WEEK OF JULY 26, 2023 FLIER INSIDE
Scholarships Local students receive education funds from Bobby Holloway Jr. Foundation — INSIDE PINEISLAND-EAGLE.COM
VOLUME 47, NUMBER 12
GPIA discusses progress being made on island By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
The Greater Pine Island Alliance, which was founded following Hurricane Ian, held its monthly meeting July 18 at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church covering a number of topics. According to co-founder American Legion Post Commander Aaron Barreda, a $5,000 grant was given to the GPIA organization by Week of Compassion Christian Church as well as $15,000 from the Red Cross. Tammy Sager was introduced as GPIA Disaster Resource Coordinator. Barreda reported a pause on the placing of temporary storage containers. “Pathfinder Mission did end up moving back to Texas, however, in that time, they provided us with all of their information on how to build the sheds … so we are looking forward in August to get back up and being able to
“There is a collaboration between everyone on the island. There is no island on this island. We all talk, all the time … we all work together.” — GPIA Executive Director Erin Lollar-Lambert put these storage containers back out for folks and being able to offer that again,” Barreda said. To date, he said, the GPIA has put together over 51 temporary storage containers and they continue to seek donations. The cost of a temporary container is approximately $750. Earlier in July there was a group of volunteers from Johns Creek Presbyterian Church in Georgia, who donated over 550 hours of labor to Pine Island. Honc Industries was instrumental in obtaining much
See GPIA, page 14
Matlacha Hookers’ Stuff the Trailer and 50/50 Saturday
One of the homes on Pine Island being elevated by Davie Shoring. The company has been busy lifting houses since Hurricane Ian. PHOTOS PROVIDED BY DAVIE SHORING
Davie Shoring elevating homes on Pine Island By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
avie Shoring has been doing work elevating Hurricane Ian damaged homes on Pine Island. According to Davie Shoring Operations Coordinator Chris Ellis, the company has been in business, with house elevation and stabilization for over 30 years now. “We’re not new in the industry — we’re veterans. We are fully licensed GCs in Florida. So, we’re here and we’re here for the long term,” Ellis said. The primary objective, he explained, is to take Floridian houses, and bring them up to meet new FEMA elevation height requirements. This is something at which they excel and have expertise in managing, he said. The company also offers emergency structural shoring, for those who sustained major structural damage.
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needed dumpsters, which the Beacon of Hope helped fund. “We love the partners and the great face we have here, between the industry and other non-profits — that we can continue to support the community,” Barreda said. GPIA Executive Director Erin Lollar-Lambert reported the Pine Island Water Association has gotten an 8,400-gallon diesel tanker as well as a rental generator for use until December of this year, as a replacement generator is currently on order. “Our water association is one of the better-run, more community focused water organizations ever,” LollarLambert said. Barreda announced the GPIA is currently accepting $10 membership fees in an effort to solidify the role of
In addition to Pine Island, Davie Shoring currently has work in Sanibel, Captiva, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, Arcadia and Tampa, since the area has been widely affected by hurricane damage. Ellis said it wasn’t long after Hurricane Ian that people began reaching out to the company for help. In fact, he said, “Can you come and help us?” were the exact words used by some seeking assistance with their homes. “I’ve got two houses in Matlacha, that have been elevated to approximate heights of 10 and 11 feet, which will bring them into full compliance. Last week we put one up in Cactus Point in St. James City, which we have to round about 12 feet,” Ellis said. He estimates 5 other homes in St. James City being elevated to various heights, which are currently awaitSee DAVID SHORING, page 14
Pine Island Auto Repair, Tipsy Flamingo and the Matlacha Hookers are hooking up for the third annual Stuff the Trailer with School Supplies event Saturday, July 29, that includes an island 50/50 drawing. The Matlacha Hookers are wrapping up their school supply drive for Pine Elementary School by picking up the donation bins, accepting donations and hosting an island 50/50 drawing on the same day. Islanders can join the Hookers along their route to donate or get tickets. The trailer will begin its journey at 11 a.m. at the Moose Lodge in St. James City then go to Winn-Dixie. Heading north, it’ll be stopping in Bokeelia at Salty Girl Café, Pineland Marina and Ace Hardware. For the final stretch, the Hookers will head into Matlacha and stop at Blue Dog Restaurant, Trader's Hitching Post, the Perfect Cup and CW Fudge. Finally, they’ll wrap up this year's efforts at Miceli's Restaurant and announce the winner of the 50/50. One lucky winner will receive half the pot with school supplies benefitting from the other half. Please drop off the following items at the locations above before 10 a.m. Saturday, July 29, or meet the Hookers along the route during the day. The items requested by PIE teachers include: headphones for grades K-1 and earbuds for grades 3-5, scissors (blunt tip only), #2 pencils, erasers (both cap and large pink rectangles), whiteboard markers (erasable and fine tip), dry eraser markers, glue sticks, colored pencils, pens (black, blue and red), white-out correction tape, pocket folders with brads (green, yellow, blue), washable Crayola markers, Crayola crayons, scotch tape, yellow highlighters, 9V and AA batteries for microphones and computer accessories, facial tissue, stickers (fun, numbers and alphabet letters), sticky or Post It notes, Ziploc bags (all sizes), bandages (large and small), disinfectant wipes, paper towels and copy paper. Help the Hookers give the students attending Pine Island Elementary a great start to their 2023-2024 school year. Islanders' support and generosity each year See MATLACHA HOOKERS, page 14
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Island Mahjongg.............17
Tides................................17