Note: Minutes are draft until approved by membership
Greater Pine Island Civic Association
Meeting Minutes — Aug. 4, 2026
Call to Order
Vice President Nadine Slimak called the August 2026 meeting of the Greater Pine Island Civic Association (GPICA) to order and welcomed members and guests. She reviewed the evening’s agenda, which included a presentation on local water quality issues, the Treasurer’s Report, development and zoning updates, and community and association announcements.
Guest Presentation: Calusa Waterkeeper and Local Water Quality
Sue Dahod, GPICA board member, Calusa Waterkeeper board member and lead volunteer ranger, provided an overview of Calusa Waterkeeper and water-quality issues affecting Pine Island and surrounding waters.
Dahod introduced Jennifer Walker, Calusa Waterkeeper program director and fundraising manager, and Kathy Chumley, a GPICA board member and recently trained Waterkeeper Ranger. Dahod serves as ranger leader for the Pine Island/Matlacha area.
Calusa Waterkeeper
Calusa Waterkeeper is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Caloosahatchee River watershed, extending from Lake Okeechobee through the river and estuary to Matlacha Pass, Pine Island Sound and Estero Bay. The organization is a member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance.
Its activities include scientific monitoring, public education, community outreach, advocacy and participation in government decision-making related to water quality and environmental protection.
Ranger Program
Calusa Waterkeeper operates a volunteer Ranger Program. Ranger Academy training covers:
- Waterkeeper orientation
- Pollution and environmental monitoring
- Advocacy
- Restoration of impaired waterways
Approximately 10 hours of instruction are offered over four sessions. The next training cycle is scheduled for September and October. The cost is $125.
Vertical Oyster Gardens
Calusa Waterkeeper conducts workshops in which participants create vertical oyster gardens from recycled oyster shells. The gardens are hung from docks, where juvenile oysters and other marine organisms can colonize them.
Dahod explained that mature oysters can filter approximately 50 gallons of water per day, making oyster habitat an important natural tool for improving water quality. Workshops are held periodically in areas including Cape Coral, Pine Island, Matlacha and Estero.
Seagrass Monitoring
Through the Eyes on Seagrass program, volunteers monitor approximately 30 sites in areas including Estero Bay, San Carlos Pass, Matlacha Pass and Pine Island Sound.
Teams measure seagrass coverage, species composition, blade length, macroalgae, bottom conditions, water depth and other indicators of habitat health.
Dahod reported that seagrass at sites she recently visited appeared healthier than it had in several years, with less macroalgae present. The monitoring program is conducted in partnership with the University of Florida Extension and other community groups.
Bacteria Monitoring
Calusa Waterkeeper samples local waters monthly for fecal indicator bacteria. Sampling locations around Pine Island and Matlacha include:
- Jug Creek kayak launch
- Pineland kayak launch
- Flamingo Bay boat launch
- Tropical Point Park
- Matlacha Park kayak launch
Results are published using a color-coded system ranging from green for good conditions to purple for extremely high bacterial levels.
Dahod reported that the most recent sampling following heavy rainfall showed extremely high bacterial levels at all Pine Island and Matlacha sampling locations. She noted that runoff following extended dry conditions may have contributed to the elevated readings.
The Pineland kayak launch remains a particular concern. Dahod said bacterial levels there have been elevated for approximately two and a half years, with readings in the red or purple range much of the time. Additional sampling between the kayak launch and Sweeney’s Pond also found elevated bacterial levels.
Aerosolized Toxin Monitoring
Calusa Waterkeeper also uses an aerosolized toxin monitoring system that pulls air through water so airborne toxins can be captured and analyzed by a laboratory.
The system can be used to test for toxins associated with harmful algal blooms. Dahod discussed emerging research examining possible relationships between exposure to certain algal toxins and neurodegenerative diseases.
Calusa Waterkeeper currently has several monitoring units but is seeking additional funding because laboratory analysis is expensive. The organization hopes eventually to conduct a broader regional study.
Advocacy
Calusa Waterkeeper participates in local and state government processes and advocates on issues affecting waterways and aquatic habitat.
Examples discussed included efforts involving bacterial contamination in Billy’s Creek and Manuel’s Branch in Fort Myers, protection of environmentally sensitive lands, Redfish Point, Seven Islands and smalltooth sawfish habitat.
Dahod noted that obtaining information and action from government agencies can be difficult, although staff-level agency personnel are often cooperative. Continued monitoring, documentation and persistence are important parts of the organization’s advocacy efforts.
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer presented financial information through July 31, 2026.
July
- Income: approximately $1,117
- Expenses: approximately $300
- Net income: approximately $818
Expenses included the association’s monthly $100 meeting-facility payment and sponsorship of a table for the League of Women Voters’ Our Water, Our Vote summit.
Year to Date
Through July 31:
- Total income: approximately $4,100
- Total expenses: approximately $4,380
- Year-to-date net loss: approximately $251
Expenses earlier in the year included GPICA’s rebranding/new logo and participation in MangoMania.
GPICA has approximately $19,000 in cash accounts, although $12,500 was committed to the purchase of Treasury bills, which would reduce the available cash balance to approximately $7,500.
The Treasurer continues to build a ladder of Treasury securities with maturities spread across successive months. This strategy allows more of GPICA’s funds to earn interest while maintaining regular access to cash as securities mature.
An additional insurance payment of approximately $550 is expected in September.
No questions were raised regarding the Treasurer’s Report.
Development and Zoning Committee Report
The Development Committee continues to monitor development applications, zoning requests and other activity throughout Pine Island and Matlacha.
The committee noted that identifying projects early remains difficult because county information is not always posted promptly or easily accessible. GPICA regularly reviews county reports and application records to identify proposals that may affect the community.
