Originally published by Coastal Breeze News
It was 1962 and three brothers fell in love with Marco Island. According to historical records, Elliott, Robert, and Frank Jr., known as the Mackle Brothers, walked on the pristine white sandy beach and fell in love with the beach and the lush surroundings. Two other executives were with them that day, Neil Bahr and Jim Vensel.
Mark Bahr, the son of one of Marco Island’s founding fathers, Neil Bahr, (often referred to as the fourth Mackle Brother) founded Marco Island Water Sports in 1981 and built it into a very successful water sports company. For 41 years, they have provided aquatic adventures such as parasailing, eco-tours, wave runners, and the ever-popular “Calusa Spirit” a catamaran eco-tour to the Ten Thousand Island.
Thanks to Brandon Bahr, Vice President of Marco Island Water Sports (the grandson of Neil Bahr) and his team for their June 11th cleanup sponsorship. Brandon was at the beach to personally welcome all the volunteers and to provide cold water. Brandon remarked “I am very honored to be able to sponsor the beach cleanup today.” He shared that his team is on the beach from 6:45 AM to 6:00 PM every day and as part of their routine, they pick up trash as they see it and again before closing of each day.
About 30 volunteers showed up and picked up around 70 pounds of trash. A lot of heavy items were found on the dune. Something new during this cleanup – zip ties! A lot of them – and where do you think they are coming from?
