June GPICA Meeting to Feature Lee County Tax Officials
Have questions about your tax bill, how your property is appraised, or even the dreaded 50% rule? Bring them to the next meeting of the Greater Pine Island Civic Association as we welcome Lee County Tax Collector Noelle Branning and Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell. These elected constitutional officers will provide an overview of how their offices work and the services that are available to residents.
- When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2025 (that’s tomorrow!)
- Where: First Baptist Church of Pine Island, 5363 Ave. D, Bokeelia, 33922, located next to Pine Island Elementary School
Vote Now: Blue Dog Request for Parking Variance
The Blue Dog restaurant in Matlacha is seeking support for a parking variance that would allow them to continue to allow outdoor seating. Restaurant representatives presented their case for support at the May 2025 meeting of the GPICA. Because attendance at the meeting was so low, we are conducting an online poll to determine whether our members and the community at large support the parking variance. If you missed the presentation, you can watch the recording on our YouTube Channel or read a summary of the meeting here.
- Do you support the variance? Please click here to take our poll now!
Why should you vote? The GPICA will use the poll results to summarize the community’s opinion on the variance and share it with County staff and elected officials. If you support the Blue Dog’s request, it’s important to let us know!
June Roadside Cleanup
Please join us this Wednesday for our monthly cleanup on Stringfellow Road. We will meet at 8 a.m. this Wednesday, June 4, at the Post Office on Barrancas, then fan out along the roadway.
- Additional details: No need to RSVP. Just show up at the start. Please bring your own gloves and, if you have them, reflective vests (we have a limited number of vests we can provide). GPICA will provide trash bags. Please bring your own water in a reusable bottle!
Suggested Attire: Please be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen and closed-toed shoes or waterproof boots.
Big thanks go to GPICA member Ellen Ballard for organizing this monthly cleanup!
- Please note: There will be no roadside cleanup in July, August or September.
- Mark your calendar for our next cleanup: Wednesday, Oct. 8
Seedling Planting
Did you volunteer to babysit a pine seedling for later replanting through the Calusa Land Trust in December? If so, here’s a heads up that CLT is organizing plantings of these seedlings to take place on their preserves on June 21. Plantings will take place at
- Wigert-Barron Preserve in Bokeelia
- Taylor Willow Lake Preserve in Bokeelia
- Chapin Preserve in Bokeelia
- Smith-Dewane Vista by St. Jude Trail in Saint James City.
If you’d like to help plant, or bring your seedling back, please text Ellen Ballard at 239-980-0701 to volunteer so CLT can organize helpers.
Please note: This CLT seedling activity was different from the GPICA’s own seedling giveaway we did in December; however, if you’d like to plant your seedling in a Calusa Land Trust preserve instead of at your own place, feel free to do so (and be sure to let them Ellen know you’re willing to help). And, if you need a reminder about how and when to plant your seedling at home, watch the video below!
Coming in July: Mango Mania
Mango Mania, Pine Island’s tropical fruit fair, is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 12 in the Winn Dixie Plaza. The event will include:
- Tropical plants, trees & fruit for sale
- Expert seminars on growing tropicals
- Contests: Biggest Mango, Best of Mango Foods
- Tasty mango & tropical fruit specialty foods & adult beverages
- Live music
- Arts & crafts vendors
GPICA — and plenty of other local Island businesses and organizations — will have a table so be sure to stop by and say hello!
