WEEk of SEptEmbEr 27, 2023 FLIER INSIDE
One year later Breeze Newspapers looks back -- and at the area’s rebound — INSIDE
Like many things damaged by Hurricane Ian last year, portions of the Sanibel Causeway have been repaired. COURTESY OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
pINEISlaND-EaglE.com
VolumE 47, NumbEr 21
PIE welcomes Bernier, islanders for community day By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Pine Island Elementary School held a community event Wednesday, Sept. 20, with a mission to reconnect community organizations with the school. In addition to asking Lee County School District Superintendent Dr. Christopher Bernier to bring an important message, Principal Tom Millins incorporated PIE staff and
even students to talk about the things which make PIE successful. Filling the school’s cafeteria, the audience included PIE staff, students, volunteers, many island organization members, community members and Cpl. Rivera of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, who was there to give a presentation on school safety. Millins began the meeting by telling
everyone the goal at PIE is to ensure the success of every student, as well as to prepare them for a future as positive community members. “This is evident in our vision, which states that we are developing well-rounded thinkers, who have a love for learning, and who are successful positive community members,” Millins said. Millins shared that prior to taking on
the role of superintendent of the Lee County School District, Bernier had enormous challenges to deal with, such as increased populations, changes in legislation and Hurricane Ian. Millins also shared that just after Hurricane Ian, Bernier arranged for him to be flown to Pine Island, by helicopter, to assess damSee COMMUNITY DAY, page 7
Davis new manager at Beacon Attic Thrift Store By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Pine Islander Kathy Davis lost her home and her job as a result of Hurricane Ian last year. As of Sept. 1 of this year, she has taken the job of Beacon of Hope Attic Thrift Store manager. Davis said the Beacon continues to hold a special place in her heart, as the organization helped her get her GED at 25 years old, as well as currently helping her to stay afloat. “I lost my job and my home because of the hurricane and when I had no where to go, they made sure my family had somewhere to be. They’ve done a lot for me
and I’m forever grateful,” Davis said. One of the things she loves most about her new job is that in addition to camaraderie shared daily by the staff, she said she loves knowing the proceeds from sales at the thrift store go right back into the community she loves. “It helps people like me, who need some guidance and the Beacon’s here for that,” Davis said. After the hurricane, she said, the Beacon was inundated with donations as a result of people having lost so much, as well as losing volunteers, but now, she See ATTIC THRIFT STORE, page 18
Greater Pine Island Chamber plans wall sculpture auction By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
The Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce will be having a Sea Turtle Wall Sculpture Auction at the Tarpon Lodge Sunday, Oct. 8, from 4-7 p.m. The auction, which officially begins at 5 p.m., usually lasts about an hour, chamber board member Nancy Koucky said.
In addition to the 20 turtles being auctioned, the Useppa Island Club has donated a two-night stay at the Collier Inn, including a $250 food voucher, parking and water taxi service to See AUCTION, page 17 A decorative turtle wall sculpture. PHOTO PROVIDED BY NANCY KOUCKY
PHOTO PROVIDED
New Beacon of Hope Attic Thrift Store manager Kathy Davis.
insidetoday Cat of the Week...............12 Local Tides......................18 Waterkeeper Update.......20 Classifieds & Obituaries Athlete of the Week.........16
Island Mahjongg.............17
On the Water....................13