Pine Island Eagle by BreezeNewspapers

WEEk of DEcEmbEr 20, 2023 FLIER INSIDE

Christmas special Annual tree lighting in Matlacha helps brighten the islands’ holiday — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com

VolumE 47, NumbEr 33

Principal Millins leaving PIE on a high note By PAULETTE LeBLANC

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Pine Island Elementary School Principal Tom Millins has taken the position of principal of another school, where he feels his particular skill set can be further utilized. The decision to leave PIE was not made lightly, he said, as he has forged strong relationships with staff, students and families in his four years on Pine Island. “The four years that I’ve been here have been a very unique time. I think I was sent to this school for a purpose — to make sure that we could get through COVID and then Hurricane Ian. Now we are back on the right track.

For the past three years, academically, we have been the top school in Lee County,” Millins said. Although inevitable, change is not something anyone likes, he said, noting that good things also come with change and that he’s very proud of projects he overseen at the school, such as new desks and chairs, as well as playgrounds for kindergarten through second grade and third through fifth grade. “One of my goals when I came to the school was the facility itself and we were able to put new gutter systems in, all new carpeting, new cabinets in many of our classrooms — we’re maintaining the older school so it’s good

for the kids and the community,” Millins said. No doubt, the news that Millins is heading out has come as quite a surprise to islanders, although he said it has nothing to do with Pine Island or anyone associated with the school. “This is a move that I felt in my heart. There are schools that need assistance and I felt some of the attributes I have as a leader could help in this situation,” Millins said. Summing up his reason for leaving, he said, with his See MILLINS, page 14

Celebrating Pine Islanders: Ernestine Holloway Squires By PAULETTE LeBLANC

pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com

PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE M/PIFCD

Firefighters from the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District battle a house fire Dec. 13 in Bokeelia. One person in the home was transported to the hospital and pronounced deceased.

Fire destroys home in Bokeelia Last Wednesday, Dec. 13, at around 6 p.m., crews from the Matlacha/Pine Island Fie Control District responded to a structure fire on Harry Street in Bokeelia. The department's E-151, E-152, E-153, E154,T-151, Capt-150, PI-1, PI-2 and PI-3 units all responded to the fire. According to the M/PIFCD, upon arrival crews

found the structure to be fully involved. Firefighters were advised that a possible victim was still inside the structure. Crews quickly entered the structure with zero visibility, located and removed the patient from the house. See FIRE, page 9

There is hardly an event on Pine Island that goes untouched in some way by Ernestine Holloway Squires. From her infectious smile to her generous and philanthropic nature, Squires has affected the lives of many islanders to be sure. Having been in the seafood industry for more than two decades seems just right for a woman who has been on Pine Island since she was just a newborn. “My dad died the day I was born and my mom decided it was time to leave North Carolina. She drove down here with 6 kids and I was 2 weeks old,” Squires said. When Squires’ mother found Pine Island, she wanted something totally different, she said, as her parents had Ernestine Holloway Squires been in the tobacco farming industry. Upon arrival, Squires said her mother began shell shopping, and made knick-knacks out of shells, which became a family business, eventually taken over by her brother. Squires said she cannot imagine ever living anywhere else, and perhaps even more, since Hurricane Ian. Although this has been her home for the whole of her life, the years on Pine Island haven’t all been sunshine, See HOLLOWAY SQUIRES, page 14

Athlete of the Week.........17 Island Mahjongg...............8 On the Water......................8 insidetoday Cat of the Week.................9 Obituary.............................7 Tides................................14

Classifieds

Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 n Page 2

By MEGHAN BRADBURY

news@breezenewspapers.com

Eighteen local schools earned an “A” grade from the State of Florida, which officials say is a win for the School District of Lee County as the results are from the year when many were impacted by the devastating path Hurricane Ian left behind. “Our administrators, principals, teachers, paraprofessionals and students worked diligently under very trying circumstances last year and the overall rise in achievement is due to their effort and hard work,” Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier said in a prepared statement. “Lives and learning were interrupted by a major hurricane and new state implemented testing standards. Our staff rose to the challenge and removed three schools from state supervision and increased the overall student outcomes which are reflected in the improved school grades. We are proud and they should celebrate and recognize their commitment that led to the outcomes and the grades they earned.”

