Pine Island's History

Some 24.5 million years ago Pine Island rose, as did all of Florida, from the receding seas that had covered the land for thousands of years. The Calusa Indians were the first known settlers, arriving around 800 AD. They thrived for many centuries with an economy based on the wealth of fish and shellfish from the surrounding waters, but proved no match for the Spanish conquistadors, who arrived in the mid-1500s. By the middle of the 18th century, the they had either died off or been absorbed by other Native American tribes.

History buffs also will find a place for exploration. In the village of Pineland is a property known as Randall Research. This facility is an active archaeological site and once was home to the Calusas. Several shell mounds not only provide a stroll into the past but, upon reaching the summit, a breath-taking view of Pine Island Sound.

Recently dubbed the "Creative Coast," Pine Island has become a mecca for artists and art lovers alike, a fact evident in the well attended "Opening Receptions" (presented by individual galleries) that take place the second Friday of each of the winter months.