On 11/06/08, as part of a "Western Florida Wish List," I posed the following question:

10. Just about everyone knows that Marco Island has been the center of an anchoring controversy. Who has anchored near Marco recently? Were you hassled by the local water cops?

Responses follow:

Subject: Marco Island Factory Bay and smokehouse Bay
Message: This summer I spent several overnights in both these locations. At no time was I approached by any Water Police or sheriff or Conservation police in
either location. I had thought since the big fuss in Smoklehouse Bay+ over anchoring I might be boarded and asked to look at my holding tank and discharge
valves but it never happened. The dockmaster at Smokehouse bay said they were getting quite a few anchorage vessels on weekends and reported no problems at
that time. Also we saw a few other boats anchoring in Factory bay for overnights. Both anchorages are good protection and good holding ground. Smokehouse bay had a couple good resturants you can dingy into as does Factory Bay.
Terry Forshier

We anchored one night just off the Snook Inn and had an enjoyable experience with no hassles.
Regards,
Duane Ising
s/v Diva Di
36 Catalina