Those A schools included 12 elementary, three middle, two high schools and one K-8. The new additions to the A list included Gulf Elementary School, Edison Park Elementary School and Trafalgar Elementary School. Three Oaks Middle School also joined the highest-ranking schools. There were also 10 schools that improved their school grade by one letter from the previous year. According to the district the most notable included G. Weaver Hipps Elementary School, Manatee Elementary School and Fort Myers Middle Academy, as they improved to a C grade, which will release them from state supervision. There were also 19 district schools that earned a B for the 2022-2023 school grades report. According to the district they had an increase in its overall score by six points in the 2022-2023 school grades report. Under the new standards, the district maintains its B grade for the ninth consecutive year, but according to Bernier the district is on the path of becoming an A

district. District staff and schools will use the baseline grades from the FAST assessment to make changes in their instructional. “I echo the statements of Superintendent Bernier in expressing my deepest gratitude to our hardworking teachers, staff, administrators, students, and everyone else involved in achieving these positive results. Coming off the devastation of Hurricane Ian, our educational community bravely came together and continued to put our students first, which made this progress possible. Together, we will continue to support our educators and students as they strive for academic excellence,” School Board Chair Sam Fisher said. With Florida being the first in the nation that transitioned to progress monitoring from traditional high stakes testing, grades for the 2022-2023 school year serves as the baseline, therefore not carrying any negative consequences. The new Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking (B.E.S.T.) standards

were adopted by the State Board of Education after dozens of workgroup meetings were held in a year’s time with educators and stakeholders. The Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST), progress monitoring provides real-time, immediate and actionable data at the beginning, middle and end of the school year for teachers, students and parents, was developed. Board member Debbie Jordan said principals and schools are working very hard to get their grades to where they need to be for a better outcome with students. “It’s a very positive,” she said of the scores. “Coming out of COVID to hurricanes just really shows the dedication of all — teachers, administration, students and even families. It’s everybody.” Jordan said it has been really hard on teachers with everything new coming down the pike with laws. “The concentration of the outcome of children is prevalent. We need to celebrate those gains and wins. I am extremely excited for them,” Jordan said.

Pine Island Realtors host unity meeting at Fine Swine Unity was the underlying theme at a recent lunch for local Realtors, organized by Stephen M. Longest of John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate. Agents from Pine Island, Matlacha, Cape Coral and even Fort Myers came out to the Fine Swine for the event. The agents heard a brief presentation by the Greater Pine Island Alliance, providing

valuable information on services that agents can offer to islanders still in need of assistance following Hurricane Ian. The lunch brought together over 30 Realtors from 13 different brokerages, allowing them to connect and strengthen their professional relationships. Organizers said the event was a great success, highlighting the power of collaboration

Pine Island Eagle

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18 Lee County public schools receive an ‘A’

PHOTO PROVIDED

The group of Realtors at the unity meeting Thursday at the Fine Swine. and community support in times of adversity. Realtors representing Coldwell Banker, Century 21 Sunbelt Realty, Experience Real Estate Group, Island Exchange Realty, Rose Tree Realty, Black Diamond Real Estate, Better Homes and Gardens

Pristine, Hamilton-Franklin Realty, Blue Water Realty, Premier Plus Real Estate, Century 21 Selling Paradise and John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate all left ready to better serve the island community.

Page 3 ■ Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 breezenewspapers.com

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Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 ■ Page 4 pineisland-eagle.com

OPINIONS

Help families stay together this Christmas 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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The Eagle is published every Wednesday Customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., except major holidays. Letters to the editor must be typed or handprinted. Your name and phone number must be affixed to the copy. In the event of an advertising error, we are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion of the ad itself. We are not responsible for any credit or reimbursement after 30 days from publication. Postal Information: Bulk rate postage paid at Fort Myers, FL Postmaster. Send address changes to the Pine Island Eagle. Permit # 521.

Web Poll Previous Web Poll Question: What improvement should be made to the Pine Island Road/Stringfellow intersection? ■ A stoplight. 7% ■ A roundabout. 71% ■ Nothing. 19% ■ Other. 3%

Current Web Poll Question: Have you noticed an increase in seasonal traffic on the islands or around the area? ■ Yes, everywhere. ■ Off the islands, yes. ■ Not on the islands. ■ Nowhere, yet, but soon I’m sure. Share your opinion at pineisland-eagle.com

For most families, December feels like sprinting a marathon. There’s decorating, shopping, cookie making, zoo lights, gift wrapping, school parties, visiting family, and of course—making sure that everyone wakes up to a picture-perfect Christmas morning. We move so fast in December, you probably read through that opening paragraph without noticing the most important word in it: everyone. For thousands of children across Florida, waking up on Christmas morning with their brothers, sisters and parents is not a sure thing. They are standing on the front doorstep of foster care, and the most heartbreaking part of it all is that they don’t have to be. You might be surprised to learn that most of the children in foster care were not abused. They have loving parents who were struggling with hard challenges and had nobody to call for help. Their parents had to choose between things like watching their children at home or leaving for work to afford the rent— impossible choices that no parent should have to make. Living without a support system is brutal, and with no respite, these parents bend until they break. That’s when child services gets involved. But there is some good news—in Florida, that’s when Better Together gets involved, too. We work in partnership with child services to catch families before they fall, and to prevent the need for foster care in the first place. Funded 100% with private

