Pine Island Eagle

WEEk of NoVEmbEr 22, 2023 FLIER INSIDE

Special treats Spots Ice Cream Crepes and Sauces to hold grand opening Dec. 1 — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com

VolumE 47, NumbEr 29

Beacon of Hope’s Annual Holiday House plans underway Island tradition set for Dec. 1-3 at Tarpon Lodge

By PAULETTE LeBLANC

pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com

Beacon of Hope board member Elsie Stearns admits she could not be more excited about this year’s 14th Annual Holiday House Beacon Fundraiser at the historic landmark Tarpon Lodge.

The event will be held Dec. 1, 2 and 3.

“We are all super excited for Holiday House this year. In light of everything that’s happened over the past 12 months. I think it’s going to be a bright spot for a lot of people,” Stearns said.

The Holiday House tradition has become a stalwart, holiday favorite for many islanders as well as the

largest fundraising event of the year for the Beacon of Hope.

This year there will be overflow parking at the Pineland Marina at no charge, and golf carts have been donated to help folks get to and from the overflow parking area, she said.

“It’s very important to our organization that we’re successful,” Stearns said.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on site throughout the three-

day event, as well as a violinist on Friday and Saturday night and DJ Frankie on Sunday (Family Day) for the kids to enjoy.

The Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District has agreed to cook hot dogs, and many other island organizations have also made plans to attend, such as the Matlacha Hookers, Bobby Holloway, the American Legion and Pine Island Elementary staff, who have volunteered to set up a craft booth for the children.

There is a $10 entry fee for appetizers, provided by the Lodge and to take the tour of Holiday House; kids 12 and under are free, Stearns said, a fee that See HOLIDAY HOUSE, page 9

Stone Crab Fest attracts a large crowd

By PAULETTE LeBLANC

pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com

Pine Island Elementary honors veterans at school ceremony

By PAULETTE LeBLANC

pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com

On Friday, Nov. 10, Pine Island Elementary School and Principal Tom Millins invited veterans and some community members to a Veteran’s Day celebration at the school. Millins encouraged the children to sing and share, in honor of Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

“Today, I am standing in front of you, humbled at your service and dedication to our country. On behalf of the 235 students and 38 staff members at Pine Island Elementary, we would like to say thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for our country,” Millins said to the honored guests.

He explained, each morning the Pledge of Allegiance is recited in unison at the forefront of Pine Island Elementary school news and that one minute is specified each day for students to reflect on the contri-

Although the island Stone Crab Fest was supposed to begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, Greater Pine Island Chamber board member Nancy Koucky, said the chamber was very happy to have had such an overwhelmingly successful event.

“From before we were open, we did not stop at all.

The line was all the way down to the driveway coming in to Publix. The response was above expectations,” Koucky said.

Chamber board member Cynthia Welch agreed with Koucky, saying the event was an even bigger success than the chamber had hoped it might be.

“I think the driving force behind the success of our See STONE CRAB FEST, page 9

butions of veterans. Educators strive to impart knowledge, that will ultimately allow them to become successful and productive members of society, he said.

“I would like to take this opportunity to recognize our Cub Scouts comprised of Savanah Troost, Ayden Wheeler, Lee Troost, Clayton Bowling, Mark Lavigne, Oden Jerman, and Haydon McCaude. Also, I would like to say thank you to the Ida Baker JROTC Color Guard for supporting this event today. Once again, we would like to welcome our veterans, families and guests to our annual Veterans Day Celebration,” Millins said.

Students, staff and the Ida Baker JROTC Color Guard at the Veterans Day program at Pine Island Elementary School.

PAULETTE LEBLANC

PAULETTE LEBLANC

The island Kiwanis Club booth at the recent GPICC Stone Crab Fest.

