OPINIONS
10700 Stringfellow Road, Ste. 60
Bokeelia, FL 33922
Phone: (239) 283-2022
Fax: (239) 283-0232
Web: pineisland-eagle.com
Publisher Raymond M. Eckenrode reckenrode@breezenewspapers.com
Executive Editor
Valarie Harring vharring@breezenewspapers.com
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Advertising Sales
Charlene Russ cruss@breezenewspapers.com
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Chris Strine cstrine@breezenewspapers.com
Obituaries Debbie Carletti obits@breezenewspapers.com
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Cape Coral, FL 33915
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The Eagle is published every Wednesday
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Letters to the editor must be typed or handprinted. Your name and phone number must be affixed to the copy.
In the event of an advertising error, we are responsible only for the first incorrect insertion of the ad itself. We are not responsible for any credit or reimbursement after 30 days from publication.
Postal Information: Bulk rate postage paid at Fort Myers, FL Postmaster. Send address changes to the Pine Island Eagle. Permit # 521.
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%
Current Web Poll Question:
Are you concerned that the new tariffs will increase costs too much here?
n Yes.
n No.
n Maybe.
n I have no opinion.
Share your opinion at pineisland-eagle.com
Food collected during Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive to benefit Pine Island Food Pantry Volunteers can help with postal carrier’s 31st
The Letter Carrier’s Food Drive is a remarkable effort by the United States Postal Service to raise nonperishable food items for local pantries to help feed the hungry across America. This year it will be happening her on the island on Saturday, May 10. It is the largest single day food drive in our country.
We are very proud that due to our volunteer efforts to help our postal carrier’s collect donations, all the food collected continues to stay on our island. Last year, the drive raised 1,657 pounds of food to benefit our fellow islanders. The drive has been steadily increasing donations since the impacts of Hurricane Ian. The year prior the storm we raised over 6,000 pounds, our goal is to get back to and surpass those numbers. We are certainly hoping for a better outcome this year. Please be on the lookout in your mailbox close to May 10 for a postcard with directions for your donations.
In order to achieve full coverage and assistance across the carrier routes for all Pine Island and Matlacha Post Offices, the Food Pantry is working with them and many other organizations on the island to recruit volunteers for that day. We plan to have volunteers going out in advance of the carrier’s Saturday morning between 8:30-9 a.m. to lighten their load. Volunteers will take the collected do-
Quality of water should be priority
To the editor:
My neighbors (and I) here in Cape Coral are currently very concerned about the water shortage and that we are limited in watering our lawns. But while we all should be concerned about these shortages we should also be very involved in our water QUALITY and be aware of the ways it is being impacted. Did you know:
n Eight hundred of Florida’s 1,000 springs are polluted.
n Nearly a million acres of estuaries and 9,000 miles of rivers and streams are contaminated with fecal bacteria.
n Blue-green algae blooms are common and can cause neurodegenerative diseases.
n Red tides have exploded in frequency, duration and intensity, costing local economies billions of dollars.
n No state has more acres of polluted lake water or has lost more acres of wetlands than Florida.
Please - Sign the citizen ballot initiative by the RTCW to strengthen and ENFORCE the
nations back to the Pine Island Food Pantry where it will be weighed and categorized by our volunteers there.
Island neighbors who would like to help by collecting food in their neighborhood or help sorting in the pantry that day should give Guy D’Alessio a call at 917-774-7397
Individual residents can also help by either dropping of nonperishable food items at their local St. James City, Bokeelia or Matlacha Post Offices or at one of the other Food Pantry locations, which include WinnDixie, V.F.W, American Legion, Moose or Centennial Bank, the week of May 6 or leave them near their mailboxes on the morning of May 10 before 8:30 a.m. for volunteer pick up. On Saturday May 10, people should not get alarmed if they do not see someone in an official postal vehicle picking up their donations. All volunteers will have a poster on their dashboard vehicle identifying them. Some letter carriers may also be picking up donations left at individual mailboxes on their route.
In terms of what’s needed, we can really use any type of food donation as long as it’s nonperishable. Think about what your family
Letters to the Editor
existing laws that provide clean and healthy water AND waterways to Florida citizens. https://www.floridarighttocleanwater.org
Contact your state and local elected officials to let them know you are against any law that discourages voters’ participation in government by restricting citizen ballot initiatives (this includes the RTCW.) The relevant elected officials for Southwest Florida can be reached at:
Senators: https://www.flsenate.gov/ Senators/Districts Representatives: https:// www.flhouse.gov/FindYourRepresentative Carrie Cremia Cape Coral
Protect our right to petition
To the editor:
Anyone who has lived in Southwest Florida is well aware how degraded our area’s waterways have become, and the groundwater resources we can’t see have been depleted to a point where lawn/yard watering has been restricted. The current drought further exacerbates these issues. A citizen ballot initiative
typically eats and then look for BOGO-type sales which might make it easier to donate the free item. A complete list of foods we distribute can be found on our website https:// pineislandfoodpantry.org/. Monetary donations can also be made online or by check, payable to the Pine Island Food Pantry.
