Hurricane Ian Recovery the Focus of December Meeting of the GPICA
Please join us for the next meeting of the Greater Pine Island Civic Association as we learn about ongoing Hurricane Ian recovery efforts from organizations working on the Islands and discussion of what needs to be done moving forward.
- When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6
- Where: In person at the Pine Island United Methodist Church, 5701 Pine Island Road NW, Bokeelia, 33922.
- Online: We will also be live-streaming the event to our Facebook page.
The GPICA has invited representatives from the following organizations to share information about what they’ve been doing and how they see the current needs of Islanders:
- The Beacon of Hope
- The Matlacha Hookers
- The Mullet Runners
- The United Cajun Navy in partnership with American Legion Post 136
- The First Baptist Church of Pine Island
There will be opportunities for the audience to ask questions and contribute ideas for additional action items and how needs might be met.
We expect representatives from FEMA and have invited Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane to attend the meeting.
GPICA members will also be asked to approve minutes from our September and October meetings. Please review the minutes prior to the meeting.
Cape Coral Annexation Defense Update
The Greater Pine Island Water Association and other groups, including the GPICA, have come together to fight Cape Coral’s efforts to annex areas near Matlacha via a special act of the Florida State Legislature. To learn more about what the Cape is attempting and to find out how you can let your voice be heard, please visit the Annexation Defense website: https://defendgpi.com
Helpful Hurricane Information and Links
NEW Online Resource Guide
>>The Greater Pine Island FREE Resource Guide (GPIFRG) was made possible through the collaborative efforts of all nonprofit, non-governmental, and for-profit organizations that are offering FREE services for residents affected by Hurricane Ian. The Guide is a list of suppliers, service providers and available government assistance at no cost to Pine Island/Matlacha residents. The online guide will be updated regularly.
- Click here to access now and be sure to bookmark this page to come back for updates
>>You can also OPT In to receive hurricane-related notifications. Just email your name, address, cell number & email address to PIHurricaneRelief@gmail.com. The list is being kept by mortgage broker Gaby Hall who will not share/sell the information.
>>Please follow “Things to Do on Pine Island” on Facebook for news and updates. Page administrator Kevin Russell has been an invaluable resource for information since Hurricane Ian.
>>The latest hurricane news and information from Lee County government: https://www.leegov.com/hurricane/storm
>>State of Florida hurricane recovery info
Rebuilding Matlacha
>>The Matlacha Historic Preservation Board will meet at 1 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 2, to further discuss rebuilding Matlacha. The meeting will take place at Lee County’s East Administration Building, 2201 Second Street, Fort Myers (room 118, on the first floor). This is a public meeting so anyone may attend.
Volunteers Needed
>>Volunteers are needed from 1-5 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, Nov. 30, & this Friday, Dec. 2, at the Beacon of Hope, 5090 Doug Taylor Circle, St. James City, 33956. Speak with Mary Ryan.
Housing Assistance
>>Lee County Property Appraiser: Tax bills are coming out and you might be eligible for some relief in your property valuation. Visit the website to learn more.
>>The Beacon of Hope will assist you with applications for temporary housing via the state or FEMA. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday.
>>If you are unable to remain in your home due to damages caused by Hurricane Ian, the State of Florida may be able to assist you with temporary sheltering and temporary or permanent repairs to your home. Visit this link for details and information. If you don’t have internet access, you can call 800-892-0948 between 7 a.m. and 7pm to speak with an agent to complete an application.
Food Resources
>>That bbq place is offering free hot meals to local Islanders who need them from noon to dark.
>>Pine Island Food Pantry will return to its regular schedule starting Dec. 5. Right now, all are welcome to visit the “emergency” pantry between 9 and 11 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. Then, they will return to their standard rules where you must be registered and show proof of residency. (Hours will remain the same.)
>>The American Legion is serving lunch and dinner daily and are also providing supplies for those in need. They’ve also opened their doors to anyone who needs to take a hurricane break! (You don’t have to be a Legion member to visit or have a meal right now.) Open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. 4106 Stringfellow Road, St. James City. (They also have WiFi!)
Christmas
>>13th Annual Beacon of Hope Holiday House (fundraiser for the Beacon): 5-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2; 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4. Hosted at the Tarpon Lodge, 13771 Waterfront Drive, Pineland, Florida. Family Day is Saturday with kids activities and crafts and Santa and Mrs. Claus. $10 for adults; $5 for children 12 and older.
>>Pine Island Fish Toy Store info/details: https://pineislandfish.org/toy-store
>>The American Legion is also collecting toys/gifts for Christmas.