Lee DOT projects in Matlacha
* Pine Island Road between the Matlacha Bridge and the Little Pine Island Bridge: The work includes milling and paving the asphalt surface. Paving is expected to take place in the overnight hours from 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, to 6 a.m., Thursday, May 14. If necessary, work may also occur overnight 7 p.m. Thursday, May 14, to 6 a.m., Friday, May 15. During paving operations, one lane will remain open with flagging personnel on site to direct motorists. The Pine Island Road project in Mat-lacha will complete Lee County DOT’s recent efforts for Pine Island Road, with the road resurfaced essentially from the four-way stop on the main island to the east through Matlacha. This ...
American Legion blood drive May 11
In honor of Memorial Day, American Legion Post 136 is hosting a blood drive Monday, May 11, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. As a thank you, OneBlood will provide a $20 eGift Card and a Sun Shade. All donors will also receive a wellness check that includes blood pressure, temperature, iron count, pulse and cholesterol screening. Look for the Big Red Bus. The American Legion is located at 4106 Stringfellow Road in St. James City. Remember that every donor can save up to three others! Appointments are encouraged. Please visit www.oneblood.org/donate-now and use sponsor code #67525. For more information, please contact DJ Ruscik at 239-910-3829.
Matlacha Park, boat ramp parking to close May 11-13
Enrollment open for Camp Sunshine and Camp All Star summer programs
Key island organizations have emerged in the past half century
As we look back on 50 years of the Pine Island Eagle, there are many important stories to take into consideration. After Hurricane Charley in 2004, the start-up of the Beacon of HOPE was the beginning of a great many things on Pine Island. It includes the display of affection Pine Islanders have for one another. Many times this comes through with community related Beacon activities and programs. Original Beacon of HOPE programs, for instance, such as the GED and the ESOL programs, which have been handed down from teachers like Mary Lou Martin, or the Beacon Bites program, which is a senior focused meals on wheels, have endured the test of time and lasted many years. The Beacon ...
Application deadline for Legion Post 136 scholarships May 16
As in the past, American Legion Post 136 will be offering scholarships to students graduating from high school and attending college or university, accredited programs such as nursing school, technical or trade school an opportunity to continuing education. Scholarship applications are available for pick-up at the Post for students who have attended Pine Island Elementary, are a member of the American Legion or have an immediate family member who is a member of the Legion. All applications must be post marked by the May 16, 2026. Please contact Ed Mitchell at (239) 246-7634 if you would like us to send you a copy online. Legion Post 136 is at 4106 Stringfellow Road, St. James City.
Islander Bellin heading to BMX World Championship in Australia
Local teen Jimmy Bellin of St. James City has earned a spot representing Team USA at the 2026 UCI BMX World Championship this July in Brisbane. Bellin, 14, has been racing BMX since the age of 5, and his years of hard work, discipline and dedication have propelled him to the highest levels ...
