Lee County and island officials discuss recovery with Matlacha Civic Association

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

The Matlacha Civic Association met with some Lee County, as well as Pine Island organization officials

Tuesday, Feb 28, at the Pine Island United Methodist Church to discuss the restoration of the islands

Lee County District 1 Commissioner Kevin Ruane was present, along with Deputy County Manager Dave Harner, representatives from the Florida Department of E n

M infectious qualities of those who have been on Pine Island for generations

“It didn’t take long for us to catch the spirit of resilience, independent stick-to-itiveness, and affection for your neighbor,” Hannon said, explaining that these are among the things he’s seen in his last 10 years as an islander

Ruane, who has been meeting weekly with islanders to work toward recovery from Hurricane Ian, has been elected chair of the Long-Term Recovery Task Force He told islanders his district had received more damage, by far, than two or three districts combined Debris, he said, is an issue no one had contemplated pre-Ian. He shared

CLT 2023 Duck Raffle at Fine

Swine goes off without a hitch

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com

What would have been the Calusa Land Trust’s 24th Annual Duck Race, turned into the Duck Raffle, hosted by Fine Swine Restaurant last Saturday on Pine Island Just under $10,000 was brought in from the sale of 2,200 raffle tickets.

According to CLT President Robert Ballard, it would have been impossible to reproduce the usual venue for the race hosted by Ragged Ass Saloon in St James City In light of hurricane damage, Fine Swine Restaurant owners Brian and Trisha Crowley stepped up to offer the place to the CLT, so the tradition could go on to become the 2023 Great Rubber Duck Rock & Roll Raffle

See DUCK RAFFLE, page 19 that Lee County is in the vicinity of 10 to 20 million cubic yards of debris

He continues to be an advocate for the district, he said, bringing everyone's needs to the state and federal levels There have been two special sessions since Hurricane Ian, he said, explaining that the sessions are an opportunity for the governor to carve out what he feels are major priorities

“So far, through the two special sessions, there has been about $2 billion that have been allocated for Hurricane Ian, so that is a great start,” Ruane said

See RECOVERY, page 15

John R. Wood hosts grand re-opening at St. James City office Funds raised at celebration benefit Matlacha Hookers

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

According to Realtor Mike Faulkner of John R Wood (formerly Pine Island Realty), there was a steady stream of folks at the ribbon-cutting for the company’s grand reopening of its office in St James City on Saturday, March 4

T h e M a t l a c h a H o o k e r s w e r e a l s o t h e r e , a s J o h n R Wood wanted to raise some money, Faulkner said, to go toward the c h a r i t a b l e w o r k p e rformed by the organization

“We provided the food, the location and w e p a i d f o r a l l t h e expenses, but all the money raised went to t h e H o o k e r s , ” Faulkner said

PHOTO PROVIDED BY MIKE FAULKNER

A bean bag toss competitor at the grand re-opening of the John R. Wood office.

In addition to tours o f t h e r e f u r b i s h e d office, Faulkner said there was a bean bag tournament, a 50/50 r a f f l e , f o o d f r o m Publix and CW Fudge, a s w e l l a s a l l - d a y entertainment provided by Frank Ackley

“It was a relaxing good time, and very low-key We had a lot of people and I think everybody had a good time We got a chance to see a lot of our customers and

See GRAND RE-OPENING, page 19