Celebrating Pine Islanders; Trygve Anderson
By PAULETTE LEBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
Pine Island Experience podcast host and caretaker, Trygve Anderson describes himself as someone who has a deep desire to help people.
After having been here for approximately a decade, he said he and his wife Joanna had been all over the country, living in places such as Wisconsin, Indiana, California, Illinois and Pennsylvania as well as other parts of Florida. After various trips to Southwest Florida, he said it
occurred to them that they should just buy something. Since she had been a fan of author Randy Wayne White, they settled on buying a place nearby.
“We stopped for a bite to eat at Low Key Tiki and we were sitting next to a retired surgeon who told us how fabulous the island was. That started our search and eventually we bought property,” Anderson said.
20 years of dedication: Chris Leverrett recongnized for service to GPIWA.
The knowledge that Pine Island was home came on fairly quickly, for the couple, he said, emphasizing that the small-
town feeling offered by Pine Island, where neighbors help neighbors had undoubtedly won them over.
“I saw that this area still had a Fourth of July parade,” Anderson said.
Something the couple is sure to do to help fellow islanders, is to offer free marketing on their Pine Island Experience, podcast, as they see advertising and marketing as an important investment, but not one that is easily afforded by everyone.
See ANDERSON, page 9 VOLUME 49, NUMBER 22
Greater
AIsland Chamber of Commerce
By PAULETTE LEBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
ccording to Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce board member Cynthia Welch, the GPICC is proud to announce that they are hosting the fifth annual wall art auction fundraiser, at Tarpon Lodge, with proceeds benefitting Island Businesses and the Calusa Land Trust.
Thanks to 23 local businesses that sponsored a blank template of a pelican and then organized a local artist to adorn them into fabulous works of art. Check out the website for a preview of the Pelicans. www. PineIslandChamber.org.
The live auction will take place on Oct. 12, from 4 to 7 p.m, she said.
“The event will be held at the Tarpon Lodge, in the shade at Island House,” Welch said. “This lovely outdoor setting will set the tone for a wonderful fun casual time. The bar will be open and a lighter fare menu offered if you would like. Bob Mueller will be entertaining us with his fabulous island blend music. Starting at 4pm there will be time to see and enjoy the 23 Pelican on display. Make sure you arrive early, as thanks to
First Baptist Church of Pine Island making a difference with Gospel Outreach
By PAULETTE LEBLANC pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com
First Baptist Church of Pine Island, team leader Jody Link reports that the Honduras trip made this past July went very well indeed.
“Nineteen members of the local First Baptist church of Pine Island had the opportunity to impact children and families in the mountain town of San Matias, outside of the capital city of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Rancho Ebenezer is a mountain side ranch operated by World Gospel Outreach that takes in abandoned children from the capital city. These children are given a bilingual education, and skills to allow them to leave the ranch as adults and be
See FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, page 12
PHOTO PROVIDED
Trygve Anderson. PHOTO
Celebrating 20 years of dedication: Chris Leverrett’s journey at GPIWA
The Greater Pine Island Water Association recognizes and celebrates a remarkable milestone: Chris Leverrett, our distribution manager, is marking 20 years of dedicated service to the organization and the Pine Island community.
Chris’s story is deeply rooted in Pine Island. A lifelong resident, he attended Pine Island Elementary and continued on to Pine Island Middle School, back when the island still had its own middle school. His connection to the community has always been strong, and that local pride has carried through every step of his career.
Chris joined GPIWA in 2005 as a distribution technician, working in the field to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of potable drinking water to our members. From day one, he brought a strong work ethic, a deep understanding of the island’s infrastructure, and a genuine commitment to public service.
Over the years, Chris rose through the ranks, earning the respect of his peers and supervisors alike. Today, as distribution manager, he oversees the distribution system, ensuring that GPIWA continues to meet the highest standards of water quality and service reliability.
“His knowledge of our infrastructure, his dedication to the community, and his ability to lead by example have had a lasting impact on our team and the people we serve.” said General Manager Mikes Maillakakisin a prepared statement.
