Pine Island Eagle

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WEEk of JaNuarY 3, 2024 FLIER INSIDE

Off the shelf January programs and activities set at Pine Island Public Library — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com

VolumE 47, NumbEr 35

Fire Board ratifies settlement with former employee By PAULETTE LeBLANC

pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com

The Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District Board of Fire Commissioners on Dec. 20 unanimously ratified a $750,000 settlement with a former employee who alleged his termination was a violation of both his contract with the district and the Firefighter's Bill of Rights. The district settled the lawsuit with former deputy chief Shawn Brant, who had served with the department for 20-plus years. A settlement notification was filed with Lee County Circuit Court on July 26 and board members saying an agreement was formerly reached on Aug. 16. Brant's lawsuit alleged damages in lost base salary wages of $563,000, $1.7 million in retirement benefits and $500,000 in other benefits. The lawsuit also requested attorney fees, which commissioners said at the meeting

totaled approximately $80,000. The district had offered to allow Brant, who had been placed on administrative leave by Fire Chief Ben Mickuleit pending an outside administrative investigation into “compliance with district contract and administrative guidelines,” the option to voluntarily resign. In exchange the district offered 10 weeks of severance and said it would keep the completed investigation report secret, giving Brant 21 days to take the offer or be terminated with cause. Brant declined the offer, retained an attorney and filed suit. The decision to settle was a carefully thought out choice made unanimously by the district, according to Commissioner Tonya Player. That did not make some meeting attendees happy.

Matlacha resident Leo Amos said that terminating Brant could have been avoided and suggested the board terminate Mickuleit for that decision. Amos contended that cases like this one are often a reason used to dissolve special districts. Several M/PIFCD commissioners and employees immediately came to the defense of Mickuleit, both personally and professionally. St. James City resident and M/PIFCD Capt. Cliff Simer, who said he worked with Brant through the ranks, defended the chief's decision and said Mickuleit should be supported. “Firing the chief that we have now — he’s got character… to make threats at him, I take that personally,” See SETTLEMENT, page 6

Resurfacing and utility installation slated for along Pine Island Road

Celebrating Pine Islanders: Elsie Stearns By PAULETTE LeBLANC

pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com

lsie Stearns, manager of Centennial Bank’s Pine Island branch, wife of Stearns Custom Builders owner Scott Stearns, who is also a proud mother and grandmother, as well as a Beacon of Hope board member, describes her relationship with Pine Island as love at first sight, which is fitting due to her love for both fishing and the water. Anyone who knows her can attest that her love for the island is almost as vibrant as her love for the people who live here. In fact, she loves islanders so much, she joked that she thinks of them as her babies and should likely get a baby bag, in which to carry her things. Although, she and Scott started out on Useppa Island, they moved to Pine Island in 1980, after she had already begun a life-long friendship with the late, beloved artist Mel Meo. “When I first met Mel, I was definitely a city girl coming into an island life. My love for all the islands was pretty much apparent right off the bat. I often tell my grandkids, people spend a year saving up just so they can come here for one week, and we spend every day of our life here and usually leave here for one week to go elsewhere — it’s that kind of place,” Stearns said. When the couple began living on Pine Island, she said, there were no banks, and there was no neighborhood Winn-Dixie yet, so she had to drive all the way to North Fort Myers to do her banking and shopping. When it comes to what Stearns has offered Pine Island, she said it began early on with things which she learned from her parents. “I lost my dad at an early age. He and my mother both were very caring of people. My parents were

PHOTO PROVIDED

See ELSIE STEARNS, page 9

Longtime island resident Else Stearns, left, and her mother Rose Gulli.

E

According to the Florida Department of Transportation’s weekly roadwork update, as part of the Emergency Restoration of the Pine Island Road Causeway and Bridge, crews will be working in the project boundaries along CR 78 Pine Island Road from west of Little Pine Island Bridge (Bridge #120111) to west of Shoreview Drive in Matlacha. The ongoing FDOT work project is to complete permanent repairs for damage caused by Hurricane Ian, which swept over the islands and the rest of Southwest Florida on Sept. 28, 2022. UPDATE: The contractor will be resurfacing and working on installation of utilities on the north side of the causeway beginning today, Jan. 3. Crews continue to work on desilting and drainage on the shoulders west of Matlacha Pass Bridge. Islanders and visitors are urged to please be alerted to construction equipment in the construction zone. To maintain safety, motorists should find alternate parking areas. Drivers are also asked to please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway. Crews are maintaining two-lane traffic on causeway, FDOT reported. Motorists can expect occasional delays due to flagging operations for delivery/removal of materials, transfer of equipment. ■ Pedestrians and bicyclists are not permitted within the construction zone. ■ Noise from construction equipment in the area is to be expected. ■ Please be patient and plan for additional travel time as it may be slower than usual in the area. For more information, visit the FDOT project web page at https://www.swflroads.com/project/451937-2 or email at shana.overhulser@dot.state.fl.us.