Bokeelia Point
Development activity continues at Bokeelia Point. The project is expected to include approximately 54 multilevel residential units and 80 boat slips.
There has also been discussion about rebuilding Captain Con’s. Earlier concepts reportedly included a restaurant on a dock extending over the water, although that proposal was not approved.
GPICA will continue monitoring the development and associated permitting.
Pine Island Open Storage
A previously proposed open-storage project located near Pine Island Water and the 7-Eleven received its development order and commercial zoning. The property has since been placed on the market.
Atlas Lakes
No new activity was reported for the Atlas Lakes property near Winn-Dixie and CVS.
The developer has had approval for approximately 110 residential units since 2022, but no construction activity has begun.
Betsy Parkway Storage Project
The Betsy Parkway commercial/open-storage project is moving forward. The development is expected to include approximately 250,000 square feet of storage/parking space near Pine Island Water and behind the former Bank of America/dermatology property.
Because the development will be set back from Pine Island Road, much of it should not be visible from the roadway.
Proposed Pineland-Area Project
GPICA recently became aware of advertising for another project, Mangrove Mike’s near Pineland Marina, although no county application could yet be located.
The committee will continue monitoring county records for a formal application.
Consumption-on-Premises and Outdoor Uses
The committee discussed an increasing number of local businesses seeking consumption-on-premises (COP)approvals allowing expanded alcohol service, particularly outdoors.
Concerns include parking, outdoor music, impacts on nearby residential properties and whether businesses are obtaining required approvals before beginning new uses.
Castaway Bar & Grill
The proposed Castaway Bar & Grill near the entrance to Matlacha continues through the zoning process following an earlier public information session.
Another former restaurant/fish-house property in the area has also been purchased and is undergoing work. Plans discussed for that property include docks, fuel sales, food service and potentially additional uses.
The committee noted that the addition of new restaurants and other destinations in Matlacha could further increase existing parking and traffic challenges.
Jug Creek
Jug Creek withdrew an earlier application related to consumption on premises and subsequently filed a rezoning application.
The approximately 1.2-acre property continues to generate neighborhood concerns involving outdoor activity, music and compatibility with surrounding residential properties.
GPICA will continue monitoring the application.
Alden Pines Golf Course
During public comments, a resident asked about the status of the former Alden Pines golf course.
Work is occurring on the property, including removal of invasive vegetation and work around the pump house. The owners have previously indicated that they hope to reopen nine holes, although the projected schedule has changed.
GPICA will seek an updated status and share additional information through its e-newsletter when available.
GPICA Organizational Updates
New Logo
GPICA unveiled its new logo, designed by Pine Island designer Nancy Koucky. The logo is part of a broader effort to strengthen GPICA’s identity and community presence.
Community Outreach and Membership Committee
GPICA is establishing a new Community Outreach and Membership Committee, chaired by Kathy Chumley.
The committee will develop activities and strategies designed to:
- Increase GPICA membership
- Improve community engagement
- Encourage greater attendance at meetings
- Recruit additional volunteers
Members and residents interested in becoming involved are encouraged to contact GPICA.
Environmental Committee
GPICA is also creating a new Environmental Committee, chaired by Sue Dahod.
The committee will focus on environmental issues affecting Pine Island, including water quality and other opportunities for GPICA to help protect the island’s natural resources.
The existing Development Committee will continue monitoring development and zoning activity.
Community Updates
Conservation Land Acquisition
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners approved conservation property purchases discussed at its meeting earlier that day.
GPICA President Chris attended the commission meeting and spoke in support of the acquisitions and thanked commissioners for moving them forward.
Recognition was also given to Calusa Land Trust and Bob Ballard, who had worked with the property owner for approximately nine years to facilitate the conservation opportunity.
Adopt-A-Road
GPICA’s Adopt-A-Road cleanups remain on summer hiatus.
The next cleanup is scheduled for:
Wednesday, October 7 at 9 a.m.
Volunteers will meet at the post office.
Tree Giveaway
GPICA is planning its next tree giveaway for Valentine’s Day weekend 2027.
Slash pines will be distributed. The event will be held either Saturday or Sunday depending on the tree pickup schedule.
Matlacha Development
Four homes have been approved along Pine Island Road in Matlacha through the historic review process. Two involve rehabilitation of existing structures and two are new construction.
Members also discussed The Venue at Matlacha, an event-oriented business advertised as opening September 5 near the former Century 21 building. The project could create additional traffic in an area already experiencing increased development activity.
St. James City Path Repairs
Path repairs have begun in St. James City and are expected to continue through approximately February 2027.
Traffic is being maintained during the work.
Upcoming Environmental Law Program
GPICA is helping sponsor a September 19 panel discussion at the Collaboratory in Fort Myers addressing environmental law and water protections.
Speakers are expected to discuss changes in federal protections for wetlands and waterways and the potential implications for Florida.
The event is free, but registration is required.
Upcoming GPICA Meetings
September Meeting
The next GPICA meeting will be September 1.
The featured speaker will be Kevin Karnes, Lee County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.
Topics are expected to include the Clerk’s property fraud alert program and other services available to residents.
October Meeting
The October meeting will focus on two major issues appearing on the November ballot:
- The proposed change to Florida’s homestead property tax exemption
- The proposal to change Lee County Commission elections from at-large districts to single-member districts
GPICA is arranging speakers with expertise on these issues and hopes for strong community attendance.
November Meeting
Because GPICA’s normal first-Tuesday meeting date coincides with Election Day, the November meeting will be moved back one week.
Speaker information will be announced later.
December Meeting
The December speaker remains to be announced.
Members were encouraged to watch GPICA emails for meeting information, speaker announcements and other community updates.
Adjournment
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes into the meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
—Greater Pine Island Civic Association