VOLUME 48, NUMBER 51
Celebrating Pine Islanders: Ila Valcarcel
By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Ila Valcarcel said she would describe herself as a mother of four who has been a Pine Islander for 30 years helping run her family’s business.
“I’m also an aspiring artist,” she admitted.
When her family first arrived from California in 1993, she said they went to the east coast of Florida. At the time, they had both been highly interested in flying airplanes, as her husband, Frank Valcarcel, had his pilot’s license then and she had a student pilot’s license.
“We moved from West Palm Beach to Pine Island and that’s when we bought the airstrip off of Woodstock Road,” Valcarcel said.
After that, she said, the family endeavored into both
palm tree and tilapia fish farming. In doing so, she said she found a love for the Pine Island community that she is certain would keep her right here for good.
“I always loved Pine Island,” Valcarcel said, explaining that the feeling was immediate.
When it comes to contributing to the island, she said, there was a time years ago when one of the island churches was closing down
Plein air painting - fun and free
By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Museum of the Islands volunteer Karen Hartshorne is very interested in using her education as a graduate level painting and drawing student, coupled with her experience at LSU, to teach plein air painting to mostly kids, although all ages are welcome, around Pine Island, beginning Monday, April 28, from 8-10 a.m., through the summer months.
Hartshorne said she will let everyone who is interested know where the next painting location will be.
“No charge, no class, just painting plein air together. Whatever medium everybody wants to bring is fine, everybody brings their own supplies. There’s no instruction — everybody works independently, and then after the two hours is up, everybody can put their
work up on display for everyone else and we’ll have a little critique and that’s the point where people can ask questions,” Hartshorne said.
Plein air painting, meaning “in the open air” in French, is the practice of painting outdoors, directly from nature, with the subject in full view. This type of open-minded program structure is just the right fit for Hartshorne, as she lives by it.
“This morning when I woke up, my first thought was, let the kids paint historical sights so they can learn the history at the same time we’re painting,” Hartshorne said.
See PLEIN AIR PAINTING, page 7
An example of plein air painting on the island.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY
KAREN HARTSHORNE
its Pre-K, so Valcarcel hired a teacher and set up Pre-K for nine Pine Island children for 10 months. She also said Hurricane Charley comes to mind. The Valcarcel family invited volunteers from the Fire Department to ride out the storm at their house, since the property was high enough above sea level to warrant that offer, something, she confesses, makes her very proud of her husband.
“They (Fire Department volunteers) were able to cut their way out through Woodstock Road and have their trucks running in order to help people, right away,” Valcarcel said.
In addition to rooting for Pine Island from behind the scenes, Valcarcel also served in the public eye as she was
CLT calls Earth Day concert
By PAULETTE LeBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
According to Calusa Land Trust Board Member John Kendall, without the 2025 Rubber Duck Race fundraiser (loss of venue), Isaac Holeva and his Pipe Dream rock band stepped up to highlight an Earth Day Concert April 20 at the St. James City Civic Association facility.
An estimated crowd of about 500, with most parked in their golf carts, cheered on the musicians while also visiting over 20 vendors plus the Horse Eyed Jake American Sliders food and the Utterly Twisted ice cream trucks.
The event raised approximately $3,500 in funds needed to support CLT’s land conservancy mission.
“The special quality of this event was the public relations of the Land Trust and getting people together. I think that was the main benefit. Everybody had a good time,” Kendall said
According to Fellow CLT Board Member and secretary, as well as Pine Island Garden Club president, Marty Kendall, the event was a wonderful celebration of eEarth Day, which could not have gone better, as both organizations were well represented for having attended.
“One of the things we did in advance was we filled up about 200 packets with wild flower seeds and gave them to everyone who came in,” Kendall said.
This was something special, she said, regarding adding beauty to the island while celebrating Earth Day. Among the vendors, she said, which varied from selling plants to jewelry to even plant additives, rounding out the event nicely. They set up the St. James Civic Center and waited for the golf carts to come, she said.
“We were able to get new members for the CLT and we were able to get a lot of interest in it — there were people who were not totally aware of what we do, so It was the capability of being able to explain that and offer for them to be a part of it,” Kendall said.