donations and using our staff waking up on Christmas. and volunteers, we offer parYou can’t put a price tag ents a dignified, voluntary on that gift. It’s more prealternative. cious than anything. Our host families give Even when parents aren’t children a safe place to live ready for reunification, we while we help parents regain offer the next best thing. stability through our work While foster care cuts off and mentoring programs. contact between parents and Ninety-eight percent of the children, our program does time, the families never need not. Parents are able to to interact with child services check in with their kids, call again. They reunite and and visit frequently. This thrive. includes holidays. Megan Rose When I reflect on this holWe’re currently hosting iday season, I am beyond more than a dozen families grateful that a young mother over the holidays. The host named Brianna could spend families are planning to every holiday with her two have the children’s parents children. Things looked hopebe a part of all the less in August. The shelters were full, and Christmas and Christmas Eve activities. she had nobody to call for help. Some children will even spend the holiBrianna might have let the state take days with their parents and go back to their custody of her children, but she grew up in hosts after. foster care and didn’t want that for her When our volunteers hosted children babies. Child services called Better over Thanksgiving, parents were invited to Together, and we stepped in. spend the day together with their kids and It was immediately clear that Brianna the host families. Brianna and her children wanted to be the best mom she could pos- were invited back to spend Thanksgiving sibly be. In just 50 days, she found two with their former host family, too, which jobs, reliable child care, and an affordable they did. home. The local church even surprised her This is the real, lasting value in what we with a car, giving her reliable transporta- do. Once families like Brianna’s connect tion to keep her jobs. with our Better Together volunteers, they Brianna reunited with her kids on Oct. are never alone again. They have a com12. Since then, she’s seen them dressed in munity in their corner. Halloween costumes, eating until their tummies hurt on Thanksgiving and next, See HELP FAMILIES, page 11

Guest Commentary

Letters to the Editor That’s what you get for 'thinking' To the editor: The title for the Eagle’s “Letter to the Editor” in the upper left-hand corner, for those that can’t read, says “Opinions” and it’s a lucky thing that it is not fact checked or we’d never read a word from “neighbors.” There is no GOP “ruse” to impeach Biden but there is an investigation into whether Biden has lied enough and committed enough crimes to be impeached. Since this is an “opinion” column, let’s see what America’s opinion is of Joe Biden’s honesty. In a CNN Poll conducted in September of 2023, “a majority of Americans believe Joe Biden, as VP, was involved in his son’s business dealings.” Sixty-one percent say they believe that Joe Biden was involved in his son’s business dealings.

Joe Biden has said repeatedly that he has no knowledge of his son’s business dealings and knew nothing about any of them. Therefore, it is the opinion of 61% of Americans that Joe Biden is a liar. Unfortunately, many of Joe’s Comrade Democratic disciples parrot everything he says, and they obviously believe if a lie is repeated often enough it becomes the truth. A recent contributor to this section in the Eagle stated that “the border issue is pure delusion.” It is estimated that over 10 million illegal aliens have crossed our border with Mexico since Biden’s inauguration. I’m not sure which part of 10 million illegals crossing our border is “pure delusion” but maybe the author is the one suffering from delusions. Since we all know that these illegals bring nothing with them except the clothes on their

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

backs, how do you think they are housed, fed, clothed, educated and receive medical care? Does it fall from the sky? No, it does not. A FAIR study in 2017 found illegal immigrants are a net consumer of taxpayer benefits worth more than $100 billion a year, not including the cost of enforcing the border. Illegal immigrants do not qualify for Obamacare but under federal law, hospitals and clinics are required to provide urgent medical care without regard to legal status. Pregnant women are entitled to prenatal and postpartum care under the Women, Infants and Children program. Infant delivery costs are paid for by Medicaid. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a federal-state immigrant insurance program cost $2 billion a year in emergency treatment, not including the $1.24 billion in infant delivery expenses. Recognizing that many illegal workers fill jobs communities need, 26 states offer them *state-funded* benefits. New York state offers up to $300 a month in cash assistance. Eleven states offer free or subsidized medical and hospital care. California offers food stamps, legal services and benefits for those over 65 or disabled. Gov. Gavin Newsom recently asked for an extra $50 million from lawmakers to serve the state's illegal immigrant population. That would seem to refute a recent contriSee LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, page 11

Page 5 ■ Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 breezenewspapers.com

Pine Island Eagle

Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 ■ Page 6

A number of issues expected to be discussed at MCA meeting

PHOTO PROVIDED

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GPIA, International Lions Club to donate building supplies The Greater Pine Island Alliance is partnering again with the International Lions Club to donate rebuilding supplies to the survivors of Greater Pine Island. The GPIA would also like to thank the volunteers from UMCOR and Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay to help distribute. The group also makes a huge shout out to the students from Alma College in Michigan who are donating their time during break to help the survivors of Ian. As always, the GPIA thanks to the United Methodist Church of Pine island for allowing it to utilize the church's space.

