============================================================ DIGITAL DIGEST � http://www.marconews.com � September 22, 2004 ============================================================ Subscribe to the Naples Daily News: http://web.marconews.com/marco/subscribe.html SMALL BUSINESSES STILL RECOVERING FROM BIG ECONOMIC HIT Small businesses on Marco Island are still reeling after the past month's flurry of hurricane activity. Some owners report up to 80 percent losses compared with the same period last year. The only plus, they generally agree, is that mid-August to mid-September is traditionally the slowest time for area businesses. COUNTY TO EXAMINE MARCO PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS ISSUES His supporters call him a bulldog, detractors a pain in the neck or worse. Either way, Jim Ciolino isn't giving up on getting more beach access for fellow Marco Islanders or on his claim that 20 longtime beach access points were illegally fenced off in the early 1990s. Ciolino, a retired New York Realtor, had a victory Tuesday in his 14-year struggle to reopen the issue and the access points when Collier County commissioners unanimously agreed to look into the matter. COUNCIL OKS CITY'S LARGEST BUDGET EVER As expected, the Marco Island City Council on Sept. 20 unanimously adopted the city's largest budget ever, $50.9 million, for fiscal 2005. The budget is more than double last year's budget of $24.5 million. The sizable difference is the result of the newly acquired utilities department, which the city took over in November. Finance Director Bill Harrison read the budget aloud before the vote, adding a few laymen's terms for the audience. CAPRI RESIDENTS FEAR 'HOSTILE TAKEOVER' Isles of Capri residents have a message for the East Naples Fire District: No means no. In June, the Capri Fire District Advisory Board said no � for the second time in seven years � to a proposed merger with the East Naples Fire District. The Capri Civic Association backed the advisory board's decision. Get details on all these stories and more at http://www.marconews.com PERSPECTIVE: EDITORIAL: PRICE GOUGING -- STORMING AFTER SUSPECTS Florida's top cops announced after Hurricane Charley they would invite citizen complaints of price-gouging, then investigate and file charges where appropriate. Lo and behold, the promise by the attorney general's office was for real � more than a feel-good gesture. State government has gotten nearly 6,500 complaints, with about 700 of them from Southwest Florida. Charlie Crist's office has actually listened, investigated and filed charges. See more of today�s Perspective stories at http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/perspective BUSINESS: COUNTY GIVES WATERSIDE SHOPS FINAL OK FOR EXPANSION Tiffany & Co. is only a small indication of change, but in the next few years, the Waterside Shops will undergo a major facelift. Tuesday the Collier County Commission gave final approval to the mall's request to expand. The additional space will allow Saks Fifth Avenue to add a second story and make room for two parking structures. See more of today�s Business stories at http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/business NEAPOLITAN: TRACKING DOWN ETHNIC GROCERIES AND EXOTIC INGREDIENTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD Today it's easier than ever to transport your taste buds to foreign lands by visiting a local supermarket. Ethnic food sections have expanded considerably in recent years. But in many cases, even the most well-stocked Publix or Winn-Dixie still won't yield every item needed to make a favorite dish. Mostly, you'll find staples like grains, legumes, spices, fruits, canned and bottles sauces. Near East, Goya and Athenos are a few of the familiar brands. See more of today�s Neapolitan stories at http://www.naplesnews.com/npdn/neapolitan
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