WEEk of DEcEmbEr 6, 2023 FLIER INSIDE
Helping islanders Greater Pine Island Chamber makes donations to F.I.S.H., Food Pantry — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com
VolumE 47, NumbEr 31
MCA discusses hurricane cleanup and holiday gatherings By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
The Matlacha Civic Association discussed board nominations, as well as ideas for hurricane cleanup and more, at its meeting Nov. 27. MCA President Mike Hannon was unable to attend the meeting, which was run, instead, by Kathleen Walsh, who is the board’s secretary and Hannon’s wife. Hannon was in court that day to oppose the removal of the Chiquita Lock by the city of Cape Coral.“The town of Cape Coral — as you know — we beat them 2 or 3 years ago. We kept them from removing the lock, which would send pollutants into Matlacha Pass — more than they have already. They now have gone back for a second bite of that apple — they’re trying to remove it again, which
would again send pollutants into our water and Mike is fighting that,” Walsh said. Board member Carol Scott reported on some of the derelict homes and homes in need of repair in Matlacha. The MCA has reached out to Lee County Board Commissioner Kevin Ruane, she said. “Unincorporated Lee County had 138 debris trucks and crews out here, working 7 days a week, picking up debris, at a record-setting pace. By Feb. 28, they had picked up more than 6.3 million cubic yards. The bridge — as you know — is in progress working with the crews, that are now working 7 days a week, driving the sheet pilings down,” Scott said. On Nov. 17, the MCA began an investigation on the status of seemingly abandoned buildings in Matlacha, in
an attempt to find out what plans, if any, owners have. The MCA has partnered with Lee County directly, via Ruane as well as the director of code enforcement, regarding neglected structures, she said. “These properties are in such disrepair, they’re crippling our community, our commerce and our businesses,” Scott said. Barring anything unforeseen, a full report will be made available to MCA members by the January meeting, she said. Scott urged anyone who sees a seemingly neglected Matlacha structure to contact the MCA. The Matlacha Christmas Tree Lighting will be Dec. 7, at 6 p.m., on Island Avenue and Pine Island Road. The See MCA, page 12
Greater Pine Island Chamber seeking nominations for two board seats
Pine Island moms go to bat against School District Proximity Plan By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
fter much consternation on the part of Pine Island parents over the Lee County School District’s decision to roll its busses from Pine Island only to Challenger and Mariner Middle schools, leaving Trafalgar Middle School out of the mix, it seems a new decision may have been reached. Thanks to the willingness of Pine Island resident moms, like Lisa Soffe, who attended the Nov. 29 School District Advisory Board meeting, and Lori Liano and Christie Rao, who also attended the meeting after speaking at the Nov. 21 School Board briefing, regarding keeping children’s busses heading toward Trafalgar Middle School, the board will be doing exactly that. The decision, which could become official after the School Board meeting scheduled for Dec. 5, is a relief to all Pine Island parents and students who have established relationships with teachers and other students of Trafalgar Middle School. This was something Liano
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wanted to make clear to the School Board in her public comments at the Nov. 21 School Board briefing. “I have two children at Trafalgar Middle School. I’m urging you to consider that Trafalgar has always been the feeder school for Pine Island…they’ve formed friendships and relationships, they enjoy the teaching staff, the administration, they’re doing really well — now do I have to take them out of that school…or drive them — it’s really not feasible for every parent on Pine Island, considering most of us are fisherman or farmers and they can’t — they don’t the ability to drive them — to continue to Trafalgar, so I really would like you to please reconsider perhaps swapping Trafalgar for Challenger…I know most Pine Island children attend Trafalgar. So I’d appreciate if you’d take that into conSee PINE ISLAND MOMS, page 12 The graphic above is the School District’s proposed map for its new Proximity Plan. GRAPHIC PROVIDED
The Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce is looking for potential candidates for its open Board of Directors positions. The chamber is seeking nominations for the three-year term of 2024- 2026. There are two seats on the board to be filled. The nomination period will be open until Dec. 22, 2023 Serving on the chamber’s Board of Directors is an excellent way to become more engaged with the operations of the chamber and the local business community. Board member requirements: ■ Attendance at monthly Board of Directors meetings, held the third Monday of each month ■ Attendance at quarterly Network at Night business gatherings ■ Engagement on issues concerning chamber operations ■ Active participation in as many chamber functions as feasible ■ Continue to be a member in good standing Elections will take place during the annual dinner in January 2024. Please contact the chamber at info@PineIsland Chamber.org or call 239-283-0888 if you are interested in being considered.
St. James City Civic Association to meet, hold elections Dec. 13 The St. James City Civic Association will hold its general meeting and elections Wednesday, Dec. 13, from 6-7 p.m., at the SJCCA, 3300 Fourth Ave., St James City. All members are urged to attend this meeting to elect a new board and hear about the history of SJCCA. Details of hurricane repairs and upcoming events will also be discussed. Light refreshments will be served. Any questions, call Cindy 954-249-5512.
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