The Island Must Go On!
Despite adversity, the “Spirit of the Island” lives to shine another day. As we roll into September, we celebrate Labor Day and all the hard work we’ve done. We at Paradise Publishing are happy to produce our 3rd edition since Hurricane Ian. As we continue to celebrate our recovery, we hope you take a minute to enjoy the island and the amazing Paradise we live in.
The cover of this issue was provided by Cynthia Caroline. Cynthia has lived on the island for just over 3 years and uses her free time to capture the beauty around us. You can find more of her amazing photos on the Facebook Group “Sunsets of Matlacha and Pine Island.”
Each issue we feature local businesses, restaurants, services, artists, and local real estate agents. We, at Paradise Publishing pride ourselves in “Keeping it Local.” We are proud to partner with Panther Printing of Fort Myers. Panther has been serving SWFL for almost 30 years!
Patch of Paradise is a
farm focused on natural and organic farming practices.
9am-12pm Saturday and Sunday By Appointment: Monday-Friday
Veteran owned and operated! 10% off for veterans, active duty, and first responders all year round. Call for our seasonal offerings!
239-841-2714
12303 Cristi Way
Bokeelia, Fl 33922 www.popbf.com
small boutique
621 RUM RD
UPPER CAPTIVA
Canal home, 80’ dock, elevator, new roof, 3bd/den, screened pool, great views of preserve.
$2,100,000
4551 BARTLETT UPPER CAPTIVA
Walk to the beach in 5 min from this 3 bd/ 2,5 bath on secluded lot. Lots of decks.
$1,100,000
570 CORAL CIR UPPER CAPTIVA
Build your dream home here and experience Spectacular Sunsets. Just a short walking distance to the beach.
$175,000
5131 SANDPIPER DR
SAINT JAMES CITY
Canal lot 80’x90’ w/ new lift, new electric box. Canal leads to PI Sound and outer beaches. Good access.
$174,900
4809 SANDPIPER DR
SAINT JAMES CITY
Full size lot in Flamingo Bay 80’x180’. Use the ramp for quick access to the islands. Volunteer HOA.
$99,900
3252 EIGHTH AVE
SAINT JAMES CITY
Wide canal, quick access to open water. Short ride to Picnic Is., Ft. Myers Beach & Sanibel.
$249,900
www.islanderrealty.com · Islander-Realty@att.net
UPCOMING EVENTS AND LOCAL BANDS!
Support our Local Bands and Events!
Sept. 14th
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Zen Day
@Sweeny’s SOS Bokeelia
Sept. 15th
12 p.m.-3 p.m. High Tide @ Miceli’s
Sept. 21th
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Peace Day @SJC Civic Center
Sept. 22th
4 p.m.-8 p.m. Matt Lee Crew @ Miceli’s
Sept. 28th
6:00pm Ian Recovery
@ReMax Sunshine Matlacha
Oct 16th
5pm-8pm Joe Yeoman @ Miceli’s
Nov 10th
Stone Crab Fest
ON GOING EVENTS
Live Music Every Saturday @ Marker 3 Coastal Cantina
Second Saturday of each Month
October through April
Potters’ Guild Show featuring Island Artisans @ Koucky Studios
Check our Facebook page for more local events!!!
5971 Bay Point Road, Bokeelia corner of Stringfellow and Bay Point Rds • 239-233-3003
Horse Hair Pottery by Chuck Koucky
WELCOME TO YOUR OWN PRIVATE OASIS IN BOKEELIA! THIS STUNNING SINGLE FAMILY HOME BOASTS 3 BEDROOMS, 3.5 BATHROOMS, AND A 2 CAR GARAGE OFFERED AT $995,000
The master bedroom with vaulted ceilings is located on the main floor, upstairs has 2 bedrooms with carpet for quiet and comfort and open area for home office or media room. The in-ground pool is perfect for relaxing on hot summer days, heated for year round use. This home is located on 5 acres with four board cross fence, a 3 stall barn. In 2023 a whole house generator and a new roof were installed so you can rest easy knowing that this home is both functional and wellmaintained.
Tammy Brown GRI Realtor
5150 Sandpiper Dr, St. James City
$280,000
Boaters Dream! Residential Lot. NO IMPACT FEES.
