RE: Dear Islanders
To the editor:
A reply from an Islander as you requested. First and foremost, I am not ashamed of where I live. In fact, I am proud of where I live and most of the people that live here are too. I am sure you received plenty of calls as you solicited and I hope they were somewhat civil about your attitude towards us Islanders and did not require you to change your number.
First of all, the intersection of Stringfellow and Pine Island Road is fine for those of us that enjoy living here. Most complainers I know are winter residents and those that find a four-way stop just too confusing for their challenged driving skills. It’s simple. The vehicle reaching the stop sign first has the right of way. If more that one vehicle reaches the intersection at the same time, the vehicle to right has the right of way. That is not necessarily in order either way, right or left, as many think. Many have expressed no need for a light or circle as this works fine. There have been few crashes compared to other intersections with lights or roundabouts that I have seen (34 years in law enforcement). Courtesy helps too.
The bent flag pole means something to the Islanders that endured Hurricane Charley. I don’t know if you did, but let me help. A lot of people had their homes and lifestyle blown around by Charley. I see it as they bent with the wind, but stood tall and strong against the forces of nature. It is a symbol and maybe it needs a plaque to spell it for you and others. Anyway, I don’t see anything disgraceful or to be embarrassed by.
Most travelers through Matlacha enjoy the historic area and then to the four-way in Pine Island, which reflects the past of the (1975?) Island and many of the reasons we moved here to relish the past and not have everything look like Michigan or Illinois or whatever complainers dislike about 1975 Florida.
And finally. Pine Island is quiet, mostly residence/agricultural just because we do not have the beaches like other overrun, over populated islands in Florida. It was called the best kept secret before I stated visiting here in 1990. It may still be. I try to be respectful and not critical of the lifestyle of those who have resided long before me. I see why a favorite expression of original and long-time residents is “I don’t care how you do things up north”. I, like many others, built an island style house from an island builder to help blend in.
And yes, this is an island because when one enjoys the natural beauty, one can take a wonderful boat ride around the land that is encircled by water. What would you have Islanders do to satisfy your idea of an island, bring dump truck loads of sand somewhere. How about behind your house?
So, like many others, I wonder why someone who finds so many faults to complain about ever moves here. Surely, nothing is ever perfect, but great neighbors, wonderful friends, and the natural beauty and resources are but a few things to enjoy.
Someone who loves it here,
Sandy Guttman
St. James City