Pine Island Eagle

Pine Island Playhouse to present ‘The BFG’

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

Pine Island Playhouse has been workin hard on its upcoming production of “Th BFG (the Big Friendly Giant),” based on the book written by Roald Dahl

According to Playhouse founder and director Nichole Pichon, the production includes roughly 30 cast members, nine of w h o m a r e s t u d e n t s f r o m P i n e I s l a n d Elementary School, including the lead, Demi Khaleel, who plays Sophie.

Playhouse co-founder, actor and IT specialist Paul Pichon has been cast as the Big Friendly Giant, she said The show, which has been in rehearsal for approximately

seven weeks, promises to be a good family friendly show, with a lot of laughs.

Pichon is excited to bring yet another great book to life on stage

“It’s a little girl’s birthday, her name is Sophie and her favorite book is ‘The BFG,’ so she convinces everybody at her party to act out the whole story,” Pichon said

The story, which is about an orphan, she explained, becomes more and more real as he show unfolds, with a 15-foot giant takng the stage during the second act It’s a eally fun show, she said, complete with fun ghting and props

“It’s definitely an interesting story Roald

Dahl is always interesting anyway he wrote, ‘The Witches,’ ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’ ‘BFG’ lots of popular, strange stories,” Pichon said

She describes work on the production of this show as a really fun process, where the cast, other than (Paul) Pichon and Khaleel, haven’t had much rehearsal time, due to the large number of those cast in the show

“The kids all have a bunch of fun when they come to rehearsal They love to play with each other on the playground after rehearsal It’s a fun little group all my parents have been helping with building the props for it, so it’s been a really close-knit cast for it being so large which is always surprising,” Pichon said

“As always, Pine Island Playhouse is free to the public

See ‘THE BFG,’ page 11

Trader ’s Hitching Post reopens in new island location

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

During Hurricane Ian, Trader’s Hitching Post became flooded Store owners Jerry and Cindee Tolliver thought about relocating somewhere else, but the couple really didn’t have any desire to move their business from Pine Island, Jerry said.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

BY ROLAND RUOCCO

Local artist paints mural for Fort Myers Mural Society

By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers com

According to local artist Roland Ruocco, the Lee County Visitors Convention Bureau approached the Fort Myers Mural Society asking to partner on several murals to be painted in an effort to stoke local tourism in the wake of Hurricane Ian One of the locations, which was recently completed, was on Pine Island, at the Eagle’s Nest Restaurant

The mural, Ruocco said, is Pine Island-themed with an array of local activities

“The project took about three and a half weeks to do It was a good amount of work, but, as always, it was a labor of love I had some assistance from a local artist, Doug Steward,” Ruocco said.

The Fort Myers Mural Society, Ruocco explained, has several artists, including himself, who do quite a few projects The Lee County Visitors Convention Bureau has four locations where they plan to have murals painted, including the one on Pine Island He and three other artists will collaborate on another

upcoming project, he said

“They want to do more murals They’re very happy with the result of this one because they’re so

See MURAL, page 11

“It’s nice to have a lot of the people coming in that were old customers of ours They are happy to see us open back up again We’d like to thank everybody who helped us prepare this location so that we could get back up and working quicker it’s the typical small community support that you find that’s missing in some of the larger cities,” Jerry said

Cindee said she is really glad to be reopened and wants to encourage everyone to shop locally

See TRADER’’S HITCHING POST, page 12

Island murals painted by Roland Ruocco.

The front of the new Trader ’s Hitching Post in Matlacha PAULETTE LEBLANC

City of Cape Coral says it will be ready for hearing on Chiquita

From Breeze Staf f Repor ts news@breezenewspapers com

A hearing to determine whether the state should issue a permit allowing the city of Cape Coral to remove the Chiquita Lock could be held by the end of the year

In response to a challenge filed by the Matlacha Civic Association and other parties opposing the water detention device’s removal, the city has advised the Florida Division of Administrative Hearings that its counsel and witnesses are available for the final hearing between Nov 27 and Dec 15

The city asks that the hearing before an administrative law judge take place in Cape Coral and estimates it will not take more than seven days, according to a response letter dated May 16

T h e h e a r i n g w i l l d e t e r m i n e w h e t h e r t h e F l o r i d a Department of Environmental Protection can move forward with its announced intent to issue the permit to allow the removal of the lock based on a plan the city says will improve the quality of water that flows into the South Spreader canal

Lock after Thanksgiving

The lock is a barrier across the South Spreader Ordered by the state in 1977 as part of a Clean Water Act enforcement action, it was designed to separate the canal waters of the southern end of the city from natural waterways including the Caloosahatchee

The lock is used by Cape boaters to gain Gulf access f r o m C a m e l o t C a n a l a n d t h e S o u t h w e s t S p r e a d e r Waterway into the Intracoastal Coastal Waterway via the river.

