Lucky Turtle offers Vegas games
The Lucky Turtle is one of Pine Island’s newest businesses.
“We considered a pizza restaurant but once Pine Island Pizza opened, we changed our plans,” co-owner Jay Hyde said. “My wife Sarah and I opened the Lucky Turtle three months ago.”
The Lucky Turtle offers “Vegas Style” games seven days a week.
Sarah and Jay Hyde are originally from Buffalo, New York. The couple relocated to the warmer climate of Georgia where they lived for 15 years while starting an Internet business. After 15 years in Georgia, the couple, along with their three boys, settled in St. James City six years ago.
“It was the fishing and warm weather that brought us to Pine Island,” Hyde said. “And you can’t find a better place to live than Pine Island.
“My wife and I have owned a graphic design and printing company for 20 years,” he continued. “We kind of fell into this when one of our printing customers in the gaming industry suggested this might be a good idea for Pine Island.
“Sarah has been a pet sitter on the island for the last five years,” Hyde said, “and she’s gotten to know lots of seniors on the island. From talking with them, Sarah learned that many of our seniors would like to socialize more but don’t necessarily want to sit at a bar. She thought this would be a great form of entertainment for adults.”
The Lucky Turtle has 35 machines with 11 games each. On Mondays, the Lucky Turtle offers $5 Free Play.
“Most of our games are quarter slot games,” Hyde said. “Wednesday from 5-8 is Ladies Night and last Wednesday night we had almost a full house where every game was taken.
“Winners can have their choice of gift cards,” Hyde said. “Many people ask for Walmart, Winn-Dixie or Publix. We like the idea of offering Pine Islanders a place to chill, relax and socialize without leaving the island or spending a lot of money. Twenty dollars goes a long way here.”
The Lucky Turtle is a sponsor of Pine Island Community Church’s “Snowbird Marathon,” the Garden Gala and the upcoming Hookers Wine Tasting event.
“Sarah and I would like to invite everyone to come out and have fun,” Hyde said. “Every week we have grand prize winners that win $300-plus.”
The Lucky Turtle is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days at 5465 Pine Island Road, NW, in the old Beacon of H.O.P.E. building, in Bokeelia. Fore more information, call 239-558-4233.