Islands of the World #6: Marco Island, Florida

Marco Island is the largest of Florida's Ten Thousand Islands, located on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida.

Originally named San Marco Island by Spanish explorers, Marco Island is a city in Collier County. It is the principal city of the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 12,879 at the 2000 census.

The climate is subtropical with distinct wet and dry seasons with most of the rainfall falling between the months of June and October.

Geography
Marco Island is located at 25°56′26″N 81°42′53″W / 25.94056°N 81.71472°W / 25.94056; -81.71472 (25.940619, -81.714843)[3].

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 17.1 mi² (44.3 km²). 10.6 mi² (27.4 km²) of it is land and 6.5 mi² (16.9 km²) of it (38.13%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2000 census, there were 12,879 people, 7,134 households, and 5,200 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,407.1 people per square mile (543.5/km²). There were 14,826 housing units at an average density of 1,402.1/mi² (541.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 98.08% White, 0.24% African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races, and 0.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.09% of the population.

Florida's Ten Thousand Islands:
The Ten Thousand Islands are a chain of islands and mangrove islets off the coast of Southwest Florida. Despite the name, the number of islets in the chain only number in the hundreds. Marco Island is the largest and northernmost island in the chain.

The 99-mile long Wilderness Waterway begins at Everglades City and ends at Flamingo at the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. Administrative control of the islands is split between Collier County and Monroe County.

Most of the Ten Thousand Islands are too small for human habitation to be practical, but some are suitable for overnight visits, as dictated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Since this is a wilderness area where wind, weather and lack of fresh water can become threatening, the Wildlife Service recommends only seasoned canoeists and sea kayakers attempt the trip. The southern tip has become a prime destination for snorkeling and water sports vacations. Some of the southeastern islands in the chain are included in the area of Everglades National Park.