The city, which lost a previous challenge in 2019, resubmitted its permit request, including, this round, a number of mitigation projects

The city’s proposed program put together by Brown and Caldwell includes two stormwater improvement projects; environmental monitoring for small tooth sawfish; enhancement to mangrove, upland, and subtidal habitats along the waterway, and removal of the Chiquita Boat Lock and the associated northern upland pad from the terminus of the waterway The city states these actions “will result in environmental improvements and increase the sustainability of the Waterway system and

the adjacent natural areas ”

The city also contends the antiquated lock has long outlived its purpose and is no longer needed as a water quality mitigation device.

T h e M a t l a c h a C i v i c A s s o c i a t i o n , j o i n e d b y t h e Sanibel-Conservation Foundation, Calusa Waterkeeper and individuals, says the city’s efforts are driven by its desire to let boaters to navigate the Spreader Waterway without having to wait for operation of the lock. They contend no environmental purpose will be served by the removal of the lock which would cause “significant environmental damage ”

They point to the city being allowed to remove the Ceitus Boat Lift years ago and what they say is the subsequent harm

“As a result, Matlacha Pass is polluted and the mangroves along the North Spreader are dying,” President of t h e M a t l a c h a C i v i c A s s o c i a t i o n , A t t o r n e y M i c h a e l Hannon said in a previous interview “Evidence of the damage to the mangroves on the north presented at the 2019 hearing was dramatic.”

Matlacha Hookers Hurricane Ian Small Business Grants available

The Matlacha Hookers Inc is a local 501c3 Nonprofit organization established in 1998 with approximately 200 current members After Hurricane Ian, the group adopted a GoFundMe for hurricane relief and then continued to raise funds for the Greater Pine Island area The organization strives to make a positive difference in our community and has decided to use a portion of the money raised for hurricane relief and rebuilding for the locally owned and operated businesses of the Greater Pine Island area, dedicating $20,000 for this grant opportunity

Eligibility criteria:

■ Locally owned and operated businesses in the Greater Pine Island area This is for small businesses Non-profit or social clubs are not eligible

■ Open and operating at least one year prior to Hurricane Ian (9/28/2022) – must provide Sunbiz annual report for 2021 and 2022

■ Currently open

Weighted Criteria

(Total points an applicant can earn 100 points):

1) 20 points: What type of assistance, if any, did you apply for? (Eg small business loan SBA,

2) 20 points: What did your business contribute to the

Greater Pine Island area during the first 4 months of the recovery efforts?

3) 40 points: How can your business support the continued recovery efforts to Pine Island over the next 12 months?

4) 20 points: If you are chosen as a recipient, how would your business use the money?

Required information:

Location visits will be selected at random

Questions on application must be completed in their entirety If you are missing any of the required information on the application or do not include necessary supporting documents, your application will not be eligible to move to the ranking round

If you are chosen as a recipient, the Hookers will request that you submit a narrative on how the grant made a positive difference in your business The applicant agrees that this narrative may be published and shared to promote the Matlacha Hooker Hurricane Ian Grant Program and Greater Pine Island rebuilding initiatives

Once applicants are determined to be eligible, the weighted criteria will be reviewed and scored The ranking list will be completed and the top 10 highest scoring applicants will receive the grant In the event there is a tie, applicants will then be chosen via a blind drawing Each Business chosen will receive $2,000 grant Only 10 businesses will be chosen.

