WEEk of fEbruary 7, 2024 FLIER INSIDE
‘Past’ status Calusa Land Trust recognizes out-going president Bill Ballard — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com
VolumE 47, NumbEr 40
Galbreath takes over as new PIE principal By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
After 18 years at Trafalgar Middle School, Michael Galbreath assumed his new position as principal of Pine Island Elementary on Jan. 10. He has had a total of 30 years now in the educational industry, which has more than prepared him for the role he’s taking on, although when he heard the position at Pine Island Elementary School opened, he said it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. “The interview process was pretty intense. A lot of rooms, a lot of folks, the school staff had representation, there was parent representation, so that was great to see that they were also involved in the interview process,” Galbreath said.
There is an overwhelming amount of things to remember that come with the job of “new principal,” Galbreath said, however, chief among them, he admits, is the importance of building relationships. His rapport with staff will be built on a mutual trust, as the teachers at a school are the experts in the trenches who know what they need and his job is to help them be the best teachers they can be, with support and guidance, he said. When he originally went Michael Galbreath
into the administration role as an educator, Galbreath said he made it a goal to become an underlying support system who would do whatever he could to help teachers be as successful as possible. The community’s desire to support the school and students has come across in a major way, Galbreath said. His goal with the students in particular is to find out what special gift each of them has and help them expand on it while simultaneously fostering a love for learning. This is a unique way in which educators can prepare students for a successful next step in middle school and then in high school. Pine Island has a reputation for being an enthusiastically supportive community, which Galbreath See GALBREATH, page 17
VFW Auxiliary holds Annual Chili Cook-Off and Cake Walk By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
According to Mary Wilcox of the VFW Post 4353 Auxiliary, who chaired the Annual Chili Cook-Off Saturday, Jan. 27, the event was very well attended. Although it’s been a few years since the affair last took place, it went off without a hitch, she said. “Everybody came together and had a really good time. There was wonderful support from the community. It was really a special day,” Wilcox said. There were 10 entries in all, Wilcox said, giving judges plenty to consider. Some guest judges were even asked to weigh in on the local cooking talent, among them, Captain Cliff Simer of the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District. “We had first and second that were judged and then we had people’s choice, so people could come in and try the
M/PIFCD units, EMS respond to house fire Around 1 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 30, crews from the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District were dispatched to a residential structure fire on Avenue D in Bokeelia with a possible victim down in the front yard. According to a report from the M/PIFCD, responding units PI-1, PI-3, Capt. 150, E-151, E-152, E-153, E-15 and Lee County EMS M41 arrived quickly and found smoke visible from the fire with one confirmed patient down in front of the residence. The fire was quickly extinguished with moderate damage to the home and contents, along with the patient being treated and transported to the hospital, officials said. The scene was turned over to the homeowner following the investigation into the blaze..
See CHILI COOK-OFF, page 18
According to a report from the American Red Cross, volunteer members of its Disaster Action Team, from the Florida Gulf Coast to Heartland Chapter, responded to home fire in Bokeelia. The disaster-trained team helped coordinate emergency aid to two people impacted by the blaze. Thick smoke billows from the house fire last Tuesday in Bokeelia, A number of units from the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control Districts were called in to battle the blaze. One person from the scene was also taken by EMS to a local hospital, PHOTO PROVIDED
PHOTO BY MARY WILCOX
From left are Chili Cook-Off Chair Mary Wilcox, first place winner Mike Becker, Auxiliary President Ila Valcarcel and Auxiliary member and artist Joyce Lake, who painted the aprons.
Athletes of the Week.......19 Cribbage Corner..............17 Island Mahjongg.............17 insidetoday Bridge Beat......................17 Dolphin Tales.....................6 On the Water....................10 Classifieds & Obituaries
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Ruscik humbled by 2024 Al Mills Award recognition By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Donna Jo Ruscik admitted she was shocked to be considered for this years’ Al Mills Award, given annually by the Pine Island Chamber of Commerce. Her delight in having won the award comes in large part from the circle of former winners in which Ruscik now finds herself. “I was in tears. It blew me away that the chamber would even consider me. I’m very grateful for the consideration…it’s very humbling. The Al Mills Award, in my eyes — this is what I’ve always understood about it — it’s the most prestigious award, or the highest recognition that you can receive in the Greater Pine Island area,” Ruscik said. While the award is not technically for any one thing in particular, such as philanthropy work, volunteerism or leadership, it lends itself to all of these things simultaneously in recognition of the people willing to offer their
time, talent or treasure, without thought for reward. While, for her part, Ruscik is simply doing what she knows to do, as many others who’ve come before her, she now takes her seat at a table of honored guests, which she is humbled to join. “Nobody does this by themselves. No one has achieved this because they do things by themselves, that never happens. For one person to receive it, instead of the whole island — that’s the overwhelming part,” Ruscik said with a chuckle. Counting herself in great company, Ruscik mentioned previous winners such as Steve Honc of Honc Industries as well as Nancy Goodwyn, founder of the Matlacha Hookers, an organization which has been deeply rooted in Ruscik’s own life. With each years’ winner came the inevitable “of course” moment, she said, although never having completely thought out what it might be like to join them, however, she explained, winning the award
Calusa Land Trust holds annual meeting With a standing room only crowd, the Calusa Land Trust held its 48th Annual Meeting Sunday, Jan. 21. A soggy Fritts Park caused the event to be relocated to the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church. The meeting was conducted by President Robert Ballard. He summarized the stewardship efforts in maintaining over 2,400 acres of preserved lands, particularly in light of the challenges posed in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Committee chairpersons tendered their reports and the general membership voted to re-elect seven incumbent Board of Directors members: John Kendall, Marty Kendall, Cheryl King, Carolyn Murphey, Judy Ott, Frank Potter and Joan Rosenberg. At left, Robert Ballard, center, is recognized by CLT members Brian Cotterill, left, and John Kendall, right. PHOTO PROVIDED
Pine Island Eagle
does give credibility to the things she’s done. “It gives merit to what I like to do,” Ruscik said. Recently retired from a career in financial services at FineMark National Bank and Trust, Ruscik is no stranger to taking the lead in building relationships, and finding solutions and in Greater Pine Island, she is now among those who have been honored with the Al Mills Award. “If I were to nail down the basics of what makes me tick, it’s the ability to give back my time. So many people have the ability to open a checkbook and I love those people — I don’t care if that check is for $100 or $1,000 or $10,000 — it’s fabulous that they can do that. I’m not that person. I will give you my time. To me, the value of time is immeasurable in so many ways. The gift of time allows you to sit and listen to what someone is going through and then to smile across the table and say, ‘Hey, we’ve got you,’” Ruscik said.