Direct Gulf Access. New boat dock and lift in 2022.
4278 Pine Island Rd NW, Matlacha
$850,000
Sitting on the dock of the bay! This great 2/1 is a perfect island retreat. Great rental potential. All new, including dock & boat lift
2420 Cherimoya Ln, St. James City
$1,179,000
This fully remodeled 4-bedroom, 4-bath residence offers unparalleled luxury and comfort.
534 Piedmont Rd, Sanibel
$798,900
The Cutest beach cottage. Seconds from the beach. 3/3 with an attached private guest casita. Great for entertain
3262 Pinetree Dr., St. James City
$1,339,900
Stunning custom home with direct sailboat access. This newer home was built in 2020. No flooding! Over 2100sft of absolute paradise.
2425 Lake Kismet Ter., Cape Coral
$1,250,000
Wake up to a panoramic sunrise view over the lake. A sprawling 2,779sq ft home offering 3 primary bedrooms and a stunning custom pool.
CHAR SEUFFERT Owner/Broker Associate
$399,900
St. James City Condo offers ‘DIRECT ACCESS to the Gulf of Mexico’ in this fully furnished ‘Turnkey’ property. Just minutes to Pine Island Sound, renowned for the world’s best fishing.
$979,000
Nestled in picturesque SW Florida this exquisite waterfront 3 bedroom 2 bath property boasts one of the most coveted, alluring locations along the bay.
$549,000
This lovely Pine Island home, has been remediated, gutted and transformed into a lovely island retreat! Make it your permanent place in paradise or a vacation rental investment home! .
$995,900
Stunning 3 bd/2 bth well-appointed, completely redone waterfront home.
Top floor: spacious master ensuite with generous walk-in shower. Main level: 2bdrms, bath, and ample storage.
No one knows the island better than the team at Castaways. Many of us are lifelong residents who live, work, and play here and we are personally invested in the Pine Island Community.
$689,900 $800,000
Step into luxury with this newly renovated coastal retreat. It boasts two spacious bedrooms, two modern bathrooms, and a large living area with waterfront views.
Nestled within the beautiful neighborhood of Bayview Acres. Expansive and spacious open layout. Upon entering, one is greeted by the upper level’s inviting, airy living area.
LOTS
5997 Little House Ln, Bokeelia
$65,000
3582 Snow Bird Ln, St. James City
$50,125
2413 York Rd, St. James City
$145,000
Bocilla Island Club
Multiple lots in Bokeelia
Starting at just $200,000
How Home Buying Will Be Different
Changes to Real Estate After the NAR® Settlement
The National Assiociation of Realtors® has changed some of it’s rules based on a settlement, these changes started on August 17th. A judge has granted preliminary approval of these changes, but the final approval hearing isn’t scheduled until November 26th. For Now here are the changes you can expect:
Here is what the settlement means for homebuyers:
You will have to sign a written agreement with your Buyer’s agent before touring a home in person or virtually.
Before signing this agreement, you should ensure it reflects the terms you have negotiated with your agent and that you understand exactly what services and value will be provided, and for how much.
The buyer agreement must outline your Buyer’s Agent compensation. This agreement will dictate how much your agent is paid for their professional services.
Things to Remember:
Real Estate Commissions have always been and continue to be negotiable. In the past, sellers have generally offered to pay both Realtors from their proceeds.
Your Buyer’s Agent can negotiate with the Seller’s Agent to pay all or part of the commission. Commissions will become just another aspect of the offer. You can still ask the seller for concessions such as closing costs, or allowances for home repairs.
You do not need a written agreement if you are just speaking to an agent at an open house or asking them about their services.
Agents may charge varying professional fees based on the services they offer.
There are different Buyer Agreements. Be sure you sign the one that fits your needs.
Source: https://www.nar.realtor/the-facts
How Home Selling Will Be Different
Here is what the settlement means for home sellers:
You still have the option to offer compensation to buyer brokers. This may make your listing more attractive to buyers.
Your listing agreement with your Broker will outline any payment your agent recieves and any offer of payment offered to a Buyer’s Agent.
Your Broker may not advertise any cooperating compensation on a MLS.
Your agent can advertise compensation on platforms such as social media, flyers, etc.
