Pine Island Experience

Jodi Trusty found her new passion after her children were grown seven years ago. It’s baking. Jodi recently opened the Sweet Floret Cakery located in the Matlacha Historic District. Jodi says she is ecstatic to be opening a shop in the Matlacha Community, … something she envisioned for years. She tells us her heart is to serve, bring JOY, love, comfort, and a sense of togetherness, through her little shop and the confections that await. And Jodi says, she can’t wait to meet you! To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Listen to Kevin Farley and Michelle Wendt tell their amazing story. They are both artists. Kevin is a stand-up comedian and Michelle is a writer and director so it was only natural that they fell in love with the artsy community of Pine Island. They recently opened the Salt & Poppy Boutique at the center by the 4-Way Stop in Bokeelia. Michelle will tell you that it’s not a place you just run through because she is hoping you find joy in the unique quality of the store where you can find everything from pet supplies to genuine Kevin Farley merchandise. And Kevin says, he just wants people to come to the store for unique gifts, things you won’t find anywhere else. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Listen to Aaron Barreda, the Commander of American Legion Post 136 and Co-Founder, Co-Chair of GPIA, Greater Pine Island Alliance. The American Legion Post 136 was outstanding in recovery relief after Hurricane Ian and the post was awarded Best All Around Post in Florida 2022-2023. In October 2022, Islanders Aaron Barreda and Jay Sanderson began developing the Greater Pine Island Alliance to work within the community to: Reduce duplication of services, Maximize efficiencies, Connect volunteers and nonprofits providing services with those in need, and Develop funding sources and provide material support for recovery. In December 2022, the Greater Pine Island Alliance was incorporated as a nonprofit 501©3 organization with the mission to provide leadership and coordinated management of the long-term recovery efforts for Greater Pine Island and to provide long-term assistance to individuals and businesses affected by the disaster who do not have adequate personal resources to meet their basic needs. As Aaron repports in this podcast, the goal is to return every survivor home. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Korrie O’Donnell, Master Electrician and Owner of Sound Electric in Saint James City, FL on Pine Island tells her story of becoming a master electrician and starting her own company. Korrie rebuilt after Hurricane Ian and Sound Electric came back bigger and stronger. Korrie says her most important asset is her team. Her customer service pledge is to be upfront, be prompt, show up on time and take care of the customer no matter what arises. Korrie and her team live up to that pledge as demonstrated in the wonderful reviews. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Jeanine Williams, artist and owner of Material Green tells her story of her graphic design background and how she has worked for years in visual design and design. A 30 year resident of Saint James City, she talks about relocating her Material Green studio and boutique to 5101 Pine Island Rd NW across from Publix. Jeanine loves textiles and she especially enjoys fabric mixes and upholstery. She enjoys finding unusual things, including furniture, fabrics, curtains, lampshades, pet beds, antiques and vintage items turning them into an amazing one of a kind and original. Jeanine faithfully practices her belief: re.do re.new re.use To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Listen to Jerry Hook describe what it’s like to be an Audubon Eagle Watch Volunteer on Pine Island, Florida. Jerry talks about his travel experiences in the United Sates and the world photographing nature, wildlife and landscapes. His amazing trips include Africa, Antartica, the Arctic, South and Central America, Canada and 46 of the 50 states. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Listen to Commander Scott Zilch tell how proud he feels being part of the VFW. He discusses the many post activities and the services that are offered to the veterans. Commander Scott says the mission is very simple. We foster camaraderie among United States veterans of conflicts overseas, we serve our veterans, the military, and the communities, and we advocate on behalf of all veterans. We ensure that veterans are respected for their service, receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for their sacrifices that they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country. The VFW Post 4353 lives up to it’s Motto, “No One Does More For Veterans” To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Listen to Aimee and Sarah tell their story of how they fell in love with Pine Island and opened Spots Ice Cream, Crepes and Sauces in Bokeelia, just north of the 4 way stop. They want the community to come in and tell their story and enjoy the delicious ice creams, Sarah’s homemade sauces, and their wonderful sweet and savory crepes. As Sarah and Aimee say, we want it to be the ‘spot’ where everybody wants to come and connect and enjoy sweet things. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Chef Becca and Chef Bo of Coastal Eats discuss how they craft unforgettable culinary experiences with fresh coastal dishes for their customer’s special moments. Becca and Bo are personal chefs offering dining experiences in North Captiva, Useppa, Pine Island and Cape Coral. While they offer so many wonderful personalized chef services from plated meals, buffets, heat and serves, fresh catches and cooking classes, they are constantly pitching new ideas to each other. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