We greatly appreciate the support of the community to help with both donations and collection of donations on Saturday, May 10. Pine Island is one of the few locations in Southwest Florida where donations stay within the local community and every little bit helps us help your neighbors. This is such an important event for us.
The Pine Island Food Pantry, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serves the Pine Island and the greater Matlacha area and is operated by an all-volunteer staff in the life Center of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church on Stringfellow Road in Bokeelia. The goal of the Pantry is to ensure “No one goes Hungry” on the island. Visit our website to learn more.
— Pine Island Food Pantry staff
that will address these problems for all of Florida, the Right To Clean Water (RTCW), is currently collecting signatures to appear on the 2026 voter ballot.
However, the bills (one in the Senate and one in the House) are quickly winding their way to a vote that would severely limit citizen ballot initiatives by requiring, among others, a $1 million bond and excessive private information (e.g., driver’s license number). If this bill is not blocked, it would effectively eliminate RTCW and many other citizen initiatives.
As a concerned Florida resident, what can you do about it?
Sign the citizen ballot initiative by the RTCW to dramatically strengthen (and actually enforce) the existing laws that provide clean and healthy water (e.g., aquifers, lakes rivers, springs, coastal waters and wetlands) to Florida citizens. https://www.floridarighttocleanwater.org
Contact your state and local elected officials to let them know you are against any law that discourages voters’ participation in government by restricting citizen ballot initiatives (this includes the RTCW). The relevant elected officials for SW Florida can be reached here:
Senators — https://www.flsenate.gov/ Senators/Districts
Senate bill — https://www.flsenate.gov/ Session/Bill/2025/07016
Representatives — https://www.flhouse. gov/FindYourRepresentative House bill - https://www.flsenate.gov/ Session/Bill/2025/1205
Dave Bortell North Fort Myers
24th Annual Pine Island Fishing Tournament & Derby May 18 Guest Column
In the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the 24th Annual Pine Island Fishing Tournament & Derby, originally scheduled for Nov. 3, 2024, has been rescheduled to Sunday, May 18, and will now be held at Jug Creek Marina.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of two beloved Pine Island landmarks: Captain Con’s and the Bokeelia Pier. These icons of our community were more than just buildings—they were part of our story, our memories and our hearts. As a tribute, the Captain Con’s and Bokeelia Pier logos will remain on the 2025 derby shirts as a thank you for everything they gave to our island and its people.
While we continue to heal, the Matlacha Hookers remain unwavering in our mission. We are proud to host the rescheduled 24th Annual Pine Island Fishing Tournament & Derby, carrying on a legacy of giving back to the community we love.
Founded in 1998 by 21 women who came together to “Make a Positive Difference in Our Community,” the Matlacha Hookers have grown to nearly 200 active members dedicated to supporting Pine Island Elementary School. Thanks to community generosity, we’ve raised more than $220,000 through this tournament alone.
Those funds have helped create the school’s first STEM/STEAM lab, and provided scholarships to high
school seniors and adults pursuing higher education— whether in college or trade school. Principal Dr. Michael Galbreath has praised the Matlacha Hookers for making possible countless opportunities for teachers and students alike.
Event Details
The tournament features two exciting types of fishing:
n The Kids’ Derby: Open to elementary-aged children, who fish by land with help from parents and volunteers. Each child receives a brand-new rod and reel to keep, plenty of bait, and a shot at trophies in multiple categories. Last year, more than 100 children participated!
n Catch-Photo-Release (C.P.R.) Tournament: Open to boat and kayak anglers. Fishing begins at 6 a.m., with final entries due by 2 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the longest snook, redfish, trout and the “slam” (combined length of all three species).
It’s more than just fishing! The entire community is invited to this free, family-friendly event, open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring:
n Live music from local musicians
n Delicious lunch offerings
n Beverages for kids and adults
n Silent auctions
n Booze Wagon raffle
n Hook-a-Basket & 50/50 raffles
n And tons of fun for all ages!
How to Register
n Visit our Facebook event page: 24th Annual Pine Island Elementary Fishing Tournament & Derby
n Go to our website: www.matlachahookers.org
Anglers can also register on the iAngler website or app by scanning the event QR code.
Want to Help?
Interested in donating an auction item or sponsoring a child to fish? Learn more at www.matlachahookers.org.