FDOT: Repair work to continue along Pine Island Road in Matlacha As part of the 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 are working on trench drains on the shoulders west of Matlacha Pass Bridge. Please be alerted to construction equipment in the construction zone. To maintain safety, motorists should find alternate parking areas.

A permanent sheet pile wall is now installed on the north side of the causeway. Crews continue work on utilities and construction of the cap. 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. Follow FDOT on social media at: https://www.facebook.com/MyFDOTSW FL, https://x.com/myfdot_swfl and https://instagram.com/myfdot_swfl

The Matlacha Civic Association was scheduled to hold its membership meeting Monday, Dec. 18, at Blue Dog Bar & Grill, 4597 Pine Island Road, Matlacha. Registration for membership for the new year was expected to place at the beginning and end of the meeting. Volunteers are being recruited to canvas Matlacha for new members along with the volunteers who will be seeking contributions for the Annual Luminaries Lighting on Christmas Eve. The Nominating Committee for board members was set to report its nominees for Board of Director positions for the next year. These nominees were expected to be voted on at the meeting by the membership. The elected board members were also expected to select the officers from among their number for the year. MCA and its friends sponsored the lighting of the Matlacha Christmas Tree on Dec. 7 on the lot contributed annually by George Williamson. George’s son Emerson was the official tree lighter. In addition, board members were to hear a report on efforts to remediate damages and abandoned buildings on the island, and plans for restoration of our eastern-most island. Updates on road and bridge construction, the Matlacha Community Park, and several new and coming commercial properties on the island were also expected to be discussed. In addition, a report on the lawsuit to contest removal of the Chiquita Lock was also scheduled. MCA meetings are open to all persons. Membership is available to all property owners and residents, including commercial residents. Non-islanders may purchase an associate membership.

any regular collection; if the regular collection day is Monday, the collection truck will pick up that material on Tuesday. Tuesday’s regularly scheduled pickups will occur on Wednesday and so on, the rest of the week through Saturday, Jan. 6. The regular collection schedule resumes on Monday, Jan. 8. ■ Christmas trees that have had the stand and all lights and decorations removed, including tinsel, can be set out with regular yard waste and will be ground into mulch. All wrapping paper, except metallic, is recyclable – along with all the boxes. Plastic ribbons and bows are not recyclable. ■ Solid Waste offices and the Topaz Court Solid Waste Annex will be closed on Friday, Dec. 22, and Monday, Dec. 25. The Resource Recovery Facility in Buckingham will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, but open regular hours on Friday, Dec. 22, and Saturday, Dec. 23. The Lee-Hendry Landfill and the LaBelle Transfer Station will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, and will be open from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec 23. ■ Solid Waste offices and the Topaz Court Solid Waste Annex will be closed on Friday, Dec. 29, and Monday, Jan. 1. The Resource Recovery Facility in Buckingham will be closed New Year’s Day, but open regular hours on Friday, Dec. 29, and will be open until 6 p.m.

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Eve, Sunday, Dec. 31. ■ There will be no bus, trolley, Ultra on-demand, or Passport service on New Year’s Day, Monday, Jan. 1. Normal bus service will resume on Tuesday, Jan. 2. ■ The Blue and Gold River District Trolley Lines will run until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve to accommodate celebrations. ■ Visit RideLeeTran.com for specific route and schedule information. Parks & Recreation ■ Beaches, boat ramps, parks and preserves will remain open Friday, Dec. 22, through Monday, Dec. 25. ■ The administration office will be closed Friday, Dec. 22, and Monday, Dec. 25. Normal hours resume Tuesday, Dec. 26. ■ Pools are closed Saturday, Dec. 23, through Tuesday, Dec. 26, resuming normal operating hours Wednesday, Dec. 27. ■ Beaches, boat ramps, parks and preserves will be open Friday, Dec. 29, through New Year’s Day. ■ The administration office will be closed Friday, Dec. 29, and Monday, Jan. 1, resuming normal operating hours Tuesday, Jan. 2. ■ Pools are closed Saturday, Dec. 30, through Tuesday, Jan. 2, resuming normal operating hours Wednesday, Jan. 3. ■ The county’s three recreation centers – North Fort Myers, Veterans and Estero – will be closed through the holidays due to scheduled annual maintenance. They will be closed from Saturday, Dec. 23, through Sunday, Jan. 7. For alternative parks sites, visit www.leeparks.org. The See COUNTY, page 10

