Marco Island, Florida

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Marco Island is a city and island in Collier County, Florida, United States. The population was 14,879 at the 2000 census. As of 2004, the population recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 15,828 ^[1]. The town was incorporated in 1998.

1 Geography
2 Beaches
3 Demographics
4 Boating accidents
5 Notable Residents
6 References
7 External links

[edit] Geography

Marco Island is located at 25°56′26″N, 81°42′53″W (25.940619, -81.714843)^GR1.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 44.3 km² (17.1 mi²). 27.4 km² (10.6 mi²) of it is land and 16.9 km² (6.5 mi²) of it (38.13%) is water.

Marco Island is the largest and most northern of Florida's 10,000 islands. It has a mix of single family homes and high rise condominiums. The island was developed by the Deltona Corporation in the 1960s. Founded by the Mackle Family, Deltona gained national notoriety for Marco Island's success as a project. The Mackle Company was the largest homebuilder in the United States from 1958 through 1961. Although some of the homes on Marco Island are considered "inland" because they are not directly on the water, most single family homes are directly on a canal or waterway and have their own boat docks with boat lifts.

There are two bridges linking Marco Island to the mainland: The Judge Jolly Bridge (Collier Blvd / CR951) and the Goodland Bridge (SR92)

[edit] Beaches

Tigertail Beach
Residents Beach
South Marco Beach

In addition to the beaches on the island, a popular public beach is located on nearby Keewaydin Island.

[edit] Demographics

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 14,879 people, 7,134 households, and 5,200 families residing in the city. The population density was 543.5/km² (1,407.1/mi²). There were 14,826 housing units at an average density of 541.6/km² (1,402.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.08% White, 0.24% African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races, and 0.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.09% of the population.

There were 7,134 households out of which 11.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.0% were married couples living together, 3.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.1% were non-families. 22.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.38.

In the city the population was spread out with 10.9% under the age of 18, 3.1% from 18 to 24, 14.5% from 25 to 44, 33.1% from 45 to 64, and 38.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 60 years. For every 100 females there were 96.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $60,357, and the median income for a family was $68,979. Males had a median income of $39,651 versus $26,460 for females. The per capita income for the city was $42,875. About 4.3% of families and 5.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.7% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.

The actual population including tourist on the island varies by time of year. Part year residents of the island tend to come down to their Winter residence on Marco for Christmas and stay until April. Also during this time the highest tourist demand occurs. Tourist usually stay in the hotels or condo units lining the beaches along the western coast of the island. Also, there are many single family homes lining canals on the island which are rented on a weekly basis as vacation rentals. During the peak months, the population on the island is about 36,000. During the low season months, the population is around 17,000.

[edit] Boating accidents

On January 12, 2007, a boat broke apart in the region of Big Marco Pass, killing four people. Just 10 days later, on January 22, a 33-foot sailboat caught fire and was destroyed at the same location, without any fatalities.^[1]

[edit] Notable Residents

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