CLT board members were also able to hand out maps
page 7
Ila Valcarcel
GPICA meeting to focus on septic conversion, Blue Dog parking
Pine Islanders are invited to the May 6 meeting of the Greater Pine Island Civic Association, where speakers will focus on Lee County wastewater management and parking for the Blue Dog restaurant in Matlacha.
Speaker Pam Keyes, P.E., Lee County Public Utilities Director, will provide an update on the most recent countywide wastewater management plan and updates to the water reclamation facility and impacts to water qual-
ity in and around Lee County. She’ll also be discussing septic-to-sewer conversion possibilities for Pine Island.
Also on the agenda is Greg Stuart of Stuart and Associates Planning and Design Services, who will speak on behalf of the Blue Dog about the restaurant’s request for deviations to parking zoning rules that would allow them to continue to offer outdoor seating.
GPICA will also share the latest community news up-
Pine Island Garden Club donates $14,000 to local causes
With funds derived from the 2025 Garden Gala, the Pine Island Garden Club has tendered combined donations of $14,000 to four local benevolent organizations. Club President Marty Kendall, far left, is pictured presenting the respective checks to Cheryl King (Calusa Land Trust), Nancy Ruedi (Pine Island Food Pantry) and Nancy Cote (Beacon of Hope). The fourth recipient, C.R.O.W., will be presented its check at a later date.
dates, including a reminder about the Stringfellow Road cleanup scheduled for Wednesday, May 7, and a notice that there will be no GPICA meeting in July.
Members and nonmembers are welcome to attend the meeting, which will start at 6:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Pine Island, 5363 Avenue D, Bokeelia, next to the elementary school.
GPIWA water rate increase starts May 1
Due to the unprecedented inflation over the last five years caused by COVID-19 lockdowns, supply chain disturbances and insurance increases due to Hurricanes Ian, Helen, and Milton, the Greater Pine Island Water Association board of directors, after reviewing the 2024 GPIWA rate study, voted to support a 15% rate increase for the calendar year 2025, as advertised on the front page of The Pine Island Eagle on 11/27/2025.
This 15% rate increase will take effect May 1, 2025.
According to a release from Mikes Maillakakis, PE, general manager for the GPIWA, the real dollar cost of the 15% rate increase is dependent on how much water is used. As an example, a residential household that uses 2,000 gallons/month is now paying $27.42 per month. With the 15% increase, they would pay $31.53 per month, which adds an extra $4.11 per month.
There were no rate increases in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 as the association was hoping the inflation seen in those years was momentary and would reverse itself. This has not been the case, and the increased cost of electricity, insurance and other expenses require an adjustment to GPIWA’s rates. This was not an easy decision to make as the association board members did not want to contribute to more inflation, but the association could no longer absorb the increased expenses.
Visit www.pineislandwater.com under the “More” tab, then “Rate Study” to see the recommended new GPIWA fee structure.
PHOTO PROVIDED
OPINIONS
10700 Stringfellow Road, Ste. 60
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Phone: (239) 283-2022
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Web Poll
Previous Web Poll Question:
Is the work to replace the Little Pine Island Bridge taking too long?
n Yes. 35%
n No. 48%
n Maybe -- projects like that take a long time. 17%
n I have no opinion. 0%
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Are you concerned that the new tariffs will increase costs too much here?
n Yes.
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Share your opinion at pineisland-eagle.com
Islander appreciates artists’ efforts painting power poles
To the editor:
As I look at the creative artwork painted on numerous utility poles along Stringfellow Road, I am impressed by the community-minded, thoughtful and caring people who have given these gifts to enhance our island. These individuals can be observed working to create an array of images painted on the poles, which depict aspects of life in Southwest Florida. It is with heartfelt appreciation that I acknowledge the individuals who have so generously contributed to life on Pine Island. They truly deserve our recognition and appreciation for their work. Thank you all.
Camille Coulborn Bokeelia
Commander stepping down from VFW Post 4353
To the editor:
I would like to take a moment to publicly share that I have stepped down from my position as commander of VFW Post 4353. This past year has been filled with both challenges and triumphs, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served our veterans and our community in this leadership role. While I am stepping away from the position, my heart remains with the mission of the VFW and the important work our Post continues to do for our veterans and within the community.
