Welcome back! Over the last six weeks our winter residents and visitors have steadily returned to southwest Florida. This is a most welcome sight to see. I’m sure you have all noticed that restaurants and watering holes are busier and traffic is retuning to its seasonal pace. Every chilling cold front and snow flake up north should increase the steady flow.

They’ve arrived just in time! There are certain events each year that signal different seasons. Just as Memorial Day seems to be the official kick off of summer and Labor Day the official end of summer, community events signal change as well.

The Pine Island Fishing Tournament hosted by the Matlacha Hookers is always the official kick off to the return of winter residents. The Southwest Florida Blues Festival hosted by the Matlacha Mariners runs a close second. The fun has just begun! Many of our island service organizations; like the Moose, Elks, VFW and American Legion; host their activities and events during season as well.

The “Florida’s Creative Coast Weekends” occur the second weekend of each month through April – look for press releases regarding the specific events at the local galleries, attractions, and restaurants.

This is a reminder that if your organization or if your business is hosting an event, please forward the details to your Chamber so that it can be posted on the calendar and website. Your Chamber has many different ways to support your business efforts, please give us a call at 283-0888 for details.

The gathering of family and friends on Thanksgiving Day began the 2009 Holiday Season. On behalf of the Board of the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce, we wish our members, volunteers, residents and visitors a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and most prosperous New Year.