Celebrating Pine Islanders: Pamela McCarty
Beacon of HOPE Holiday House again ‘an incredible success’
Sponsorships available for Matlacha Hookers 14th Annual Island Luau
Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District Christmas Tree Lighting set for Friday
The Matlacha/Pine Island Fire Control District’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 19, from 6–8 p.m., at the Fire Station # 1 at 5700 Pine Island Road, Bokeelia, just west of The Center. The evening will be packed with festive fun for the whole family. The Pine Island Elementary student chorus will be singing holiday carols, while visitors can enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and arts and crafts. Children can make holiday-themed crafts and meet a very special guest all the way from the North Pole! By popular demand, the Grinch will also make an appearance. Don’t worry, he’s expected to join in the fun rather than cause trouble! This beloved community ...
Matlacha Drawbridge mechanical, electrical repairs to continue until spring
Work on the Matlacha Mechanical and Electrical Repair project commenced on Aug. 25 and will be ongoing until spring 2026. Workers will be intermittently present on the site but may not be seen for extended periods of time as work is required inside the tender house. While on site, motorists can expect to encounter construction workers and vehicles on the roadway, as well as deliveries and the removal of old equipment from the bridge. Please be aware that this is an active work zone, and drivers are asked to exercise caution when driving through the site. For more information, please contact Avelino Cancel at (239) 533-9400 or email: acancel@leegov.com.
Pine Island Library to hold Jigsaw Puzzle Race Jan. 10
A Jigsaw Puzzle Race is coming to the Pine Island Library meeting room Saturday, Jan. 10. The contest will begin at 1 p.m. and conclude by 4:30 pm. The contest will consist of six teams of four members. All teams will put together the same 500-piece puzzle in a race to be the first team to complete it. Complimentary refreshments will be provided and prizes, as well as bragging rights, will be awarded to the winning team. Participants may bring up to two puzzle trays. Register with your team name via the Pine Island Library Event Calendar, or in person at the library at 10701 Russell Road, Bokeelia. If you don’t have a complete team of four and are open to joining one, stop ...
Local students encouraged to enter Elks National Drug Awareness Contest
The Greater Pine Island Elks #2781 is inviting students in grades 3-8, as well as high school students and their guardians, to participate in the Elks National Drug Awareness Contest. This is a fantastic opportunity for young minds to engage in a critical conversation about the dangers of drug abuse. The theme for the 2025-2026 contest, “Drugs Are a Grave Mistake,” challenges participants to think creatively and express their views through essays, posters or videos. If you’re in 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade, you can take part in the poster contest. Just remember to keep the poster on paper that is ideally 8.5 x 11 inches, though larger sizes up to 11 x 24 inches are accepted. ...