Recognition was given to retiring Board member Bill Hummer and special thoughts were rendered to the late Nancy Weir, who died unexpectedly last November. In a surprise recognition, past presidents Brian Cotterill and John Kendall welcomed Robert Ballard to the “past” status and presented him with a crystal trophy in appreciation of his five years’ service as president. Upcoming events were highlighted including its major fundraiser, The Great Calusa Rubber Duck Race, to be held on Saturday, March 2, at the newly opened Marker 3 Coastal Cantina in St. James City. The proceeds from the duck race are utilized to support its mission to protect the natural diversity and beauty of Pine Island by acquiring, managing and preserving in perpetuity environmentally sensitive or historically important land and to foster appreciation for and understanding of the environment and its heritage. More details are available on the CLT website, calusalandtrust.org.
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OPINIONS
Letters to the Editor School loan debt 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's note: the following letter was addressed to President Joe Biden and presented to The Eagle for publication.) Dear President Biden: I understand you have again approved more student debt forgiveness to the tune of 4.9 billion (taxpayer) dollars. Looks like the qualification for this forgiveness is that there had to have at least 10 years of payment and a balance of $12,000 or less. Members of my family and I have used the federal school loans programs for our higher education. Unfortunately, it took many years, but we have paid off our loans at our own sacrifice and challenging expense. So, with that said, and that we had paid off our loans ourselves, I am attaching an invoice for $12,000. Since you can give others this benefit, you can pass this benefit to me, the taxpayer who is footing the bill for others. You can soon expect others to request similar repayment. I am sure you are not trying to buy votes from those who are benefiting from U.S. taxpayers. It is just the right thing to do. Please remit my payment 30 days net. Art Arway Pine Island
Biden-flation still a huge problem for president To the editor: While the Fed’s herculean interest rate hikes over the past 17 months have had an impact on the record inflation (40-year high) brought to us courtesy of the Biden Administration, many of the final numbers coming out of 2023’s close are still extremely troubling for most Americans. If you own a car (over 250 million vehicles in the U.S.), then you must have suffered some insurance rate “sticker shock” in 2023 and if you are a renter, (122 million households are renters - Pew Research), you have been suffering large rental rate increases since Biden took office. Prices for car insurance were up 20% compared with December 2022 while rents climbed 6.5%, according to the U.S. Labor Department. (See: U.S. inflation picks up more than expected in December bbc.com). These are giant increases and will result in tens of billions of dollars of increased costs for Americans, not to mention the massive increase in mortgage interest rates for homebuyers. The average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage on 1/15/2024 was 6.93% (See Compare 30-Year Mortgage Rates Today | Bankrate) According to Rocket Mortgage, the rate for these mortgages was 3.7% in January 2021.
So, why is Joe Biden so unpopular and why do people feel poorer under this president’s “leadership? Well, if you don’t own a car and if you don’t rent or own a residence and if you do not consume food (average grocery price increase since 2021 is over 20%), then you would hardly notice what Biden has done to your purchasing power. But, if you live, work, reside, raise a family or if you are retired in the United States, then you are poorer. Max Christian St. James City
Questions about the island fire department To the editor: As much as I dislike Cape Coral and it’s “expansionist” leanings, they probably could provide fire protection, and the administrative capabilities necessary to run the stations, on our islands at a cheaper rate than what we are paying now and without the administrative errors that cost we taxpayers three quarters of a million dollars. Having worked in local government, in another state, I understand the need for replacing and upgrading capabilities of equipment, but I am puzzled by the commission’s desire to buy a ladder truck that goes well above the building code maximum height restriction. Do they want to allow taller buildings to be built on our islands? Are they wanting to have equipment equal to Cape Coral Fire Department so they aren’t “embarrassed” in mutual aid situations? I ask these questions because a recent letter to the editor has raised some issues about our fire department and no one is responding. Is that because the letter writer is spot on? Dan Herfurth Matlacha
Three cheers for the Republican Party To the editor: The Republican Party taking on the moral issue of how the Cape Coral council and mayor got a doubling of salary with the back pay for time worked is a great start. The moral issue is great that the party took notice and is planning on taking whatever action they can to keep these folks off the ballot for re-election. But for those of us that were elected to any office in Florida and carried around the “Government-in-the Sunshine Manual” from The First Amendment Foundation, we know that this is not just a moral issue. Looking over the manual tells us that all staff and those working are ministerial workers and can only follow the
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
orders directed from the council and mayor. There are no other marching orders allowed. Staff and the attorneys cannot make up stipends and how much the council members get paid. Period. Also staff and the attorney cannot figure out that the council members and mayor deserve back pay for old work that they took on in October, November and December. So if staff and the attorney cannot determine back pay and stipends who will? Someone wrote it up and obviously all the council members and the mayor knew about it, So how did all this happen behind closed doors? That question begs to be answered by our local State Attorney’s office. I would offer that, if the State Attorney doesn’t get involved with all these civil issues that are going on with the Cape Council and mayor, that the State Attorney also be added to the Republican list of folks not supported in the next election. The Sunshine needs to come back into our government. Leo Amos Matlacha
