WEEk of JulY 3, 2024 FLIER INSIDE
Holiday fun! A number of activities planned around the islands for Independence Day — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com
VolumE 48, NumbEr 9
Beacon continues to disperse funds granted for Hurricane Ian recovery By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
According to Beacon of Hope board members Elsie Stearns and Joanne Lembo, the organization continues to disperse funds awarded post Hurricane Ian through the Volunteer Florida Grant. “We got $2.5 million from the governor’s office — $500,000 was the initial push. I think we had 35 applicants, but we approved 28 businesses in various amounts. We started with the businesses because we felt that would have the greatest impact on the community,” Stearns said There were some stipulations, which may have prevented business owners from receiving funds, such as having to have been in business before Hurricane Ian
arrived. Lembo, who serves as grants manager for the Beacon, went to each business that applied and met with the owners before bringing her recommendations back to the Beacon Board of Directors for them to vote. After business grant money was decided upon, 37 individual grants were given. According to Lembo, quite a few individual applicants were renters and therefore disqualified, as she said, they were focusing on property owners in need of repairs or replacement of items. Lembo explained the purpose of this grant in particu-
lar was to try to make people whole again when it came to their homes. Quite a few people came in asking if they would be able to get an entirely new home, Lembo said. The cost of new homes compared with monies the Beacon had to give out would have been much more than was financially possible. Even now, there are businesses waiting to be approved for a small business loan, Stearns said. “That completed the funding that we had received, as far as the initial grant that we got. We looked at those See IAN RECOVERY, page 9
Moose Lodge to hold third annual Best of Pine Island Fourth of July fundraiser for PIE winners announced By PAULETTE LeBLANC
agreeing to host this event was something that came easily, as Valcarcel and his mother, Ila Valcarcel, both Franks Bobcat Service will sponsor the third annual hold memberships at the lodge and also that island chilfundraiser for Pine Island Elementary this dren are very important to them at the Moose as well as support for the elementary school. Independence Day at the Moose “We are very impressed with the way Frank has Lodge. The owner of the compataken this on as his own and ny, Frank Valcarcel, said it’s managed to raise so important to support the school's much to donate to the staff as well as the students by school. We know helping provide some classroom they’re going to put the materials necessary for the money where it’s needed school year. to keep our school at the “Our goal is to ensure that level it is,” Dube said. our Pine Island students and “The party starts right teachers start off each new after the parade, so we school year with whatever hope to see everyone there supplies they need to be as to enjoy a hot dog, a drink, successful as possible. The listen to some great music island community and local and get in on some amazing businesses have once again raffle drawings. Thank you shown overwhelming supto everyone that is supportport for the upcoming ing this event and the educaevent by providing many tion of our children here on wonderful raffle donations the island,” Valcarcel said. to help us raise money,” Sponsor The annual Fourth of July Valcarcel said. ed By: Parade, hosted by American This year's event at the Legion Post 136, steps off at Moose Lodge runs from 10 a.m. at Winn-Dixie. noon to 6 p.m. Some island businesses that In 2022, fundraising have supported this year’s fundfor the event reached raiser include: $1,500, Valcarcel ex■ Salty Girls Island Café plained, and in 2023, they were able to ■ Chuck’s Auto Repair Serraise $3,200. The hope is to shatter the record this year, vice which he said he has no problem imagining, taking into ■ Center Of Attention Day Spa consideration the generosity of islanders coupled with their love for Pine Island Elementary School. See FUNDRAISER, page 13 Sherry Dube from the Pine Island Moose Lodge said pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
The ballots have been counted and the winners of the Best of Pine Island 2024 have been determined. The winners, who were selected by the vote of islanders, are:
Food & Entertainment Bar - Froggy's Bar Barbeque - That BBQ Place Bartender - Lecia Scott- Froggy's Bar Breakfast - The Perfect Cup Chef - Reid Freeman, Street Eatz & Ale Deli - Salty Girls Island Cafe Dinner - Blue Dog Bar & Grill Fish Sandwich - Lazy Flamingo Restaurant Hamburger - Street Eatz & Ale Happy Hour - Pine Island Moose Lodge Ice Cream - The Frozen Flip Flop Local Band - Pipe Dream Lunch - Blue Dog Bar & Grill Pizza - Pine Island Pizza Seafood - Blue Dog Bar & Grill Restaurant - Miceli's Waterfront Restaurant Waiter/Waitress - Nicole Dence, Salty Girls Island Cafe Waterfront Dining - Tarpon Lodge
Retail Art Gallery - Bokeelia Art Gallery Local Artist - Leoma Lovegrove Bait & Tackle - D & D Bait & Tackle Boat Repairs – On The Water Marine Service Boat Dealer - Bob & Annie's Boatyard, Inc. Gift Shop - CW Fudge Factory Dispensary - The Bear's Den Apothecary Seafood Market - Barnhill Seafood Market See BEST OF PINE ISLAND, page 12
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