You as the seller can still offer buyer concessions on an MLS (for example, concessions for buyer closing costs).
Even if you don’t initially offer to compensate the Buyer’s Agent, a buyer can negotiate compensation into the terms of an offer.
FAQ’S
We are home buyers. Where do we even start?
The two first steps you should take when considering buying a home are: 1. Shop for a Local Realtor ®. It’s important to find someone you trust, who will provide the services you need to buy a home. 2. Establish your budget. If you are financing your agent can help you find a reputable Lender to work with.
We are home sellers, Will we save money if we don’t offer a Buyer’s agent compensation?
It depends! Buyers can always ask you to pay their agent as a term of their offer. Ask your agent to provide you with a Net sheet for different scenarios. In some cases you may save a few dollars, but you may allienate potential buyers who can’t or won’t pay thier agent directly.
What is a fair price to negotiate for an agent compensation?
You will likely find a variety of agents offering different rates, but you should be aware of what each agent provides in value for their compensation. It can be a good idea to negotiate with your agent, but remember that an agent that can’t negotiate their value may struggle to negotiate the value of your home or your offer on a home.
Stephen M Longest
2566 Second St, Matlacha
This gulf access, income producing duplex is just steps away from the heart of Matlacha. Currently one side has an annual tenant and the other is rented as a popular vacation rental. The entire duplex was updated in 2023!
Priced at $525,000
5520 Phillips St, Bokeelia
Great location, walking distance to everything “the Center” has to offer. Offering 2 beds and 2 baths, this great condo also has an attached garage. Relax on the screened lani. Inexpensive HOA!
Priced at $290,000
1. Capt’n Cons
Bokeelia Fishing Pier
2. Jug Creek Marina & Fish House
Malu Lani Inn
3. Laz y Flamingo
Four Winds Marina
4. Safe Harbor Pineland
Reitz Property Advisors
Property Management
Brandon Reitz Fathom Realty
Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant
Calusa Heritage Trail
5. Kouck y Studios & Potter's Guild Show
6. Sweeneys SOS
The Eagles Nest
7. Salty Girls Café
Spot’s Ice Cream
8. Island Exchange Realty
Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce
Street Eatz
Pine Island Pizza
John R. Wood Bokeelia
Greater Pine Island Alliance
Island Tactical
Black Diamond Realty
9. Dr. Watson’s Liquor Store
Material Green
10. Century 21 Sunbelt Realty
Frozen Flip Flop
Kickstands Pub & Grub
11. Island Crab Company
12. Ship Shape Laundr y Co.
13. Premier Properties
Premier Growers
14. Gault Preserve
15. Froggy's
Marker 3 Coastal Cantina
16. Castaways
Low Key Tiki
Fuzzy’s Boat Shack
John R. Wood St. James
Off the Charts
17. The Waterfront Restaurant
Southernmost Inn
Matlacha
18. Yucatán Waterfront
19. Hook ’d up Bait Co. & Art Gallery
Leoma Lovegrove
Matlacha Menagerie Gallery & Gifts
Sweet Floret Cakery
Coastal Daze Outdoor
20. Blue Dog Bar & Grill
REMAX Sunshine
Salty Strands
Onofrio D. Oro Fine Jewelry
Barnhill Seafood Market
21. Trader’s Hitching Post
The Perfect Cup
CW Fudge
Matlacha Post Office, Gallery & Gifts 22. M iceli’s Waterfront Restaurant D&D Bait and Tackle
23. Useppa Island Club 24. Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant 25. Cayo Costa State Park
Islander Realty Barnacles Mango's Bar & Grill
The Global Authority in Luxury Real Estate
John R. Wood Christie’s International Real Estate. Known for legendary service and Southwest Florida’s leader in home sales. 100% family owned and operated.
The Flo Smart Water Monitor and Shutoff is a gamechanging leak detection and water monitoring device that detects leaks anywhere in the home. This device can automatically turn off the water to the home if a leak or risk is detected, with the ability to start and stop water flow from your smartphone. It also provides real-time information on water usage in your home.
LOOK WHAT SOLD!