Athlete of the Week.........12 Island Mahjongg...............7 On the Water......................8 insidetoday Calusa Waterkeeper..........6 Letters................................4 Worship Directory.............6 Classifieds & Obituaries


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January programs planned at Pine Island Public Library Next month’s roster of activities at the Pine Island Public Library offers topics for all ages. The following programs are free to the public.

Adult Programs Susan B. Anthony: Failure is Impossible 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 10 Susan B. Anthony is performed by Sheryl Faye who has been bringing stories of historical women to life in a unique and memorable way for over a decade. Susan B. Anthony was a women's rights activist and she devoted her life to racial, gender and educational equality. She played a prominent role in the women's suffrage movement; the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote and she also was in support of women's labor organizations and for a woman's right to own property. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Tech Thursdays: One-on-One Help 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 11 Need help with a laptop, tablet or e-reader? Are you looking to gain basic computer skills? We can help. Bring your fully charged device and any passwords for a 15minute, one-on-one technology session. Registration is required. Reverse Painting on Plexiglas 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 13 In this program, we will be tracing and painting a rendition of The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai onto a plexiglass canvas. This craft can get messy. Please wear appropriate clothing. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required. Island Page Turners Book Discussion Group: From Book to Screen

2 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 24 Read a book that was the basis for a movie or TV show and meet for a lively discussion. The library will help with book suggestions and a monthly book display.

Children’s Programs Game On: Family Addition 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 20 Now’s the time to settle the score. Join in the fun and challenge your friends to a variety of board games and video games. Light snacks provided. ABC Kids Music and Movement Literacy Program 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 11 For ages 2-5. Caregivers will help their toddlers and preschoolers learn about movement, stretching and mindfulness in this unique class designed just for them. Please wear comfortable clothing. Family Storytime 10:30 a.m., Thursdays, Jan. 18, 25 For children through age five and caregivers. Families with young children enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement.

Teen Programs Tech Thursdays: One-on-One Help 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 11 Need help with a laptop, tablet or e-reader? Are you looking to gain basic computer skills? We can help. Bring your fully charged device and any passwords for a 15-minute, one-onone technology session. Registration is required. The Pine Island Public Library is located at 10701 Russell Road in Bokeelia. For more information about a program or to register, please call the library at 239-533-4350. Check the Lee County Library System’s website at www.leelibrary.net to find out about programs at other locations. Call the host library, or Telephone Reference at 239-479-INFO (4636), for more information about a specific program.

Museum of the Islands to meet this Friday Museum of the Islands meetings will be held on the first Friday of each month at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, at 10360 Stringfellow Road, St James City, at 7 p.m. There will be a guest speaker each month. The January speaker is Robert Ballard, who will speak on the History of Pine Island. The public is invited – no charge.


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OPINIONS 10700 Stringfellow Road, Ste. 60 Bokeelia, FL 33922 Phone: (239) 283-2022 Fax: (239) 283-0232 Web: pineisland-eagle.com Publisher Raymond M. Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers.com Executive Editor Valarie Harring vharring@breezenewspapers.com

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Editor Paulette LeBlanc pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com Advertising Director Laurie Ragle lragle@.breezenewspapers.com Advertising Sales Charlene Russ cruss@breezenewspapers.com Design & Layout Chris Strine cstrine@breezenewspapers.com Obituaries Debbie Carletti obits@breezenewspapers.com Subscriptions 1 Year $52 To Pay For Your Subscription P.O. Box 151306 Cape Coral, FL 33915 Circulation (239) 574-1936

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The Eagle is published every Wednesday Customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except major holidays. Letters to the editor must be typed or handprinted. Your name and phone number must be affixed to the copy. In the event of an advertising error, we are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion of the ad itself. We are not responsible for any credit or reimbursement after 30 days from publication. Postal Information: Bulk rate postage paid at Fort Myers, FL Postmaster. Send address changes to the Pine Island Eagle. Permit # 521.