Moving here? Respect our values To the editor: It’s that time of year and snowbirds are here along with people looking to move here is in full swing. As a resident of this beautiful state, recent developments that may potentially impact the unique charm and character of Florida are becoming a problem, some people are trying to turn Florida blue and into a progressive state. I believe it is essential to preserve the values and principles that have made Florida a desirable place to live and visit. Seeing some newcomers and snowbirds attempting to change the very fabric of the state is concerning. It is important to remember that most people chose Florida because they appreciate its values, customs, weather, and way of life. People should not come to Florida and replicate the problems they left behind in their previous progressive states like in New York, New Jersey, Illinois, California leaving behind crime, high taxes and limited school choice and insane spending on entitlements that people think they deserve, and the taxpayers’ foot the bill. People should consider the impact of their actions on our state. While some change is good and can bring growth, it is crucial that people approach it with respect for the existing communities and their values, instead of focusing on their own progressive political agenda. People should work together to find a balance that allows for progress while preserving the unique identity of Florida without having high taxes, crime, and entitlement programs. Attempting to change the political landscape to fit your ideology would undermine and disregard the wishes and rights of the people who call Florida home. Let’s celebrate the differences that make this state unique and strive to uphold the values of freedom, low taxes, and prosperity for all in Florida. Lou Walker Cape Coral
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Alliances among male bottlenose dolphins Dolphin calves are Females potentially give born between 39 and 53 birth every 3-5 years so inches long, and weigh in her lifetime, she could between 22 and 44 birth up to 10 calves. pounds. Calves nurse for Males do not participate up to 3 years and stay in rearing the calves. under mom’s watchful Male alliances will eye through the teenage fight over these fertile years, which is between 3 females, often with and 5 years old. Dolphins males and females susmature between 5 and 10 taining injuries. Females years old with females can be separated from often maturing sooner their nursing calves by than males. Dolphin aggressive males trying Capt. Cathy Eagle moms invest a great deal to mate with them. In the of time and energy first two weeks of a preparing their youngcalf’s life, this can be sters carefully for indelife-threatening. The calf pendence. This includes does not have enough teaching them to hunt, weight to float so must avoid danger and navigate their terri- swim in the slipstream of the mother tory. while nursing on demand or could When young males are weaned potentially drown. Fortunately, the from their mother’s milk at around 3- lactating mother typically has at least 4 years old, they will join a large, sta- two “aunties” swimming with her to ble alliance of male dolphins in their protect her and her calf. These “auncommunity, which is usually within a ties” will fend off the males. 5-mile radius. Within this large group, Well-integrated “popular” males the juvenile males will form smaller, with strong social bonds to many less stable groups of two to three alliance partners produce the most offmales to hunt, steal females from spring. In addition, these social bonds other alliances and defend each other improve the dolphin’s chances of suragainst attacks. These relationships of vival, increase their longevity and two or three bonded males are very lead to better immune responses and close and cooperative. These juvenile health. The positive effect of social pods may swim together for a decade bond strength on cooperation is a key or more. factor in access to resources such as Adult male dolphins are the most food or mates. transient of dolphins, frequently moving from one pod of males to Capt. Cathy Eagle has spent over another. 40 years boating in our local waters. Bottlenose dolphins can live at As a professional charter captain she least 40 years, with some females out- specializes in dolphin and nature living males at 60 years or more. tours. Visit CaptainCathy.com or Females begin to reproduce when they call/text 239 994-2572. are between 5 and 15 years old.
Dolphin Tales
Pine Island Potters Guild February show, sale at Koucky Studios Saturday Ready for Valentine’s Day with a gift of local art? The Pine Island Potters Guild's February showing will be held Saturday, Feb. 10, at Koucky Studios from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Avoid off-island traffic, come to the show in the outdoor courtyard of Koucky Studios (there is ample parking). Meet island artists and craftsmen and find perfect gifts for your sweethearts in a relaxed and fun environment. The Valentine's showing will feature the works of Pine Island artisans in various mediums: pottery, jewelry, woodworking, ready-to-wear art, paintings, glass, books, gourmet jams, hot sauces and more, scents and candles, mustards and hot sauces, local honey and island-themed home décor. Fresh baked goods will be available for a snack or to take home for a special addition to any meal. Each show this season has new artisans setting up. Please stop by and see what the wonderful island artists and shops have to offer. At 11 a.m. check out the raku pottery firing demonstration, featuring the horse-
hair technique of pottery decoration. Chuck Koucky and some of his pottery students will be demonstrating this method for creating random lines and patterns on the surface of a red-hot raku clay pot using the hair from a tail or mane of a horse. All works by participating artists will be available for purchase. This small venue provides a welcoming environment to meet local artists, inquire about their craft and learn about opportunities in the area for classes and workshops. Be sure to ask for a tour of the on-site pottery studio. The Pine Island Potters Guild shows are held on the second Saturday of each month, November through April, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the courtyard of Koucky Studios at 5971 Bay Point Road, in Bokeelia, at the corner of Bay Point and Stringfellow Roads, just after Mile Marker 11, on the east side of Stringfellow. For additional information about the Potters' Guild Valentine's Day Show and Sale, please call Nancy Koucky at 239233-3003 or email her at nrkdesigns@ gmail.com.