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Saturday, Dec. 30. It will also be open on Jan. 6, which is the Saturday following New Year. The Lee-Hendry Landfill and the LaBelle Transfer Station will be open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 29, and will be open from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec.30. Lee County Utilities ■ The call center and the drive-thru window at 7391 College Parkway will be closed Friday, Dec. 22, and Monday, Dec. 25, and will reopen on Tuesday, Dec.26. The call center and drive-thru window will be closed Friday, Dec. 29, and Monday, Jan. 1, and will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2. ■ A drop box is on-site at the front door, and another is accessible via the drive-thru for payments by check. ■ Payments can also be made online at myutilities.leegov.com or by phone at 855-895-6939. ■ For additional information, visit leegov.com/utilities. LeeTran ■ LeeTran will operate its regularly scheduled bus service on Friday, Dec. 22, but administrative offices at LeeTran’s headquarters on Metro Parkway will be closed. ■ LeeTran will operate its regularly scheduled bus service on Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24. ■ There will be no bus, trolley, Ultra on-demand, or Passport service on Christmas Day, Monday, Dec. 25. Normal bus service will resume on Tuesday, Dec. 26. ■ LeeTran will operate its regularly scheduled bus service on New Year’s

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Lee County operations will make scheduling adjustments later this month due to both the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays. Both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are county holidays and, because they fall on the weekend, will be observed on Fridays. Specifically: n For Christmas weekend, most Lee County administrative offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 22, and Monday, Dec. 25. n For New Year’s weekend, most Lee County administrative offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 29, and Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. Many county operations and sites will operate but will have adjustments. This includes Solid Waste, Utilities, LeeTran, Parks & Recreation, Libraries and Animal Services. Additional information: Solid Waste ■ All garbage, recycling and yard waste collections in unincorporated Lee County, the city of Bonita Springs and the Town of Fort Myers Beach will take place one day after the regularly scheduled collection day for the entire week beginning Dec. 26. This means that if the regular collection day is Monday, the collection truck will pick up that material on Tuesday. Tuesday’s regularly scheduled pickups will occur on Wednesday and so on, the rest of the week through Saturday, Dec. 30. ■ On Monday, Jan. 1, there will not be

Page 7 ■ Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Lee County operations make adjustments for holidays

Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 ■ Page 8 pineisland-eagle.com

U.S. Postal Service announces holiday operating schedule The United States Postal Service announced this week that all branches will be closed in observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day. This closure affects all postal serv-

Strong winds kept anglers off the water An unusual week of weather for December produced strong winds that eventually turned into a low pressure or tropical system followed up with a cold front. There were many days of extreme low tides and high tides with coastal flooding. Not good weather to even think about getting out on a boat. From start to finish it was an unsafe week to be on the water. Maybe as the year nears its end, we can settle into a favorable pattern of better weather conditions. Many have family and friends visiting for the holidays that look forward to days on the water with sunny Florida weather. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Mother Nature cooperates. Make sure and stay up to date with fishing regulations by visiting Florida Capt. Bill Russell 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. Wishing all a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season.

Pine Island Eagle

On the Water

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.

ices, including retail services, mail delivery and blue collection boxes. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve This year, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve each fall on Sunday, when normal closures apply. There are currently no plans for limited hours on Saturday, Dec. 23, or Saturday, Dec. 30. Customers are always encouraged to check with their local Post Office for hours of operation. Additionally, there are currently no plans for early blue box collection times on Saturday, Dec. 23, or Saturday, Dec. 30. Customers who are unable to mail items before the scheduled collection box pickup times on Dec. 23 and Dec. 30 should use the postal locator at https://www.usps.com/holiday/holiday-schedule.htm to find Post Office locations that may be open late.

Christmas Day and New Year’s Day In observance of the two holidays, Post Offices will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25, and Monday, Jan. 1. Blue collection boxes will not be serviced these days and there are no residential or business deliveries — except for Priority Mail Express, which is delivered 365 days a year in select locations for an additional fee. Following those holiday closures, Post Offices will be open and regular mail delivery resumes on Tuesday, Dec. 26, and Tuesday, Jan. 2. As a reminder, blue collection boxes are not serviced on Sundays or federal holidays. Customers are encouraged to plan their postal needs accordingly and are reminded that many services, such as purchasing stamps and shipping labels, are available at https://www.usps.com.