This episode is about Stephen M Longest, a Realtor who goes above and beyond for his customers. Listen to Stephen tell his story of how he discovered Pine Island and how he made a decision to become a Realtor. Stephen lives by his slogan, “More than Just a REALTOR®” and Pine Islanders have agreed by voting for him. He was recently awarded, 2023 Best of Pine Island Real Estate Agent. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Matt Anderson, Licensed Beekeeper is the owner of Anderson Bee Removal and a firefighter and paramedic living in Bokeelia, Florida. Matt is a state licensed beekeeper trained in the safest and most effective ways to remove bees and relocate them to a new, safe environment. Matt says he loves this island and loves the community and getting to meet people, getting to help people and just do right by them. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

This episode features Nicole Cicchino photographer and owner of the Matlacha Post Office and Gallery & Gifts. Nicole has worked in the Matlacha Post Office for over 22 years and has owned the business for over 6 years. Nicole loves taking pictures of nature on Pine Island because it makes her happy and she loves making the pictures the best they can be for other people to enjoy.

This episode features Joe and Lisa Perry, the owners of Carmen’s Kayaks. This is the story of how they discovered Pine Island and met Carmen. From their very first meeting with Carmen to multiple trips with their family and Carmen over many years, you will discover this journey was meant to be. Joe and Lisa purchased Carmen’s Kayaks in May 2022. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

This episode features Dennis Borcky, the owner of Froggy’s. Dennis knew Froggy’s was a great place thanks to the culture that Romana built. Six months after taking over Froggy’s, hurricane Ian brought 4 ft of water into the building. Dennis used his construction experience and turned the disaster into an opportunity, redesigning and rebuilding Froggy’s while maintaining the vibe of Pine Island. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

This episode features Captain Cathy, Charter Boat Captain and owner of Captain Cathy Eagle Boat Tours. Captain Cathy has spent more than 40 years delighting her passengers with her wildlife knowledge and her talent for attracting dolphins during her tours. Captain Cathy, known as the Dolphin Whisperer, is also a musician and writer for The Pine Island Eagle and Nautical Mile Magazine. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

This episode features John Petrus, owner of That BBQ Place in Matlacha. John creates Central Texas-style barbecue using salt and pepper smoked slow over oak wood. After hurricane Ian, the restaurant needed to be rebuilt however, his smoker survived. John felt he had a responsibility to feed people stating, “People needed to be taken care of and I had the equipment to feed people”. John fed people for almost one hundred days under a tent in front of his restaurant. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

This episode features Jeff Abbott a painter and figurative artist from Bokeelia, Florida. Jeff has been delighting people with his Figurative Artwork for more than twenty years. Much of Jeff’s life-sized 3D artwork surrounds his home in Bokeelia and he says half the fun is in finding his home. Jeff believes in this saying, “Whatever you can imagine, you can create” which is why there are no limits to his creations. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

This episode features Jeff Abbott a painter and figurative artist from Bokeelia, Florida. Jeff has been delighting people with his Figurative Artwork for more than twenty years. Much of Jeff’s life-sized 3D artwork surrounds his home in Bokeelia and he says half the fun is in finding his home. Jeff believes in this saying, “Whatever you can imagine, you can create” which is why there are no limits to his creations. For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

This episode features Jeff Abbott, a painter and figurative artist from Bokeelia, Florida. Jeff has been delighting people with his Figurative Artwork for more than twenty years. Much of Jeff’s life-sized 3D artwork surrounds his home in Bokeelia and he says half the fun is in finding his home. Jeff believes in this saying, “Whatever you can imagine, you can create” which is why there are no limits to his creations. For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

This episode features Jasmina Pirganoski describing how she and her husband Artur discovered Matlacha, Pine Island. They were so impressed, they found themselves visiting just about everyday and they decided to open their new store in Matlacha called, Tropical Jewelry and Matlacha Hammock Company. Jasmina is amazed by the friendliness and closeness of the Matlacha island community. She loves her little store because she enjoys meeting happy people everyday from all around the world. For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com