I want to sincerely thank everyone who stood behind me and supported our Post during this past year. Whether you volunteered your time, attended events, helped with fundraisers or simply encouraged us along the way, your efforts did not go unnoticed. Your commitment to veterans and community made a real difference.
It has been an honor to serve, and I remain proud of all we accomplished together. I look forward to continuing to support VFW Post 4353 in any way I can as it moves into its next chapter.
With gratitude and respect,
Sarah ‘SJ’ Yacko
Past Commander, VFW Post 4353
St. James City
Citizens of Florida losing their First Amendment rights?
To the editor:
Do you like being part of the nanny state? In recent years, the state government has taken away the ability of local governments to control their own futures. The state through last year’s sprawl law favored developers over Home Rule. The state has mandated what cannot be taught or even discussed in public schools, no local decisions allowed.
This year the target is the right to gather petitions to support proposed constitutional amendments. Last year despite spending tens of millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money fighting the abortion rights and legalization of marijuana amendments on the ballot both received over 50% approval but fell short of the required 60% to make them law. House Bill 1205 and Senate Bill 7016 are designed so if citizens desire to amend the constitution
Letters to the Editor
To the editor:
Several dedicated volunteers from FloridaRightToCleanWater.org enjoyed Easter Sunday at the Calusa Land Trust fundraiser in St. James City. They dedicated their time to gather much-needed petition signatures for the Florida Right to Clean Water statewide citizens initiative. It was a beautiful day and a fun event chock full of enthusiastic Pine Islanders who embraced the proposal to amend Florida’s Constitution to provide Floridians with an “enforceable, fundamental right to clean
it becomes all but impossible. Million-dollar bonds, background checks on those gathering petitions, fines, and jail time if a petition has incorrect information, even though those collecting the signatures have no way of validating the information.
The state does not want you to vote on any amendment they personally do not agree with. So much for the FREE state of Florida!
The state is counting on its citizens not to pay attention to what they do in Tallahassee. This is how democracy is lost. Please contact your state legislators and tell them not to take away your right to put amendments on the ballot. Please go to floridarighttocleanwater.org and sign the petition to put the right to clean water on the 2026 ballot.
Dan Carney Cape Coral
Right to petition almost gone
To the editor:
Very quietly our Florida legislators are destroying average citizens’ right to petition their government, a fundamental right that allows citizens to peacefully ask for their grievances and concerns to be heard. This is an essential right that allows citizens to participate in governmental change, legislators can be held accountable, and that all of this is done peacefully. Florida HB 1205 has al-
and healthy waters.” Just about every single eligible Florida voter in attendance was more than happy to sign the petition (and take blank petitions home to get more signed). Volunteers listened while longtime island residents fondly recalled days gone by when crystal clear waters were rich with life. Visit FloridaRightToCleanWater. org to download your personalized petition today to fight to restore our waters to their former glory.
June Hunter-Clarke Cape Coral
ready passed and SB7016 looks to be passed soon. The compromise bill that emerges will then go to Gov. DeSantis for his signature into law.
Members of the Florida Right to Clean Water have been trying desperately to get signatures for their petition to amend the state Constitution to make clean and healthy waters a fundamental right for every citizen. The changes to the petition process that are being pushed by our legislators will make it impossible for volunteer groups such as ours to participate in the petition process anymore. Only groups with lots of money will have even a chance. Now while you may not feel that supporting our amendment is important, though I can’t understand why clean water isn’t universally desired, there may come a time when an issue that you do think is important will occur. You may not be able to petition for that cause if this law takes effect. Please don’t allow a basic tenet that we have now be taken away from us and diminished.
Go to www.flgov.com to let Gov. DeSantis know you don’t support this change. And go to www.floridarighttocleanwater.org to sign your petition now before it is too late. Mary Tracy Sigman Fort Myers
PHOTO BY CLT PRESIDENT CHERYL KING
Collecting petition signatures at the CLT fundraiser are, from left, Jan Robertson and Sue Dahod, both Calusa Waterkeeper Rangers. Florida Right to Clean Water volunteers collect signatures on island
We are proud and honored to announce that the Island Luau, held on Sunday, March 2, at the St James City Civic Center, was a great success. The response from the Pine Island Community is always amazing, despite many events happening the same weekend.
