WEEk of SEptEmbEr 11, 2024 FLIER INSIDE
Top performers Two standout athletes from local high schools earn weekly recognition — INSIDE pINEISlaND-EaglE.com
VolumE 48, NumbEr 19
Organizers excited about ‘Peace Day’ celebration Island. We expect that it will be big and wonderful,”
said. First-ever island event set for Sept. 21 at the SJCCA Czarneke Bennet said comments she’s heard from the commu-
By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers
Jennifer Bennet and Ronda Czarneke have organized “Peace Day” in St. James City, not only for Pine Islanders, but for anyone who would like to come. According to these organizers, there will be something for everyone. “There will be vendors and music — we have 53 vendors from all over the county, food trucks and all-day entertainment,” Czarneke said. In addition, the two said there will also be raffles
going on all throughout the day, adding that the generosity of local businesses have been overwhelming, in that they’ve offered extravagant prizes to be raffled. The Matlacha Hookers are said to be running a 50/50 raffle, with the proceeds going to their education fund. “We’ve put together a really awesome event that we are very excited about,” Bennet said. Czarneke explained that although she and Bennet have teamed up in the past for other things, this is the first time they’ve ever done anything this big. “There’s never been a Peace Day celebration on Pine
nity are that the islanders are very excited to have something along these lines come to Pine Island and that many of the vendors are thankful to have an off-season festival to enjoy. “Based on the fact that it’s playing off an international event that’s popular in Florida, I really think it’s going to be well attended and full of fun and wonderful energy, Bennet said. See ‘PEACE DAY,’ page 14
Celebrating Pine Islanders: Capt. Bill Russell By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers
aptain Bill Russell said he is just an old-time island boy, as he was only 6 weeks old when he first came to Pine Island. He came to Matlacha when his father and grandfather were vacationing in Miami and saw an article in "Field and Stream" on the “Most Fishingist Bridge in the world,” which of course, was written about the Matlacha Bridge. They would fly their little private Cessna planes to Miami from Santa Cruz, California, Russell said, and after reading about the Matlacha Bridge, they decided to rent a car and drive over to Matlacha from Miami. Having been an island boy for the whole life of his life, Russell said he literally cannot remember a time where there was no fishing. “Growing up on the island, you just grow up fishing — it’s just what you did. I guess you had a choice but you didn’t have a choice. You had to self-entertain — fishing, hunting, doing things outdoors,” Russell said. His grandfather, he said, was a grouper fisherman, who used to sell the grouper he caught to Bradley’s Fish Market (which eventually became the Olde Fish House). Russell’s grandfather was also his babysitter, which meant as a young lad he often went along grouper fishing with him. “He was my babysitter, so he drove me out on the boat grouper fishing from the time I could sit
PHOTO PROVIDED
See CAPT. BILL RUSSELL, page 16
Longtime islander Capt. Bill Russell teaching his granddaughter Ellie how to fish.
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PHOTO PROVIDED
Life Prep Christian Academy students, front, from left, Luke Honc, 2nd grade; Zeke Wykes, 1st grade; and in back, Anthony Alvarez, 2nd grade.
New island school offers unique K-8 education program Life Prep Christian Academy has officially opened its doors at First Baptist Church of Pine Island, offering a fresh, innovative approach to education for grades K-8. LPCA has had a fantastic first couple weeks, marked by hands-on learning experiences that left students eager to return each day. Several students expressed they didn’t want to leave at the end of the school day highlighting the engaging environment the school provides. LPCA offers a unique faith-based curriculum that meets on campus three days per week. The program blends in-person instruction with at-home learning, allowing families greater flexibility in their educational choices. This model ensures students receive a wellrounded education while fostering independence and responsibility. LPCA offers small class sizes, allowing teachers to discover and nurture each student's God-given purpose. Elizabeth, a representative of LPCA and Bokeelia resSee NEW SCHOOL, page 11
Athlete of the Week.........19 Local Tides......................16 SJCCA Schedule...............6 insidetoday Cat of the Week...............10 On the Water......................9 Worship Directory.............6 Classifieds & Obituaries