Winn-Dixie to hold food drive for Food Pantry Winn-Dixie is hosting a food drive once again to benefit the Pine Island Food Pantry. The holiday food drive in December was such a great success, bringing in over $2,000 of non-perishable food, that Dan Loughren, Winn-Dixie manager and his staff, wants to help the Greater Pine Island community again by hosting another for Easter. Winn-Dixie will sell $15 food bags with all the fixings for an Easter ham dinner. They will be available from Feb. 15 through March 15. On Saturday, March 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Winn-Dixie will close the drive out by holding a formal event so please join us.
The pantry has been in existence since 1993 and is run by 100% volunteer staff, so all donations go to its clients. Since Hurricane Ian, the pantry's client base has increase by 50% and is still growing so the need is greater than ever. Pantry staff asks that islanders consider purchasing a food bag at Winn-Dixie to help their fellow Island residents “in need” this Easter. Also, to all island snowbirds, please consider dropping off any extra food before leaving this season either at the Food Pantry or the many Pine Island “drop off box” locations: Winn-Dixie, Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church, Centennial Bank and the Matlacha Post Office.
Lee County is encouraging residents in the unincorporated area to visit its Water Smart website, which has been refreshed to reflect the county’s recent amendment to its Water Conservation Ordinance. The implementation of a one-day-a-week watering schedule began Thursday The website is www.leegov.com/watersmart. The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Jan.
25th Annual Great Calusa Rubber Duck Raffle March 2
Management District (SFWMD) to raise concerns with water levels within the area’s aquifers. While the Lee County ordinance applies to those in unincorporated Lee County, a comprehensive list of local rules can be found at www.sfwmd.gov/mywateringdays All local ordinances have provisions for enforcement of ordinance violations, which vary by community. People in unincorporated Lee County who irrigate outside the permissible days and hours may receive a warning on a first offense and fines following a warning; however, the county’s main objective is education about the ordinance. Neighborhood groups, Homeowners Associations and others are encouraged to share the above link. To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter at www.leegov.com/resources/ newsletters. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.
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The 25th Annual Great Calusa Rubber Duck Raffle will be held Saturday, March 2, at Marker 3 Coastal Cantina. The main event, the Great Calusa Duck Raffle, has 3,000 rubber ducks at $10 each plus 50/50 raffle tickets and the white elephant sale. The first place duck wins $1,000 for its ticket owner and second place wins $500 and third place $250. You need not be present to win. Remember, all the net proceeds from the event go to the Calusa Land Trust to acquire and maintain environmentally sensitive or historically important lands in the Greater Pine Island area. For more about the Rubber Duck Raffle or the CLT, visit https://www.calusalandtrust.org/ Marker 3 Coastal Cantina is at 3421 Stringfellow Road in St James City. For more about the restaurant, call 239-966-4064.
16 to amend the ordinance to one-day-a-week watering from the beginning of February through the end of May to conserve water and protect the aquifers. Odd-numbered addresses may only water on Saturdays and even-numbered addresses and common areas may water on Sundays. No watering can occur 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Typically, the aquifers peak toward the end of rainy season and show the most stress during the April-May timeframe. The county has launched an informational and interactive campaign, featuring Captain Conservation, to help the community understand ways to conserve water and the importance of doing so. For example, the county created downloadable, educational coloring pages for children. Visit the Water Smart website for details. Lee County has had a water conservation ordinance for unincorporated communities since 2005. Last year Lee County worked with the South Florida Water
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Once-day-a-week watering schedule begins across Lee County
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Pine Island Pool to temporarily close Friday for staff training Lee County Parks & Recreation would like to remind swimmers that community pools will be closed Friday, Feb. 9, for annual staff training. The locations that will be temporarily closed are: ■ San Carlos Community Pool, 8208 Sanibel Blvd., Fort Myers ■ Lehigh Acres Community Pool, 1400 W. Fifth St., Lehigh Acres ■ Pine Island Community Pool, 5675 Sesame Dr., Pine Island ■ North Fort Myers Community Pool, 5170 Orange Grove Blvd., North Fort Myers Signs have been posted at the sites to inform pool patrons of the one-day clos-
ing. Lee County lifeguards are tested annually for their performance skills and abilities. This ensures guards meet Lee County’s safety standards. Pools will reopen Saturday, Feb. 10, with normal operating hours. County pools are closed Sundays and Mondays, except during summer. For more information about all Lee County pools, visit www.leeparks. org/pools. To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter at www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.