The checks were given to Nancy Cote, director of The Beacon of Hope’s Senior Programs, and Cena Hamby, president of the St. James City Civic Association, Monday, April 14, at the Matlacha Hookers general meeting at the American Legion Post 136, in St. James City. Both are non-profit organizations dedicated to helping the needs of the Greater Pine Island community.
It takes a village to make this event a success, we want to express a big THANK YOU to all the volunteers who helped make this event run smoothly. Thank you to the more than 50 volunteers from our Matlacha Hookers who made this event a success.
Please mark your calendars for the 14th Annual Island Luau Event, which will be held again on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at the St. James City Civic Center.
We are also so thankful for the more than 140 Pine Island area businesses and families that donated items to the silent auction and money to offset the costs of running the event.
Here is the list of the sponsors, businesses, and individuals in alphabetical order: Angler’s Inn, Judy Batchelder, Beacon of Hope, Beauty Bar Salon, Bert’s Pine
Bay Gallery, Blue Dog Bar and Grill, Blue Day Spa, Blondie’s Coffee Co., Bo and Linda Bohacek, Bobber’s Bait & Tackle, Bokeelia Bag Company, Susan Bosworth, Tom and Joyce Boyer, Marie Cahill, Calusa Bug Spray, Cape Royal Golf Club, Chris Buntin, Chuck’s Auto Repair Service, Joe and Joanne Correia,
Cosita’s Bakery, Crafts and Sew Now, Cutting Ties, CW Fudge Factory, Donae DeJaco, Melissa Downs, Firestone Complete Auto Care, Fishin-Dips Kayak Fishing Guide,LLC, Florida Complete Realty, Florida Everblades, Get Perk’d, Juli Gilson, Gulf Coast Symphony, Gwen Pitts, Luan Haskins, Helping
Paws, Marian Horgan, Ilumigreen Corp, Imaginarium, Island Crab Marina, Island Exchange Realty, Jason’s Deli , JJ Taylor Distributors, Carol Johnson, JMC Landscaping, Jug Creek Seafood Restaurant, Christine Karow Salon, Sandy
PHOTO PROVIDED
The Luau Matlacha Hookers with Nancy Cote, director of The Beacon of Hope’s
5th grader Angel Guerrero Tovar with his Piggy Bank made with a large liquid container and water bottle caps.
2nd grader Naomi Alcantara De La Cruz with a repurposed Tide Pod container.
1st grader Silas White with his project made from an upcycled milk container.
1st grader Logan Barber with his honeycomb project modeled after an AR book on bees, created with cardboard, moss and pipe cleaners.
PIE students create upcycle objects from trash or recyclable materials for Earth Day
Young change-makers at Pine Island Elementary School celebrated Earth Day on April 22 by working at home with their families to create an upcycling project using trash or recyclable materials. When people “upcycle,” they take items found around their homes
The St. James City Civic Association has announced the following upcoming events and activities:
Thursday, May 1
n Ping Pong, 9-11 a.m. It’s a fun way to meet the neighbors and play ping pong
n Mahjongg, 1-4 p.m. This is a great place to learn to play mahjongg! Contact Carolyn at 239-233-7682.
n Cribbage, 6-8 p.m. All are welcome for weekly cribbage fun and competition. Contact John Hennessy at 908-8012034 for additional information.
n Change Your Luck BINGO 5:30-8 p.m. Every first Friday will be Bingo
that would otherwise be discarded after one use and create something that can be appreciated and treasured for longer.
Crafts and activities like these can have a positive impact on the planet and humans by decreasing waste and encouraging creativity.
Students in Kindergarten through 5th grade had the choice to bring in their creations and earn a trash grabber they can use in their neighborhoods to pick up trash safely.
PIE is at 5360 Ridgewood Drive Bokeelia. Visit https://pie.leeschools.net/.
SJCCA Update
Night! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and we start playing at 6 p.m. 10 games (3 Card Pack is $30 and 2 Card Pack is $16) Watch Facebook for news on prizes
Friday, May 2
n Shuffleboard, 9-11 a.m. All equipment provided. Beginners welcome.
Saturday, May 3
n Garage Sale, 8-11 a.m. Cool stuff added daily.
