M/PIFCD receives donation from Gary Sinise Foundation

We would like to thank Gary Sinise and his foundation, the Gary Sinise Foundation, for donating $150,000 in assisting us with replacing our firefighters’ bunker gear

B u n k e r g e a r i s o n e o f t h e m o s t important pieces of gear providing thermal, bodily injury, contaminant and hazardous material protection The district's bunker gear was nearing the 10year replacement requirement. Crews are currently getting measured for new gear, which will provide enhanced protection compared to their current gear

With technology advancing so rapid-

Information

ly, the new gear will be more flexible, more heat resistant and have better b r e a t h a b i l i t y T h e s e a d v a n c e s h e l p reduce heat stress, improve range of motion, are more durable, are more comfortable and provide many other improved features

We are excited and proud to continue wearing Globe gear with the assistance of Ten-8

Thank you again from the entire team at the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District!

Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District

From page 7 you text “DRC” and your Zip Code to 43362 or visit fema.gov/drc.

Applicants should update FEMA conc e r n i n g c h a n g e s i n i n s u r a n c e , c u r r e n t housing situation, phone number, mailing address and your payment preference Missing or wrong information could delay the financial assistance you may be eligible to receive When contacting FEMA, refer to the nine-digit number assigned to

March

you when you applied

For the latest information on Florida’s r e c o v e r y f r o m H u r r i c a n e I a n a n d H u r r i c a n e N i c o l e , visit floridadisaster org/info and fema gov / d i s a s t e r / 4 6 7 3 o r f e m a g o v / d i s a st e r / 4 6 8 0 F o l l o w F E M A R e g i o n 4 (@femaregion4) / Twitter and at facebook com/fema

From page 21

Tarpon start showing off the coast, beginning to the south and moving north

Just how early in the month this happens is based on the weather and water temperature If the month turns warm it could be an early start to tarpon season.

March weather is often all over the place Cool days, windy at times and perfect sunny days are expected as we move into the warm season February closed warm but I expect we should see a couple more cool fronts All in all, it’s a great month to get on the water and enjoy good fishing

For current fishing regulations, you can go to www myfwc com or download the

Fish Rules app for the latest rules and regulations

If you have a fishing report or for charter information, contact Gulf Coast Guide Service at 239-410-8576 (call or text); on the web at www.fishpine island.com; or via email at gcl2fish@ live com

Have a safe week and good fishin’

As a lifetime resident of Matlacha and Pine Island, Capt Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters a r o u n d P i n e I s l a n d a n d S o u t h w e s t Florida, and as a professional fishing guide for the past 23 years