your vision for the Goodland park?

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 01:55:42 EST

Preservation is frequently the result of community-based, grassroots efforts to recognize and protect important places. Membership groups in Goodland ­ The Goodland Civic Association (GCA) and The Goodland Preservation Coalition (GPC) ­ are continually thoughtful and aggressively active in generating a framework and philosophy for long-term protection.

Queen Mary wins Queen of the Score

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 01:55:42 EST

Rains didn't put a damper on festivities in Goodland's Mullet Festival weekend. The big news is Queen Mary's third mullet queen title. In 1990 Mary won her first Mullet Queen designation. In 1994 she won for Queen of the Decade. Now, Mary's new found title is Queen of the Score.

All Goodlanders have the same final goal

Wed, 14 Jan 2004 11:26:49 EST

I was recently lost in downtown San Diego. I had just hugged Michael, my youngest son (26-year-old) good-bye. He is in the Hard Rock Café Corporate world and I caught him between Chicago and Hawaii. I found myself driving down one, one-way street after another. I very rarely become stressed in situations like this and I am usually confident that I will end up where I am supposed to be.

Looking forward to 2004 in Goodland

Wed, 7 Jan 2004 02:05:18 EST

Another new year and where has the time gone? Checking out goodlandfla.com is one way to not only walk down memory lane, but also to note Goodland events for 2004 on your calendar. Capt. Pam Stop, a long time Goodland resident, and owner, along with husband Capt. John, of Stop's Marine Charters, is the creative force behind this informative and interesting Web site.

Thinking of you this Christmas

Wed, 31 Dec 2003 10:45:28 EST

The little community of Goodland, like most every other community in the nation, was lit this holiday season with Christmas lights, Christmas parades, Christmas parties, and Christmas giving.

Holiday happenings in Goodland

Wed, 24 Dec 2003 03:04:01 EST

Some things in life are priceless and it is those things that endure and are most important to our quality of life ­ Joy, love, beauty, contentment, peace, friendship and the appreciation of a precious moment. In giving and lending a hand to others, it seems we are given all that back in trifold.

There's a new postmaster in Goodland

Wed, 17 Dec 2003 02:26:33 EST

Most Goodland residents have met Postmaster Judi Pritchard by now. And most know, by her welcoming smile and enthusiastic attitude, how she feels about her assignment here in Goodland.

And let the festivities begin

Wed, 10 Dec 2003 05:39:57 EST

The Goodland Civic Association (GCA) board members, volunteers and participants were glowing after a tremendous Thanksgiving weekend success. The pancake breakfast was the most profitable breakfast in recent history, thanks to the organizers, Goodland residents and those who traveled down the winding road from afar.

Pancake Breakfast and Holiday Bazaar this weekend

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 05:34:22 EST

First and primary is the shout from the rooftops. Goodland's 19th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts show and the All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast are this weekend, Saturday, Nov. 29 and Sunday, Nov. 30. The All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast is from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the Holiday Craft Bazaar is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We all have the power to make a difference

Wed, 19 Nov 2003 02:20:15 EST

This week in America we are remembering and honoring the men and women who have fought and who are fighting for our continuing independence. Everyday we are reminded in the daily news of the men and women and their families who have chosen to give their lives in a multitude of ways to us and for our opportunity for growth of individualism and choice. We probably have access to only just a glimpse of all that is given and of that which we can acknowledge and be thankful.

Signs of community abound in Goodland

Wed, 12 Nov 2003 10:26:45 EST

We all have different ideas of what a community means. It begins with a vision. Whatever our vision is composed of, individually, we make decisions which lead us to seeing the fruition of our vision manifest. This week in Goodland several groups of people expressed, in their own way, what being part of a community means.

Season's first Goodland Civic Association meeting held

Wed, 5 Nov 2003 02:08:59 EST

Oct. 21 was the first general meeting of the Goodland Civic Association (GCA) for the 2003-2004 season. During the course of the business meeting, Mike Barbush, GCA president, thanked the members present for their united front in the successful result of the Goodland overlay amendments that were presented to the Collier County Planning Board and the Collier County Commissioners during the summer months.

