WEEk of marcH 8, 2023 FLIER INSIDE
Recovering Matlacha Jewelry and Hammock Company bounces back from Ian — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com
VolumE 46, NumbEr 44
Lee County and island officials discuss recovery with Matlacha Civic Association By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
The Matlacha Civic Association met with some Lee County, as well as Pine Island organization officials Tuesday, Feb. 28, at the Pine Island United Methodist Church to discuss the restoration of the islands. Lee County District 1 Commissioner Kevin Ruane was present, along with Deputy County Manager Dave Harner, representatives from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, FEMA and the Florida Department of Transportation. Matlacha Civic Association president Michael Hannon began the meeting by describing the unique and
infectious qualities of those who have been on Pine Island for generations. “It didn’t take long for us to catch the spirit of resilience, independent stick-to-itiveness, and affection for your neighbor,” Hannon said, explaining that these are among the things he’s seen in his last 10 years as an islander. Ruane, who has been meeting weekly with islanders to work toward recovery from Hurricane Ian, has been elected chair of the Long-Term Recovery Task Force. He told islanders his district had received more damage, by far, than two or three districts combined. Debris, he said, is an issue no one had contemplated pre-Ian. He shared
that Lee County is in the vicinity of 10 to 20 million cubic yards of debris. He continues to be an advocate for the district, he said, bringing everyone's needs to the state and federal levels. There have been two special sessions since Hurricane Ian, he said, explaining that the sessions are an opportunity for the governor to carve out what he feels are major priorities. “So far, through the two special sessions, there has been about $2 billion that have been allocated for Hurricane Ian, so that is a great start,” Ruane said. See RECOVERY, page 15
John R. Wood hosts grand re-opening at St. James City office Funds raised at celebration benefit Matlacha Hookers By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
CLT 2023 Duck Raffle at Fine Swine goes off without a hitch By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
What would have been the Calusa Land Trust’s 24th Annual Duck Race, turned into the Duck Raffle, hosted by Fine Swine Restaurant last Saturday on Pine Island. Just under $10,000 was brought in from the sale of 2,200 raffle tickets. According to CLT President Robert Ballard, it would have been impossible to reproduce the usual venue for the race hosted by Ragged Ass Saloon in St. James City. In
light of hurricane damage, Fine Swine Restaurant owners Brian and Trisha Crowley stepped up to offer the place to the CLT, so the tradition could go on to become the 2023 Great Rubber Duck Rock & Roll Raffle. See DUCK RAFFLE, page 19 A sign for one of the fundraising games at the CLT Duck Raffle. PAULETTE LEBLANC
According to Realtor Mike Faulkner of John R .Wood (formerly Pine Island Realty), there was a steady stream of folks at the ribbon-cutting for the company’s grand reopening of its office in St. James City on Saturday, March 4. The Matlacha Hookers were also there, as John R. Wood wanted to raise some money, Faulkner said, to go toward the charitable work performed by the organization. “We provided the food, the location and we paid for all the expenses, but all the money raised went to the Hookers,” Faulkner said. In addition to tours of the refurbished PHOTO PROVIDED BY MIKE FAULKNER office, Faulkner said there was a bean bag A bean bag toss competi- tournament, a 50/50 tor at the grand re-open- raffle, food from ing of the John R. Wood Publix and CW Fudge, office. as well as all-day entertainment provided by Frank Ackley. “It was a relaxing good time, and very low-key. We had a lot of people and I think everybody had a good time. We got a chance to see a lot of our customers and See GRAND RE-OPENING, page 19
Athlete of the Week...........8 Cat of the Week...............11 From the Firehouse........22 insidetoday Bridge Beat......................10 FIshing Column...............21 Island Mahjongg...............6 Classifieds and Obituaries