Lee Health Bloodmobile at Moose Lodge Saturday The Lee Health Bloodmobile will be visiting The Pine Island Moose Lodge at 8903 Stringfellow Road in St. James City on Saturday, Feb. 10. from 8 a.m. until noon. All the blood collected remains in Lee Health, which includes the Golisano Children's Hospital of SW Florida, the Regional Cancer Center and the only Trauma Center (which is located in the Lee Memorial Hospital) within a 5-county radius. The blood also supports Cape Coral Hospital and Gulf Coast Medical Center. One in three people will need blood in their lifetime. You never know when you or someone you know or love will need blood. So come out and Give the Gift of Life! All donors will receive a free health checkup, cholesterol screening, and gift. New studies show that donating blood improves your overall cardiovascular
health. Regularly donating blood helps men in particular to reduce the amount of iron in the blood. This can reduce the chance of heart attack by 88%. Additionally, regular blood donation can lower the risk of severe cardiovascular events such as stroke by 33%. You also burn 650 calories! It's a win-win! Please help the Moose make its goal of 20 units of blood. Requirements for donating blood: ■ Weigh at least 115 pounds ■ Be at least 16 years old (16 requires parental written consent) ■ Be relatively healthy ■ Provide photo ID ■ Have 56 days between donations Eat a meal before donating blood and be sure to drink plenty of fluids before and after donation. Questions about donating? Call 3432333.
Friends of Pine Island Library to present Suzanne and Jim The Friends of the Pine Island Library welcome back musicians Suzanne and Jim, today, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m. They will be performing for the Pine Island community at the St. James City Civic Center. These traveling troubadours present the beauty and richness of traditional Americana music. Expect to hear finely crafted duet singing, banjo, guitar, flute and autoharp along with a smattering of spoons, storytelling and homespun humor all adding up to an unforgettable good time. This program is free and no registration is needed. The SJCCA is at 3300 Fourth Ave. in St. James City. For more information or questions, call or text 239-454-9196.
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The waters around head to the nearest structure Southwest Florida affords a and break off. Large or small choice of fishing opportunithey are a blast to catch, are ties as we move towards the full of tenacity and just a close of winter with spring cool looking fish. It’s easy to in sight. While some fish get addicted and catch snook are completing their spawnfever. Snook season is ing duties, others are just closed, please take measures beginning. February brings to assure a safe release. cold days followed by a While redfish tolerate the warming trend. By the later cold, their numbers and part of the month, cold days appetite increase as winter become less numerous, and nears its end. They will the average water temperarange in size from little guys Capt. Bill Russell ture is on a steady rise. barely a foot long to well The winter run of over 30 inches. While snook sheepshead peaks as the have fast blazing runs, dralarger fish complete their matic leaps from the water spawning duties. and head for the nearest Sheepshead school around structure, redfish are in a difstructure with a good tidal flow inshore, ferent category. They fight like a bull, not around the beaches and nearshore. They fast but super strong and don’t know the are the one fish that thrives in the cold word quit. They will fight hard from start with the best bite often coming over the to finish. coldest days. Sheepshead are one of Redfish are found in the areas previFlorida’s tastiest fish and get a good deal ously mentioned for sheepshead, seatrout of attention from anglers fishing from and snook as well as under mangrove boat and land. overhangs. Many anglers chose to sight
On the Water
Pine Island Eagle
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February brings the start of season, fishing changes
PHOTO PROVIDED
Another week of cool weather means more sheepshead.Randy Rainbeau visiting from Ohio hooked this big one fishing shrimp around structure in upper Pine Island Sound with Capt. Bill Russell. As the month progresses, warming waters and the return of schooling bait fish will mark the beginning of some of the largest seatrout of the year. Large trout are locally known as “gators” or “gator trout” and exceed well over 20 inches, often pushing 30 inches. They are moving onto the inshore grass flats, as well as oyster bars and deeper holes. These larger fish are often egg laden as we approach their spawning season. Enjoy the battle, snap a quick picture while handling them with care and return the big girls to the water. Then they can continue to their spawning duties to ensure fish for the future. State law allows anglers to keep one seatrout per boat over 19 inches. The snook bite will fire off with the return of bait fish and warming waters. In my opinion snook is our top inshore sportfish. I am often asked, “If you could only target one fish what would it be?” Snook is always my answer. They strike hard, fight hard and have the natural instinct to
fish reds, as they are tailing and pushing wake as they hunt for prey over the shallow flats. Negative low tides offer great opportunities, particularly early morning and late afternoon. In the Gulf of Mexico, fish are on the move as they follow the rising water temperature north. King and Spanish mackerel along with bonito or false albacore are off the coast and often in large schools, look for feeding birds to locate the hungry fish. If you are lucky you may hook into a blackfin tuna as well. Cobia, a local favorite that is often mistaken for a shark, may show up at any time around your boat while fishing offshore or inshore. Bottom fishing around reefs could yield a variety including sheepshead, various snapper, grouper, permit and flounder, to name a few. Also, keep an eye open for triple tail sunning on their side around floating objects. If you’re looking for the bigger red grouper, the best bet is to head out to depths 70 feet and deeper.
The transition from late winter into early spring can offer some of the best fishing the area offers. As days get longer and water temperatures rise, hungry fish of all sizes invade coastal waters. We touched on some of the most popular game fish for anglers, yet there are many more we didn’t mention. Up until now this winter’s weather has been cold, wet and windy. Let’s hope this month begins a trend of better weather. Stay up to date with fishing regulations
by visiting www.myfwc.com. Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone. It has current regulations and seasons with pictures to help identify fish . As a lifetime resident of Matlacha and Pine Island, Capt. Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters around Pine Island and Southwest Florida, and as a professional fishing guide for the past 23 years.
