WEEK MARCH 12 2025 FLIER INSIDE
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VOLUME 48, NUMBER 45
Bridge construction questions posed at GPICA meeting By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Tension was high at the Greater Pine Island Civic Association meeting March 4 as residents addressed the ongoing construction of the Little Pine Island Bridge with local and state officials. Invited special guests at the meeting included community outreach specialist Katelyn Carmona of the District OneFort Myers Operations Center of the Florida Department of Transportation; Steve Nappi, senior project engineer, H&H; and Robert Price, director, Lee County Department of Transportation. A group of Pine Islanders waited in line for a microphone in order to ask questions regarding the current bridge project in Matlacha. The overwhelming majority of inquiries were requests for a date of completion to the
construction on the Little Pine Island Bridge. The construction work, Pine Islanders say, is both obstructing local island traffic and impeding the ability to conduct business by making it difficult to travel on and off of Pine Island in a suitable or reasonable amount of time. A resident commented on the lack of clear and up-to-date information on the bridge, saying it is terrible and only generalizations have been offered. Price announced that although the public may be unaware of it, the bridge was already in need of maintenance and scheduled to undergo a replacement in the year 2027. “We understand that it is a time concern for you guys — we do get it — we just ask for patience,” Price said. One Pine Island attendee pointed out that patience on the part of islanders concerning this project is not voluntary, but that they’ve been given no choice in the matter.
IslandFest with Mullet Toss this Saturday at Phillips Park
By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
en Mickuleit is known as chief to many on Pine Island due to his role as fire chief for the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District, but he said he prefers to describe himself as someone who is grateful for the opportunities which have presented themselves in his life. He pointed out that in all honesty he is a very family-oriented individual. Mickuleit and his family moved to Pine Island approximately 10 years ago. The reason they came here, he said, is very simple. They wanted the small community, island setting in which to raise their three children. “One of the main reasons we bought a place on the island is that we wanted a different upbringing for our kids. We have three girls and we just wanted a different environment — more of a community environment, where neighbors are helping neighbors,” Mickuleit said. Having been involved working in this community for more than 20 years, Mickuleit said, he’d always wanted to live on the island, but it took some time to find just the right opportunity for his family. In contemplating his overall contribution to Pine Island, he said he tries, every day, to instill a sense of the importance of being a part of a community such as this one, to the Fire Department, hoping those around him will take notice and have the same sense of pride and admiration. “One of those things is putting on the community events that we do, for example, Open House, PHOTO PROVIDED Christmas and the Easter Event,” Mickuleit said. “During the Open House Event, Fire Station The Mickuleit family, front from left, Madelyn, Corinne 1 is open to the community, with the fire safety and Lauren, and back, Ben and Megan. “We all need to help and support one another, even trailer, and we give away free pumpkins and we through the tough times we’re in. I couldn’t imagine also give demos,” Mickuleit said. He said his greatest wish for Pine Island, besides living anywhere else with my family than this beautiful resolving traffic issues, would be the continuous helpful community. The people are so giving, and it’s just the perfect place to live,” Mickuleit said. attitude Pine Island is known and loved for.
Athlete of the Week.........16
Cribbage Corner..............13
See GPICA, page 14
Island tradition
Celebrating Pine Islanders: Ben Mickuleit
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The same member made the comment that the original date was not only unmet in the completion of phase one of this project, but that on the eve of the original given date of promised completion, Pine Islanders were given the news that the new projected completion period would be spring, rather than a specific date. Michael Hannon of Matlacha accused the panel of being ill-prepared and instructed them to come ready to answer questions asked by the public. Price responded by asking attendees to remain respectful. “Steve is one of the finest engineers I’ve ever worked with. FDOT has a superb team on this project … Steve does work for Lee County, he’s done work for us — he helped
The IslandFest with Mullet Toss will be held this Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Phillips Park Ball Field at The Center. According to Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce Ambassador and former board member Beth Sowers, the IslandFest with Mullet Toss tradition continues. Pine Island, she said, is known for its fishing industry and in more recent times islanders’ skills at throwing fish. “March 15 is the day to put your skills to the test. By age groups, we’ll be seeing who can throw a mullet the furthest. It’s always fun to watch the rivalry toss between our Fire Department and Sheriff’s Department at 3 p.m., followed by our Championship Toss at 3:45 to decide King and Queen Mullet 2025. “Bragging rights and cash prizes should make for a fun afternoon. If you’re 10 and under, a toss is $2. and if you’re 11 and above its $5 and if you’d like to be a part of the championship toss, its $20,” Sowers said. Event highlights include Pine Island artisan, craft and business booths; with food and adult beverages available. The schedule of events is as follows: n Mullet Toss — Sign up at the festival; contests start at 10 a.m. See the schedule below for your category. n Bert’s Pine Bay Mermaid & Pirate Contest — Come dressed in your finest, registration is from 10 a.m. Judging starts at noon. n Fishing Seminars — Ongoing throughout the day, brought to you by D & D Bait & Tackle. n Kiwanis Fish Drop — Buy your “fish drop” ticket, at 4:30 p.m., Kiwanis drops the numbered fish from a crane, closest to the bullseye wins. The chamber asks for a $5 donation at the gate, a portion of the proceeds benefits island youth programs. “The chamber is proud to keep this tradition alive in our fishing community. Being able to bring this event to the community and our visitors very year is very important and we hope everybody comes out and enjoys the day,” Sowers said. Phillips Park Ball Field is at 5675 Sesame Drive, Bokeelia, just west of the four-way stop at The Center.
Mahjongg Scores...............9
INSIDETODAY Cat of the Week.................14 Dolphin Tales.....................6 On the Water.......................8 Classifieds & Obituaries