Athlete of the Week.........16 Island Mahjongg...............8 On the Water......................6 insidetoday Death Notices..................10 Letters to the Editor..........4 Web Poll.............................4

Classifieds

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 n Page 2 pineisland-eagle.com Pine Island Eagle

Spots celebrates grand opening with a food drive and sale

By PAULETTE LeBLANC

pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com

Since the soft opening of Spots Ice Cream Crepes and Sauces, owners Aimee Gantt and Sarah Crawford have taken to

Pine Island and islanders in way that makes them both simultaneously proud of as well as encouraged by the community.

On Friday, Dec. 1, they will have an official grand opening during regular

VFW names Teacher of the Year Greater Pine Island VFW Post 4353 has announced the selection of the Teacher of the Year at the Elementary School Level .

Every year the VFW awards the Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.

This first step to this prestigious national award is at the Post level and this year VFW Post 4353 has named Jamie Barnhill, a teacher at Pine Island Elementary School, as the winner. She will advance to the next level and the post wishes her luck in her quest to become Teacher of the Year at the national level.

Barnhill was presented this award after being nominated by her principal Dr. Tom Millins. The award was presented during the school’s Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 10 by VFW Commander Scott Zilch.

Zilch said Barnhill is a true representation of the those who teach and train up our future leaders, in keeping with the VFW motto, “No PHOTO PROVIDED One Does More for Veterans,” and the community, which helps to fur- Teacher of the Year Jamie Barnhill, left, ther the goals of our great country. accepts her award at the school.

business hours, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m, where they will offer a buy-one get-one half off sale, for anything of equal or lesser value (kiddie cones not included), as well as a food drive, which will go through Saturday, Dec. 2, designated for the Pine Island Food Pantry at Our Lady of Miraculous Medal Church.

“We are celebrating that we were able to get open within a month, which is unheard of—we are celebrating the chance to be here on the island and we are celebrating the amazing support we have received,” Crawford said.

Islanders, she said, have continued to show their support for the pair in various ways, such as stopping by, commenting and sharing their experiences at Spots on social media.

Part of the grand opening is going to be dedicated to the food drive, said Gantt, in an effort to give back to the community.

For anyone that brings in food, there will be an area designated for the Pine Island Food Pantry.

“I want to say thank you to everyone.

We feel like everyone is rooting for us to succeed and we just feel so grateful for their enthusiasm and support. When you’re doing something like this and get-

PHOTO PROVIDED

Owners Aimee Gantt, left, and Sarah Crawford ting things up in such a short amount of time — the encouragement from everyone in our corner, rooting for us, has made it possible to go on and on,” Crawford said.

Gantt said her experience with the Pine Island community, so far, has been one of love and acceptance and looks forward to having their doors open for a long time.

Island Market kickoff Nov. 25 at Fishers of Men Lutheran Church

By PAULETTE LeBLANC

pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com

Greater Pine Island Chamber board member Cynthia Welch said the chamber is proud to announce the third year of the Island Market, which begins on Saturday, Nov. 25, and continues on the last Saturday of each month at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We’re happy that we have more than 35 of our chamber members as our vendors, represented, selling their arts and crafts and showcasing their businesses,”

Welch said.

There will be an array of sales items and a food truck, as well as Get Perk’d Coffee.

“The most important thing is that we’re keeping it local, and asking everyone to come out and support our local chamber members and our businesses and see what great arts and crafts we have to offer,” Welch said.

Fishers of Men Lutheran Church is at 10360 Stringfellow Road, St. James City.

Church of God of Prophecy offering takeout Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday The Church of God of Prophecy will be having a Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner Thursday, Nov. 23.

Dinner will be takeout only, no dine in.

The price is $10 per dinner — turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn or green beans, dinner roll and dessert. Turkey is fried in peanut oil. Gluten free and baked Turkey available upon request.

Call your order in to 239-283-2128 as soon as possible, quantities limited.

Pick-up will be from 12:30-3 p.m.

The church is located at 15146 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia.

