WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2025 FLIER INSIDE
Island tradition
Lunch provided to island first responders in honor of Sept. 11 — INSIDE PINEISLAND-EAGLE.COM
VOLUME 49, NUMBER 20
Celebrating Pine Islanders: Stephen Longest
By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Stephen Longest describes himself as someone who has fallen in love with the Greater Pine Island area. In fact, he said, he often tells folks he’s an ambassador of Pine Island. Although he originally stumbled upon this area in 2012, he said it wasn’t until years later that the island became the place he calls his home. “I wasn’t able to gather a plan until 2016, and I made the official move in
2018,” Longest said. His awareness of the unique qualities of Pine Island came long before he had an address here. In his old life he had a motivational sign in his cubicle at work which read, “Live where you vacation.” What began as a thought-provoking goal became a reality as he is not only a proud server at the Blue Dog Bar and Grill but is also currently a Realtor at Coldwell Banker Realty and the owner of Pine Island Realty Magazine.
His love for Pine Island, he said, becomes most visible in some of the groups with which he is affiliated, such as being a representative of the chamber on the Horizon Council, a Southwest Florida business council. He has also been on the Matlacha Civic Association board for a number of years, where he also formerly served as president. “I’m an ambassador of the island,
PHOTO PROVIDED
Islander Stephen Longest with his dogs See LONGEST, page 9 Bucee, left, and Davy.
County Commission approves purchase of Pine Island land for Conservation 2020 Special to The Eagle
news@breezenewspapers.com
Fundraiser for Mike George a big success
By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Many Pine Islanders made their way out to the fundraiser for islander Mike George, held at the Eagle’s Nest on Saturday, Sept. 13. George, who has become disabled due to his battle with lymphoma, was reluctant to draw any attention to himself, as he said, other Pine Islanders with problems of their own also find themselves in need. His reaction to so many local folks, many of whom he said he’d never even met, coming out to the Eagle’s Nest to show support for him in what he’s going through left him humbled and grateful. “I really like seeing everybody together like that. It’s good to see how this community reacts when someone needs something. They make it happen and it’s heartening to watch,” George said. In his own words, people “stepped up” and the support was welcome, he said. Looking toward what he hopes is a long future, he said he is looking forward to spending as much time as he can with his kids. “I just appreciate everybody — everybody that showed up, that helped out, everyone that played (music), it was nice and it was good to see,” George said. Eagle’s Nest owner Tami Sager said the event brought in many helpful hands. In addition to being able to get his car fixed, someone from church donated a solar genera-
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY TAMI SAGER
The large crowd gathered at The Eagle’s Nest for Mike George’s fundraiser, top. Above is the SUV donated and raffled off during the event. tor to George. Sager reports that post-event, everything should be in check. “It was very heartwarming to see the way all the islanders came together. It’s a beautiful thing. My volunteer women’s team rocked it — the way they came together — Kendall and Kendra and Kelly and Annie — they just gave it their all. Hopefully Mike will be healed, See FUNDRAISER, page 9
Pine Island was well represented at the Lee Board of County Commissioners meeting last Tuesday where Calusa Land Trust Board members and community supporters filled a row in the old Lee County Courthouse in downtown Fort Myers. Three parcels on Pine Island were among nine properties approved for county acquisition. This includes almost 58 acres across from Winn-Dixie that has been championed by the Calusa Land Trust. This land extends the wildlife corridor from the Buttonwood Preserve across Stringfellow Road to the west side of the island. It has 75% native plant cover and is home to eagles and gopher tortoises. Robert Ballard, chief land steward for the Calusa Land Trust, spoke in favor of the county purchase of nominated Pine Island lands as did Judy Ott, long-time CLT Board member. Current and past presidents of the Greater Pine Island Civic Association, Chris Blum and Deborah Swisher-Hicks, also spoke in support of Conservation 2020 and the acquisition of the Pine Island lands. A representative from Audubon CREW (Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary) spoke in support of this purchase because of the active eagles’ nests. A 10-acre parcel adjacent to Pine Island Flatwoods Preserve was also approved for purchase at this meeting. The next big step in this process is for the county to negotiate with the landowners for final purchase. Commissioners authorized staff to pursue acquisition activity for the nine recommended nominations. The Board of County Commissioners also voted Tuesday to approve a two-tiered acquisition priority matrix for potential Conservation 20/20 properties, clearly identifying those properties with greatest environmental importance and evaluation score. The priority system, which was approved by the Conservation 20/20 Land See CONSERVATION 2020, page 12
of the Week..........13 Cat of the Week...............12 On the Water......................8 INSIDETODAY Athlete Bridge Beat........................2 Dolphin Tales....................6 SJCCA Update.................11
Classifieds & Obituaries