For more information, contact Kelly LaMagna at kellylamagna@icloud.com or 239-841-4376.
We are endlessly grateful to the residents, businesses, anglers, and supporters who continue to lift us up—especially during times like these. Thank you for standing with us through the storm. We’ll see you May 18, 2025, at Jug Creek Marina.
— Matlacha
Lee County Solid Waste adjusts seasonal collection schedule
Residents of unincorporated Lee County, the Town of Fort Myers Beach, Village of Estero and city of Bonita Springs are asked to set their trash, recycling and yard waste to the curb by 5:30 a.m. The new hours began Thursday, May 1.
This is one hour earlier than the typical set-out time of 6:30 a.m. The seasonal change is to help the contracted haulers’ drivers complete routes earlier in the day as summer’s heat arrives.
This annual seasonal adjustment does not impact the day of the week residents have their materials collected;
that remains the same.
Unincorporated areas affected by the change include:
n Captiva
n Pine Island
n Matlacha
n North Fort Myers
n Fort Myers Shores
n Alva
n Lehigh Acres
n south Fort Myers
n Iona
To learn more about what to set out at the curb and proper disposal methods, visit Lee County Solid Waste at www.leegov.com/solidwaste. To recall what your collection day is, visit www.leegov.com and input your address into the “Resident Information Lookup” on the home page.
Receive updates from Lee County Government by signing up for the newsletter here: www.leegov.com/ resources/newsletters.
You can also follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.
Hookers
When seconds count, whole blood saves lives
The Lee Health Trauma Center sees nearly 5,000 patients every year, and every patient that paramedics rush into the trauma center needs immediate attention.
Earlier this year, the Lee Health Trauma Center began an initiative that is saving lives – it’s called whole blood. By adding whole blood instead of the standard blood components, like individually transfusing red blood cells, clotting factors, and platelets, it makes the trauma center more efficient when caring for the critically bleeding patient.
Lee Health is the first health system in the Southwest Florida region to implement plans utilizing whole blood for trauma care. Whole blood streamlines the transfusion process, making treatment faster and more efficient, and the blood is from a single donation. These factors are important in a trauma center, where time is critical for the bleeding patient.
As the only state-approved Level II trauma center between Sarasota and Miami, Lee Health treats everyone in a five-county region with highly trained healthcare professionals surrounding a critically bleeding trauma patient and the experts to back up the most niche injury needs. The cutting-edge resources and technology have provided expert emergency care for more than 30 years to the
region. The trauma center currently averages around 400 patients each month. That makes the center one of the busiest centers in the state.
What is Whole Blood?
Whole blood is what flows through our veins. It contains red cells, clotting factors, and platelets. It can be transfused into a single patient or separated into its specific components, helping multiple patients from one donation. Whole blood is what you see as it comes out of your veins at the donation centers. It’s also what comes out of a critically bleeding trauma patient.
Dr. Joseph Lewis Guest Column
That very thought you are having now is what makes whole blood the best treatment for a bleeding patient. We don’t bleed individual components like red blood cells, clotting factors, or platelets. It’s all mixed together in the life-sustaining Kool-Aid called blood!
Whole blood was used during World War II to treat battlefield injuries. Over time, the technology to separate compo-
nents and advances in storage led to the widespread use of single blood components (red cells, plasma, etc.) tailored to the patient’s specific needs.
What are the Benefits of Whole Blood vs. Component Blood?
According to the Mayo Clinic, about 15% to 20% of trauma patients receive transfusions, and 3% receive massive transfusions.
Since whole blood only requires one transfusion, it decreases exposure for critical patients, such as pediatric, transplant and oncology patients.
For patients with severe bleeding, whole blood has been shown to improve survival rates and simplify the transfusion process. Additionally, using whole blood early in the field before patients arrive at the trauma center has also been shown to increase survivability. Since late 2024, Lee County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams have been trained and equipped to administer whole blood transfusions to trauma patients who are
hemorrhaging before they are transported to the hospital. This was made possible in partnership with Lee Health.
How Does a Trauma Center Use Whole Blood?
Some of the main reasons a trauma center uses blood products or whole blood are to stabilize the bleeding patient while surgeons work to stop the site of bleeding. The trauma center at Gulf Coast Medical Center serves only the most complex and life-threatening cases, with more than 90% involving blunt trauma from falls, motor vehicle accidents, and motorcycle crashes.
Treatment administered during the first hour following severe injury can mean the difference between life and death. This includes whether the patient requires blood products like whole blood.
If you’re interested in donating blood, all blood donated to the Lee Health Blood Center helps patients within the health system. For more information, contact the Lee Health Blood Center at 239-3432333.