Page 3 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 breezenewspapers.com

Pine Island Eagle

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 4 pineisland-eagle.com

OPINIONS

Letters to the Editor False accusations 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 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 Obituaries Debbie Carletti obits@breezenewspapers.com Subscriptions 1 Year $52 To Pay For Your Subscription P.O. Box 151306 Cape Coral, FL 33915 Circulation (239) 574-1936 Classified Advertising (239) 574-5644

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Web Poll Previous Web Poll Question: Are you concerned about development in Cape Coral along Pine Island Road and Burnt Store Road?

■ Yes, especially encroachment and increased traffic. 39% ■ No, it’s out of our hands. 2% ■ Why worry, local development is inevitable. 57% ■ Other. 2%

Current Web Poll Question: What improvement should be made to the Pine Island Road/Stringfellow intersection?

■ A stoplight.

■ A roundabout.

■ Nothing.

■ Other.

Share your opinion at pineisland-eagle.com

To the editor: Wow, that was some letter printed in the Nov. 8 Eagle. I thought when you wrote to the paper, you had to tell the truth and have facts to back them up.

The writer wrote that Biden is a crook.

There is no proof of that. The GOP ruse to impeach Biden hasn’t come up with a shred of evidence, The writer seems to blame Biden for the inflation that has affected the entire world, as if Biden controlled the world. While the entire world has suffered with high inflation, the Biden economic policies have managed to keep U.S. rate below that of the most of the world, (www.Americanprogress.org, marketplace.org) and it certainly isn’t the highest inflation rate in the past 50 years, as also falsely stated.

(Although, Florida does have the worst inflation in the nation, but that is the product of the politics of Florida.)

The border issue is pure delusion.

Illegal immigrants aren’t entitled to welfare benefits, and are not entitled to vote in state and national elections, more untruths.

The writer further falsely states our foreign security has become unraveled when the truth is Biden created unity in NATO (which was threatened with U.S. withdrawal by the former president), stood by our allies with military aid and support (remember the former president abandoning our Kurdish allies and ceding our military air bases to the Russians) and been praised by western world leaders for his leadership (pewresearch. org).

The truth is that the Biden Administration invested heavily in the middle class with policies that have kept the nation out of recession, kept the economy growing at a healthy pace despite worldwide slowdowns, created 14 million jobs and higher wages, achieved unemployment rates consistently below 4% (factcheck.org), and has overseen a reduction in homicides and violent crime (axios.com).

Denise Healy Bokeelia

What happened on Election Day? To the editor: “American voters…apparently hate having their freedoms taken away a lot more than they feel ambivalent about Joe Biden’s age.” —Jessica Cravens. Chop Wood, Carry Water Many Floridians may be wondering— what happened on Election Day, Nov. 7, 2023 and why is it important?

Last Tuesday, there was a solid refutation

of GOP “policies” and a victory for democracy. Abortion rights advocates won major victories in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia.

Book banning groups were defeated in droves across the country.

Attempts to ban books that inform students about slavery, LGBTQ, inclusion and accusing school districts of disseminating pornography to children for having books that discuss acceptance were soundly defeated.

Republicans and Democrats both backed the protection of reproductive rights In Ohio, as voters enshrined the right to medical abortion care in the state constitution.

In Kentucky, voters re-elected Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear despite the Trump endorsement of his opponent. The victor focused on the economic growth in the state.

In Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared he would not run for president as predicted in 2024 after Democrats gained full control of the state’s General Assembly, including both legislative bodies. In addition, Democrat Schuyler VanValkenburg beat the incumbent Republican state senator who sponsored the culture war behind the removal of books from schools.

Also in Virginia, Leaders We Deservesponsored candidate Nadarius Clark won a seat in the Virginia Legislature, now its youngest member.

Daniel McCaffery, a defender of women’s health care choices, won a seat on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Rhode Island elected its first black member of congress, Gabe Amo. “Right wing culture wars appear to be losing their potency as opponents emphasize American principles.” — Heather Cox Richardson.

“Tonight, Americans once again voted to protect their fundamental freedoms—and democracy won.” — President Joseph Biden Mary L Sheehan St. James City

“someone who is paid to fight”.