$451,180 Average Sale (Dry Property)
$821,296 Average Sale (Gulf Access Property)
$1,436,538 Average Sale (Dry Property)
$1,445,544 Average Sale (Gulf Access Property)
$390,168 Average Sale (Dry Property)
$784,347 Average Sale (Gulf Access Property) N/A
$809,481 Average Sale (Gulf Access Property)
*Year to Date Data from Royal Palm Coast MLS as of August 20th 2024
in probably the best subdivision on Pine Island with a community boat ramp.
Large modern island kitchen, dining room, and living room. Two bedrooms, two baths up. Apartment living below with bathroom. Completely furnished. Bring your boat; best fishing and beaches close by.
Her story provides a unique view into the culture of the 1950’s and 1960’s while taking the reader on a unique mysterious journey!
Susan Guillotte worked for the postal service for many years before recently retiring, but her life’s work was a project she started in high school in Newport News, VA back in the 1960’s. For years, Susan researched her ancestry to find out who she was and now you can follow along tracing the mystery in her new book Bunny.
Digging through old newspapers, phone books, census reports, Susan learned more about her birth parents, grandparents, siblings, and other relatives. She was very fortunate to have kind and supportive adoptive parents but for years there were many questions to which she didn’t have answers.
“What do I want out of this? In the end, I wanted to get some peace in my life, I needed to know where I came from,” Susan explains.
A must read for any affected by adoption or interested in genealogy. You can purchase her book Bunny on Amazon or Barnes and Noble's Website. To order a signed copy for $31.00 (shipping included) email the author at BunnybySusanDGuillotte@gmail.com
REAL ESTATE
Realtors®
Sarah Chido (p. 8)
Jay Johnson (p.10)
Tammy Brown (p.12)
Char Seuffert (p.14-15)
Stephen M Longest (p. 20)
Marion Briggs (p. 23)
Greg Lehman (p. 23)
Jay Sanderson (p. 25)
Stephen Soloway (p. 25)
Mike Faulkner (p. 28)
Terrie James (p. 28)
Lisa Wilson (p. 28)
Julie Oberlin (p. 28,37)
Heidi Choiniere (p. 31)
Bonnie Mullee ( p. 32)
Leslie Osborne (p. 33)
Russ Mattson (p. 34)
Lori Caldwell (p. 38)
Team Shevlin (p. 40-42)
M ichael Shevlin
Carlyn Herring
Tonya Player
Kelly Perkins (p. 45)
Capstone Luxury Group (p. 47)
David Pellegrin
Evelyn Pellegrin
Brandon Reitz
Fathom Realty
239-257-5095
Brandon@Reitz.com
Brokers
Islander Realty (p. 7)
Island Exchange Realty (p. 10)
REMAX Sunshine (p.14-15)
Business Directory
Castaways Island Realty (p.17)
Sun Country Realty (p. 23)
Black Diamond Real Estate Group (p. 25)
John R. Wood Properties / Christie’s International Real Estate (p. 28-29)
Property Management
Brandon Reitz
Reitz Property Advisors
239-257-5095
Brandon@Reitz.com
Mortgage Lenders
Tonya Sample (p. 43)
Title Companies
Crossroads Title (p.16)
Home Inspectors
Professional Real Estate Inspectors
239-851-8746
mike@prei-swfl.com Since 1996
Manufactured Home Retailers
LEECORP Homes (p.11)
HOME SERVICES
Cleaning Services
A Way Out Cleaning Service
Licensed & Insured
239-339-3525
Let us be your way our of cleaning
Electricians
Gault Electric (p. 23)
Sound Electric 863-558-3939
Pest Control
Pine Island Pest Control (p.22)
Plumbers
Nordic Plumbing (p. 30)
Joel’s Plumbing 239-283-7888
Pine Island Plumbing 239-349-5318
Building Contractors
Stearns Custom Builders (p.2-3)
J. F. Smith (p. 4-5, 48)
LeeCorp Homes (p. 7)
Sun Country Homes (p. 23)
Handyman/ Other
Rustic Services, Inc (p. 22)
My 3 Sons Contracting (p. 23)
