By Michael Coleman
Marco Island opened its doors to the world 43 years ago this month under the crush of 25,000 visitors eager to secure their own piece of “paradise.”
Construction equipment was everywhere, sand was blowing, and the scene appeared to be that of a barren island as opposed to the barrier paradise depicted in brochures.
Developers Elliott, Robert and Frank Mackle Jr. had no idea how many people would be interested in their little gem despite a $600,000 advertising blitz which included 12-page color newspaper supplements and full-page newspaper and magazine ads placed throughout the country. Bus placards, billboards and 700 radio and television spots lured prospective buyers to the island, as did advertising in Europe, Latin America and the Far East.
The masses pouring onto the island overwhelmed Deltona Corporation officials. Staff manning the shiny new administration building and sales office could barely accommodate the hordes, but it proved to be a sign of good things to come. Over the next 30 days, 50,000 inquiries would flood the administration office on San Marco Road, where the island’s new City Hall stands today.
On opening day the 50-room Marco Beach Hotel was barely complete. According to Herb Savage, a Deltona architect who designed many of the island’s early structures, one couple was so despondent that their room had yet to be carpeted that they left the island in a huff, believing the developers were taking them for a ride. That same couple, having returned to the island some 20 years later, told Savage they wish they had never departed in the first place.
Today, the Marco Beach Hotel has been transformed into the 727-room Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. Guests will be amazed at the nearly $200 million renovation . . . carpeting included.
Michael Coleman, the resort’s Recreation Director, authored Marco Island Culture & History, a definitive look at life and times on Marco Island, first published by the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce in 1995. A second edition was published in 1999.