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Pine Island Visitor’s Guide
Welcome to Pine Island
Photo by Charlene Russ
Come and enjoy the charm of old Florida Welcome to a 17-mile long, 2-mile wide, island time destination. This stretch of heaven is the largest island located on the southwest Florida coastline. In beautiful Pine Island there are no traffic lights, high-rise buildings, or hurried people. When you cross the Matlacha Bridge, living in the moment becomes a paramount experience. From eating fish caught daily by locals who have lived and worked here, sometimes for generations, to enjoying the artwork strewn across quaint colorful buildings, or simply watching coastal marine life as you listen to a gently strumming guitar, you may feel as though you’ve been captivated. You wouldn’t be the first, or the last of visitors to succumb to the charms of this hidden gem, some fortunate islanders are proud to call home. You can spend days browsing old-world shops for souvenirs and hidden treasures, and satiate your growing hunger for artisan cuisine, while surrounded by pristine Gulf waters. Remember to reserve a moment to relax and breathe — listen to the time-transcendent conversations exchanged by locals over a beer, glass of wine, or cup of coffee. You’ve crossed the bridge into Pine Island Sound, and you’re on island time now, in a place that captivates like no other. Pine Island Visitor’s Guide
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Photo by Charlene Russ
Table of Contents Where to Stay Where to Dine Where to BroWSe PlaceS to Play
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Publisher Raymond M. Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers.com
Executive Editor
MuSeuM of the iSlanDS fiShing in ParaDiSe fiShing gear & guiDeS cayo coSta caBBage Key uSePPa iSlanD The Eagle is published every Wednesday
Layout & Design
Subscriptions
Phone
Susan Wilhelm
3rd Class Rates: 1 year- $45.00 Please call for 1st class rates
239-283-2022
Classified Advertising
Circulation
Display Advertising
239-574-1116
239-283-2022
swilhelm@breezenewspapers.com
Photo Editor Lonnie MacPeek
Editors
Cover Design
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Charlene Russ cruss@breezenewspapers.com
Valarie Harring vharring@breezenewspapers.com Chris Strine cstrine@breezenewspapers.com Paulette LeBlanc pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
ranDell reSearch center
Jen Pelegrino
Cover Photo
Address 10700 Stringfellow Rd., Ste. 60 Bokeelia, FL 33922
239-574-5644
On the Web: pineisland-eagle.com
Charlene Russ Pine Island Visitor’s Guide
Where to Stay Bokeelia: Beachouse Lodge 7702 Bocilla Lane (239) 283-4303 Jug Creek Cottages 8135 Main Street (239) 283-0015 Lavender Landings Efficiencies 7290 Barrancus Avenue (239) 283-1167 Malu-Lani Inn 7759 Bocilla Lane (239) 283-9309 Photo by Charlene Russ
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Where to Stay Southernmost Inn 2090 Oleander St. (239) 283-4519
Bridgewater Inn 4331 Pine Island Road (239) 283-2423
Serenity Bay Cottages 4826 Pine Island Road (408) 561-8041
Knoll’s Court Motel 4755 Pine Island Road (239) 283-0616 Matlacha Cottages 4760 Pine Island Road (845) 652-3181
Tarpon Lodge 13771 Waterfront Drive (239) 283-3999
Matlacha Cove Inn 4244 Pine Island Road (239) 633-7447
Matlacha: Angler’s Inn 11282 Matlacha Avenue (239) 898-2121
Sunset Inn and Boatel 2662 Cajuput Street (239) 283-4008
Pineland: St James City: Golden Palms Resort 3226 Stringfellow Road (239) 283-7378 KOA Kampground 5120 Stringfellow Road (239) 283-2415 Off the Charts Inn 2398 Sanibel Boulevard (239) 223-3244 Two Fish Inn 2960 Oleander Street (239) 283-4185
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Pine Island Visitor’s Guide
Photo courtesy of Visit Fort Myers
Tarpon Lodge
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Where to Dine Bokeelia: Capt’n Con’s Fish House 8421 Main Street (239) 283-4300 Captain’s Galley 5508 Avenue A 239-558-4046 Lazy Flamingo Restaurant 16501 Stringfellow Road (239) 283-5959 Little Lilly’s Island Deli 10700 Stringfellow Road (239) 282-9264 Pine Island Pizza 5465 Pine Island Road NW (239) 283-7992
Matlacha: Bert’s Bar and Grill 4271 Pine Island Road (239) 282-3232 Bluedog Bar and Grill 4597 Pine Island Road (239) 558-4970
Olde Fish House Restaurant 4530 Pine Island Road (239) 282-9577 Perfect Cup 4548 Pine Island Road (239) 283-4447
Island Pho & Grill 4205 Pine Island Road (239) 558-4007
