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. ...
Pine Island Moose to hold Christmas party Saturday
Island man convicted of second degree murder
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.
Sponsorships available for Matlacha Hookers 14th Annual Island Luau
The Matlacha Hookers invite the community to the 14th Annual Island Luau Sunday, Feb. 22, from 1-5 p.m., at the St. James City Civic Center. This 21+ island-themed celebration is one of Pine Island’s most anticipated charity events—bursting with tropical flavor, lively entertainment and ...
Pine Island Chamber seeking candidates for board of directors
The Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce is looking for potential candidates for five open Board of Directors positions. The chamber nominating committee is seeking nominations for the three year term of 2026 through 2028. The nomination period will be open until Jan. 12, 2026. Serving on the chamber’s Board of Directors is an excellent way to become more engaged with the operations of the chamber and the local business community. Elections will take place during the Annual Dinner on Monday Jan. 26, 2026. Board Member responsibilities include: • Serve a minimum of 1 three-year term on the Board. • Abide by the bylaws of the GPICC. • Attend and actively ...
Lee County operations adjust schedules for the holidays
Most Lee County administrative operations will be closed Thursday, Dec. 25, and Friday, Dec. 26, in observance of the Christmas holiday, as well as Thursday, Dec. 31, and Friday, Jan. 1, for the New Year’s holiday. The holiday schedule adjustments: Solid Waste • Collections of garbage, recycling and yard waste will continue as normal on Wednesday, Dec. 24. There will be no collections on Thursday, Dec. 25, and collections will continue with typical Thursday collections happening on Friday, typical Friday collections on Saturday and so on. • Solid Waste offices will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 25, and Friday, Dec. 26. • The Resource Recovery Facility in Buckingham and ...