Web Poll Previous Web Poll Question: Have you noticed an increase in seasonal traffic on the islands or around the area? ■ Yes, everywhere. 32% ■ Off the islands, yes. 3% ■ Not on the islands. 52% ■ Nowhere, yet, but soon I’m sure. 13%

Current Web Poll Question: Do you make New Year’s resolutions? ■ Yes, every year. ■ No, never. ■ Sometimes. ■ It depends on if I feel I really need to set an accomplishable goal. Share your opinion at pineisland-eagle.com

Report your news to PINEISLAND-EAGLE.COm

Responsible Father Initiative funds intended for grassroots groups for dads During a Florida Legislative hearing on Sept. 25, the Department of Children & Families was criticized by Patt Maney, vice chair of the Subcommittee on Children, Families & Seniors, for mishandling of the House Bill 7065 provisions, intentions and spirit for awarding grants. HB 7065 is the Responsible Fatherhood Initiative. Single Dads Outreach, a local 501c3, nonprofit Florida corporation alerted the legislative subcommittee that DCF Tallahassee’s awards went primarily to multiple award winners, to federally funded organizations and to national nonprofit powerhouses not located in Florida. HB 7065’s provisions clearly state funds were intended to encourage grassroots, community-based organizations, like Single Dads Outreach. In addition, many areas of Florida were over-

Guest Commentary looked of passed over, including Southwest Florida. Vice Chair Patt Maney, representative for the Florida Panhandle, another area passed over by DCF in Tallahassee, ordered DCF to repeat the grant application process promptly to address this short-coming. On Dec. 13, DCF in Tallahassee announced that grant applications for The Responsible Fatherhood Initiative will be accepted. Single Dads Outreach has, once again, prepared a grant application to provide community, social, educational and counseling services to fathers with sole or joint custody of children and single fathers seeking family reunification including those previously

incarcerated. Single Dads Outreach has leadership opportunities on its Advisory Council for professions, retired or active, in the fields or social work, law enforcement, corrections and education. In addition, Single Dads Outreach services include mentoring from prior, seasoned fathers. Please contact SDO or your local United Way in Lee, Charlotte and Hendry counties to learn about these volunteer opportunities. Contributed by Joshua Krakow, SDO Active Dads Administrator and Sean Ryan, President, Single Dads Outreach, Corp.

Letters to the Editor Removal of the Chiquita Lock will benefit the environment To the editor: The charge to retain the manatee-killing Chiquita Lock was in full swing at the recent hearings in Sarasota. The misinformation spread by that group was embarrassing and I sincerely hope the judge fact checks what was presented and was misrepresented. The Matlacha contingent is home to some of the worst sea water quality on the west coast of Florida with septic tank related effluent dumping into our waterways every time we get a heavy rain. It actually stinks and I am surprised the State of Florida DEP does not go after them to correct the mess. Why the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation would want to associate with such polluters makes no sense given their (supposed) commitment to the environment. The Chiquita Lock has been open since Ian swept through this area in 2022. The area behind the lock used to experience a moderate tidal flow of +/- about 8 inches. We still experience a moderate tidal flow although it is now about one foot. The sea life in the Spreader Canal west of the lock has changed significantly. We now have dolphin, frequent manatee sighting and more sharks. This has pushed some of the snook and redfish back into the mangrove areas. The mangroves themselves have never looked better or healthier. In fact, the mangroves along the Spreader Canal

appear in far better condition than mangroves you find on the Caloosahatchee. Could it be that the water in the Spreader Canal in healthier for this key resource? Definitely. The lock has been open for more than a year and the environment behind the lock near our house is in the best condition I can remember since we moved here 12 years ago. This argues for removing the lock permanently. Duncan Russell Cape Coral

Impeach them now To the editor: What the hell is Congress doing while the Biden administration purposely allows an invasion across our borders by people from all over the world? Both Biden and Harris should be impeached immediately for deliberately allowing the country to be overrun. It is obvious by the negative polling numbers that a majority of Americans that are paying any attention that there is no way Biden will be re-elected. Should nothing be done for the next year while more millions invade us? Biden must be impeached for treason. Since his VP Harris was assigned to do something about the border, she should also be impeached since by doing nothing she has demonstrated her criminal complicity. Only by tossing both of these Democrats out of the White House can a Republican leader take over for the next