Tuesday, May 6
n Shuffleboard, 9-11 a.m.
n Ping Pong, 9-11 a.m.
n Golden Brush, 1-4 p.m. Don’t be
shy! Explore your artistic muse with SJCCA’S painting group. The Order of the Golden Brush, founded over 45 years ago by Gladys Stroud, provides a supportive atmosphere for individuals wishing to play with paints and pencils. Newcomers, current members, novices, and established artists are all welcome. Need more information? Please call Linda Selleck at 239-313-1212
n Dominoes, 6-8 p.m. Dominoes is a game that everyone can play: kids, adults, and even the old. It is that simple, and it does not matter a person’s skill type or level when it comes to gaming. Contact Vicki Janda 954.655.4252 for additional
information.
Wednesday, May 7
n PI Learners Nature Group, 1011:30 a.m. Fun activities for the island’s children hosted weekly
n Guided Meditation with Christine, 4:15-5:15 p.m. This 30-minute meditation class will be a guided meditation offering techniques to focus on the present moment with non-judgmental awareness.
All activities are held at St James City Civic Association, 3300 Fourth Ave., St James City. More details, contacts and ticket sales are available at SJCCAPI. ORG
2nd grader Payton Anderson with her Bird Cafe made out of a large liquid container.
PHOTOS PROVIDED
Earth Day Concert
From page 1
of their preserves and walking areas. Previous members were happy to continue to lend support, by purchasing shirts and hats, much to the joy of current CLT members, she said.
“It was also nice to get new members — some
younger members, which we are certainly in favor of,” Kendall said.
For additional information about the Calusa Land Trust and its efforts, please visit https://www.calusalandtrust.org/
‘Springtime
Delights - A Family Friendly High Tea’ to be held this Saturday at Fishers of Men Church
Fishers of Men Lutheran Church invites the public to a springtime Saturday of fellowship and refreshments at its Church High Tea. The event is a wonderful opportunity to connect, relax and enjoy each other’s company at the elegant high tea, filled with exquisite teas, delectable treats and mimosas.
In addition, a program is planned, fostering fellowship and community, with dance and special music..
Islanders and visitors are urged to take a break from their busy schedule and enjoy a relaxed and enjoyable afternoon at “Springtime Delights - A Family Friendly High Tea” this Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fishers of Men Lutheran Church is at 10360 Stringfellow Road, St. James City. Please call the church office at 239-283-1170 for reservations Wednesday or Thursday mornings, between 8 a.m. and noon.
Suggested donation is $15 per person.
Plein air painting
From 1
The reason for this, she said, is that the artist can then experience being present in the moment with their work and to have something to go home with after a couple of hours. The reason for declining to add an age limit is simply that Hartshorne said each parent will have to decide whether or not their child or children can handle the setting, although she admits this should not be perceived as a summer day camp or daycare-type setting, as all parents are required to stay for as long as their child is present.
“If an adult shows up and they want to paint and learn about history, that’s good, too. There are no rules — that’s why I like working with kids,” Hartshorne said.
For information about this plein air painting class, contact Karen at Giftshop@museumoftheislands.com
PHOTO BY CLT PRESIDENT CHERYL KING
The Calusa Land Trust tent at the recent Earth Day Concert at the St. James City Civic Association building.
Matlacha Hookers
Kerr, Key West Express, Kickstand’s Pub & Grub, Leoma Lovegrove, Live, Love, Laugh Salon, Lumiere Cosmetic Vein Center, Natalie’s Skin Solutions, Material Green, Matlacha Gallery and Gifts, Matlacha Menagerie, Matlacha Shirt Company, Matlacha Tropical Jewelry & Matlacha Hammock, Michael Mohnack, Monroe Canal Marina, Cheryl Neary, Ellen Neely, Beth Nelson, Off the Charts Island Resort, O’Reilly Auto, Onofrio De Oro Fine Jewelry Boutique, Outback SteakHouse, Paradise Deli, Perfect Cup, Phelan Brands, Fuzzy’s Boat Shack, Vicki Piatt, Pine Island Automotive Repair, Pine Island Boat Tours, Pine Island Pool Supply, Pine Island Family Hair, Publix, Randell Research Center, Christy and Brady Rau, Red Salon & Spa, John and Nancy Rogge, Larry Rogslund, Sacred Souls, Salon Alvarez, Salty Girls Island Cafe’, Salty Paws Dog Bakery, Saint James Automotive, Ship Shape Laundry,
Kelli Simpson Artist, Skin Room Downtown, Spots Ice Cream, Crepes, and Sauces, Elsie Stearns, Sweeney’s SOS, The Captain’s Pie Shoppe, The Eagles Nest, The Waterfront Restaurant, Torched Restaurant, Trader’s Hitching Post, Tropical Fruitscapes, Uniscapes Landscaping, Kristin Varaly, Vision Ace Hardware, Wildfly Charters, Yogaz, and YR Massage Therapy LLC
Huge thanks to CW Fudge for their numerous years of support and delicious desserts that always make our events so special, Mark Duprey for his fun Island Music, Dave Watson for helping us with the sound and to Randy Ross Caterers for an excellent lunch.
