WEEK OF OCTOBER 19, 2022 FLIER INSIDE
‘Pine Island Strong’ Principal Millins and staff of Pine Island Elementary gather after Hurricane Ian — INSIDE PINEISLAND-EAGLE.COM
VOLUME 46, NUMBER 25
Snowbirds bring resources from Maine after Hurricane Ian By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Mike and Sue Douglas said they found a place on Pine Island 9 years ago after their home in Vermont was struck by lightning and then burned down. Mike, who's a carpenter, said he rebuilt the house on his own, which he admits was a nightmare. While he was doing this, Sue and the kids moved into their cottage in Maine. It wasn’t long before she decided she and the kids were done with Vermont entirely. “We decided to find a place where it’s nice and warm — no ice to fall in — low crime — good schools, and we found Pine Island,” Douglas said. Although the Douglases fell in love with Pine Island, they admit the culture shock was a bit much and went back up north a year and a week later. Not long after, they found another home on Pine Island and began coming back and forth.
“We always feel like we’re islanders, not Mainers,” Douglas said. A few years ago, the Douglas family found themselves owning a home in Flamingo Bay, and when Hurricane Ian began, Douglas said he was watching the cameras on the house from Maine and noticed no one seemed to be leaving the island. “It was like business as usual right up until we lost power,” Douglas said. Having spent years as a fire fighter and an EMT, Douglas said he had already had his share of natural disasters and he had a feeling Hurricane Ian was going to be bad. He knew generators would become a necessity as he and Sue were watching the story unfold on Facebook. As people were crying pleas for help and climbing into their attics, Mike and Sue Douglas knew See SNOWBIRDS, page 10
Mike and Sue Douglas on Pine Island. PROVIDED
Rebuilding Pine Island and Matlacha Blue Dog Bar and Grill owner Lynch: ‘We’re gonna come back as soon as we can’
Johnson discusses bringing back Bert’s Bar and Grill By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Bert’s Bar and Grill in Matlacha was more than just a neighborhood bar. Owner Bernard Johnson describes it as a social gathering place for the community. Over the years, Bert’s forged a place in the hearts of many islanders and day-trippers looking to connect. Thanks to Johnson, until Hurricane Ian destroyed the bar and grill, they were able to do just that. “We’ll have to figure out how we’re going to come back, one step at a time,” Johnson said. After Hurricane Charley, back in 2004, Johnson said they were able to reopen Bert’s after just a few days. With the damage caused by Hurricane Ian, though, he said he doesn’t know how long it will take to rebuild. In fact, he said, the next step is largely dependent on conversations with insurance companies. Beyond that, he said, he’d have to work with architects and engineers to figure out exactly what to build and then go through all the county What’s left compliance as far as building codes to determine whether there’s a new Bert’s. “It’s hard to commit and say yes or no to any of it until we’ve been through all the steps. But, we want to do it,” Johnson said. He describes his staff as family, saying they are a great crew of people in a small town where everybody
insidetoday
By PAULETTE LeBLANC
pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
knows everybody. After having met with Gov. Ron DeSantis, Johnson said, he asked for the road leading onto Pine Island to be rebuilt. “Thanks to Dane Eagle and the governor, and how
Blue Dog Bar and Grill owner John Lynch said he’s not sure what to do about his iconic restaurant as well as two Pine Island homes that currently have damage to the foundation caused by Hurricane Ian. One of these is the home he bought for his 87-year-old uncle, which has been completely destroyed. “I bought it for him to enjoy his final days with a little place in the sun, but the soil eroded so badly the house collapsed. It’s now effecting my house. It’s eroding the soil under the foundation of my home. My home survived beautifully, but my foundation is starting to become a problem. I have no direction from anybody,” Lynch said. While awaiting word from his insurance company on what his next move should be, Lynch said he’s taking some drastic measures to save his house, via spending tens of thousands of dollars in an effort to salvage his foundation, while simultaneously wondering if that effort will all be in vain. Until he hears whether or not insurance will cover the cost of his damages, it may be just that. “There’s a lot going on. My poor uncle is living with my sister on the east coast and he wants to come home. He could live with us but I don’t know if we’re going to be able to live there,” Lynch said. Although he’s very familiar with the helpful attitude prevalent among Pine Islanders, Lynch finds himself astounded by the number of people who’ve pitched in
See BERT’S BAR, page 16
See BLUE DOG, page 13
of Bert’s Bar and Grill after Hurricane Ian.
Athlete of the Week.........12 Bridge Beat......................16
Eagle Editorial...................4 Guest Comment................5
Letters to the Editor..........5 Worship Directory.............6
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