Chris’s 20-year journey is a testament to the power of hard work, loyalty, and a passion for public service. As GPIWA continues to grow and evolve, we are grateful to have leaders like Chris who embody our mission and values every day.
Please join us in congratulating Chris Leverrett on this incredible milestone and thanking him for two decades of outstanding service to the Greater Pine Island Water Association.
Chris Leverrett oversees the distribution system, ensuring that GPIWA continues to meet the highest standards of water quality and service reliability.
Get involved in supporting our students and teachers
I’m reaching out from Pine Island Elementary PTO to share ways local businesses can get involved in supporting our students and teachers this year.
Here are some opportunities to partner with us: Gift a Check Donation – Fund classroom supplies, events, and enrichment programs.
Donate Goods or Services – From bottled water to holiday lighting, or silent auction items.
Campus Improvements –
Share your trade or services to help beautify the school. Sponsor PTO Events – Fun Run shirts, staff appreciation, student giveaways, and more.
Yearbook Sponsorship – Promote your business in a keepsake students treasure.
Be the Change Drive (Oct–Nov) – Collect change at your location to inspire kindness.
To coordinate a donation or sponsorship, please email Rachael White at PTOatPIE@Gmail.com
Thank you for supporting our school! — Priscilla at PIE PTO
Bridge Beat
Bridge is played at 12:30 pm every Wednesday at the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, 10360 Stringfellow Rd., 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 the winners of the game.
Winners Oct. 1: Karen McWright,
first place; Mary Ann Kuhn, second place; Barb Carrier, third place. From last week– Winners Sept. 24: Mary Ann Kuhn, first place; Mary Tobias, second place. It was Mary Ann’s day. Not only did she win but the group also helped her celebrate her 99th birthday with cake and a card. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mary Ann.
PHOTO PROVIDED
OPINIONS
10700 Stringfellow Road, Ste. 60 Bokeelia, FL 33922
Phone: (239) 283-2022
Fax: (239) 283-0232
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Obituaries
Debbie Carletti obits@breezenewspapers.com
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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:
Are you concerned about short-term rentals in Matlacha or on Pine Island?
n Yes. 46%
n No. 37%
n Not yet. 12%
n I have no opinion on it. 5%
Current Web Poll Question:
Do you anticipate a busy “snowbird season” on the islands?
n Yes.
n No.
n I really don’t know n I have no opinion.
Great reasons to go all in on clean energy
Sept. 21 was designated as “Sun Day,” a day where solar advocates around the country gathered to promote “the clean energy revolution.”
For the majority of Americans who are concerned about the impacts of climate change, solar and other forms of renewable energy hold significant promise. They can help to shift the ways we power our homes and economy to become more sustainable. That’s important for those of us who are seeing those impacts increasingly threaten our homes and property through stronger storms, flooding, sea level rise, dangerous heat days, longer fire seasons, health risks from particulate matter pollution and microplastics, et cetera.
Web: pineisland-eagle.com The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the Editor or guest columns may be mailed to: Pine Island Eagle, 10700 Stringfellow Road, Ste. 60, Bokeelia, FL 33922; e-mailed to pineisland@ breezenewspapers.com; posted to our Virtual Newsroom at www.breezenewspapers.com or faxed to 283-0232. All letters and guest columns must be signed and must contain a phone number for verification purposes. You also can comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: pineisland-eagle.com
Share your opinion at pineisland-eagle.com
But even for those who believe the science about climate change’s impacts is overstated, there are good reasons to be excited about the advances in renewable energy technologies. Over the past decade, the cost of clean energy has plummeted. Today, the cheapest forms of electricity going onto the grid are solar, wind and batteries. These renewable energy technologies are less expensive than natural gas and far less expensive than coal and nuclear.