Rep. Donalds announces 2023 U.S. Service Academy nominations Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) this week released the following statement following his nomination of 17 Southwest Florida students for attendance at our nation's service academies: "Over the past three years, our world has erupted into conflict. Now more than ever, it is critical that the ranks of America's armed forces are composed of the most talented and skilled candidates our nation has to offer. I am proud to nominate each of these seventeen outstanding Southwest Florida residents to America's service academies, and I am confident that this year's class of nominees will admirably represent our community, our state and our nation in all that the future holds for them." The 2023 class of Southwest Florida students nominated by Congressman Donalds are as follows: ∫ Gabriella Alvarez (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy. ∫ Matthew Bennett (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Adam Blais (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. ∫ Julian Bevilard (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. ∫ Mason Ceccarelli (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy.

∫ Robert D'Angelo (USAF Academy, Colorado) has been nominated for the U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Kenzo Desiderio (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Briana Elizondo-Gutierrez (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. ∫ Dominic Failla (Cape Coral) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Michaela Fischer (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Samuel Harvey (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Jack Janeway (Cape Coral) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy. ∫ Sloane Janopoulos (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy. ∫ Braden Johnson (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy. ∫ Isabel Liu (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. ∫ James Spencer (Fort Myers) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Naval Academy. ∫ Jameson Stauffer (Naples) has been nominated for the U.S. Military Academy. Students from Southwest Florida and across the nation seeking to attend one of America's Service Academies must first apply through their local U.S. congressman, their U.S. senator, the vice president or the president of the United States. Students may apply for nomination to: (1) The U.S. Military Academy in West Point, NY; (2) The U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO; (3) The U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD; and/or (4) The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in King's Point, NY. Each December, Congressman Donalds works with his Academy Nominations Advisory Board to interview and nominate outstanding students from across Florida's 19th Congressional District for an appointment to one of these service academies. Once Congressional nominations are confirmed, the service academy will review the nominated candidate to determine admission.

Cribbage at SJCCA We are trying to get our group started up again and we need new players. We will start Thursday, Jan. 4, at 6:30 p.m., at the St. James City Civic Association, at 3300 4th St. in St. James City. For information or questions, call Mike at 906630-1023 Come out and have some fun and bring a friend.

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 closes today, Dec. 22. 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

First Baptist Church of St. James City to hold Christmas Candlelight Service

Fire From page 1

Cat of the Week

PHOTO PROVIDED

Harley This adorable ball of fluff is full of energy. Her two favorite pastimes are eating and playing. She does make time for pets and, of course, snacking on treats. Harley is a very unique looking 4-year-old Siamese mix. She has medium-length fluffy fur and cute little curls on the tips of her ears. We aren't sure how she got them but suspect she had hematomas as a kitten. She hasn't reached the lap cat stage yet, however I think it will happen quickly in a home with someone she trusts. Don't miss your chance to meet this one of a kind cutie!Call Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary at239-283-9100for more info.If you’d rather just donate, our address is10060 Mallory Parkway E., Unit D, St .James City, FL, 33956orthere’s always our websitewww. helpingpawsanimalsanctuary.com

tive to celebrate the season, and bring an item for the holiday raffle. The gathering is being co-hosted by Alex of FL Blue Medicare, Pine Island Boat Tours and Fine Swine. For additional information, please contact the GPICC, which is located at 10530 Stringfellow Road, #3, in Bokeelia, at 239-283-0888 or visit https://www.pineislandchamber.org

■ Engagement on issues concerning chamber opera-

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.

tions ■ Active participation in as many chamber functions as feasible ■ Continue to be a member in good standing

Pine Island Eagle

The patient was transported to the nearest hospital, but was pronounced dead, according to the department report. One of the island firefighters sustained minor injuries and was also transported to a local hospital. The structure is a total loss. The M/PIFCD issued a public thank you to the Cape Coral Fire Department and Lee County EMS for assisting and covering the island while the island department worked this fire. The structure fire and fatality is currently under investigation by the State Fire Marshal and Lee County Sheriff's Office.

The Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce will hold a Network at Night Holiday Celebration, hosted by Matlacha on Shoreview, this Thursday, Dec. 21, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at 12230 Shoreview Drive in Matlacha. Members are invited to stop by to meet, mingle, eat, drink and be merry while enjoying holiday music. Those attending are also urged to wear something fes-

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First Baptist Church of St. James City is having its Christmas Candlelight Service Sunday night, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m. If you are looking for a Christmas Eve Service please join us. Everyone is invited. First Baptist Church of St. James City is at 3417 8th Ave., St. James City. For additional information, call 239-283-0982. Office hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

GPICC Network at Night Holiday Celebration Thursday

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Greater Pine Island Chamber seeking board nominations

Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 ■ Page 10 pineisland-eagle.com Pine Island Eagle

GPICA seeking members for Development Committee The Greater Pine Island Civic Association has been advocating at the county level for ways to sunset old development orders and also works to track new Pine Island-related developments as they work their way through the development process. But it’s a big task and the organization is seeking GPICA members interested in joining its new Development Committee. Committee members will help track development through the county approval process so that the GPICA can ensure that all Pine Island Plan rules are being followed and that the community has a say in local development. GPICA is seeking committee members who: ■ Are computer savvy, with the ability to conduct online searches of Lee County development records (we will show you how!); ■ Have attention to detail; ■ Willing to work as part of a team focused on protecting Greater Pine

Island's coastal-rural character; ■ Willing to take direction and work closely with the GPICA Board to track development; ■ Are willing to commit 5-10 hours a month to this work; ■ Are GPICA members in good standing. Other helpful background would include expertise in building/construction/development and business communication. If you have the skills listed above and are interested in putting them to work to protect Pine Island, please send GPICA an email with: ■ Your contact information — first and last name, mailing address, email address, phone number; ■ A couple of sentences about your interest and any relevant background; ■ Email it to Info@GPICA.org and put "Development Committee" in the subject line.

Beacon to provide Christmas dinner, stockings for children If you live on Pine Island or Matlacha and would like a Christmas dinner and stockings for the children, please call the Beacon of Hope at 239-283-5123 and sign up. They will be delivered on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. Volunteers for three different tasks are also needed: ■ To cook food at home and bring it to the Fire Station (on Pine Island Road

across from the Methodist Church) at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 24. This could be green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pies, or rolls. ■ To put the meals together. Come to the Fire Station at 9 a.m. ■ To deliver the meals and stockings. Come at 10 a.m. If you would like to help, please call 239-283-5123 and sign up.

County From page 7 centers will re-open Monday, Jan. 8. WaKe Hatchee Recreation Center remains closed at this time. Library System ■ Library administration and Home Borrower Services will be closed Friday, Dec. 22, and Monday, Dec. 25, as well as

Friday, Dec. 29, and Monday, Jan. 1. ■ All Library Branches will be closed Saturday, Dec. 23, and Monday, Dec. 25, as well as Saturday, Dec. 30, and Monday, Jan. 1. ■ The library is always open online at leelibrary.net. Domestic Animal Services ■ Saturday, Dec. 23, the Lost & Found Pet Center and the Pet Adoption Center, 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, will be closed. Normal hours resume Tuesday, Dec. 26. ■ Saturday, Dec. 30, the Lost & Found Pet Center and the Pet Adoption Center will be closed. Normal hours resume Tuesday, Jan. 2. ■ Should you be separated from your pet, check the lost pet pages on social media. Call 239-533-7387 to complete a missing pet alert and keep an eye on www.leelostpets.com. To receive updates from Lee County Government, sign up for the newsletter here: www.leegov.com/resources/newsletters. Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/ leecountyflbocc. Visit www.leegov.com for more information.

We’ve provided this service for thousands of children across Florida, and this is our busiest time of year. Whether it’s offering time, talent or treasure, we all have something that can help keep children safe and at home with their families during the holidays.

Maybe you are not even sure what you have to offer, but you just want to do something to help. We can help you figure out what that is. December is not about making sure everything is bought, wrapped or picture perfect. It’s about making sure that

children in our community are not left behind. If we slowed down this December and put as much effort into people as parcels and packages, what could we do together? I invite you to find out with me.

Megan Rose is CEO of Better Together, a nonprofit organization that helps parents and families. To help families in your community, get help or donate, visit BetterTogetherUS.org or call 239-470-2733.

Letters to the Editor From page 4 bution to the Eagle stating that “illegal immigrants are not entitled to welfare benefits.” They are getting them and if they are not entitled to them then that too is illegal.

The only thing the Biden administration has “invested in” is the Biden Family Retirement Fund and there is not even a credible estimate on the size and scope of the assets accumulated by “The Big Guy” both foreign and domestic.