Grant applications can be found on the Hookers website under the Hurricane Ian Recovery Tab Completed applications and supporting documents can be mailed to the Matlacha Hookers, P O Box 111, Matlacha, FL 33993, and must be post marked by June 23, 2023

If your business is chosen as a recipient, you will be contacted by a member of the committee to be invited to our July 10 General Membership Meeting for a check presentation Those businesses not chosen will receive a letter from the committee acknowledging receipt of their application and thanking them for their submission

If you have questions about the grant process or criteria, please contact Julia Gaylor at 12thmadam julia @gmail com Please add in the subject line “MH Grant Questions ”

Greater Pine Island VFW Post 4353 to hold Memorial Day ceremony May 29

Greater Pine Island VFW Post 4353 will hold a Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 29, at 10 a m , at the post at 8150 Stringfellow Road, St. James City. This an opportunity for the Pine Island community to once again come together and be part of a sacred day to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and

who have served our great country

The ceremony will feature a guest speaker and a musical performance by the Pine Island Elementary Eagle singers Lunch will be served afterwards Please mark your calendars and join on us on this special day For more, contact the VFW at 239-283-2277

Island Mahjongg

After two weeks off as renovations were done at S t J a m e s C i t y C i v i c Association, we had a small g r o u p f o r m a h j o n g g o n May 18 Top scores were made by MaryAnn Harms w i t h 1 2 0 p o i n t s a n d Carolyn Crosby with 140 points.

Play will continue every T h u r s d a y f r o m 1 - 4 p m Come join the fun

The SJCCA is located at 4 t h A v e n u e a n d L e m o n Street

OPINIONS

Stringfellow Road, Ste 60 Bokeelia, FL 33922 Phone: (239) 283-2022 Fax: (239) 283-0232

Web: pineisland-eagle

Publisher Raymond M Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers com

Executive Editor Valarie Harring vharring@breezenewspapers com

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

Debbie Carletti obits@breezenewspapers

M i l l i o n s o f A m e r i c a n s c e l e b r a t e Memorial Day, honoring the memory of those service members who have been lost

It is also vital to recognize the millions of veterans who made it home and struggle with substance use, mental health disorders, or suicidal ideation

Substance use disorders in veteran populations are linked to homelessness and suicide In Florida are over 1 4 million veterans, the third largest veteran population in the nation

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 3 9 million veterans have a substance use disorder or a mental illness Roughly 12% of these individuals have had serious thoughts of suicide

“Substance use disorders are complex and are influenced by many factors Military life comes with its own set of risk factors and potential causes,” said Michael Leach of Addicted org

There are common difficulties that veterans face when they leave service This can include financial hardships, difficulty findi n g e m p l o y m e n t , o r a c c e s s i n g b e n e f i t s There are significant challenges when transitioning back to civilian life

Veterans are also at a higher risk of experiencing physical, mental, and emotional h e a l t h c o n c e r n s U n t r e a t e d t r a u m a c a n quickly develop into addiction and mental health problems This also directly impacts all areas of life

Socialist Democratic Par ty strikes again

To the editor:

It certainly appears that the cognitively challenged president of the United States is simply rubber stamping all of the ideas of his socialist appointees

How else can you explain the latest move by the Biden Administration?

Web Poll

O n M a y 8 , B i d e n ’ s F e d e r a l H o u s i n g Finance Agency instituted a new rule that penalizes high credit borrowers with higher rates of interest on their mortgage loans and rewards lower credit borrowers by subsidizing their rates using the higher credit borrowers’ extra fees to pay for their low credit ratings

So, those of you who work hard, pay your bills on time and have a high credit score will now be paying more so that those that do not honor their debt on time can buy a house

Additionally, there are barriers to accessing some forms of treatment This can include cost and insurance gaps Many c o m m u n i t i e s s t r u g g l e w i t h inadequate funding. Veterans also experience limited access to treatment in rural locations Stigma regarding addiction and mental illness is also a factor

F o r t u n a t e l y , t h e r e a r e options and ways that families can help; consider some of the following:

The Florida Department of V e t e r a n s A f f a i r s p r o v i d e s numerous resources to assist veterans and their families.

T h e F l o r i d a V e t e r a n S u p p o r t L i n e , 1 - 8 4 4 - 6 9 35838 is available 24/7, every day O t h e r h e l p f u l h o t l i n e s i n c l u d e t h e Veterans Crisis Line, 1-800-273-8255, and the Lifeline for Vets, 1-888-777-4443

SAMHSA provides a treatment locator highlighting substance use treatment and mental health resources for veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs has a VA-Facility locator and resources for homeless veterans.