We want your opinion The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the Editor or guest columns may be mailed to: Pine Island Eagle, 10700 Stringfellow Road, Ste. 60, Bokeelia, FL 33922; e-mailed to pineisland@ breezenewspapers.com; posted to our Virtual Newsroom at www.breezenewspapers.com or faxed to 283-0232. All letters and guest columns must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes. You also can comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: pineisland-eagle.com

year willing to order the borders be closed. Congress has the power. If they do nothing, then members of both parties should be challenged at the earliest opportunity to replace them with citizens willing to take action to preserve the country. In only three years the Biden administration has placed the United States in danger for failing as a country for this as well as many other well-known reasons. The only possibility to save us is for Congress to act now. Call your Representative or Senator and demand action. Neil Miller Cape Coral

American Legion Auxiliary Post 136 blood drive on Jan. 10 The annual American Legion Auxiliary Post 136 blood drive will be Wednesday, Jan. 10, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. As a thank you, OneBlood will provide a $20 eGift Card and a long-sleeve Tshirt. All donors will also receive a wellness check that includes blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening. Look for the Big Red Bus. The American Legion is located at 4106 Stringfellow Road in St. James City. Arrive early or stay after your donation. The Legion serves lunch on weekdays from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and lunch is open to the public. Let’s work together to get 2024 off to a great start by saving lives. Remember that every donor can save up to three others. Appointments are encouraged. Please visit www.oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code #25421. For more information, please contact DJ at 239-910-2829.


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GPICA to discuss ways to improve water quality

GRAPHIC PROVIDED

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Waterkeepers issue monthly report The Calusa Waterkeepers completed its monthly FIB (fecal indicator bacteria) collecting and testing, reporting that the winter storm from the testing weekend was a rain event coupled with very high tide inundation to the estuary. On the Waterkeepers' chart, above, in areas marked in green the samples between 0-35 MPN are good; samples in yellow between 36-70 MPN are moderate; samples in red between 71 to 250 MPN are poor; and samples in purple over 251 MPN are extremely poor. The Waterkeepers issued a thank you to its dedicated volunteers and rangers for their work this year. For more about the Waterkeepers, visit https://calusawaterkeeper.org/

The Greater Pine Island Civic Association will meet Tuesday, Jan. 9, and discuss seeking other alternatives that will perhaps help improve local water quality. The group will discuss the potential of getting a BMAP designation for Pine Island-adjacent waterways. Speakers will include John Cassani, Calusa Waterkeeper Emeritus, and Consulting Ecologist Kevin Erwin, who will discuss current BMAP standards on waters in the area and the process of how Pine Island could petition the state to establish a BMAP for waters surrounding the island. The meeting is at 6:30 p.m., at Pine Island United Methodist Church, at 5701 Pine Island Road, N.W., Bokeelia . The meeting will be livestreamed on the GPICA Facebook page at https://www. facebook.com/PineIsland https://www.facebook.com/PineIslandCivic Association.

Settlement From page 1 Simer said. Commissioner Joe Hernandez explained the difference between working through problems as a boss or manager in the private sector, as opposed to being in the public eye, saying he’s been in various departments within the state for over 40 years and that he has much respect for his fellow board members as well as the staff of the M/PIFCD. Bill Saunders of St. James City praised the current administration, saying anyone looking at the situation should consider the entire picture. “I’ve worked with some pretty bad administrations and some pretty bad chiefs and I’ve sat in front of some pretty bad commissioners and I’m telling you, we have a great crew here. These chiefs showed up, in the middle of the night, to a fire that they didn’t have to, but every one of

them did... this is a diamond,” Saunders said. The board addressed some of financial aspects of the settlement and what could happen if they fired the chief. Commissioner Jamie DeLacey said if there is no insurance reimbursement for the settlement, and it ends up costing $750,000 out of pocket, the amount doesn’t even come close to what Mickuleit is worth to the district. She went on to further credit the character he displayed in his protection of Pine Island during Hurricane Ian. “Worst-case scenario… it’s a mistake and we can learn from it and we can do better next time. Hopefully we’ll get reimbursed, but I don’t think this should define his (the chief's) character,” DeLacey said. Public comment was also made by Jon Hunt, who questioned what he said was a lack of transparency sur-

rounding the termination and settlement on the part of the commissioners. Hunt said missing minutes from the executive sessions were only brought to light due to the public’s request for details on the case. Attorney Sarah Spector explained that according to state statute there should have been a court stenographer at the executive sessions to record the meetings. Additionally, minutes should be produced for the executive sessions and available to the public and will be provided to the board for approval at the next regularly scheduled meeting. Hernandez moved to ratify the decision made at the Aug. 16 special meeting to settle the lawsuit with Brant, which was then ratified unanimously.


The Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island will host its annual 5K walk/run Saturday, Jan. 13, at 8 a.m. This race takes place at the Alden Pines clubhouse and takes runners, and walkers, through the quiet neighbor streets of Alden Pines and Pineland. Last year over 150 participants enjoyed this fundraiser. Following the race there will be refreshments and an awards ceremony. Pre-registration for is encouraged at the race website at https://runsignup.com/ Race/FL/Bokeelia/2022PineIsland5K Kiwanis has helped support the chil-

dren of Pine Island for 45 years. The proceeds from this run will allow the club to continue to make a difference. The island club sponsors PILOT, the Little League, Junior Olympics, the Fall Festival, pool parties, scholarships and much more. A portion of the proceeds of this event will be donated to the Calusa Heritage Trail to specifically benefit its children's programs. For more information about the Kiwanis Club, visit https://www.pineislandkiwanis.org

Island Mahjongg Band, Vicki managed a score of 90 points, Clem came a close second with 85. Mary Ann and Renee shared third place with 65. We play every Thursday at 11 a.m. at the Moose Lodge on Stringfellow Road. For more information, call Carolyn on 239-233-7682

Westward Road to perform at PIUMC Jan. 6 Westward Road, a group that performs a blend of gospel and modern worship music, will perform Saturday, Jan. 6, at 4 p.m., in Pine Island United Methodist Church's Main Sanctuary and all are welcome. Westward Road is a dynamic family trio led by Scott Roberts, a 20-year veteran worship leader and nation charting songwriter, and his wife,

award-winning vocalist Kelli Roberts. Their son, Garrett Roberts, completes the group. They have performed for audiences in large theaters and for intimate settings in rural churches, festivals and fairs. PIUMC is at 5701 Pine Island Road, at The Center, across from the fire station. For more information about the church, visit www.pineislandmethodist.com or call 239-283-2386.

breezenewspapers.com

A rainy and chilly morning encouraged 12 of us to settle in at the Moose Lodge for mahjongg on Dec. 28. We were happy to welcome players from Matlacha, Vicki Cochran and Renee Simmon. Although the last meeting of 2023 had to be cut a little short to make way for entertainment from The Coast Connection

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Kiwanis to host annual 5K run/walk on Jan. 13

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January means changing weather, fishing strategy previously mentioned bare jigs heads January is our coolest month with rigged with shrimp. Both combinathe water temperature the lowest of the tions work great over nearshore artifiyear. Just how cold it gets often detercial reefs and hard bottom. Make sure mines how and where to fish. and use enough weight to keep your Over cool windy days, fish protectbait on the bottom. Sheepshead ed areas like canals, creeks and deep become the target for many anglers in water on the leeward side of the nearshore gulf waters over winter, but islands as fish seek shelter. It’s also a you will hook into other fish that may good way to comfortably fish a chilly include snapper, grouper, grunts and north wind. Often, fish may be found permit, to name a few. When fishing ganged up in a deep hole, along a offshore, it’s a good idea to put out a shoreline or sunning in areas protected heavier rig flatlined or to the bottom from the wind. The coldest of days with a live bait like a pinfish, grunt or yields some of the best sheepshead blue runner. This is a good way to fishing of the year; they thrive and Capt. Bill Russell hook into a big grouper, cobia, king aggressively feed during adverse conmackerel and, of course, sharks. ditions. If the weather is mild for sevRed grouper season reopened Jan. eral days the fish may be more wide1 in state and federal waters. Look for spread out on the shallower flats, bars keeper size red grouper over hard and and structures. live bottom in gulf waters beginning Shrimp are top baits for winter fishing. Shrimp are user friendly, readily available to around 60-foot depths. Generally, the deeper you go purchase and everything eats them. If it’s cold, low the bigger the grouper. Red grouper eat a variety of and slow is the way to go --meaning fish the bait at baits including shrimp, crabs, squid, cut and live bait or near the bottom, either stationary or with a slow fish. Keep up to date with grouper and all fishing regretrieve. It’s difficult for a cold fish to exert energy ulations by visiting www.myfwc.com for all curchasing fast moving food. On warmer days fish are likely spread out over rent Florida and federal fishing regulations or downshallower depths. Look for fish in areas that are a load the Fish Rules app on your phone. The month will bring some cold days on the short distance from the deeper protected areas. They often hold in areas where they can quickly get back water (at least what we consider cold in Florida), but to shelter when the next front arrives. Fish these also plenty of sunny warm days. Like the weather, areas with shrimp or shrimp imitations in soft plas- fishing can quickly change this month, to be successful you need to monitor the conditions and adapt tic. Between fronts there will be days with light wind your fishing strategy accordingly. Good Luck! Wishing all a safe and happy New Year ! and calm seas -- a good time to venture into gulf waters. Bottom structure, including artificial reefs, As a lifetime resident of Matlacha and Pine ledges and hard or live bottom within sight of land, hold a variety of fish. Again, live or fresh shrimp is Island, Capt. Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters around Pine Island and the top bait. Two popular bait rigs include knocker rigs with Southwest Flori-da, and as a professional fishing an egg sinker free to slide above a small hook and guide for the past 23 years.

