WEEk of fEbruary 28, 2024 FLIER INSIDE
Welcome! Special publication provides information on what to see and do around the islands — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com
VolumE 47, NumbEr 43
GPIA discusses Camp Noah, construction, grants By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
At the Tuesday, Feb. 20, meeting of the Greater Pine Island Alliance, Executive Director Erin Lollar-Lambert reminded members that Camp Noah will be presented to children March 18-22 at the St. James City Civic Center. The camp is free of charge and includes breakfast and lunch. One thing the GPIA is still lacking, she said, is volunteers. Volunteer positions needed are helping people set up, and working with the children. “Please do not hesitate to reach out and help support this amazing program,” Lambert said.
“On the construction side, we are absolutely blessed and thankful for what’s going on right now. Those funds are directed to put people back in their homes. We’re excited to be where we are...” — GPIA founder Aaron Barreda GPIA founder Aaron Barreda gave an update on construction. He said, with the help of donations, January brought four hurricane survivors back into their homes. The organization was able to present to the Lee County Unmet Needs Long-Term Recovery Group, which result-
ed in the GPIA receiving over $76,000, which will secure the recovery of another three families, he said. “On the construction side, we are absolutely blessed and thankful for what’s going on right now. Those funds are directed to put people back in their homes. We’re excited to be where we are. It’s amazing to be able to work with people…there is nothing more amazing than to be able to call someone and say, ‘Hey, we can find the rest of your construction.’ It’s absolutely incredible,” Barreda said, thanking the American Red Cross, United Way, Salvation Army and the Habitat for Humanity. See GPIA, page 16
Great Calusa Rubber Duck Race at Marker 3 Coastal Cantina Saturday Top prize is $1,000, kids entertainment added to event
The Herring family, from left, Jake, Carlyn, Bryce, Kennedy, Ralph, Cassie, Payton, Tamara and Lacey. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CARLYN HERRING
Celebrating Pine Islanders: Carlyn Herring By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
ine Islander Carlyn Herring is a wife, mother, grandmother, Realtor, Kiwanian and Beacon board member. Although she said she is proud of everything she does, Herring considers herself very lucky to have all her children and grandchildren living in Lee County, as well as having had the experience of raising her children on Pine Island where they had
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access to surrounding water and nature. She’s been on the island since 1978, after living in Fort Myers for just a year prior. Herring said she knew Pine Island was the place for her because her husband Ralph’s dear friend and his wife had lived on Pine Island and being the only local people she knew brought her to the island frequently. See CARLYN HERRING, page 18
The Calusa Land Trust's 26th Annual Great Calusa Rubber Duck Race is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, at the Marker 3 Coastal Cantina in St. James City. The festivities will begin at noon, comprising of live entertainment, raffles, spinning wheel games and a much larger and diverse silent auction of prizes and gift certificates donated by local businesses and individuals. Added this year will be a special kids’ entertainment area showcasing games, awards and crafts with assistance from the Pine Island Aquatics Team. The event also includes a live auction (emceed by Herb Smith) of 20 larger ticket items. Also for sale will be the second printing of the 7th edition of “The Nature Lover's Guide to Pine Island.” The newly renovated restaurant will be offering a luncheon special and a convenient beer tent for happy celebrants. Shuttled parking will be available. The big event will be the duck races occurring between 3-4 p.m. (wind and tide are factors). The Super Duck Race is first with 200 baby ducklings ($20 each, sold only on race day) with the top two ducks competing for 50/50 winnings. The major attraction thereafter will be with the adult rubber ducks consisting of 3,000 numbered ducks ($10 each and already on sale) racing for cash and gifts. The winning duck will earn $1,000 cash, second scoops in $500, third place $250 plus five runners-up each waddling home with a bag of goodies worth at least See GREAT CALUSA DUCK RACE, page 16
Athlete of the Week.........17 Letters to the Editor..........4 Tides................................20 insidetoday Island Mahjongg.............18 On the Water....................10 Waterkeeper Report..........8 Classifieds & Obituaries