W h e n o v e r c o m i n g f i n a n c i a l b a r r i e r s , families may want to consider combining VA benefits with other forms of health insurance, such as Medicare, Medicaid, or

p r i v a t e h e a l t h i n s u r a n c e , t o reduce costs

Family and friends can also make a huge difference by supporting their loved ones S p e a k t o t h e m o p e n l y a n d honestly about their substance use and express concern Help t h e m f i n d t r e a t m e n t B e p a t i e n t a n d c o m p a s s i o n a t e a b o u t w h a t t h e y a r e g o i n g t h r o u g h A l w a y s r e m e m b e r these are treatable problems

Drug and alcohol treatment facilities in Florida are also becoming increasingly better at treating veterans Many programs provide services specifically for veterans, treat cooccurring disorders, and are g e n d e r s p e c i f i c , s u c h a s m e n - o n l y o r women-only Memorial Day is much more than a chance to kick off the summer months It is a day to solemnly honor all the men and women who lost their lives serving in the U S military We must also never forget or overlook the millions of veterans who made it home but are fighting a new battle

V e r o n i c a R a u s s i n i s a C o m m u n i t y O u t r e a c h C o o r d i n a t o r f o r A d d i c t e d o r g , passionate about spreading awareness of the risks and dangers of alcohol & drug use

If someone is a Socialist Democrat, this may be music to their ears If, however, someone is an American that has lived by the rules, conducted themselves honorably with the integrity to pay back loans according to the terms they agreed to, it may not be good news

USA Today has never been a friend to the Conservatives of our country Dems condemn all news not disseminated from one of “their” trusted sources Will they now believe the truth, or will they simply turn a blind eye to the truth like they have for the last 6 years?

Max Christian, St. James City

The world’s policeman

To the editor:

As we prepare to commemorate Memorial Day once again, some of us will remember that old saw: “War never decides who is

right, but only who is left ” I personally that is a rather frivolous sentiment, but it is out there and is a constant part of the conversation

I think we should openly acknowledge t h a t o u r d e a d s o n s a n d d a u g h t e r s w e r e admirable patriots, precisely because when their country called, they stepped forward. In so doing, they voluntarily surrendered the most precious thing of all, their lives They did it in our name

I a l s o t h i n k t h a t w e s h o u l d o p e n l y acknowledge that the United States has paid its debt to the international community and that we have paid it in spades At a preposterous cost in blood and treasure, we came to Democracy’sdefense three times (World War I, World War II and the Cold War)

We should no longer do this: we have quite enough on our own plate here at home, we can no longer afford it, and other nations should attend to their own affairs

As my party (the Libertarian Party) said quite plainly in its 2020 national platform (Part 3 1, National Defense):

“ We support the maintenance of a sufficient military to defend the United States against aggression The United States should both avoid entangling alliances and abandon its attempts to act as policeman for the world ”

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Larry Gillis, Cape Coral

Cape Coral Breeze Athletes of the Week

Sponsored by:

Sports

Entanglement

Entanglement in monofila m e n t l i n e i s a c o m m o n endangerment to our local bottlenose dolphin, as well as other wildlife Recently, t h e S a r a s o t a D o l p h i n Research Program, a prog r a m a s s o c i a t e d w i t h t h e Chicago Zoological Society, received reports about a calf in the Naples/Marco Island area whose tail flukes were e n t a n g l e d i n f i s h i n g l i n e

When the entanglement was determined to be life-threatening, the Sarasota Research Program led a rescue operation to remove the fishing gear and save the dolphin calf’s life

Cathy Eagle

Dolphin Tales

On April 25, a team of 49 people on nine boats met on Marco Island in search of the calf and its mom Mom and calf were found feeding along seawalls at Isle of Capri in Capri Pass The passes can be very turbulent when the tide is moving so the team had to wait for the dolphins to move to calmer water before attempting the rescue Hours later the calf and mom moved into shallow water allowing the

team to enter the water and attempt the rescue

Upon entering the water, the team was able to examine the calf’s mom – a dolphin named Skipper who had been rescued from her own entang l e m e n t i n 2 0 1 4 H e r w o u n d s w e r e w e l l - h e a l e d Skipper’s brother Seymour was also rescued from entang l e m e n t i n 2 0 1 2 , a n d Skipper’s niece, Arial, was rescued in 2019 Fergie, the y o u n g c a l f , w a s f r e e d o f entanglement on this day

There are many organizations and agencies involved in these rescues It is a team effort

Involved in this rescue were FWC’s Southwest Field Lab, FWC’s Marine Mammal Pathobiology Lab, Mote M a r i n e L a b o r a t o r y ’ s S t r a n d i n g I n v e s t i g a t i o n s P r o g r a m , C l e a r w a t e r Marine Aquarium, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, SeaWorld Orlando, Harbor Branch Oceanographic

See ENTANGLEMENT, page 11

Obituaries

Death Notices

Capt.