Septic Services
Honc Industries (p. 22)
Pool Builders
Artesian Pool Construction (p. 35)
Landscaping/Nurseries
Patch of Paradise (p. 6)
Land Clearing
Honc Industries (p. 22)
SHOP LOCAL Artisans
Koucky Studios (p. 9)
Susan Hagan (p. 16)
Material Green “Bring Some Happiness to Your Home” 5501 Pine Island Rd 239-910-5920
Sweeneys S.O.S. All Natural Soaps & Skin Care 720-933-0773
www.SweeneysSOS.com
Shops/Galleries
Doctor Watson's (p. 13)
Matlacha Menagerie (p. 21)
Island Tactical (p. 24)
The Frozen Flip Flop (p. 26)
CW Fudge ( P. 27)
Sweeneys S.O.S. (p. 26)
Hair Stylist and Barbers
Angle’s Hair
239-283-5222
4673 Pine Island Road NW
Matlacha, FL 33993
Adventures
Island Bikeworks (p. 9)
Koucky Studios ( p. 9)
Carmen’s Kayaks (p.16)
Museum of the Islands (p. 46)
Farms
Patch of Paradise (p. 6)
Restaurants
The Waterfront Restaurant (p. 10, 26, 39)
Blue Dog Bar & Grill (p. 13, 27,39)
The Eagles Nest (p. 26, 39)
Salty Girl Island Café (p. 26)
Miceli's Restaurant (p. 27, 39)
Marker 3 Coastal Cantina (p. 26, 39)
Cap'n Con's Fish House (p. 26, 39)
Lodging
Angler’s Inn (p. 28)
Southernmost Inn (p. 45)
Malu Lani Inn Bokeelia, FL 509-998-9992
“Because Location is Everything!’ Matlacha On Shoreview 239-236-9792
www.matlachaonshoreview.com
Vacation Rentals on the Gulf of Mexico
Community Organizations
Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce (p. 26)
Boating
Dockshare (p. 21)
Tow Boat U.S. 239-283-6060
Say you saw it in the Greater Pine Island Real Estate Guide
Wonderfully
Bokeelia 5781 / 5783 Marina Dr.
Updated deluxe duplex, each unit offers 2bds/2 bths, vaulted ceiling’s, kitchens with soft-close cabinets, quartz counter tops, pantry, breakfast nook, screened lanais and a one-car garage.
Flamingo Bay
5099 Flamingo Drive.
Handyman special with water access. Ready to be renovated.
Flamingo Bay 4921 Sandpiper Drive
Recently updated. 1,120 sq' waterfront. 2/2 furnished home all new granite countertops. Soft-close cabinets, pantry,new 7,000 lb boatlift. Home sits on a 80' x 180' lot. $389,900.
5831 Samoa Dr This 3/2 spacious split floor plan home offers vaulted ceiling’s, nice sized kitchen, a two-car garage, new roof 2023 $335,000
Bokeelia
We
have so many great restaurants
on the island.
Here are a few of our favorite Menu Items!
Stone Crabs
The Blue Dog Bar & Grill is the headquarters for fresh stone crab claws. You can get these mouth watering claws from OctMay.
Tuna Nachos
Stop into Miceli’s Restrauant to get these Yellowfin Tuna tartar over seaweed salad and Crispy wontons!
Crab Crusted Grouper
A signature dish at The Waterfront Restaurant.
Enjoy the broiled local Grouper, topped with their special Crab stuffing.
Watermelon Jalepeno Margarita with Tajin Rim
A signature drink at Marker 3 Coastal Cantina. The perfect island drink to help you relax and unwind.
Island Burger
This huge 10oz Angus Burger is topped with grilled pineapple and fresh mango salsa. Get yours at The Eagles Nest Restaurant
Steamed Gulf Shrimp
Swing by Capt Con’s Fish House in Bokeelia to enjoy all you can eat shrimp on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
12279 Matlacha Blvd
7731 Bocilla Ln # 12
3083 Sloop Ln
Cherry Estates 2014 2 bedroom 2 bath w/den and wide open floor plan. Home boasts a screened splash pool, covered boat lift. This is a must have!
16649 Bocilla Palms
Bocilla Island Club Condo with great views of Jug Creek & pool area. Kitchen and main living area on 1st floor with1/2 bath and porch. 2 master suites on 2nd floor. Dock included!
