There is a small paradise in Florida named Marco Island. It is the farthest point south you can go on the Gulf of Mexico coast before you get to the Keys. Marco Island is the beginning of the "10,000 islands" chain that ends with Key West. It is the largest inhabited island of the "10,000."

Surrounded by water, Marco is home to over 200 species of birds and a plethora of mammals and reptiles. Marco is one of but a few bald eagle sanctuaries in the USA. Endangered west indian manatee swim the Marco River and canals. Burrowing gopher tortoise and burrowing owls make their homes on the undeveloped home lots that dot the landscape.

One literally cannot go outside without witnessing at least one beautiful bird, flower, dolphin or manatee that frequent the Marco River and canals year round. Tigertail Beach provides a daily sunset that is unrivaled anywhere in Florida.

So, please enjoy your "visit" to Marco with this book.