It was a hot week out on the water

Hot days, calm seas and so-so fishing summed up the week for many anglers With sunny days and no rain to cool the afternoon heat, water temperatures are on a steady rise This often leads to inconsistent fishing until we get into our annual rain pattern

As expected, tarpon and anglers were in big numbers

a r o u n d B o c a G r a n d e P a s s

The bite was often slow with reports of boats fishing the pass all day and only noting two or three boats hooking up during that time Small live crabs were the bait of choice

Seatrout mixed with bluefish, jack crevalle, ladyfish

a n d a n o c c a s i o n a l S p a n i s h

m a c k e r e l w e r e f o u n d o v e r

g r a s s y b o t t o m a n d s a n d trough edges south of Rocky

C h a n n e l , a r o u n d r e d - l i g h t

On the Water

Mothers Day treat

The Ramer family (Jason, Jen, Cole and Lauren) wrestled this large permit to the boat as part of their Mothers Day family adventures

shoals and behind Cabbage

Key in the Sound Bluefish, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel reports came from the Gulf side of the Sanibel Causeway between the B and C spans

In Pine Island Sound, redfish were found on the higher water foraging under shoreline overhangs Tail-cut pinfish, ladyfish steaks and chunked blue crab fooled fish up to 29 inches.

Odds of hooking a shark are good in the areas mentioned and just about anywhere this month They might be newborns barely a foot long to big boys pushing 10 feet They all have a few things in common:

t h e y a r e o p p o r t u n i s t i c a n d always looking for their next easy meal and no matter the size, their teeth are razor sharp With that said, they are a fun

fish to target, just be careful Schools of bonito were harassing bait schools a few miles west of the beaches, giving anglers a lot of fun and drag-screaming fights Locating birds and surface action then a well-placed live pilchard or spoon with a fast retrieved is sure to get hammered Bonito are one of the strongest and hardest fighting fish that swims Most anglers agree the food quality is poor, but the fight is great

To keep up on 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 around Pine Island and Southwest Florida, and as a professional fishing guide for the past 23 years

Capt Bill Russell

PHOTO PROVIDED

Island-based charter captains earn awards from FishingBooker

FishingBooker, an online platform connecting anglers and fishing guides worldwide, awards its best captains with the Angler’s Choice Award The exclusive award honors the top captains on the platform for their efforts in providing the best possible fishing experience for their customers

To account for the very seasonal nature of the fishing

business, captains can earn the award every three months

Once a year, however, the top captains of the platform are honored with special recognition These captains, working hard to provide the best possible fishing experience for their guests year-round, earned the exclusive reward three times in a row

Out of 7,242 captains on FishingBooker only 576, or 8%, received this extra-special recognition

Florida The captains operate in the counties of Charlotte, Lee and Collier Lee County captains did especially well, with 22 winners operating charters here, 11 of them in Fort Myers

A total of 47 captains in Fort Myers are registered on

FishingBooker, meaning that over 23% of them won the award A win rate way above the average

Captains from Pine Island/Matlacha included Billy Williams, Gerald Hernandez, Trevor Grant, Mike Moran and Todd Beck Charles Cooper also made the list His home base is Sanibel

Eight captains from Cape Coral are on the list: Brian David, Joey Shogren, John Reid, Joseph Sagi, Miguel Espinal, Paul Stiso, Scott Williams and Skip Johnson

Several of the captains' names appear more than once on the list because they charter out of several different communities or marinas

Find more details about the Angler’s Choice Award at https://fishingbooker com/blog/anglers-choice-2023/

Frahm, Dooley recognized by School District

Teacher Cathy Frahm, left, and Rhonda Dooley, a paraprofessional educator, each received a Longevity Certificate and pin for 35 years of service from Lee County School District Both have taught 2 generations of kindergartners at Pine Island Elementary School.