In Lazard’s 2025 Levelized Cost of Energy report, a widely-cited, annual analysis that provides insights into the cost competitiveness of various energy generation technologies, it was found that:
“Despite headwinds and macroeconomic challenges, renewables remain the most cost-competitive form of new-build generation on an unsubsidized basis (i.e., without tax subsidies). As such, renewable energy
Tariffs are negatively affecting our food supply
To the editor:
will continue to play a key role in the buildout of new power generation in the U.S. This is particularly true in the current high power demand environment, where renewables stand out as both the lowest-cost and quickest-to-deploy generation resource.”
In addition to being cheaper, investments in renewable energy technologies generate three times more jobs than those targeting fossil fuels. It is no surprise that those favorable economics are driving a renaissance in clean energy development. According to an analysis of data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (USEIA), 93% of all new electricity coming onto the grid in 2024 was from solar, wind and batteries. And, despite our government’s irrational opposition, that trend is expected to continue through 2030 based on the projects that developers have planned to complete in that time.
Solar, wind and batteries also have the advantage of not adding to the costs associated with climate change. According to data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), extreme weather costs in the United States exceeded $1.2 trillion in just the 10 years from 2015-24 in inflation adjusted dollars. Further, an analysis from the re-insurance company, Swiss Re, shows that price tag could rise to $38 trillion dollars annually on a global basis in the next 30 years if no mitigating action is taken. That equates to 18% of the projected global gross domestic product (GDP).
You might ask, why is our government
Letters to the Editor
Who will step in to fill the roles of the migrant workers, who harvest our crops and help distribute our food? Farmers are grappling with soaring expenses and decline in customers — many of whom have vanished due to tariffs. These tariffs have not only affected exports but also sparked trade conflicts and disrupted global markets. Consequently, many farmers have found themselves relying on government aid and subsidies to keep their operations afloat.
In recent years, grain prices have been on a decline, with soybeans — a cornerstone of midwest farming — losing 34% of the value on the global market. Farm income is also waning following a peak before the pandemic. It is crucial to stand by our farmers, support local businesses and prioritize our health and wellbeing.
Recent budget cuts have significantly undermined scientific research, staffing and sustainability efforts, posing a direct threat to our nation’s food security. As a healthcare pro-
We Want Your Opinion
attacking renewable energy subsidies and boosting subsidies for fossil fuels? Based on the economic data and the science behind climate change, you would think that a conservative administration that is looking to save money for the American people would be doing the opposite. As an electorate, we should be pointing that out.
For those of us living on a barrier island, solar and battery back-up also have tremendous resilience advantages. After Hurricane Ian left us without power for six weeks in 2022, we added battery back up to our rooftop solar. During the four-day power outage following Hurricane Milton last summer and the many shorter outages since, we have enjoyed full power, including A/C to protect against mold damage. We also power our electric vehicle from our rooftop solar, saving money and emissions. With solar and batteries, we don’t have to be concerned about accessing fuel for a generator to power our home, which is a comfort considering the damage to the Sanibel causeway and to many propane tanks during Ian.
In a community survey conducted last spring by the coalition group, SanCap Resilience, nearly two-thirds of Sanibel and Captiva respondents stated they would like to see the islands become a model of sustainability with respect to mitigating the future impacts of climate change. On the heels of this “Sun Day,” there are great reasons for this community to go all in on solar and other forms of clean energy.
Bob Moore is chair of the Steering Committee for SanCap Resilience. Its mission is to lead a community-based initiative to build resilience and protect the vibrancy of the sanctuary islands.
fessional, I am acutely aware of repercussions: Consumers face the risk of unsafe food, farmers contend with troubling pests that harm their livelihood, climate change looms large. The current landscape is troubling, and I find myself worried about how to safeguard my family simply being a consumer in Lee County.
Kathleen Callard,RNBS North Fort Myers
Agree? Disagree? Weigh in! Letters, guest opinions, comments welcome
The views expressed on the Opinions pages are just that — opinions. These pages are intended to convey a range of viewpoints; opinions printed on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of this newspaper. Opposing views are welcome. Letters to the editor or guest columns may be e-mailed to trepecki@ breezenewspapers.com. All letters and guest opinions must be signed and must include a phone number for verification purposes. Readers are also invited to comment on any letter or editorial opinion online at: pineisland-eagle.com.
