WEEk of marcH 15, 2023 FLIER INSIDE
Special event Greater Pine Island Chamber to host Island Fest with Mullet Toss — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com
VolumE 46, NumbEr 45
Lee County Commissioners unanimously vote down used car lot on Pine Island Road By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
The request to rezone a 1.4+-acre parcel from Agricultural to Commercial Planned Development to allow for a vehicle dealership, located at 3640 S.W. Pine Island Road, was voted down unanimously at a meeting of the Lee County Board of Commissioners held Wednesday, March 8. The request was accompanied by a Comprehensive Plan Amendment to change the land use category from Rural to Commercial. RVI planning representative Fred Droblic, representing the land owner, Ted Allen, pointed out the disrepair of the property building, formerly the Greater Pine Island
Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center. Allen, who is a resident of Indiana, said Droblic is currently working on becoming a resident of Pine Island. Droblic explained that the current state of drainage, storm water and environmental protection is limited due to the year it was built, saying it would be brought up to code. Bokeelia resident Allison Pham attended the meeting and read a letter aloud to the commissioners, explaining her opposition to the proposed car lot. “Peace and tranquility is what brings people to Pine Island and that’s what we value most,” Pham said. The front door to Pine Island should not be a used car lot, she said. Other concerns, for Pham, are environmental, as the
property is located just east of the Matlacha aquatic preserve. The Lee Plan, she said, promises to protect wetland areas, such as this. She also pointed out what she alleged were previous violations on the property such as fill dumped without a permit, a barbecue shop setting up on the lot and a landscape company operating there without permits. “By approving this rezoning, you would not be holding this property owner accountable for his actions and the violations that were committed,” Pham said. Another concern she brought to the commissioners was traffic. In light of the recent hurricane, Pham See USED CAR LOT, page 8
GPICA announces new officers, receives update on water clean-up By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
MCA to host annual gala, this time to help restore Matlacha By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
In an effort to raise money to help restore Matlacha, the Matlacha Civic Association will be holding its annual Water Colors Fundraising Gala at the Matlacha Menagerie Sunday, March 19, starting at 4 p.m. According to MCA president Michael Hannon, a great turnout would go a long way toward the community’s restoration. Jason Bonham, who has committed to entertain at the benefit, will likely bring in some of his own fans, Hannon said. “This is our fourth gala, and we decided, despite the fact that many of us are still recovering, it was important to celebrate who we are and to continue to raise money to help those who are in need,” Hannon said. In addition to food and musical entertainment, Hannon said there will be a silent auction featuring artwork and some big ticket items, donated by island and mainland merchants. The restoration of Pine Island is of the utmost importance to Hannon, as he said the MCA have some
“This is our fourth gala, and we decided, despite the fact that many of us are still recovering, it was important to celebrate who we are and to continue to raise money to help those who are in need.” — MCA president Michael Hannon very interesting projects in the works for the future. The schedule for the event includes drinks, music, hors d’oeuvres and the silent auction from 4-6 p.m. at the Matlacha Menagerie at 4625 Pine Island Road. From 6-8 p.m. There will be live entertainment from 68 p.m. by Bonham, with the venue courtesy of Onofrio D Oro Fine Jewelry at 4600 Pine Island Road Dinner will be a available by That Barbecue Place. Tickets, which are $50 in advance and $60 at the door, are available at www.matlachacivicassoc.org or in person at CW Fudge at 4548 Pine Island Road, Matlacha.
The new members of the Greater Pine Island Civic Association board were announced at the March 7 meeting at Pine Island United Methodist Church. Due to an AV support scheduling error, the meeting wasn’t live streamed or recorded, GPICA officials said, but minutes to the meeting are available on the GPICA website at gpica.org. Following the February meeting, Helen Fox and Michael Sweeney were reelected and Tim Heitz was elected. The GPICA board subsequently met and elected new officers and also appointed new director Sue Dahod, who worked with the organization on water quality issues, to serve out the remainder of the term vacated by Cindy Bear, who resigned her position following her relocation from Pine Island. At the March 7 meeting, board member Shari Perkins introduced the new board members and announced elected leadership changes that took place following the February meeting: Officers -— Deborah Swisher-Hicks, president (Development Committee Chair); Nadine Slimak, vice president (Membership and Communications Chair); Michael Sweeney, treasurer; Connie D'Alessio, co-secretary; and Helen Fox, co-secretary. The Greater Pine Island Alliance donated $300 to support the church rental with AV support and Hicks
Athlete of the Week...........8 Dolphin Tales.....................6 Obituary...........................16 insidetoday Cat of the Week...............14 Island Mahjongg...............7 On the Water....................16
See GPICA, page 22
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