Make your way to the polls this weekend
Just when you thought the elections were over, it’s now time to head back to the polls one more time. On Saturday, Feb. 7, residents and visitors of Matlacha, Bokeelia and St. James City will cast their votes to elect new mayors for each of these villages.
In Bokeelia, Luretta Williams/Sims will be running out of Cap’n Con’s Restaurant on Main Street in Bokeelia. Prior to the election, Simms has been busy collecting donations for raffles to raise money for her campaign.
“At this time we have several decor pictures suitable for any home. Each of which are valued at more than $100,” said Simms. “We also have several plants, a painting donated by a local artist and many other items we will be raffling off as well.”
In addition to $.25 beer, Simms also will run 50/50 drawings through out the day of the election.
“We also will donate every penny of profit we make on breakfast on election day,” said Simms. “We are hoping that a lot of people will come out on Saturday morning, Feb. 7, to enjoy breakfast and help us to make a big donation to a great cause.”
Breakfast items include the everything from pancakes and eggs to oatmeal and country fried steak. Capt’n Cons will be open for breakfast beginning at 7 a.m.
Running unopposed for mayor of Matlacha is Deb Cole, also known as the “Green Fairy” however this hasn’t kept her campaign team from gearing up for the big event.
“I have been running a tough race because the Lion’s Club depends on us,” said Cole.
Prior to election day, Cole and her team have been selling T-shirts for a $15 donation which depict an acrylic painting titled “Matlacha Laundry” by Mel Meo on the front and a list of the top 10 ways to save Matlacha.
Cole will be waging an active campaign on election day at Bert’s Bar and Grill in Matlacha and in addition to live music and $.25 beers, the activities at Bert’s will include numerous 50/50 raffles; a raffle for a 10-foot cast net; a live auction with items like dinner and dancing with Ralph, a former mayor of Matlacha; art work from local Matlacha and Pine Island artists; fishing charters; gift certificates from island restaurants; free lodging; a kissing booth and much more.
Of the two candidates vying for mayor of St. James City, Ethel Gilbert is preparing for the big day at the Pine Island VFW. On Saturday, Jan. 31, Gilbert and her campaign manager hosted a very successful cake walk with all the proceeds benefiting the Lions Club. On election day all are welcome to drop by the VFW to cast votes with $.25 beers and munch on hot dogs for just $1. Then at 1 p.m. a lively auction will take place with dozens of items up for grabs followed by live music which will begin at 4 p.m. Also on hand will be numerous grab bags and an auction for a basket of booze.
On election day at Woody’s Waterside in St. James City, mayoral hopeful Lois Polaski-Mule’ is pleased to have Alex Alexander, one of the island’s favorite auctioneers, to take bids for a variety of art work and other items. In addition to the raffle for a photograph by Andre’ Mule’ of a roseate spoonbill splashing in a pool amid red mangroves, the live auction will feature a large oil painting from Lions Club president, Vi Barrett, along with a watercolor scene by Dot Birmingham and miniatures rendered by members of the Order of the Golden Brush. Alexander also will take bids on donations from local residents and businesses including souvenirs from Margaretaville Tequila, stays at local hotels and motels, restaruant gift certificates, jewelry, computer repairs and potted plants of flowers and vegetable. Eric Zeisloft, owner of Woody’s also reminds that those coming to vote at his establishment can also arrive by boat as he has dockage for at least 20 vessels.
The mock mayor’s election is held every other year to benefit the projects undertaken by the Pine Island Lions Club. Proceeds from this event will go to provide eyeglasses and hearing aids to local residents who cannot afford them as well as maintaining the kiddie park in St. James City and sponsoring guide dogs for the visually impaired.