Bob Moore Guest Commentary
2025 Pine Island FISH Basket Brigade effort under way
FISH is excited to announce that the 2025 Pine Island FISH Basket Brigade is underway, and we are gearing up to bring holiday joy to families in need within our community.
Over the years, our program has grown significantly, thanks to the incredible support and generosity of individuals like you. In 2024, we proudly served 85 families and over 200 children. This growth reflects the compassionate spirit of our community, and we are grateful for your continued support.
Requests or referrals for Pine Island and Matlacha residents who could benefit from this program should be submitted to P.I. Fish at 239 283-4442 or our web site, pineislandfish.org or for Spanish, text Carolyn at 707-291-0310 no later than Oct. 31. This allows us the necessary time for any shopping, wrapping, sorting, and assignment of gifts.
A notice will be sent home with all the P.I.E. children on or about Oct. 8, for their parents to fill out and return to the P.I.E. office by Oct. 31.
This year, we are returning to the Angel Tree model, where adopters can select a child’s “ornament gift wish” from trees placed throughout Greater Pine Island. Adopters will then shop, wrap, and return gifts to the P.I. Fire Department, Station # 1, at the center.
We are also excited to inform you that this year’s distribution location has returned to the P.I. United Methodist Church, located at 5701 Pine Island Rd., Bokeelia 33922 . The distribution will take place on Saturday, December 13th, from 9 a.m. until 1:00 pm.
To ensure that we provide meaningful gifts to the children, we kindly request that parents provide suggestions regarding the types of gifts their children would enjoy (please note, we cannot accommodate electronic requests due to budgetary limitations).
If a parent cannot pick up their package on the
distribution day, a written letter needs to be submitted with the adult who is picking up, along with a copy of the parent’s ID. All packages MUST be picked up on Dec. 13.
For those who wish to contribute to the brigade, you can send donations to Pine Island FISH, P.O. Box 357, Matlacha, FL 33993, with “Brigade” written in the memo line. Donations can also be made online at pineislandfish.org.
If you would like to learn more about our organization or have specific questions about the Basket Brigade, please visit our website at www.pineislandfish.org or call 239 283-4442.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to making the holiday season brighter for those in need. Together, we can make a difference in our community.
Pine Island FISH (Fellow Islanders Sending Help), is a 501c3 nonprofit and all-volunteer association of neighbors organized to help those living in the Matlacha and Pine Island Communities. Pine Island FISH offers the following services: Non-emergency transportation to medical facilities, grocery stores, pharmacy, bank, etc. to those with no access to transportation; mobility equipment lending: wheelchairs, walkers, etc., assistance with special needs: emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, medical costs, etc., respite information for family caregivers and a list of providers that serve our island communities, and is the lead agency in the Pine Island “Basket Brigade” programs. There is no charge for FISH services, however, equipment and monetary donations are welcome. For more information about the organization, visit the website at www.pineislandfish.org.
— Pine Island FISH
Adopt A Cowboy program visits PIE
The UF/IFAS Extension Adopt a Cowboy program is an educational effort aimed to increase the knowledge and understanding of fourth grade public, private, and homeschool students in Florida about the significance of Florida’s beef cattle industry in shaping our state’s history, environment, and food supply.
The program involves engaging educational experiences that promote knowledge, appreciation of heritage, and environmental stewardship. By connecting students with Florida’s past, fostering understanding of sustainable practices, and highlighting the industry’s role in our food chain, students will be better able to contribute to a more sustainable, culturally enriched, and food-secure Florida.
The Adopt a Cowboy Program came to Pine Island Elementary for our fourth grade classes. The Florida Cattlemen’s Association and Cowboy Heith Crum along with his wife Lindsey Crum and their horse Bullfrog took our fourth grade students on a journey through time to explain how cattle, cowhunters and conservation helped shape Florida.