141 SW 57th St Cape Coral
4/4.5 Pool home, 3 lots, direct access canal. Totally restored large family home, large lot, deep water canal, very close to River. Take a look at this special property TODAY !
$329,000 $330,000
3484 Citrus St.
2/1.5 on double lot very close to Tropical Point. Unique concrete block home that must be seen to be appreciated. Great potential!
7744 Farrell Rd
Large 3/2 Mobile located in 55+ community with $45 per year HOA. Plenty of room for all your projects. Great investment/rental property!
7372 Pomegranate 4/2 with great tiki hut located in Pineland. 2-story home with 2/1 on each level. Outside is where the FUN starts! Colorful paths lead to Tiki hut!
3544 Emerald Ave
Unique two-story house with open ground floor & fireplace, Top floor has large open space/ fireplace, bedroom, bath kitchen, and large wrap-around porch. 160’ of waterfront - 2 minutes to San Carlos Bay
5257 Western Dr.
3-Story home with 2400 sq ft garage overlooking 10+ acre property with pond and the shallow salt water bay perfect for birds-flamingos have been seen!
Geography
Greater Pine Island is a collection of places in unincorporated Lee County. These include Matlacha Isles, Matlacha, Little Pine Island, Pine Island Center, Bokeelia, Pineland and St. James City. North Captiva, Useppa, and Cayo Costa are often included as the most direct route to reach these islands is from Pine Island.
Pine Island is the longest island in Florida spanning just over 17 miles long. A large percentage of Greater Pine Island is protected mangrove estuaries giving the area a lot of natural beauty.
Population
The population of the area varies greatly depending on the time of year. According to the 2020 Census the island has about 9,000 permanent residents. The median age on the island is 62, and over 43% of the population is over the age of 65.
Local Government
The entirety of Great Pine Island is unincorporated and as such it is governed by Lee county. The county courthouse is located in downtown Fort Myers.
Hospitals
The closest hospital is in Cape Coral, but there are a handful of Doctor’s offices and Urgent Care Offices within a short distance to the island.
Ambulance Services
Lee County provides emergency support services to all of Greater Pine Island.
Fire Protection
Greater Pine Island is serviced by the Matlacha-Pine Island Fire control District. The district has 4 fire houses, and is headquarter at Station 1 at Pine Island Center.
Police Protection
Greater Pine island is served by the Lee County Sheriff’s office. The 6th Precint office is located in St. James City.
Library
The Pine Island library building is located at Pine Island center on Russell Rd. It is open to all, and is a part of the Lee County system.
Swimming
Phillips Park at Pine Island Center opened the first public pool in Lee County in 1973 and in 1986 was the first heated public pool in the county. There is a nominal fee for entry.
Tennis
Phillips Park offers public tennis courts.
Hiking
There are multiple trails for hiking on Pine Island. Many are part of the Calusa Land Trust.
Kayaking
There are multiple places on the island to launch a kayak and paddle the Great Calusa Blueway. Two of the more popular launches are in the Matlacha Community Park and Pineland.
Lee
Lee
Lee
Appraiser
Mosquito
Museum of the Islands
Nestled in Pine Island Center next to the Library is the island’s own museum, The Museum of the Islands. Opened in 1990 the museum offers a look back into the history of Greater Pine Island. This all volunteer hidden jewel is full of incredible artifacts, including “Max” our full manatee skeleton! Learn about island history dating back thousands of years. The gift shop has a wonderful selection of maps, cards, tote bags, jewelry, magnets, Museum tees, shell ornaments, and museum exclusive Pine Island afghans, plus so much more. The book store has great choices in both non-fiction and fiction. The Museum welcomes group tours and researchers.
Time to spare? Become a volunteer! Want to join the MOTI family? A one year membership is as low as $20.00, free admission for 12 months and 10% discount in the gift and book shop.
Upcoming events include the Annual Holiday Open House on December 7, 2024 and a two weekend 35th anniversary celebration in February 2025. Additional information can be found on their website museumoftheislands.com. Visit them at 5728 Sesame Drive, Bokeelia FL 33992 239-283-1525
Publishing PO Box 16, Matlacha FL 33993 Stephen Longest & Damian Hartz info@pineislandfl.com https://pineislandfl.com