Father Gilmore offering home blessings Father Bill Gilmore from Saint John's Episcopal Church Pine Island will be available Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons the first two weeks of February to bless homes on Pine Island and surrounding areas. The blessings will only take a few minutes and he
does not need to enter your home. There is no charge and all are welcome to have their homes blessed. Please contact Janette for further information and to set up a time: Jjay39@aol.com, Stjohnspineislandfl@gmail.com or call the church at 239-283-1820.
included a four-bedroom, four-bath, work; an industry-leading technology Realty company has two offices on Pine Island 3,314-square-foot single-family resi- platform; and exclusive marketing partJohn R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate this week announced its 2023 closed sales volume of $4.5 billion. The company, which joined the Christie’s International Real Estate network in late 2022, is 100% owned by the founding Wood family and led by President and CEO Phil Wood. It specializes in Southwest Florida, conducting business only in Collier and Lee counties. The company’s top transaction for the
year was a single-family Port Royal residence in Naples which closed for $46.8 million. According to Southwest Florida MLS records, the sale shattered records as the highest non-beachfront residential sale in the history of Port Royal and Collier County, the county’s fifth most expensive residential sale ever and the most expensive Collier County single-family home sold in 2023. The firm’s additional significant sales
dence on Gulf Shore Boulevard, South, in Naples, which sold for $19 million and a five-bedroom, five-bath, 5,025 squarefoot Port Royal residence which sold at the list price of $14.9 million. The company’s Christie’s International Real Estate affiliation affords John R. Wood agents and customers access to numerous benefits, including increased national and international exposure for luxury properties; a global referral net-
nerships, including with Christie’s venerable auction house. Throughout the year, the company welcomed 109 new top-performing real estate professionals. It now has approximately 850 real estate agents in 21 offices. The island offices are at 5400 Pine Island Road, Suite A, Bokeelia, and 2959 Oleander St., St. James City. For information, visit johnrwood.com.
‘Peter Ordway’ Paddling Tour event this Sunday at Calusa Island preserve (1976) Calusa Island. All interested paddlers are invited. Participants will meet at Carmen’s Kayaks (at the north end of Porto Bello
Avenue in Bokeelia) at 11 a.m. Participants may use their own kayak or rent one from Carmen’s (239-333-7332). Bottled water will be provided, but kayak-
Registration period extended for upcoming Pine Island Youth Baseball Spring Season Calling all kids ages 4-12! Pine Island Youth Baseball Spring Season is back! League officials have been working hard to get this season going and are in desperate need of players. Officials will be extending baseball registrations to Friday, Feb. 9. Registration forms and more information about the season can be found on the league website at www.PIYBB.org, or
stop by the concession stand at the park Feb. 5-8 between 5:30 and 7:45 p.m. If you need any assistance with the registration fee, please do not hesitate to ask as the Bobby Holloway Fund is available for help, just send us a message on Facebook or send an email to prespibaseball@gmail.com. Anyone who would like to be one of the league sponsors, please send a mes-
sage on the league Facebook page or send an email to prespibaseball@gmail.com. League officials are looking forward to a great spring season and hope to see you there! The concession stand is at the ballpark is at Phillips Park at 5675 Sesame Drive, Bokeelia, just west of the four-way stop at The Center.
ers should bring their own lunch as a picnic stop is planned. The guided tour will meander around Calusa Island observing the ancient Calusa Indian midden (mound) and the resident birds, tortoises, dolphin and fish species. The Calusa Land Trust is Pine Island’s all volunteer land conservancy, which sponsors events for public education and enjoyment. The paddling tours are held on a monthly basis in season. Since it is also a fundraising effort, a donation of $20 per person/$10 for CLT member is requested. New membership forms will be available. Please contact Jim Friedlander at 860608-1158, jimfri29@gmail.com to make a reservation and further information about the tour.
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The “Peter Ordway” Paddling Tour season has recommenced and this month’s outing will be held this Sunday, Feb. 11, at the Calusa Land Trust’s first
Page 11 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024
John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate announces closed sales volume for 2023
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‘Art in the Park’ theme for 21st annual Pine Island Garden Club Gala The Pine Island Garden Club, founded in 1975, is has over 100 active members, who follow the mission of the promotion, protection and conservation of Pine Island's natural beauty. Its annual fundraiser, the Pine Island Garden Gala, is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 17, beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing until 2 p.m. at the Pine Island Garden Club Park on the Phillips Park grounds at
the Center. This fun-filled family day will encompass over 70 vendors promoting plants, art and related products, 50/50 and raffle drawings, a silent auction (with stuff like Ace Hardware’s Yeti coolers, Bike Work’s ebike and TSC’s truck bed covers), a homemade bake sale plus entertainment with the acoustic melodies of The Docksiders, consisting of Tom
Lecours and Charlie Rapazzo. A club car parking lot shuttle will also be available. The proceeds from the gala are utilized by the club to support its island efforts to maintain the grounds at the Garden Park, Museum of the Islands, Bokeelia Post Office and the Pine Island Elementary School's butterfly garden. The club also provides financial sup-
port to several benevolent island organizations such as the Calusa Land Trust, Pine Island Elementary School, Pine Island Food Pantry, CROW, Kiwanis Children’s Park and the Beacon of Hope. For more information, please contact Beth Smith at 410-336-0262 or pineislandbeth@gmail.com
CLT work/fun party Saturday at Nancy Weir Mangrove Preserve The Calusa Land Trust's monthly work/fun party will be held Saturday, Feb. 10, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Nancy Weir Mangrove Preserve. Formerly known as the Dobbs Preserve, the recently renamed Nancy Weir Mangrove Preserve contains 76 acres along Matlacha Pass and consists mostly
of mangrove forest except for its western border with a marked pedestrian trail with access bridges at both the north and south entrances. This month's mission will concentrate on removal of invasive vegetation and hurricane downed foliage. Volunteers are requested to meet at the south easement
entrance located at the corner of Sabal Avenue and Tangerine Drive in the Tropical Point subdivision. The Calusa Land Trust is an all-volunteer land conservancy and, thus, relies upon its members and caring guests like you to steward its preserved lands. It is recommended that participants pro-
vide themselves with work gloves/clothing, pruning/chain saws and a happy spirit. Volunteers will be rewarded with cold beverages and a pizza lunch. For more information, contact Les Smith at (978)618-7447 or lesmanatee3355@gmail.com
Utility installation, desilting drainage structures work continues on Pine Island Road BARTOW, Fla. – This weekly report is prepared by the Florida Department of Transportation to inform the public about upcoming road work in Southwest Florida. Below are the work schedule and lane closure locations for major state road projects. Pine Island Road Causeway and Bridge Permanent Repairs Construction project: 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 No. 120111) to West of Shoreview Drive. CONTINUED: The contractor will be working on underground utility installation on the north side of the causeway. Crews will also be working on desilting drainage structures on the shoulders west of Matlacha Pass Bridge. Drivers are be alert to construction equipment in the construction zone. To
maintain safety, motorists should find alternate parking areas. Motorists should please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway. Crews are maintaining two-lane traffic on causeway. 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 additional information, visit the FDOT project web page at https://www.swflroads.com/project/451937-2 or email shana.overhulser@dot.state.fl.us.