For more information on the program, please visit: https://adoptacowboy.org/ and https://www.floridacattlemen.org/
PHOTO PROVIDED
Calusa Land Trust
Work/Fun Party at St. James Creek
Preserve set for Oct. 11
Kicking off the new season will be this month’s Calusa Land Trust work/fun party to be held Saturday, Octo. 11, at the St. James Creek Preserve (meet at the tiki huts at 9 a.m). This preserve is located in the St. Jude Harbor subdivision (entrance to which is just south of the American Legion in St. James City) and includes the St. Jude Nature Trail with its Norm Gowan and Smith/Dewane Vistas, the Ward Memorial Bridge all within a 420-acre preserve straddling St. James Creek. Although hurricane recovery has essentially been completed, work is needed against invasive plants along the trail. Keith Sprague of Gerard’s Tree Service has been instrumental in the placement of security coral rocks from Premiere Growers of Pine Island; and thanks to the skill and efforts of the Williamson Brothers the reconstruction of the boardwalk/overlook deck has been completed. Repairs to and the re-thatching of the three tiki huts has also been accomplished. Your fiscal donations help subsidize this kind of major expense needed to maintain its preserves damaged by nature’s forces.
As an all-volunteer land conservancy, the Calusa Land Trust relies upon work/fun parties to accomplish its stewardship mission on its 2400+ acres of preserved lands. It is recommended that volunteers provide themselves with work gloves/clothing, pruning tools, chain saws and a happy spirit. CLT will reward participants with cold beverages, a pizza lunch and warm feelings of accomplishment.
For more information one may contact John Kendall at 239-283-8175 or john@calusalandtrust.
Pine Island Water seeking Nominating Committee members
The Greater Pine Island Water Association (GPIWA) is looking for members to serve on its Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee will help identify candidates for the upcoming GPIWA Board of Directors Election, assist in preparing the election ballot, and participate in ballot counting. If you are interested, please email your name, address, and cell phone number to csm@ pineislandwater.com.
The Greater Pine Island Elks #2781 recognizes Red Ribbon Week
Each year, on Oct. 23-31, individuals, schools, and communities across the United States show their commitment to a healthy, drug-free lifestyle by wearing or displaying the red ribbon. Red Ribbon Week raises awareness of drug use and the problems related to drugs faced by individuals, families, and communities. This annual health observance encourages parents, educators, business owners, and other community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles.
Red Ribbon Week started more than three decades ago, following the death of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration who was killed by drug traffickers. Shortly after Special Agent Camarena’s death, citizens from his hometown of Calexico, California, began wearing red ribbons to remember him and commemorate his sacrifice.
The first official Red Ribbon Week celebration
was created by the National Family Partnership in 1988. NFP continues to coordinate the campaign for families, schools, and communities across the nation each year. Since then, the red ribbon has symbolized a continuing commitment to reducing the demand for illicit drugs in our nation’s communities.
Red Ribbon Week offers a great opportunity for parents, teachers, educators, and community organizations to raise awareness of the problem of drug misuse. DEA has created materials to help your school and community participate in Red Ribbon Week. The online toolkit includes a variety of helpful resources, including downloadable graphics, a fact card and student and parent pledges, and ways to promote Red Ribbon Week in your school or community.
For more information, go to www.dea.gov/redribbon.
Beacon of HOPE activities for October
October at the Center of Excellence: A Month of Connection, Care & Community.
The Beacon of Hope’s Center of Excellence is buzzing with activity this October! We’re thrilled to welcome several partner agencies from the mainland to Pine Island, bringing valuable resources, services, and support directly to our community.
Monday, Oct. 6 at 1 p.m.
Medicare Open Enrollment
Q&A with Area Agency on Aging
Have questions about this year’s Medicare Open Enrollment? Experts from the Area Agency on Aging will be onsite to provide answers and guidance. Stop by and get the clarity you need.
Wednesday, Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon Free Blood Pressure Screening by Lee Health
Take a moment for your heart health. Lee Health professionals will
offer complimentary blood pressure checks and share information about their wellness resources.