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Hooked Island Grill 4200 Pine Island Road (239) 540-3463
That BBQ place 4590 Pine Island Road 239-312-8557
Miceli’s Italian Restaurant 3830 Pine Island Road (239) 282-8233
Yucatan Waterfront Bar and Grill 4875 Pine Island Road (239) 283-0113 Pine Island Visitor’s Guide
Where to Dine Island Grill Winn-Dixie shopping plaza 9856 Stringfellow Road (239) 283-4795
Pineland Tarpon Lodge 13771 Waterfront Drive (239) 283-2517
Low Key Tiki 3135 Stringfellow Road (239) 282-8454
St. James City China Garden III Winn-Dixie shopping plaza (239) 283-8891
Nick-B’s Artisan Food Market 10503 Stringfellow Road (239) 558-5743
Fine Swine 10251 Stringfellow Road Froggy’s 3620 Stringfellow Road (239) 283-3773
Ragged Ass Saloon 3421 Stringfellow Road (239) 282-1131 Waterfront Restaurant and Marina 2131 Oleander (239) 283-0592
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Where to Browse Bokeelia: Sweeney’s SOS 10954 Stringfellow Road (720) 933-0773
Matlacha: CW Fudge Factory 4548 Pine Island Road (239) 283-9911 Footprints in the Sand 4299 Pine Island Road (239) 283-0358 Frills 4608 Pine Island Road (239) 283-0192
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Island Time Fashions 4606 Pine Island Road (239) 558-8497
Pine Bay Gallery and Gifts 4332 Pine Island Road (239) 283-1335
Island Visions 4643 Pine Island Road (239) 283-6453
Traders Hitching Post 4618 Pine Island Road (239) 283-4040
Lovegrove Gallery and Gardens 4637 Pine Island Rd NW (239) 283-6453
WildChild Art Gallery 4625 Pine Island Road (239) 283-6006
Matlacha Menagerie 4604 Pine Island Road (239) 282-0099
Pine Island Visitor’s Guide
St. James City: Potter’s Workshop and Gallery 3058 Stringfellow Road (239) 283-2275
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Photo courtesy of Visit Fort Myers
Places to Play Bokeelia:
Matlacha:
Bokeelia Fishing Pier 8421 Main Street Sightseeing, fishing bird and dolphin watching.
Matlacha Drawbridge Fishing sightseeing, bird, dolphin and manatee watching.
Fritts Park Beach Daisy Lane Passive recreation, canoe trail, picnic tables.
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Matlacha Park 4577 Pine Island Road Picnic tables, swings, basketball court, fishing pier and boat launch.
Pine Island Visitor’s Guide
Places to Play Pine Island Center: Museum of the Islands 5728 Sesame Drive (239) 283-1525
Bokeelia Phillips Community Park 5675 Sesame Road Tennis courts, swings and jungle gym. Pine Island Public Library 10701 Russell Road (239) 533-4350 Pine Island Public Pool 5675 Sesame Drive (239) 283-2220 Lee County’s only heated outdoor pool.
Pineland: Safe Harbor Pineland Marina 13921 Waterfront Drive (239) 283-3593 Kayak and canoe launch, access to the Calusa Blueway for kayaks and canoes, great sunset views. Launch rates apply. Randell Research Center 13810 Waterfront Drive (239) 283-2157 Hiking trails, markers with information about the Calusa Indians and the mounds found on the property.
St. James City: Pine Island Flatwoods Preserve 6351 Stringfellow Road (239) 220-7243 Passive recreation. St. Jude Nature Trail Stabile Road Passive recreation. Pine Island Visitor’s Guide
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Randell Research Center Dedicated to learning and teaching the archaeology, history and ecology of Southwest Florida Located in Pineland on Pine Island, the Randell Research Center site was a Calusa Indian village for more than 1500 years. Enormous shell mounds still overlook the waters of Pine Island Sound. The Randell Research Center is a permanent facility dedicated to learning and teaching the archaeology, history, and ecology of Southwest Florida. The remnants of 15 centuries on Calusa Indian history can be found at the research center. The Calusa Heritage Trail is open daily for self-guided visits from sunup to sundown. Restrooms, book and gift shop, and classroom are open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours are available by special request for family groups, with COVID protocols, dependent on guide availability. To request a guided tour, please call the RRC at 239-283-2157. Requested donations for visitors to the Calusa Heritage Trail are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children. Members of the Friends of the RRC are admitted free. Income from donations and memberships makes it possible for the RRC maintain this important archaeological site.