To learn more about Lee Health’s trauma services, please visit www.leehealth.org.
Dr. Joseph Lewis is a Lee Health trauma surgeon.
Greater Pine Island Elks to help kids attend summer camp
The Greater Pine Island Elks are committed to providing unforgettable summer adventures for the children of the island! Join us in sending them to camp for an experience they will cherish for a lifetime!
The Florida Elks Youth Camp is dedicated to enriching the lives of children from across the state of Florida. The camp staff ensures a safe environment that promotes each camper’s mental, physical
and social growth. Located on 405 acres of rolling hills, forests, lakes and open spaces in Marion County, the Florida Elks Youth Camp is a project of the Florida State Elks Association. The Elks are proud to have the camp accredited by the American Camping Association, with recertification every three years to guarantee compliance and a safe camping environment for children.
The camp maintains a ratio of one counselor and one counselor-in-training for every seven campers. Since opening its doors in 1991, the camp has welcomed children from all over Florida and has played a significant role in their development. It provides numerous opportunities that were previously unavailable to them. Campers can enhance their team-building skills, access state-of-the-art recreational equipment, and enjoy a caring, social environment where the well-being of the children is always the top priority.
The Florida Elks Association provides summer camp opportunities for all chil-
dren in Florida, as well as the children and grandchildren of Elks members, at an affordable cost for one or two weeks. The Elks also welcome those who are unable to pay. In addition to summer sessions, the camp is utilized year-round by various organizations that focus on enriching the lives of children, particularly those who are underprivileged or have disabilities. The camp has become one of the finest in the country and is a source of pride for the Florida Elks. It is a popular destination for young people in Florida, with thousands visiting each year. If you have a child or grandchild aged 9 to 13 and want them to experience a lifetime adventure at the Florida Elks Youth Camp in Umatilla, Florida, please contact the Greater Pine Island Elks Lodge 2781 for more information or to inquire about a campership scholarship. You can reach them at 425-346-7226 or via email at pineislandelks@gmail.com. To take a tour of the camp, visit https://floridaelks.org/ camp.
SJCCA Update
The St. James City Civic Association has announced the following upcoming events and activities:
Thursday, May 8
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 Terry at 239-233-2766.
Friday, May 9
n Shuffleboard, 9-11 a.m. All equipment provided. Beginners welcome.
Saturday, May 10
n Garage Sale, 8-11 a.m. Cool stuff added daily.
Tuesday, May 13
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 14
n PI Learners Nature Group, 10-11:30 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., at the corner of Lemon Street, St James City. More details, contacts and ticket sales about the SJCCA are available at SJCCAPI.ORG
PINE ISLAND TIDE CHART MAY 2025
at the
of
Word of Life Camp
The church typically takes a few van loads of kids and their things, she explained for a ride that is roughly 3 hours long. If you are interested in sending a kid to Word Of Life this summer, please call, Team Leader, Jody Link, (612)805—
From page 1
0543, or the church at 239-283-1737. The email address is fbcopi@gmail.com. You can ask to talk to Pastor Jim Olsen or his wife, Chris Olsen.
First Baptist Church of Pine Island is at 5363 Avenue D, Bokeelia.
PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JODY LINK
Action
Word
Life Camp in Hudson, Florida.
Matlacha Hookers Blood Drive Saturday at Winn-Dixie
The Matlacha Hookers is hosting its quarterly Blood Drive Saturday, May 10, at Winn-Dixie, 9864 Stringfellow Road in St. James City, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Look for the Big Red Bus.
As a thank you for donations, donors will receive a $20 eGift Card and a T-shirt. All donors receive a wellness check that includes blood pressure, tem-
perature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening.
Space is limited and donors are encouraged to schedule appointments online. Please visit www.oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code #10492. For more information about the Hookers blood drive, please contact DJ at 239-910-3829.
Fishers of Men Lutheran Church to host one-day Vacation Bible School June 7
Fishers of Men Lutheran Church is offering Vacation Bible School on one Saturday morning, June 7, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. VBS 2025 is for youngsters 3 years old to 5th graders. This year’s session is from Galatians 5:22-23, “The Fruit of the Spirit.”
This year we are offering a class for students with special needs up to high school age.
To register, please call Eileen Hafer, the director of the church’s VBS, at 239246-7625 or register on the church WEB site at fomlutheran.com,
Fishers of Men Lutheran Church is located at 10360 Stringfellow Road, St. James City. Contact the church at 239283-1170.
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.
Cats of the Week
Ginny and Kiki
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!
Winners on April 30 were Kathy Brown, first place; Barb Carrier, second place; and Mary Tobias, third place.
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
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