Monday, Oct. 13 at 1 p.m.
Dementia Respite Café with Kathy Schwarzhoff
This special event welcomes caregivers and their loved ones living with dementia. Enjoy a meaningful and engaging activity designed to support connection and care.
Friday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to noon
United Healthcare Medicare Overview with Todd VanOyen
Learn about the latest Medicare plans available through United Healthcare. Todd VanOyen, our local Medicare Options Specialist, will walk you through your choices.
Monday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Darkness to Light Training by Children’s Advocacy Center
This essential 3-hour training
helps adults understand how to prevent childhood sexual abuse. Ideal for anyone working with children and families.
Registration required — contact Alexandria Loren at 239-278-1890 or email ALOREN@CAC-SWFL. ORG to reserve your spot.
Ongoing Services & Classes
∫ Samaritan Health & Wellness: Providing medical care at the Center every other Wednesday. Call 239360-7520 to book your appointment.
∫ Monday Night Music Experience: Join us at 6:00 PM for a joyful evening of music and connection.
∫ GED & ESOL Classes: Held every Tuesday and Thursday. For details, follow us on Facebook or email COE@beaconofhopepineisland.com.
A windy start to the month of October
Anglers dealt with windy days over much of the week with a strong easterly breeze. Conditions kept most offshore boats in port and hampered inshore efforts.
Most redfish action came from shallow protected waters around Matlacha Pass, the eastern sides of Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor.
Reds up to 28 inches and often in schools took a variety of baits including pinfish, pilchards, herring, shrimp, cut mulletand ladyfish, plus gold spoons. They were found along bar drop-offs on the lower tides then moving to shorelines and around oyster bars on higher water.
Early in the week, ahead of the winds, a school of large reds up to 40 inches was reported in Charlotte Harbor, plus reds over 30 inches around the Gulf passes.
With the opening of snook season, they are the focus for many anglers. Snook were caught around island points, creek mouths and oyster bars in areas with the wind and current moving the same direction. All baits mentioned for redfish also work for snook; this time of year it’s very common to catch a good number of snook and reds together.
A high percentage of snook are undersized, release them unharmed, and if flipper comes in, it’s best to move on and not give them an easy meal.
Nighttime anglers report a few keeper-size snook from theMatlacha Drawbridge while casting diving lures or freelining live shrimp.
Limits of seatrout were caught around
Water
Charlotte Harbor, the Sound and San Carlos Bay. Bar edges and grass flats in 4 to 6-foot depths produced trout to 20 inches plus ladyfish, jack crevalle and Spanish mackerel.
Mackerel and large ladyfish also came from areas around the Sanibel Causeway and off the beach between Blind and Redfish passes.
Sharks including bulls, lemons and blacktip are common catches inshore. Most are running 3-6 feet and eat a variety of fresh cut baits with mullet, ladyfish and jack crevalle favorites. They can be found roaming anywhere for their next meal but if you are in an area catching fish with a lot of activity, odds are sharks are nearby.
Keep up to date with rules and regulations by visiting www.myfwc.com or upload the Fish Rules app.
If you have a fishing report or for charter information, please contact us at Gulf Coast Guide Service; phone (239) 4108576, Website: www.fishpineisland.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.
Fort Myers Coin Club meeting dates set
The Fort Myers Coin Club recently finalized its dates for the upcoming season: Nov. 15, Jan. 24 and March 21.
These one-day Saturday shows are at the Masonic Lodge at 10868 Metro Parkway. The hours of each show are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and they free to the public. Security is on site.
There will be about 30 local dealers at these shows buying and selling all types of numismatic collectibles
Chicken Dinner set for Oct. 11
The Church of God of Prophecy will be having a chicken dinner on Oct., 11. Dinner will be takeout only, no dine in. The price is $10.00 per dinner— Chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn or green beans, dinner roll, and dessert. Call your order in to 239-283-2128 as soon as possible, quantities limited. Pick-up 12:30-3 p.m. Chicken is fried in peanut oil. Gluten free and baked chicken available upon request. The church is at 15146 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia.
