After 32 years of being in business, it is lamentable to report that beloved Marco Movies has closed its doors for the last time on April 28, 2026. For more than three decades, Marco Movies has given joy to many, bringing classic films to the eyes of the people of Marco Island, and now, due to increasing costs of operation, many won’t have the option to view these iconic films, as the next closest theater is 17 miles away in downtown Naples. 

This has also left many people out of a job, particularly high school students attending Marco Island Academy. Nearly half of the entire staff consisted of MIA students, leaving six students without jobs. Now, the question is: Where will MIA students work? One of the students, part of the Marco Movies staff, states, “I was somewhat shocked at first, but I knew that they were having financial struggles, so I wasn’t very surprised.” This same student is now out of a job and unsure of where their next job search will lead. 

Things are not so bleak, however, as two other students report that they had been prepared for this. Both these students have already begun their job search, and one has actually gotten employment elsewhere. 

Despite that, it seems that job opportunities are not very abundant on Marco Island. If you were to look at job search-related websites like Indeed, you’d only see about three available part-time positions in Marco; however, in Naples, the results are much broader. 

Of course, not all MIA students will have the time or patience to commute all the way to Naples and back, but still, it’s a viable option for those looking for employment and are willing to spend a substantial amount of money on gas. 

Marco Movies will be missed, but its memory and impact it had on Marco Island won’t fade so easily. As the team stated in a final message on their website: “We have been so proud to be part of this community and are incredibly grateful for the memories we’ve shared with all of you.”