If a crime occurs but is never investigated, does that mean it did not happen? Our Socialist Democratic neighbors certainly seem to subscribe to this thesis and also seem to be refusing to believe what they see with their own eyes, opting instead to believe what Biden tells them to believe. Max Christian St. James City

To the editor: Save the date — Dec. 24, p.m. Working toward making "Matlacha

Island Mahjongg Mahjongg took a different direction today, Dec. 14, as we celebrated our holiday party. It was a day of laughs, with good food, wine and the joy of friendship. To those who couldn’t make it, we send good wishes for happy holidays and look forward to seeing you in the

The specially decorated Christmas trees in Matlacha. Sheriff for providing the safe patrolling Matlacha shining bright on Pine Island Road. To the editor: Thank you to George Williamson for Matlacha was shining bright for the donating the use of his lot. Also, many holiday season. On Dec. 7, Christmas trees lit up thanks to chief engineer Jake Sadlak and Matlacha for the fourth year. Matlacha’s his Christmas Elves for setting up the very own Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus vis- trees, Barnhill Seafood Market and ited and many children had their pictures More for the needed electricity and taken with them. Homemade cookies Gonzalez Nursery’s generous use of a and hot chocolate were available and Royal Palm that was decorated with lights for the event. added to the enjoyment of the evening. 2023 “Matlacha Strong” Thank you Kathleen Walsh for the Christmas Tree Committee holiday music and to Lee Country Matlacha

Pine Island Eagle

PHOTO PROVIDED

new year. There are no scores to report as we played with a special holiday card which most of us found challenging. Next week we will be back at the Moose Lodge on Stringfellow Road meeting at 11 a.m.

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‘Matlacha Strong’ 38th year of luminaries’ display

Strong," we would to have you join us. Bring a chair and we’ll be using donated sand, white bags and plumbers candles to make the luminaries located at 11681 Island Avenue. Volunteers will then distribute the 2,200 luminaries throughout the streets of Matlacha. At dusk, after the sunset, come and view the lighted streets. Included in "Matlacha Strong" Christmas Eve activities, don’t forget to visit the 9th year of CW Fudge’s Live Nativity scene at 6-7 p.m. Hot chocolate and refreshments will be available. Luminary Committee Matlacha

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Help families From page 4

Pine Island Eagle

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Millins From page 1 20 years of experience in education, the calling to assist simply came and found him and when it did, he said he had to answer it. “This has been an amazing 4 years. I developed as a leader and it was incredible to see the resiliency of Pine Island and what a wonderful community this truly is. My years here will never be forgotten, because I made so many great memories. The staff, students and community is nothing less than amazing here. It’s sad to go but I know there is a bigger calling for me to help some low performing schools to do some of the things that I did at Pine

Island and that’s my goal,” Millins said, adding that he’s looking forward now to a flawless transition. Pine Island Elementary School is an “A” school, according to a report released on Dec. 11, by the State of Florida’s School Accountability School Grade Report. Millins said that the school’s A rating demonstrates how hard the teachers and students worked last year. He noted that PIE is one of the top performing elementary schools in the entire district. Literacy Coach Mendy Nelson said that she is so proud of all the teachers and students for their efforts throughout the school year.

Some Pine Island Elementary students on their playground.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Holloway Squires From page 1 as Squires lost her son Bobby in a hunting accident when he was just 11 years old. Finding a way to bring sunshine through the rain, Squires decided early on to honor Bobby’s young life by founding the Bobby Holloway Memorial Fund and the Bobby Holloway Fishing Tournament, both of which have helped and touched not only Pine Islanders, but surrounding communities as well. “Pine Island has been so good to me and to this tour-

nament,” Squires said, admitting that after the accident, she truly needed to pour herself into an outlet for the memory of her son to get through and that the 26th fishing tournament will be April 6. Making a difference in the lives of other people remains a major priority for her, as Squires seems to live a life in service to others, although she said she believes the biggest difference she’s made in the lives of others has been through the annual fishing tournament, she affectionately calls, "the Bobby." Within her own life, raising children who grow to be caring adults has been the other priority in her life. Squires looks forward, able to imagine her son Waylon will run the tournaments one day, as she said the two share many of the same qualities in their drive to help others. Squires said her wish for Pine Island, for as long as she can remember, would be a youth center. “Our kids need that desperately. I don’t know that the Bobby Holloway Fund could do that on their own — I think if a few organizations got together maybe, but that would be awesome — to have a place for the kids to go and stay out of trouble, to play, to socialize and hang out,” Squires said. All in all, she said, Pine Island is pretty perfect in her mind, after having grown up learning that the community is filled with people who genuinely care for and help one another. We saw that after the storm, when islanders really came together, she said of last year’s Hurricane Ian. “My favorite quote, by Maya Angelou, is that ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.’ We’ve all been in need at times and I always remember what someone’s done for me, even if it was the simplest thing. I think, just be kind and help your neighbor,” Squires said.

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Pine Island Eagle

pineisland-eagle.com

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Cape Coral

Athletes of theWeek

(Selected by the Breeze Sports staff)

Pine Island Eagle

Breeze

Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 ■ Page 18 pineisland-eagle.com

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Week of Wednesday, December 20, 2023 ■ Page 20