On the Water

Cribbage at SJCCA We are trying to get our group started up again and we need new players. We will start Thursday, Jan. 4, at 6:30 p.m., at the St. James City Civic Association, which is located at 3300 4th St., at the intersection of Lemon Street, in St. James City.

For additional information about the cribbage group or if you have any questions, please call Mike at 906-630-1023 For more information about the SJCCA and its programs and events, visit https://www.sjccapi. org/ or call 239-283-0242.

PHOTO PROVIDED

January is a good month to catch a mixed bag of tasty bottom fish within sight of land in gulf waters. Todd Berlin visiting from Tennessee caught this mixed bag west of Boca Grande Pass on a morning trip with Capt. Bill Russell.


always helping someone in some situation. I think I’ve brought that piece of what was instilled in me at a very early age — just caring for people and being a part of the community and trying to make a difference,” Stearns said. In all her years as an islander, Stearns has done everything that’s come her way in an attempt to help the community, as she said she was on the Bobby Holloway Board for 22 years and a fire commissioner for 6 years, with 4 of those as chairman of the Fire Board. “I love making things happen for people. That’s a big deal for me. Whether it’s banking, or the Beacon, or Bobby Holloway — whatever it is — I love being able to assist in some way and making something happen for individuals and for businesses. Caring for people, caring for the island and being able to provide some level of service is important to me,” Stearns said. Of all her accomplishments, Stearns admits she’s found a unique joy in the relationship shared between her

grown children. Her son Derrick Stearns, now shares part ownership of Stearns Custom Builders with Scott and her daughter, Darsey Stearns Smith, who is the administrative assistant and office manager of Stearns Custom Builders. She said it’s a rare thing indeed, for a sister and brother to be able to enjoy working together and have the relationship that they do. Stearns said her biggest wish for Pine Island is that the

island would continue to have old fishermen living seamlessly alongside some of the wealthiest people in the world. “We can be such a variety of people and personalities and we’re still that loving, caring, compassionate, stand together type island. Stay humble, stay proud, stay compassionate and keep being all the things we’ve learned to be for generations to come,” Stearns said.

Ballard to speak at Friends of Library meeting Friends of Pine Island Library will hold a Membership Meeting Tuesday, Jan. 16, at 2 p.m., at the library. Prior to the meeting, Robert Ballard, a Pine Island native, will present “An Early History of the Five Communities of Pine Island.” Light refreshments will be served.

Membership is required to attend ($5), which can be paid at the door. Space is limited; please register by emailing authortalkpilibrary@gmail.com or texting 515314-1226. Please state your name, and program title. The Pine Island Library is at 10701 Russell Road, Bokeelia.

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Wanted To Buy

Pine Island Eagle

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Garage Sales

RED BARN

Estate Sale Sat, Jan 6 - Sun, Jan 7 8am to 3pm 831 Lucerne Pkwy

(Yacht Club area)

Contents of Beautiful Home 3 bdrm sets, king & qn, 3 recliners, tables, lamps, several antique pieces, kitchen full, commercial hotdog machine, 2 kayaks, kayak stand, garage full, lanai furniture, lg stand heater, Harley items, fabulous home decor

Automobiles

Free Estimates on Replacement Systems

Boat Lifts & Docks

CUSTOM DOCKS & BOAT LIFTS

WE BUILD QUALITY DOCKS HAWLEY CONSTRUCTION OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE ALL IN LEE COUNTY.

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Top Notch Docks

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Installation & Repair Licensed & Insured

âNo Bull - Just Quality Work You Can Trustã Residential ¯ Commercial New Construction Remodels ¯ Repairs Room Additions

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Page 15 ■ Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Fill & Dirt Grading

Pine Island Eagle


Pine Island Eagle

pineisland-eagle.com

Week of Wednesday, January 3, 2024 ■ Page 16


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