If you want to participate in our RECYCLE PROGRAM, please consider donating your silent auction basket to us for next year’s event. Drop it off at Traders Hitching Post in Matlacha.
The Matlacha Hookers is a 501(c)(3)
woman’s charitable non-profit organization. Our organization has over 200 members from Matlacha and the Greater Pine
Ila Valcarcel
Island area, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers and Fort Myers. For more information, see our website at www.matlachahookers.
From page 1
appointed a volunteer fire commissioner for the Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District for a time. She also served a full term on the board of directors for the Greater Pine Island Water Association.
Overall, she said, watching islanders, whether fundraising or simply driving their individual passions for artistic expression, business or their desire to help others, has been both an amazing and joyful part of her journey.
“I like to see the people of Pine Island in all their causes and try to help out where I can,” Valcarcel said.
When it comes to trying to explain Pine Island to a stranger, she said the unique qualities which make up the community and individual folks found here are al-
most indescribable.
“It’s one of the few, off the beaten paths in Florida that isn’t overly developed. Pine Island is also a place where you will always find a helping hand,” Valcarcel said.
She went on further to describe the island as a genuinely artsy place, fortunately lacking in pretense or deception. If she could have a granted wish for the island, she said, she would choose the rebuilding of Matlacha as it is basically the entryway to the rest of Pine Island, saying, due to both excessive and specific damage, Hurricane Ian feels as though it was the hurricane that came and never left.
“More than anything, I’ve learned that Pine Island happens to be a community where it becomes easy to give back and over time it becomes something you want to do more and more,” Valcarcel said.
Bridge Beat
Bridge is played at 12:30 p.m. every Wednesday at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, at 10360 Stringfellow Road, St. James City. Anyone wishing to play is welcome and does not need a partner. It costs $3 to play, some of which goes back to winners of the game. Come join us. Sharpen your brain!
The winners on April 23 were John Nyhus, first place; George Grosselfinger, second place; and Judy Nyhus, third place. To all our “winter” players who will soon be heading north - safe travels.
PHOTO PROVIDED
Co-Chairs Sandy Kerr, Linda Bohacek and Joanne Correia, with SJCCA President Cena Hamby and Vice President Irene Parker.
May fishing across Southwest Florida
May is a month with warm weather, calm seas and the potential for good fishing. The month brings a host of choices for anglers of all skill levels.
This is the time of year that gives anglers the best opportunity to hook into a tarpon, as they move into Southwest Florida waters by the thousands. Look for them a short distance off the beaches, around the Gulf Passes, bridges, plus throughout the inshore waters. Tarpons’ diet includes a variety of baits, however at times they will not eat anything you offer.
On the Water
Live baits, including crabs, Atlantic thread herring, pinfish and large shrimp, are top choices and cut bait fished on bottom, including mullet, ladyfish and catfish tails are tarpon favorites.
Sharks of all sizes roam the inshore waters, around the Gulf passes, and offshore around schooling baitfish and reefs. Large hammerhead and bull sharks follow tarpon schools awaiting their next meal. Spinner and blacktip sharks are almost identical in appearance, and both offer an incredibly hard fight, often with a great aerial show. If you are fishing an area and hooking ladyfish or mackerel, you can be assured sharks are nearby. A chunk of ladyfish is sure to get attention; use a minimum of a foot or two of wire leader to prevent cut-offs.