Russia hired the Wagner Group, known mercenaries, to attack Ukrainian soldiers defending their country against Russia. The fact that the mercenaries were not Russian soldiers made no difference to the people they were trying to slaughter. Ukrainians defended themselves equally, and fought just as hard against the Russian troops as they did against the Wagner mercenaries.

If the Biden Administration is referring to Hamas, Hezbollah, the Islamic Jihad and anyone else associated with these groups as “proxies,” then, who are they proxies for?

If your enemy sent a hit man to murder you and you were able to defend yourself and survive, are you going to wait for your enemy to hire another hitman? How many times would you permit this to happen? Until you are murdered?

Iran is the sworn enemy of Israel and that will never change. Iran is the center of the evil that was rained down on innocent Israeli citizens on Oct. 7. They will never stop. Why then should their actions against Israel be insulated by “proxies” and why should those proxies be considered the enemy instead of the Iranian dictatorship that hired them, trained them, provided them arms and support, and openly calls for the destruction of the very people being attacked by the proxies of Iran?

Why is Iran not included in this conflict?

They are the originators of the hatred we saw in the pictures and videos coming from the slaughter of the Israeli men, women, children, and babies and even a dog that was merely approaching one of these human animals that was viciously shot and finally killed.

Proxies are not “arm’s length” from their benefactors and should be considered as one party and one enemy that must be confronted and defeated once and for all.

Max Christian St. James City

Proxy – mercenary — murderer To the editor: We have been hearing about Proxy Fighters from the Biden Administration since even before the massacre in Israel at the hands of the so called “proxy fighters” from Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad and whomever else Iran has hired, trained, and supported to do their bidding against the Jewish people throughout the world. The simple definition of “proxy” is “a person authorized to act on behalf of another” and the simple definition of a mercenary is

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

'No one does more for Pine Island' To the editor: I would like to recognize Pine Island Eagle Editor Paulette Leblanc for her continued support of Greater Pine Island VFW Post 4353 and the entire community that is Pine Island. While I have only been the Commander at the Post since October of last year, I have observed her relationship with our post, other businesses and the public for quite a while. She is an ambassador for the residents of Pine Island.

When our organization reached out to express our thankfulness, she responded that she was "just doing my job," and would not even have her photo taken. It would be an honor to have more individuals like her within our organization, and in the community.

The motto of the VFW is "No one does more for veterans." We here at Post 4353 and within our community believe Paulette's motto should be, "No one does more for Pine Island." We look forward to continuing our relationship with Paulette and your organization Scott Zilch Commander VFW 4353

Page 5 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 breezenewspapers.com

Pine Island Eagle

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 6 pineisland-eagle.com Pine Island Eagle

Holidays are a great time to be out fishing Holiday season is here and it’s a great time to spend a relaxing day of fishing with friends or family. The weather is often great with fish hungry as we move into cooler days.

It’s a good time to enjoy a simple day of fishing, just grab some bait, hit the water and see what you catch. To me, it’s fun and exciting when you do not know what the next fish on Capt. Bill Russell your line might be. the cold Through months, shrimp are the allaround best and most productive bait for inshore and nearshore fishing. Apart from mullet, everything eats them. Plus, they are readily available at most bait shops and tackle stores.

You do not need to throw a heavy net and get the boat messy to start the day as with catching your own live bait.

Fishing with shrimp you never know what you may hook next, it may be 3 inches, or it may be 3 feet, but chances are good you are going to hook something. One of the most popular methods is fishing the bait under a popping or rattling cork, suspending the shrimp between the surface and bottom of the water column. This works great over inshore grassy bottom in depths from 3 to 8 feet. Drifting is popular to locate the bite then you may choose to anchor the boat.

If you are in a fishy area, you may catch a variety that may include a dozen or more different species.

That’s the fun part, especially with kids and the ladies -- every time the bobber goes under and the rod doubles over, you have no idea what’s on the other end.