PINE ISLAND TIDE CHART OCTOBER 2025
Gulf Coast Tide Tables
like Morgan Dollars, Indian head cents, gold, Silver Eagles, foreign coins, early type coins, U.S. and roreign paper money along with gold and silver bullion. Free verbal appraisals will be available. Visit www.fmcc.anaclubs.org
BEST WATERFRONT DINING
Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant offers a tranquil getaway steeped in “Old Florida” tradition and is famous for its acclaimed waterfront dining and “island casual” atmosphere. Open daily 11:30 am - 9 pm / (239) 283-3999
Capt. Bill Russell On the
PHOTO PROVIDED
October is the best month to catch redfish. These redfish were caught despite the windy weather fishing with Capt. Tim Jones of Matlacha Fishing Charters.
Art auction
From page 1
our sponsors Koucky Studios and Matlacha Menagerie, we will have a free Pelican Punch cocktail for you to enjoy as well as free tickets for exciting door prizes being given away before 5 p.m.”
At 5 p.m. our Island resident auctioneer, Jeff Sterner will take the microphone and start things rolling.
“We are excited to be able to do this again and that our island artists want to take part and help our businesses by decorating the pelicans. We’re thrilled that this years’s proceeds will help the Calusa Land Trust again, because they are such a great organization with whom we really enjoy mutual support. Come on out to The Tarpon Lodge on Oct. 12 and join the fun. Come for the views stay for the vibes and bring your checkbook,” Welch said.
Thanks to Matlacha on Shoreview, Sweeneys SOS, Mangrove Republic, CruiseLandSea.com, Islander Home Watch and Tarpon Lodge.
Tarpon Lodge Hotel is at 13771 Waterfront Dr., Pineland.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GREATER PINE ISLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
From page 1
“We try to give people a free avenue to talk about themselves and their businesses. For the islanders, there’s a chance to get to know either these artists or the owners of the business,” Anderson said.
His experience has been getting to know fellow islanders and just how great they really are, he said. Every time they have interviewed someone new, Anderson admits it stirs in him a new desire to find out more and perhaps strike up a friendship. In an effort to describe Pine Island to someone who has never been here, Anderson said, he would tell folks they will be treated like they would hope to be treated.
“I think people are unbelievably willing to help and it’s fun to reciprocate,” Anderson said.
Recently, a friend and neighbor lent a hand and a pair of eyes to Anderson, making him realize the value of having someone there even if he was able to master a chore on his own, he said.
“I couldn’t get a nut loosened to fix a washer and a guy down the street came down and spent two hours with me trying to get that nut loosened,” Anderson said.
People in other areas are busy or maybe a little bit aloof, where here, there’s an assumed openness helpfulness and friendliness he’s come to appreciate. Although he said, he’s aware that evolving is the nature of progression, even for some of the world’s best kept secrets, he hopes the charm of Pine Island is something we’re always able to count on.
“My vision would be, despite what evolves on Pine Island, we don’t lose that small-town feeling that has brought so many people here,” Anderson said.
PLUMBING
ROOFING
SOFFIT / FASCIA / GUTTERS
TREE SERVICE
WINDOWS
PHOTO PROVIDED
Trygve Anderson
MPOAA monthly breakfast meeting to be held Oct. 11
The Cape Coral Military Officers Association of America will hold its monthly breakfast meeting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Cape Royal Golf Club, 1460 Royal Tee Circle, Cape Coral.
U.S. Air Force (retired) Lt Col Gary Peppers will be the speaker and will give a presentation on some recently unclassified missions he flew in Afghanistan.
The breakfast cost is $12 per person and is open to not only Cape Coral MOAA members, but also former and retired U.S. military officers and senior noncommissioned officers.
Reservations are requested by calling Cindy Nolan at 618-580-2368 or emailing her at capecoralmoaa@ gmail.com.