Spanish mackerel is an underrated fish that gives an excellent fight as they are super-fast and strong. If iced down as soon as they are caught and eaten fresh, they are very good on the table. Good numbers of schooling mackerel frequent areas just outside or inside the Gulf passes, around bridges and artificial reefs within sight of land. Either trolling or casting silver spoons with a fast retrieve is the top method for consistently hooking mackerel. A short trace of light wire leader reduces cut-offs from their razor-sharp teeth.
Mangrove snapper is one of our tastiest fish and at times the most abundant. As waters warm, snapper in the Gulf of Mexico move closer to shore, plus many relocate to our inshore waters. What snapper lack in size they make up for in tenacity and food value, plus they may be the easiest fish to target. Many anglers catch their fair share from land while targeting bridges, docks and piers. Live shrimp is the top bait; a small hook and light leader is necessary to fool their keen eyesight.
Good snook fishing continues through the month of May. Many are on the move, as they head to areas in and near the passes for their upcoming summer spawn. Snook can range in size from
While Spanish mackerel often do not get the attention of many of our popular gamefish, they are a great target if you want to catch a fast, hard-fighting fish that is also good on the table. Bob Smith of Matlacha, along with his son and grandson, caught mackerel mixed with seatrout in north Pine Island Sound fishing with Capt. Bill Russell.
little guys barely over a foot long to big girls over 40 inches. While snook will pounce on a variety of lures and baits, live oily baitfish, including scaled sardines or pilchards, Atlantic thread herring and grunts or pigfish, are the top baits. Expect the best snook bite on days with strong tides. Snook season is closed.
Seatrout are in good numbers across the inshore waters and along the beaches. Larger ones, often over 20 inches, are commonly caught by snook anglers fishing around island points and oyster bars, plus structure along the beaches. Grass flats with good tidal movement can hold high numbers of trout from small to large.
For a variety of fish, near-shore artificial reefs are a great place. You may hook into anything from smaller fish like snapper to huge man-size goliath grouper and everything in between. An assort-
ment of tackle from light to heavy, a variety of bait and an open mind is the key to taking advantage of what these areas offer on any given day. Reefs are a great place to experiment and try different things while keeping your eyes open for unexpected visitors. Permit and cobia are common over many of the reefs. While cobia eat about anything, neither species often pass on a small live crab. May will give us consistent days of great weather with blue skies and light wind. Our summer afternoon thunderstorm pattern will kick in with much needed rain, so always keep an eye on the sky to stay ahead of an approaching storm. Good weather and the potential for great fishing, what’s not to like about the month!
Stay up to date with fishing regulations by visiting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission at: www. myfwc.com. Also, upload the Fish Rules app on your phone. It has current regulations with pictures to help identify fish. If you turn on your GPS location the Fish Rules app updates to your location. In my opinion, it is more accurate and up to date than FWC’s website.
If you have a fishing report or for charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service -- call or text 239-410-8576; website at www.fishpine island. com; or email gcl2fish@ live.com
Have a safe week and good fishin’
As a lifetime resident of Matlacha and Pine Island, Capt. Bill Russell has spent his life fishing and learning the waters around Pine Island and Southwest Florida, and as a professional fishing guide for over 20 years.
Capt. Bill Russell
PHOTO PROVIDED
Cats of the Week
Ginny and Kiki
Do you like cats that talk? Kiki (right) would be happy to have a conversation with you. From the price of cat food to the legality of catnip, she has an opinion on everything. Her sister Ginny (left) really only likes asking what time dinner is. The girls are almost 2 years old and definitely have Siamese in them. Kiki is the social butterfly and Ginny is the shy until she gets to know you kitty. Both girls are sweet, affectionate and playful. Not to mention... it’s Adopt One Get One Free! Call Helping Paws Animal Sanctuary at 239-283-9100 for more information. If you’d rather just donate, our address is 10060 Mallory Pkwy E, Unit D, St. James City, F, 33956, or there’s always our website at www.helpingpawsanimalsanctuary.com
PHOTO PROVIDED
MCA to host Butterflies and a Band event Sunday
The Matlacha Civic Association invites the community to a free event, Butterflies and a Band, this Sunday May 4, at 4 p.m., in the RE/MAX parking lot, 4574 Pine Island Road, Matlacha.