If you make a drift with no or limited bites, fire up the engine and make a move. It’s common to start slow then drift into an area where the bite heats up.

It’s not possible to list all the fish you may catch, but some of the popular ones may include seatrout, pompano, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, mangrove snapper, redfish, snook, jack crevalle, ladyfish

On the Water

and sharks.

As mentioned, you may catch small fish such as pin or pigfish. These are great baits to drop behind the boat on a heavier rig. If on a drift, fish these under a float. Along with the few fish mentioned earlier, you may hook into a grouper, cobia, tarpon or big shark.

If you really want to get a shark to the boat, fish with a couple of feet of wire leader to prevent their razorsharp teeth from parting the line.

As the water cools, this is a great time to bottom fish around structure both inshore and nearshore.

Again, live or fresh shrimp is the top bait. Two popular baits are knocker rigs with an egg sinker free to slide above a small hook and bare jig heads rigged with shrimp. Both combinations work great inshore and over nearshore artificial reefs and hard bottom.

Sheepshead will become the target for many anglers over the cooler months, but you will hook into a wide variety of fish that may include red and black drum, pompano, permit, snapper, and others.

These are simple methods of fishing, but also fun, relaxing and productive. It’s a good way to get someone new to the sport on lots of fish and action. Of course, it’s great for kids, they love action and catching a lot of different species. If you choose to go with shrimp for bait, you will go through a lot more than you think. I generally take double the amount I think I might use, nothing more frustrating than getting on a hot bite and running out of bait. Give it a try, pick a nice day, go catch some fish and have fun!

Make sure you know the rules, regulations, sizes, and seasons for any fish you might catch. Stay up to date with fishing regulations by visiting Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission at: www.myfwc.com.

Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone. It has current regulations with pictures to help identify fish. If you have a fishing report or for charter information, contact Gulf Coast Guide Service at 239410-8576 (call or text); on the web at www.fishpine island.com; or via email at gcl2fish@ live.com.

Happy Thanksgiving and hope you enjoy time over the holidays on the water with friends and family. We have gift certificates available for that perfect Holiday gift.

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 Flori-da, and as a professional fishing guide for the past 23 years.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Fishing with Capt. Scotty Darna out of Bokeelia, this group boxed a good mixed bag of bottom fish, plus a surprise blackfin tuna. They were fishing in the Gulf of Mexico west of Captiva Pass.

FILE PHOTO

The lighted Christmas trees last year in Matlacha.

Matlacha's holiday tradition will continue this year with the Lighting of the Christmas Trees.

Santa and Mrs.Claus will make their magical appearance while residents enjoy mingling, snacking on homemade cookies and "rock around the Christmas trees.”

Don't forget to wear your Ugly Christmas Sweater or T-shirt.

The St. James City Civic Association is ready to begin its weekly rummage and vendor sales every Saturday from 8-11 a.m. Items include lamps, vases, kitchen appliances, books, glassware, china, etc.

All proceeds are helping with Hurricane Ian repairs. Vendors are welcome. The cost is $10 for current SJCCA members, $15 for non-members.

Produce Barbie will be selling tomatoes, onions and any other items she can get.

Come and see the progress being made on the building. The new roof should be on this week.

Call Cindy at 954-2495512 with any questions.

Pine Island Eagle

Weekly rummage sales returning to SJCCA

This year, A. Gonzalez Nursery and Landscaping of Pine Island will provide a 25-foot royal palm which local elves have decorated. The event is fun for everyone to celebrate the season.

Come and enjoy the festivities on Thursday, Dec. 7, at George Williamson's lot, at the corner of Pine Island Road and Island Avenue in Matlacha.

9/11 recognition of the first responders and most recently the celebration of World War II veteran Wilbur Reipel’s 103rd birthday. Without this partnership the mission of the VFW would not be easily accomplished. VFW Post 4353 looks forward to maintaining this great relationship and working with other businesses to "Build Back Stronger, knowing tha, “No One Does More for Veterans” and the community.