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Pine Island Visitor’s Guide
File Photo
Museum of the Islands Dedicated to preserving Island history and lifestyle
The Museum of the Islands is housed in what was once the island's first public library, built by volunteers in the early 1960s. The Museum of the Islands (MOTI) is a museum dedicated to preserving Island history and lifestyle. Over the years islanders have donated many interesting items for exhibit and there is much to see at MOTI. Today the Museum of the Islands is a major feature for visitors, tourists and Pine Islanders who love their past. Current hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. All current COVID guidelines, occupancy, distancing will be followed. Admission is $3 for adults, $1 for children. Located at 5728 Sesame Dr., in Pine Island Center, Bokeelia, 239-283-1525. File Photo Website: www.museumoftheislands.com
Pine Island Visitor’s Guide
PHOTO BY PAULETTE LeBLANC
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Photo courtesy of Visit Fort Myers
Fishing in Paradise Numerous places to fish
Pine Island has increasingly become a draw due to the fishing available in the waters surrounding the island, such as, Matlacha Pass, Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound or San Carlos Bay. While many prefer to fish from a boat, shoreline opportunities abound with numerous places to fish for those landlocked casters.
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One such place is the drawbridge in Matlacha, which has been touted as the “most fishingest bridge in the world.” This reputation has been well earned as anglers can be seen lining the bridge day and night year-round. Within walking distance of the bridge are several bait shops staffed by local experts who will guide newcomers as to what bait or lure is working the best on any given day, as well as what fish species are
Pine Island Visitor’s Guide
biting and what rules and regulations are to be followed. One advantage that landlubber anglers have fishing from the bridge or any other shoreline is that no fishing license is required, however fishing enthusiasts still are required to abide by the state fishing laws so it is important to consult a bait and tackle dealer before wetting a line. To view Florida saltwater fishing regulations visit www.myfwc.com.
Photo courtesy of Visit Fort Myers
Fishing Gear & Guides Bokeelia: Four Winds Marina 16501 Stringfellow Road (239) 283-0250 Jug Creek Marina, 16498 Tortuga Street (239) 283-3331
Matlacha: D&D Bait and Tackle 3922 Pine Island Road (239) 282-9122 Olde Fish House Marina 4530 Pine Island Road (239) 283-9577 Seven Seas Bait and Tackle 4270 Pine Island Road (239) 283-1647
Pineland: Safe Harbor Pineland Marina 13921 Waterfront Drive (239) 283-3593
St James City: Monroe Canal Marina 3105 Stringfellow Road (239) 282-282-8600 Pine Island Bait and Tackle 3339 Stringfellow Road (239) 558-4524 Pine Island Visitor’s Guide
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Photo courtesy of Visit Fort Myers
Cayo Costa Nine-mile getaway to a local paradise
Cayo Costa offers nine miles of beautiful beaches, for playing, swimming, and sunbathing, as well as acres to explore, oak palm hammocks and beautiful mangrove. The island is only accessible by private boat or through ferry service. The regular park hours are from 8 a.m. to sundown all year round. There are a total of 39 sites, which includes both cabin and campsites, for one to rent if they wish to stay overnight. Reservations for a cabin or tent site can be made by calling 1-800-326-3521.
Photos by Charlene Russ
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Pine Island Visitor’s Guide
Useppa Island Located near the northern end of Pine Island Sound and currently the home of the private Useppa Island Club, this 100-acre, boat accessible, private island is a destination for many who have a desire for security as well as privacy. Club membership, as well as real estate inquiries, are invited. More info: www.useppa.com or 239-283-1061
Photo courtesy of Visit Fort Myers
Cabbage Key Only accessible by boat, this 100-acre island proudly features the well-known Cabbage Key open air restaurant with its "dollar bill bar" if you’re in the mood for a bite, or an historic inn and rental cottages for those who plan a longer stay than the average day-tripper. This is a great stop on your island-hopping tour, whether your interests are in fishing, reading with a water backdrop, or simply stopping for lunch. More info: https://cabbagekey.com or 239283-2278 Address: Channel Marker 60
Photo courtesy of Visit Fort Myers
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