In the end, they were responsible for halting dredging, filling and construction of subdivisions in Marco Island and saving dozens of acres for nature preserves. But building goes on today. Many new houses and stores have and are being built since the Mackles stopped development in the early'70s. But Marco Island has managed to maintain a quieter pace than many Florida resort towns. Traffic moves pretty easily, even on the busier main arteries.
Residents are friendly and helpful to tourists.
But a legacy of the past, mosquitoes, do come out now and again. Travelers should pack insect repellent, just in case. Guests at Marriott's Marco Island Resort and Golf Club see what Marco must have been like in the old days. Just one look at this very beach convinced the Mackles to develop Marco. In fact, the Mackles built the hotel and sold it to Marriott in 1979.