Those receiving commemorative plaques included Kramers Kutting Edge, First Horizon Bank, Pine Island Pizza, Winn-Dixie, Miceli's Restaurant and the Pine Island Eagle.

For more about the post, please visit vfwpost4353.com or call 239-283-2277.

breezenewspapers.com

Christmas tree lighting in Matlacha set for Dec. 7

Greater Pine Island VFW Post 4353 recently recognized its partners in the community with a plaque presentation “In sincere appreciation of your generosity and commitment to our cause.

Your unwavering support and devotion have contributed to unifying the VFW Post 4353 family and our community. We are grateful for our partnership and your tireless support of Veterans Programs.

Presented by Greater Pine Island VFW Post 4353.”

The above words are from the heart of the members and leadership of the VFW. In the past 3 years, Post officials said, these businesses have helped to support many events from,Memorial Day, Marine Corps Birthday, Post appreciation events,

Page 7 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023

VFW Post 4353 presents plaques to community partners

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 8 pineisland-eagle.com Pine Island Eagle

Lee County operations adjust schedules for Thanksgiving holiday Most Lee County administrative operations will be closed Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Other schedules will be adjusted.

The adjustments include: Solid Waste ■ Thursday, Nov. 23: All county facilities are closed and no garbage, yard waste or recycling will be collected.

Collections will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.

■ Friday, Nov. 24: Thursday collections will be picked up. The Waste-to-Energy Facility in Buckingham will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to accept waste. The LeeHendry Landfill will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The LaBelle Transfer Station will be open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All other Solid Waste facilities will be closed.

■ Saturday, Nov. 25: Friday collections will be picked up. The Buckingham site will be open from 6 a.m. to 6

p.m. to accept waste. The Lee-Hendry Landfill will be open from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Clewiston and LaBelle Transfer Stations will be open 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

All other Solid Waste facilities will be closed.

LeeTran ■ Thursday, Nov. 23: No bus, trolley or Passport service.

■ Friday, Nov. 24: Normal service resumes.

Parks & Recreation ■ Thursday, Nov. 23, Friday, Nov. 24, and through the holiday weekend: Boat ramps, beaches, parks and preserves will be open. Check www.leeparks.org for the list of open locations, hours and amenities.

■ Administration offices, pools and recreation centers are closed Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24. Some recreation centers and pools resume normal operating hours Saturday, Nov. 25. Administration offices resume normal operating hours Monday, Nov. 27.

Library System

■ All branches will close at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, except: Captiva Memorial Library closes at 4 p.m. and Home Borrower Services closes at 5 p.m.

■ Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24: All libraries will be closed. The library always is available online at www.leelibrary.net/online.

■ Saturday, Nov. 25: Normal library hours resume.

Domestic Animal Services ■ Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24: The shelter, 5600 Banner Drive in south Fort Myers, will be closed.

■ Saturday, Nov. 25: The Lost & Found Pet Center will reopen for regular hours at 8 a.m. The adoption center will open at 10:30 a.m.

Utilities ■ The Call Center and the drive-thru window at 7391 College Parkway are closed Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24, and will reopen Monday, Nov. 27.

A drop-box is on-site at the front door and another accessible via the drive-thru for payments by check.

A drop-box is also available at the Lee County Community Development/ Public Works Center located at 1500 Monroe St., Fort Myers.

Matlacha Holiday Lighted Boat Parade set for Dec. 10 The Matlacha Holiday Lighted Boat Parade will be held Sunday, Dec. 10.

Boats shall gather on the south side of Matlacha Bridge at 5:30 p.m. The parade starts at 6 p.m. The parade will go north under the bridge along the shoreline of Matlacha.

All boaters are welcome to participate in the parade.

All participants should embrace the joy of the holidays. Please refrain from political signs or references.

Best viewing is from the bridge or along the shoreline of Matlacha.

For questions, call Rick at 269-330-0274 with the Yacht Club of Matlacha.

