MARIANNE PATON Enjoying a free spaghetti dinner at Pizza Bella, Frankie Franks shows his appreciation for free labor provided by island residents. Pictured are Buddy Southern, Betty and Frankie Franks, Cliff Schultheis and Pizza Bella owners, Lillian and Italo Chiavatti.

To express his appreciation, Frankie Frank treated a group of islanders to a free spaghetti dinner at Pizza Bella last week. Over the last week, Frankie and a small crew were left with the task of restoring the floor at his rental property in Matlacha. The floor of the property which houses Traders Hitching Post was swiftly succumbing to decay as a result of street runoff and, with the help of his crew and many passersby who stopped to lend a hand, the floor covering was removed and 18 tons of dirt was laid one shovelful at a time.

I can’t express how grateful I am for the generosity, kindness and hard work given to us by friends, neighbors and even strangers,” said Franks. “I have a true appreciation for all the people on Pine Island and in Matlacha how continue to go out of their way to lend a helping hand when needed.“

Matlacha and Pine Island residents as well as members from the Pine Island Community Church all pitched in to do needed repairs at Traders Hitching Post and present for the dinner were Jeff Gates, John Brooks, Maria Perez, Willy Perez, Julie Southern, Buddy Southern, Betty Franks, Sam Barillaire, Jackie Ellis and Cliff Schultheis as well as Frankie Franks and the owner of Traders Hitching Post, Cindee Tolliver.

Preparing and serving the meal was Lillian and Italo Chiavatti of Pizza Bella.

“I think Monday should officially be called pasta night in Matlacha,” Franks said. “Lilly makes the best spaghetti not only in Matlacha, but all of Florida.”