There are few places that have undergone a more radical transformation during the past half-century than Marco Island, Florida. Once a pristine tropical paradise with only a few hundred residents, Marco Island is now one of America's most popular island destinations. With a permanent population nearing 20,000--a figure that virtually doubles between the months of January and March--its modern state is largely attributable to the ambitious vision of Florida's "Famous Mackle Brothers." The Mackles, founders of the Deltona Corporation, literally reshaped the island in keeping with their long-term masterplan, capitalizing on the unique history, community pride, and undeniable natural splendor that continue to make it so alluring.

Secrets of an iconic artifact Florida Book Awards, Bronze Medal for Florida Nonfiction Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Award for Meritorious Achievement in Preservation Communications Excavated from a waterlogged archaeological site on the shores of subtropical Florida by legendary anthropologist Frank Hamilton Cushing in 1896, the Key Marco Cat has become a modern icon of heritage, history, and local identity. This book takes readers into the deep past of the artifact and the Native American society in which it was created. Austin Bell explores nine periods in the life of the six-inch-high wooden carving, beginning with how it was sculpted with shell and shark-tooth tools and what it may have represented to the ancient Calusa—perhaps a human-panther god. Preserved in the muck for centuries on Marco Island and discovered in pristine condition due to its oxygen-free environment, the Cat has since traveled more than 12,000 miles and has been viewed by millions of people. It is one of the Smithsonian Institution’s most irreplaceable items. In this fascinating account, Bell traces the clues to the Cat’s mysterious origins that have emerged in its later lives. Captivating readers with the miracle and beauty of this rare example of pre-Columbian art, Bell marvels at how an object originally understood to hold cosmological power has indeed transformed the people and places around it. The Nine Lives of Florida’s Famous Key Marco Cat is the story of a timeless masterpiece of staggering simplicity that has prevailed over impossibly long odds.

Based on our much larger guide to Tampa Bay & Florida's West Cost, this zeroes in on Naples & The Everglades, Marco Island & Chokoloskee Island. This easy-to-use book is packed with practical information and enticing facts that make it fun to read: A clean, attractive layout makes it easy to find what you're looking for within each of the book's six sections, whether it be suggestions for finding the best food, lodging, kayaking, fishing, or shopping; even driving directions are included. Following are reviews of the full guide: This new edition of Walton's comprehensive guide is a must for visitors. --Bon Voyage. It was very knowledgeable. Told about most of the activities going on in Tampa and St. Petersburg. -- Beverly McChesney. Chelle Koster Walton's third edition of Tampa Bay & Florida's West Coast is out, and it updates all the basics on accommodations, restaurants, natural areas and historic sites alike. This adventure-oriented guide outlines the best in inland and water trips, includes museums and shopping, and provides an outdoor focus and budget-minded focus which will appeal to trip planners. -- Midwest Book Review. A full update of this popular guidebook, previously called the Adventure Guide to Florida's West Coast. This book takes in all the cities, towns, nature preserves, wilderness areas and sandy beaches that grace the Sunshine State's western shore. Covers Tampa Bay to Naples and Everglades National Park to Sanibel Island. Canoeing the Everglades, hiking on Gasparilla Island, exploring the history of Tampa's Ybor City - it's all here! -- Amazon reviewer. A full update of this guidebook, previously called the Adventure Guide to Florida's West Coast. This book takes in all the cities, towns, nature preserves, wilderness areas and sandy beaches that grace the Sunshine State's western shore. Covers Tampa Bay to Naples and Everglades National Park to Sanibel Island. Canoeing the Everglades, hiking on Gasparilla Island, exploring the history of Tampa's Ybor City - it's all here! -- Lissa

With 1,400 miles of hiking across Florida, what does the Florida National Scenic Trail look like? Its beauty and botanical diversity reflects the incredible variety of landscapes found in Florida, from Caribbean-style tropical hammocks to Appalachian-like ravines with mountain laurel blooming in spring. This compact coffee table book introduces you to a walk in the woods across the state of Florida.

"Descriptive accounts, distribution maps, and 265 color photographs describe 252 species of mollusk shells as beachcombers are likely to find them"--P. [4] of cover.