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Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Catholic Church's Annual Rummage Sale is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 17, from 8
a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 18, from 9 a.m. till noon. The church is 12175 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia.
Island Mahjongg We had 5 tables of play at mahjongg Thursday, the first day of February. Welcome to Ann Reier. Top scorers were Joyce Bieber with 185 points. Paula Bruckner scored 120 and Clem Moors 105. Congratulations ladies!
Come and join us. Everyone is welcome, beginners or long time players. We play every Thursday from 1-4 p.m. at St. James City Civic Association at Lemon Avenue and Fourth Street. Call Carolyn, 239-233-7682 for more information.
Galbreath From page 1
For more information about the church or the upcoming sale, please call 239283-0456.
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had heard and was expecting, however, even the new principal of Pine Island Elementary School found himself unprepared for the outpouring of generosity from a community ready to embrace him in his new position. “From what I’ve seen so far, the support has been absolutely amazing. Everybody’s been very welcoming, very kind, very positive. Everyone’s love for Pine Island Elementary definitely shows through,” Galbreath said. His desire is that the encouragement and support he’s received from parents and community members would be ongoing, he said. “Boy do I love it. The teachers here are incredible — the family atmosphere, the smiles — the smiles on the kid’s faces,” Galbreath said with a grin.
Please bring one non-perishable food item to support the Pine Island Food Pantry.
Page 17 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Annual OLMM Rummage Sale scheduled for Feb. 17-18
Michael Galbreath with Amy, his wife of 29 years.
Nationally acclaimed The Nighthawks, the “Best darn Blues Band,” is returning to Pine Island to perform Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 7-10 p.m., at the Pine Island Moose Lodge 1954, at 8903
Stringfellow Road, St. James City. The concert is open to the public and there’s no cover charge. For more information, contact the lodge at 239-282-0453.
Cribbage Corner Island cribbage results from Feb. 1: 1st Place — Joel Scheuitma 2nd Place — Dennis Gettys 3rd Place — Mike Mulder 4th Place — John Perkowski "Turkey of the Week" — John Hennessy Cribbage is played Thursday evenings at 6:30
Bridge Beat Every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m., we play bridge at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church at Pine Island Center. This week’s winners were 1st Place Mariann Kuhn, 2nd place, Karen McWright and coming in 3rd, poor George Fenyohazi. Anyone who plays a decent hand of bridge is welcome to join the group. You do not need a partner to come.
at the SJCCA, located at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Lemon Street. Come out and join the fun and bring a friend.
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The Nighthawks to perform at Moose Lodge
Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 ■ Page 18 pineisland-eagle.com Pine Island Eagle
Church chicken dinner this Sunday The Church of God of Prophecy will be holding a chicken dinner Sunday, Feb. 11. Dinner will be takeout only, no dine-in. The price is $10 per dinner — chicken. Masked potatoes and gravy, corn or green beans, dinner roll and desert. Chicken is fried in peanut oil. Gluten free and
baked chicken are available upon request. Call 239-283-2128 to reserve a dinner as soon as possible, quantities are limited. Pick-up is from 12:303 p.m. The church is located at 15146 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia.
The crock pots lined up for the Chili Cook-Off at the island VFW Post. The competition was hosted by the VFW Auxiliary. PHOTO BY MARY WILCOX
Chili Cook-Off From page 1 chili and put a chip in a jar to determine who was their favorite,” Wilcox said. Publix Bakery and the Pine Island Getaway Caf donated baked goods and Winn-Dixie donated hot dogs to accommodate those who wanted a chili dog, Wilcox said. The Tarpon Lodge also donated a gift certificate the VFW raffled off. After the chili cook-off, she said the cakewalk went a long way toward making the event a very festive one.
Cat of the Week
“So many people in the community came together for this, it was awesome. I was really busy but every time I looked out, everybody was having such a good time. Honestly, that’s what the island needs — that joy, fun and laughter. There were so many people there and it made all the veterans feel so good. I can’t tell you how many veterans came up to me afterward to tell me how wonderful it was,” Wilcox said, explaining that it always goes a long way when the community visits the post.
