Pine Island Water Treatment & Pool Supply to hold grand opening
The business of water treatment is nothing new to Roy and Donna Barticciotto, since they run over a hundred of the same size plants in New York for CEMCO water and wastewater specialists, as we do here on the island. Commuting a couple of times a month became a way of life for Roy until the couple decided to stay on full time and open their own water treatment and pool supply store on Stringfellow Road.
When the opportunity to buy the Wells Fargo Bank building presented itself, Barticciotto said he thought it was a great idea. According to his Donna, her husband really saw this as a chance to do something beneficial for Pine Island.
“People really seemed to want a pool supply store,” she said. “We didn’t come in with a plan to open a pool store, it just seemed to be a popular vote.”
Since pool supplies is not something with which the couple is familiar, they admit they are taking a leap of faith and trying to become more knowledgeable about the business, even selling life vests, kayaks and paddleboards. As far as water treatment for their customers, the couple said they are not planning on doing any of the installations, but rather selling the equipment, and encouraging customers to use local island plumbers for installation, as they believe islanders should utilize local business and support one another whenever possible.
“We’re looking to sell whole house filtration systems,” said Barticciotto. “The units we sell will remove a whole gambit of chemicals like iron and led. We have a sample here, and encourage people to come in and take a drink to do a taste comparison.”
The filtration system, the couple said, is not only for a kitchen faucet, but for the entire home. The Barticciottos are also vastly committed to helping the service people on the island, by selling items like bleach at wholesale, saving locals a trip off the island.
“We live here,” said Donna, “we want to be a part of the community and the solution to whatever happens here.”
The Barticciottos emphasize that they have additional space they are happy to use to help with community needs, such as hosting events and good causes, in true island style. The ATM on the property, they say, will remain, as many have asked already. The grand opening for the business will take place on April 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where there will be food and giveaways.
“We’re so enamored by the island,” said Donna. “The beauty of it and the feel of old Florida. The response from the community has been so pleasant and supportive. We’re so appreciative of that. We’ve already created a lot of relationships, and we really just want to become a part of the island.”
Pine Island Water Treatment and Pool Supply is located at 10171 Stringfellow Road, St. James City. Call 239-308-5549. Online visit https://www.loc8nearme.com/florida/saint-james-city/pine-island-water-treatment-and-pool-supply-llc/6139852/