Island Mahjongg We had 11 players at mahjongg on Nov. 16. We are happy to have Diane Burnett and Joyce Bieber back in our group.

Stephanie LaHines scored 200 points, putting her well into the lead! In second place was Carolyn Crosby with 105, and tying third place were Joyce Bieber and Judy Burchianti with 80 points each.

The mahjongg group meets every Thursday from 11 a.m. at the Moose Lodge on Stringfellow Road, St. James City. There will be no games on Thursday, Nov. 23, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

New players are always welcome. For more, information call Carolyn at 239-233-7682

Island residents are already well acquainted with Kiwanis through the club’s many projects on the island, including the Fall Festival at the Pine Island Elementary School, Kiwanis Park, the PILOT program, Junior Olympics, the annual 5K run, summer pool parties, reading to kids at the school and providing scholarships to high school seniors.

The Kiwanis Club is now a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, created to support and advance the goals of Kiwanis in the

community The club’s goal is to serve the children of the island. Since its inception as a 501(c)(3) foundation, the club has already received a very generous donation from an anonymous donor, who is a long time Pine Island resident. The funds will be used for a number of island related projects, including scholarships.

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Kiwanis at PIKiwanis Foundation@gmail.com.

Stone Crab Fest From page 1 together to promote this festival really made a big impact,” Welch said.

The chamber’s job, she said, is not only to promote its members, but also to promote Pine Island itself, by letting people know we are open and ready for them.

“We had a rough summer and asked folks to come out and support us and they really did. It was busy continuously, all day long, right through to the end. There’s 70 island businesses that were getting introduced to all these new people, getting the word out that they exist, and promoting their businesses, and that’s what the event was about,” Welch said.

breezenewspapers.com

events is that they are now primarily our chamber members, and our chamber members promote our events to their contacts, by their attendance. For all we do to promote our events — when you add in all these other businesses that are also promoting events, it more than doubles our exposure because it widens the scope of who knows about them,” Welch said.

In the wake of Hurricane Ian, she said, learning that islanders are in fact stronger together has been proven by all the island businesses that have banned together to make Pine Island flourish once again.

“All these chamber members working

Page 9 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Island Kiwanis Club becomes 501(c)(3) charitable foundation

Pine Island Eagle

Musical entertainment at the Stone Crab Fest.

Holiday House From 1 has been offset by the generous donation of islanders. There will also be a cash bar, where shoppers can enjoy a cocktail, or non-alcoholic beverage, while they shop.

“The Beacon has a really nice raffle table. Every vendor who participates provides a gift basket, and you can buy raffle tickets to win one of those baskets. Our goal is for this to go on for many years to come,” Stearns said.

The Tarpon Lodge is at 13771 Waterfront Drive, in the Pineland area of Bokeelia. To contact the restaurant, please call 239-283-3999. For more information, please visit tarponlodge.com.

PAULETTE LEBLANC

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 10 pineisland-eagle.com Pine Island Eagle

Matlacha Hookers presents more grants to businesses, charities

The recipients of the Matlacha Hookers’ second set of Hurricane Ian grants.

Matlacha Hookers second set of Hurricane Ian Business Grants ($88,000) have been given to 35 Greater Pine Island businesses and 5 charities at the American Legion.

The final Matlacha Hooker grant total in 2023 is $112,000.

The Matlacha Hookers is a 501 (3) woman’s charitable non-profit organization that has had members from Matlacha and the Greater Pine Island area, as well as Cape Coral, North Fort Myers, and Fort Myers, for over PHOTO PROVIDED 25 years.

Forty checks were given out Monday, Nov. 14, at the American Legion.