Many events gearing up in Goodland

Wed, 29 Oct 2003 02:34:18 EST

Screen doors and porches with screens are two things I love about living in Southwest Florida. I also love the time of year when the air conditioner is off more often than it is on. No, the Northeastern United States doesn't have a patent on the changing of the seasons. And yes, in Southwest Florida there are many subtle changes of the environment during the course of the year.

Have a howling good time in Goodland

Wed, 22 Oct 2003 02:15:45 EST

The slow and quiet summer days in Goodland are coming to an end. There are a few more cars parked in front of Mar Good Resort Marina and Villas for early morning coffee. The aroma of coffee that is brewed at Walkers Coon Key Marina, at the southeast side of the island, welcomes the "liar's club," fishermen and long time Goodland residents who have met for years. Storm shutters protecting homes from the summer rains are once again being opened. Flowers and weeded gardens are beginning to stream along the streets.

Stone crab season begins

Wed, 15 Oct 2003 03:19:58 EST

A bountiful and safe stone crab season is what we are wishing for our Goodland stone crab fishermen this year. Next Wednesday is the day that not only are the stone crabbers anticipating, but also lovers of this sweet and delicate tasting seafood.

Overlay amendments passed unanimously

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 08:49:52 EST

I wonder if there were meetings when time began? In an ideal situation, meetings with organizational structure is a fine way to communicate, to brainstorm better ways of doing things, to develop strategy and to march forward.

Many people pass through Goodland

Wed, 17 Sep 2003 12:15:21 EST

Ruby and Rex Reckless Johnson might not have been as well known or run in the same circles as Carry Nation, the hammer welding temperance advocate, but all three had one thing in common - their connection to Goodland and the Everglades backwaters.

The fishing seasons are apparent in Goodland

Wed, 10 Sep 2003 02:49:57 EST

Living at the edge of the Florida Everglades on an island which is the largest in the Ten Thousand Island system is not only exciting, it is very educational. Before I lived in a tiny historical fishing village, I really didn't know the depth and meaning of the concept of "fishing community."

Happy 80th to Boyd Wiles

Wed, 3 Sep 2003 02:46:13 EST

At first glance, as you wind your way into Goodland, you might get the impression that there is not too much going on. In fact, Postmaster Tommy Dee reaffirmed that things were quieting down. However, if you choose to investigate matters thoroughly and in between the cracks, you really have no reason to complain about a lack of something to do.

Marco city changes affect Goodlanders

Tue, 28 Mar 2006 01:55:42 EST

Living in Goodland is an opportunity to feel what living in Old Florida is all about. Living in this independent village of Goodland brings one closer to our history and to be able to imagine the adventurers, explorers, Indians, pirates and traders who first set foot on and first had a hand in cultivating this land.

The growth of a city, the bounty of community

Tue, 19 Aug 2003 03:30:44 EST

Marco Island is attaining its goal of city status as observed by dense construction like the Esplanade, the long lines of traffic at intersections especially during season, and the attempt by Marco Island City Council in their large scale amendment (to be reviewed by the State of Florida Department of Community Affairs, DCA) to change specific zoning by adding more residential and commercial density to the Marco Island Comprehensive Land Use plan.

Celebrating the end of season at the Little Bar

Wed, 13 Aug 2003 03:47:00 EST

"Is life good in Goodland, or what?" Connie Costello said to no one in particular. It's summer and the living is easy. I know those words are in a song or two somewhere or another. Goodlanders, Marco Islanders and even those from Naples came out of the woodwork last Sunday for the infamous summer break closing of Little Bar Restaurant in downtown Goodland. Little Bar will be closed for six weeks, re-opening mid-September.

The lure of small towns in Florida's Southwest

Wed, 6 Aug 2003 11:36:33 EST

The demand for waterfront property seems to be reaching feeding frenzied moments, where the highest is the mightiest and where it takes a good portion of the morning for the shadows of the luxury condos to disappear from the beautiful sandy, palm tree lined and tropical beaches.

County Planning Board votes in favor of amendments

Wed, 30 Jul 2003 02:25:59 EST

There was no struggle - no fight. In fact, it was almost too easy. All seven members of the Collier County Planning Board seemed to understand the priceless quality that is Goodland. They, without exception, seemed to have no qualms favorably regarding our request to add our four requested overlay amendments, and they, without fanfare, seemed to acknowledge the importance of retaining the character and balance of this one square mile community that is Goodland.

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