PHOTO PROVIDED

SEG, Winn-Dixie celebrating National Pet Month

Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is celebrating National Pet Month by raising awareness and support for nearly 400 animal welfare organizations in the Southeast and helping customers save on pet food and supplies all summer long

N o w t h r o u g h M a y 3 1 , F r e s c o y M á s , H a r v e y s Supermarket and Winn-Dixie customers can purchase a reusable Community Bag with a Giving Tag for $2 99 to help local animals in need while concurrently benefiting the environment by reducing the use of paper and plastic

Entanglement

bags. With each purchase of a Community Bag with a Giving Tag, $1 will directly benefit each store’s local animal welfare organization partner

Additionally, SEG is donating a total of $15,000 in Whiskers & Tails pet food and supplies to support local a n i m a l s

Humane Society, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League in West Palm Beach and Lee County Domestic Animal Services These organizations help provide

to

From page 7

Institution, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Collier County Sheriff’s Office

I have been involved in the rescue of two manatees. These rescues are not easy You are dealing with a wild marine animal who is frightened, injured, very large and powerful It takes a team of experienced experts The good news is that we can all help prevent these injuries

If you are an angler, please avoid using braided line, make sure your tackle and gear are in good shape and won’t easily break off, be sure to remove line caught in

‘The BFG’

From page 1

We’ve set it up that way so families can come and enjoy live theatre without having to worry about the cost O b v i o u s l y , w e a l w a y s g r a t e f u l l y a c c e p t d o n a t i o n s because it’s the only way we can keep operating we don’t want cost to prohibit people from being able to come and bring their kids and have a fun night out with their family,” Pichon said

The Pine Island Playhouse is located at the Pine Island United Methodist Church, 5701 Pine Island Road, Bokeelia

Showtimes for “The BFG” at PIUMC are May 26 and 27, 7 p m ; May 28, 2 p m ; June 2 and 3, 7 p m ; and June 4, 2 p m

Mural

From page 1 pleased, they want to do more,” Ruocco said of the Lee County Visitors Convention Bureau

Ruocco himself said he was very happy for the opportunity to paint this beautiful tribute depicting the resiliency of Pine Island.

“I’m happy to invite visitors to come and see how beautiful the island is,” Ruocco said

To contact Ruocco, call 954-829-2832 or email Rolandruocco@gmail com You can also check out his website at www RolandRuocco com

the mangroves (birds can also become entangled) and stow used line where it cannot blow out of your boat when underway.

Capt Cathy Eagle has spent over 40 years boating in

SEG’s Community Bag with a Giving Tag program has supported more than 8,000 nonprofit organizations and prevented the use of more than 13 5 million singleuse plastic bags* since 2019 The durable and bright reusable bags are made from recycled materials and can be found at the register or near the entrance of each Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie

our local waters As a professional charter captain, she s p e c i a l i z e s i n d o l p h i n a n d n a t u r e t o u r s V i s i t CaptainCathy.com or call/text 239-994-2572. Welcome aboard!

Trader’s Hitching Post

Since reopening in the new location, there have been more showcases added to the store’s product line, although she said she is already looking forward to having even more for sale by next season The hurricane left them shuffling, but they were able to find a new location just down the street from where they were in Matlacha

“The old shop got washed out with four and a half feet of water, so I had to buy all new showcases all new stuff I got all my inventory out ahead of time and then picked through what I could salvage I assumed I could go back in the old building, but as time went by and I couldn’t reach my landlord, I started looking for a shop in the Cape thinking maybe it was time to go back to Cape Coral, where the shop started, but William called me from the Fudge Factory and I called the landlord and said I’ll take it,” Cindee said

She said once she was sure they were not going to be

From page 1

able to go back into their old location, she had no problem simply moving on to this new chapter Jack the Indian, who sits out in front of the shop, needed to be completely made over, as he was outside for Hurricane Ian

Cindee is relieved that he’s out front once again letting customers know they are there and open

“I’d like to thank all my friends who helped us to get the building ready and get in,” Tolliver said

Trader’s Hitching Post is now located at 4547 Pine Island Road, N W , unit C, Matlacha

An example of the wide variety of merchandise that is available at the new Trader ’s Hitching Post in Matlacha

PAULETTE LEBLANC

Cats of the Week

Tigger & Roo

Is anyone looking for a bonded pair? These two are about 11 years old and have been at the shelter for around 4 years now. Both have been adopted out separately, but ended up back with us. We think they just want to stay together. Tigger, left, is the playful giant, while Roo is the smaller cuddly one. They are both sweet affectionate kitties, that want to meet you. As always, it’s adopt one get one free! Call Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary at 239-283-9100 for more information If you’d rather just donate, our address is 10060 Mallory Parkway E, Unit D, St James City, FL, 33956, or there’s always our website www helpingpawsanimalsanctuary com

PHOTOS PROVIDED

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