WEEk of aprIl 24, 2024 FLIER INSIDE
Memorials Family and friends place flowers, more at Matlacha accident site — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com
VolumE 47, NumbEr 51
Celebrating Pine Islanders: William Tidball By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
CW Fudge Factory owner William Tidball first came to Pine Island when his parents were visiting, although he said his grandparents were snowbirds even earlier. “For many years, we drove from Pittsburgh down to Southwest Florida, to see my grandparents. They stayed until I was about in the 7th grade and then they moved back up to be closer to family in their senior years,” Tidball said. While living in Orlando, where he worked for Walt Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios, Tidball bought his parents a place on Pine Island and said he and business partner Carlos Gomez fell in love with the island vibe. He said they found themselves using any excuse they could to leave Orlando on a Friday night and
Artists of Matlacha sprucing up the island neighborhood By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
According to Matlacha Civic Association President Carol Scott, an informal group known as the Artists of Matlacha decided they’d wanted to spruce up the neighborhood with a bit of a makeover so they gave a proposal to the MCA for the job of painting the pilings on Pine Island Road in Matlacha. “I went over to the MCA and asked if they would sponsor us for some paint and they said absolutely. That was part of our gala — the fundraising that we did — to raise money for a little bit of restoration and our environmental programs here on Matlacha,” Scott said. After receiving a budget from the MCA, the artists bought some brightly colored paints and then primed the poles. Currently, there are approximately nine artists growing to around 15 in season, within the Artists of Matlacha group, she said. Cindy Walton paints one of the poles in Matlacha. PHOTO PROVIDED BY CAROL SCOTT
William Tidball
head south so they could wake up Saturday morning on Pine Island. “One day when we were going across the bridge, we said, 'why are we going back to Orlando when we love it down here?'” Tidball said. It wasn’t long before they decided to develop a business appropriate for Pine Island and move their entire life here. In no time, he said they were getting to know the locals and build-
ing mutual friendships all over the island. In the 20 years he lived in Orlando, Tidball said he never felt the sense of community he felt immediately here, saying he never called Orlando home. “It wasn’t until I was here on the island that I felt like I was part of a community,” Tidball said. He went on to explain that a big part of any community is each person doing their part to support it and help it thrive in even the smallest things. Overall, he said, he hopes Pine Island has benefitted from his being here, not in business only, but as a loving member of this community. “I would hope that Pine Island has benefitted from my being a part of it. I would never boast that I’m unique or See WILLIAM TIDBALL, page 20
Bobby Holloway Memorial Fund now accepting applications for ‘23-24 scholarships Deadline for submissions May 10 Special to The Eagle
news@breezenewspapers.com
The Bobby Holloway Memorial Fund is now accepting applications for its 2023-2024 scholarships. The Holloway Fund gives away nearly $30,000 per year that is raised through its annual fishing tournament, which occurred on Saturday, April 6, at Jug Creek Marina in Bokeelia. This year will kick off a special opportunity for students pursuing vocational or trade school with scholarships available through a special donation. The Holloway Fund helps students who are pursuing higher education whether it be through college, trade school, academies or vocational training. To be eligible to receive a scholarship, students must fill out the application along with two letters of recommendation and an essay on why they feel they should receive the scholarship. In addition, applicants must be residents of Pine Island or attended Pine Island Elementary. Applications can be picked up from school counselors, the Pine Island Library or Centennial Bank on Pine Island. All applications, letters and essays should be sent together in one packet to: BHMF-Scholarship PO Box 712 St. James City, FL 33956 Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 10, and must include the essay and both letters of recommendation to be considered. The Holloway Fund is a nonprofit organization “providing enrichment for virtually every local youth activity.” For additional information about the organization, email bobbyhollowaytourney@gmail.com or on Facebook, visit https://www.facebook.com/bobbyhollowayfund/
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