Registration begins for youth pastel painting class
The Pine Island Library and Friends of Pine Island Library are co-sponsoring a pastel painting class for 11 to 16-year-olds on Saturdays on Nov. 1, 8 and 15, from 2-4 p.m.
The workshops will be taught by noted Pine Island artist Zan Lombardo, who brings 34+ years of art teaching experience and joy to each group she works with. No art experience is necessary.
Registration opens today, Oct. 1, at the library, firstcome, first-served.class size is limited to 15.
Participants will be working with pastels (bring an apron or wear old clothes that can get dirty) to create a work of art that will then be turned into a note card. Two previous workshops successfully resulted in printed cards that were then sold as a fundraiser to support Pine Island Library’s Summer Reading Program.
American White Ibis
On my sunset charters out of Tarpon Lodge, I have the engaging experience of watching the white ibis roosting in the mangroves south along Wilson Cut on my return after sunset. On the way out to sunset, they are not there. They are finishing their feeding for the night. But as the sun is setting, I look up and they are headed to their happy place to roost for the night. They are very territorial and roosting is not as peaceful as it may seem.
An ibis will land on a beautiful mangrove branch ready for rest and then another ibis will land on top of it and push it off the branch. This happens repeatedly. Quite comical for me, but not so for the birds. But this is nature. They lunge and bite, often holding onto an opponent’s head or wings. There are also a handful of cormorants that try for a branch but are eventually kicked off. They move to another nearby mangrove island. Bird watching is intriguing.
The American white ibis is most common in Florida, where over 30,000 have been counted in a single breeding colony. They are found along shallow coastal marches, wetlands, and mangrove swamps. After rains, I see them in my lawn in Matlacha Isles. When water levels are deep, they cannot forage effectively so they find different areas of habitat to forage.
Lifespan of the ibis is around 16 to 18 years. Their diet consists of crabs, crayfish, small fish, shrimp, frogs, insects, snails, and worms. To find their prey, they use their sensitive, curved bills to probe in the mud and shallow water, often by sweeping side-to-side.
When looking above, watch the ibis. They fly in long, loose lines or V-formations to improve aerodynamics and reduce energy expenditure, allowing them to travel long distances for foraging. When the lead bird gets tired, it moves to the back of the formation, allowing another ibis to take the lead. Interestingly, learning to fly in formation is a vital behavioral pattern for juvenile ibises. Those who are unable to master the skill exhibit a higher mortality rate.
Captain Cathy Eagle has spent over 45 years boating on our local waters. As a professional Charter Captain, she specializes in Dolphin and Nature Tours as well as private tours to CabbageKey.com. Visit pineisland-eagle. com/Dolphin Tales to learn more about her tours. You can reach her at CaptainCathy.com or call /text 239 994-2572. Welcome aboard!
Capt. Cathy Eagle Dolphin Tales
First Baptist Church
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able to have meaningful employment in Honduras. In July, there were 39 children at the ranch. We ran a vacation Bible school, instructed local students and residents in sewing skills, and had maintenance type work we were able to perform for them. We also went into four residences in the town and installed a clean water filtration system. We also were requested to assist with a local school having septic problems. It was a great experience for all Southwest Florida team members,” Link said.
Link said a group of 5 Pine Islanders will go back in October to
work on the septic system for the elementary school, while using locals for heavier work such as digging or whatever is needed. Although there are no plans to go back for now, Link said perhaps in a couple of years the church may make plans to head back to the Honduras and that if they are invited, they would certainly go back.
“We’ve got plenty of projects locally as well. You don’t want to do too much planning not knowing what Mother Nature’s gonna spring on us, but this was a great experience for the whole group,” Link said.
Obituaries
Pine Island
Sharon Lee Franklin
Sharon Lee Franklin, 82, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2025.
Sharon was married to Eugene H. Franklin. Together they raised four children: Adrian Apgar, Ronnie Apgar, Renee (John) Leidorf, and Stacy (Eric) Jackson. In keeping with her wishes, Sharon’s ashes will be joined with Eugene’s and scattered in the waters at Pine Island, Florida.
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