The island artists hand-painted butterflies will be displayed while the crowdpleaser, Fractal Brothers, perform live. Islander Jessica Norman will sing “Love is like a Butterfly.”
The Island Angel Awards will be presented to outstanding community members for their leadership and support. This event will also be in remembrance of Marylou Sharp, who will forever be in our hearts. Ending the event, over 300 LED Butterflies will be illuminated.
Come and enjoy this fun-filled celebration for the entire family, and don’t forget to bring your chairs.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday for refurbished classroom at Beacon
The Red Cross recently provided funds to remodel and refurbish the classroom of the Beacon of Hope. This Thursday, May 1, staff is planning a ribbon-cutting for the classroom. It will be from 1-3 p.m. There will be graduates, students, teachers and other resource people who help with the GED and ESOL classes attending to answer questions about the programs. They all have a story to tell.
The public is invited to join the Beacon for this celebration of the new classroom. A music group that has been using the classroom since the Beacon opened will provide music for the event and finger foods and drinks will be provided.
The Beacon of Hope is at 5090 Doug Taylor Circle, Suite 3, St. James City. For more about the ribbon-cutting or the Beacon programs, call 239-283-5123.
Free breast healthcare May 14 at Beacon of Hope
Free breast healthcare will be available Wednesday, May 14, from noon to 4 p.m., at the Beacon Of Hope, at 5090 Doug Taylor Circle, St. James City.
To qualify for the healthcare, you must: have no health insurance; are a legal resident of Lee, Charlotte, Glades, Henry or Collier counties; and/or be at or below 400% of the federal poverty level — example $58,320 for one person $120,000 for a family of four.
Call 239–454–85833 to qualify, to schedule an appointment or for additional information.
Obituaries
Joseph “Joe” Vallee (1930
- 2025)
Joseph Gerhardt Vallee, aged 94, of St James City, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025 at Tidewell Hospice, Port Charlotte, Florida.
Born on December 20, 1930 in Chicago, IL, Joe developed a keen interest in airplanes and a passion for flying, obtaining his pilot’s license at age 17 and went on to enlist in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War where he served his country honorably. A general aviation pioneer and entrepreneur in the making, Joe earned his Commercial Pilots license at the ripe age of 25 and among his many early career accomplishments was the General Manager of Aviation Operations and Flight Instruction at Peter O. Knight airport in Tampa, Florida. While a private pilot he went onto a successful career as an international airline sales executive, founded and operated the first commercial air taxi charter and sightseeing service out of Meigs Field on the Chicago lakefront and was a founding member of IPATA, the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association. In retirement Joe was an active member and Commander of the American Legion, Pine Island Post 136 where he served on the Executive Board for many years.
Joe is survived by his three children, Mark (Ellen), Joe Jr (Marsha) and Cristine (Pat); cousin Robert Montgomery (Fiona), nieces Carrie Carpenter, Debra Waidanz (Tom) and nine grandchildren, Michael, Mark David, Victoria, Julie, Connie, James, Lindsey, Joshua, Pat Jr., ten great grandchildren and devoted friend of the family & caregiver (our boots on the ground), Gail Summers of St James City.
He was preceded in death by his life partner, Gail Bare; parents Joseph Francis and Bernadine Vallee (nee Schneider), beloved sister Maureen “Reenie” Bierut (Edward), and aunt Clara Montgomery (Robert Sr).
As a 34+ year resident of St James City, (Pine Island) Florida, Joe would often remark “you enter another world” after crossing the drawbridge in Matlacha from the mainland; Joe was not only a pilot but loved sailing, his Green Bay Packers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish football.
A family gathering to celebrate Joe’s life will be held later this year at a place and time to be determined. Donations in his honor may be made to American Legion Charities (Donate Now, https://mylegion.org), or alternatively in honor of Joe’s life, the family asks that you express gratitude to a caregiver or share a moment of kindness with someone in need and especially a veteran.
And about that commercial pilots license mysteriously sent in the mail with this note several years ago: “I haven’t any further use for this—keep it in the family archives. Take care of it, I worked my ass off to get it” -Pop