Here is the list of grants awarded to businesses and charities in alphabetical order: Charities Receiving - $3,000 Grant ■ Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary - Marnia Miszewski ■ Pine Island Community Church - Michelle Browne ■ Pine Island F.I.S.H. - Guy Vaughan ■ Pine Island Playhouse - Nichole Pichon ■ Samaritan Health and Wellness - Sue Hook ■ St James Civic Center - Cindy Bickford Business Receiving - $2,000 Grant ■ All Together Fitness, LLC - Michael Lindsey ■ Amplify'd Fishing - Mathew Lee ■ Azul Mindspace, LLC - Michelle White ■ Angles Hair Design - Keith and Heidi Talbot ■ Barnhill Seafood Market - Carrie Grainger ■ Carman's Kayaks LLC - Lisa Perry ■ Cove Systems, Inc - Ila Valcarcel ■ Chuck's Auto Repair - Charles Wagner ■ CW Fudge Factory - William Tidball ■ Blue Day Spa, Inc. - Claudia Gunderson ■ Florida Saltwater - Captain Jesse Romero ■ Get Perked, LLC - Sheryl Robertson ■ Gulf Coast Kayak, LLC - Diana and Bryan Stockbridge ■ Harrington's Pine Island Locksmith - Dusty Harrington ■ Heron Air Conditioning, Inc. Royse Butler ■ Holloway Assoc, Horse Eyed Jakes American Sliders- JD and Trish Holloway ■ Island Tech - Craig Judson ■ Joy of Housekeeping - Joy Ziss ■ Kramer's Kutting Edge - Tommy Kramer ■ Koucky Enterprises, LLC - Nancy Koucky ■ Lost Farms - Glenn Hedman ■ Matlacha Menagerie - Linda Kay Solinger ■ Pam McCarty - massage therapist ■ Premier Island Realty, Inc - Shelby Bigler ■ Pine Island Animal Clinic - Kendra Techiera ■ Pine Island Auto Repair - Robert Coslick ■ Pine Island Family Hair - Maria Cicchino ■ Pine Island Tropicals- Donna Schneider ■ Quality Bait, Inc. - Brenda Boots ■ Shorelines Skiffs - Randall Post ■ Silver Fox Cakes and Confection - Amanda Webster ■ St James Fish Company - Roy Kibbe ■ The Eagles Nest Restaurant - Tami Sager ■ Uni-Scape Landscape & Design - Claude Memoli ■ YOGAZ LLC - Barbara Pelton

Death Notices

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Page 11 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 breezenewspapers.com

Pine Island Eagle

Pine Island Eagle

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Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 12

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Pine Island Eagle

Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 14 pineisland-eagle.com Pine Island Eagle

Open mic set to return to St. James City Civic Center Open mic nights are returning to the St. James City Civic Center on the first Fridays of the month, starting Jan. 5, from noon to 4 p.m.

The St. James City Civic Center is located at 3300 4th Ave. Organizers are looking for local musicians to take the stage… and folks to enjoy the music. Sound equipment will be provided. The open mic events will be held rain or shine and can be held inside the building.

Food will be available on site.

Coolers are welcome.

Mark your calendar for all 2024 dates: Feb. 2, March 1 and April 5 All tips go directly to the St. James City Civic Association to rebuild and repair our Civic Center facility.

Contact Myra Watson at 717-8171512 or Denise Huber at 208-2902512 for more information.

Play local. It’s just a fun thing to do!

Restoration work continues along Pine Island Road As part of the ongoing 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: Crews continue driving sheet piling and work on utilities on the north side of the causeway seven days a week.

Motorists can expect occasional delays due to flagging operations for delivery/removal of materials, transfer of equipment. Crews are maintaining twolane traffic on causeway.

Pedestrians and bicyclists are not permitted within the construction zone.

Noise from construction equipment in the area is to be expected.

Please use caution and watch for workers and construction vehicles entering and exiting the roadway.

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 at shana.overhulser@dot.state.fl.us.

Page 15 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 breezenewspapers.com

Pine Island Eagle

Pine Island Eagle

Cape Coral

Breeze

Athletes of theWeek

(Selected by the Breeze Sports staff)

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Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 16

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Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 18

Help Wanted

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Page 19 ■ Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 breezenewspapers.com

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Week of Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ■ Page 20