Marco Island is the largest of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands, located on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida. It has been described as Magical, Mystical and Alluring. The attraction is tropical sun-washed white-sand beaches and a casual easy paced life style. Sunshine, frolicking dolphins, and all of the water and sun sports that go with the beaches are available for your pleasure. As you cross the Jolley Bridge and look out over the Island and water ways, you get a sense you are entering Paradise.

A sun-drenched jewel on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico, Marco Island features 6 miles of beach and over 100 miles of waterways within its' 14 square miles. With a permanent population of 15,000 and a peak winter season population of 35,000, Marco Island's residents and visitors alike call this special Island - Paradise.

The previous inhabitants of Marco Island were Calusa Indians. They were skilled artisans and fishermen who inhabited Marco for a thousand years. They spent their days painting clay masks, weaving fishing nets, and making jewelry. The Calusa created large mounds out of discarded clam shells and fish bones.The mounds were an Indian garbage dump and are located in what is now the Estates Section of the island. The mounds are today the highest points of elevation in Collier County. 

The Marco Island visionaries were the Mackle Brothers. They are responsible for the modern development of Marco Island and acquired most of the island for $7 million. Their company, The Deltona Corporation developed the master plan for the island. The Mackles officially opened modern Marco Island January 31, 1965. On opening day, brochures listed waterfront homes from $19,800 to $41,500 depending upon the size. Home sites were listed in the $2,550 range for inland lots and from $5,495 to $16,000 for waterfront sites.

Today Marco Island is an upscale community consisting of more than 5,000 single-residential homes, 10,000 condominiums, 2,000 hotel units, some 2,500 vacant residential lots and a pleasant mix of restaurants, retail stores and commercial services. With over 300 new homes constructed annually, the island is expected to be substantially developed by 2010.