Grayson This little guy has been through a lot. Grayson and his mother were both found injured and curled up on someone's porch. Grayson's leg was broken and his mother, GrayC, had a bad bone infection in her leg. Grayson had to be in a cage for 6 weeks and GrayC recovered after a round of antibiotics. They both still limp but it may be from habit more than injury. Grayson runs, climbs and plays like a typical 10-month-old kitten. GrayC is content just to be lazy and safe indoors.Both kitties are sweet and deserve a chance at a fur-ever home. They don't need to be adopted together so if you have room for either of them, please call Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary at 239-283-9100.If you’d rather just donate, our address is10060 Mallory Parkway, E., Unit D, St James City, FL, 33956,orthere’s always our w e b s i t e w w w . helpingpawsanimalsanctuary.com
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Cape Coral
Athletes of theWeek
(Selected by the Breeze Sports staff)
Pine Island Eagle
Breeze
Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 ■ Page 20 pineisland-eagle.com Pine Island Eagle
LeeCares Hurricane Ian Housing Recovery Program application portal now open Intake staff to be available at Pine Island Library on Wednesdays this month The application portal for the LeeCares Hurricane Ian Housing Recovery Program opened at noon Thursday, Feb. 1. Lee County and its partners are ramping up outreach to increase awareness and assist residents impacted by the storm. LeeCares outreach includes community events and presentations, door-to-door contact and in-person case managers at various locations. Funding for the LeeCares housing program comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery allocation to Lee County to address the disaster recovery needs of residents affected by the hurricane. There are three programs for which individuals now can apply: ■ The Housing Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Elevation program may assist income-eligible property owners to repair, replace and/or elevate property that suffered hurricane damage. ■ The Home Purchase Assistance may assist incomeeligible home buyers to purchase a qualifying primary residence outside of the flood zone in Lee County. ■ The Voluntary Residential Acquisition program may assist income-eligible homeowners of a repetitive loss property relocate outside of flood-prone areas in Lee County. To view a full list of eligibility requirements and documents needed to apply, visit www.leeflcares.com. Questions can be emailed to leecares@leegov.com. Individuals also can call 239-382-5453. Once an application is submitted, individuals will be
assigned a designated LeeCares case manager to provide updates. If an application is approved, the funding is a grant – not a loan – and does not need to be repaid if applicants comply with the terms of the grant. In partnership with Harry Chapin Food Bank and Lee County Libraries, LeeCares intake staff will be available at upcoming food-distribution events to help individuals with the application process: ■ Feb. 12: 9 a.m. to noon, 2980 Edison Ave., Fort Myers, 33916. ■ Feb. 8, 15, 22 and 29: 9 a.m. to noon, 7101 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers, 33917. ■ Feb. 19 and 26: 9 a.m. to noon, 10346 Pennsylvania Ave., Bonita Springs, 34135. Residents can also apply in person, starting this month, at the following locations: ■ Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. -LeeCares Outreach Center, 9400 Gladiolus Drive, Suite 270, Fort Myers, 33908 ■ Mondays (Feb. 12, 19 and 26), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. -City of Fort Myers, 1825 Hendry Street, Fort Myers, 33901 ■ Tuesdays (Feb. 13, 20 and 27), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. -F.I.S.H. of Sanibel-Captiva, 2430 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, 33957 ■ Wednesdays (Feb. 7, 14, 21 and 28), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. -- Pine Island Library, 10701 Russell Road, Bokeelia, 33922 ■ Thursdays (Feb. 8, 15, 22 and 29), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. -- City of Bonita Springs, 9101 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, 34135 ■ Fridays (Feb. 9, 16 and 23), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. -Town of Fort Myers Beach, 2731 Oak St., Fort Myers Beach, 33931
■ Saturdays (Feb. 10, 17 and 24), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. -Northwest Regional Library, 519 Chiquita Blvd., N., Cape Coral, 33993 LeeCares is distributing information via the U.S. Postal Service. Mailers are being sent this week to residents who may be eligible in Bokeelia, Matlacha, St. James City, Sanibel, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs. With coordination through Lee County’s Floodplain Management division, separate mailers also were sent to individuals that may be specifically eligible for the Voluntary Residential Acquisition program. On Jan. 16, Lee County announced the launch of its door-to-door outreach program in advance of the application period opening. Since then, the LeeCares outreach team has provided information to more than 8,000 households. Additional information regarding outreach efforts can be found on the LeeCares website: https://www.leeflcares.com/ pages/outreach Door-to-door outreach will continue in February and will include Fort Myers Shores, Harlem Heights, Heritage Farms, Matlacha and Pine Island, Suncoast Estates, South Fort Myers, Iona, Bonita Springs and Cape Coral. Outreach staff are easily identifiable with the LeeCares logo on the front of shirts and “How Can I Help” on the back of shirts. Comprehensive and detailed information about Lee County’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Action Plan, program allocations, activities and expenditures are provided on the county’s website at https://cdbgdr.leegov.com. To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter at www.leegov.com/resources/ newsletters. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.
Hookers/Winn-Dixie blood drive Thursday The Matlacha Hookers are once again working with Winn-Dixie Thursday, Feb. 8, for a blood drive in the Winn-Dixie Plaza on Stringfellow Road in St. James City from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Look for the Big Red Bus. As a thank you for a pint donation, donors will receive a $20 eGift card and a long sleeve OneBlood T-
shirt. All donors also receive a wellness check that includes blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening. Space is limited and donors are encouraged to schedule appointments online. Please visit www.one blood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code #10492. For more information, contact DJ at 239-910-3829.
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Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 ■ Page 22
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Page 23 ■ Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024
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Week of Wednesday, February 7, 2024 ■ Page 24