Greater Pine Island Civic Association Meeting Minutes — May 2026
Note: Minutes are draft until approved by membership
The meeting was called to order. Attendees were reminded to silence cell phones and take side conversations outside.
Guest Speaker: Bob Ballard, Calusa Land Trust
Bob Ballard provided an update on the Calusa Land Trust, which was founded in 1976 and is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The organization currently protects approximately 2,400 acres on Pine Island, primarily mangrove habitat with some upland areas. The Land Trust remains an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff.
Mr. Ballard reviewed current preserves, public trail areas, signage improvements, educational programs, and recent restoration work. He highlighted the Chippewa/Fanhatch Preserve in Bokeelia, where invasive vegetation and debris are being removed and the historic landscape is being restored. To date, more than 2,100 pounds of trash have been removed, with approximately 280 volunteer hours contributed.
Upcoming projects include trail marker installation, invasive species removal, native plantings, walking path improvements, and a memorial bench at St. Jude Trail. Mr. Ballard encouraged residents to support the Land Trust through membership, donations, land donations, and volunteer workdays.
Approval of Minutes
The previous meeting minutes were distributed by email and posted. The minutes were approved.
Community Feedback Follow-Up
Community Feedback Review
The Board reviewed feedback collected from the January meeting and identified several areas of focus, including water quality, hurricane funding transparency, representation and advocacy, and development planning.
Water quality will remain on the agenda for upcoming meetings. Members were directed to the Lee County “Sand Dollar Snapshot” resource for information regarding post-hurricane funding and expenditures. The Board also discussed efforts to pursue regular communication with county and state representatives.
Matlacha Updates
Carol Scott provided updates on Matlacha projects and community improvements. Matlacha Community Park resurfacing is scheduled for May 11–13, during which the park will be closed. Improvements at the park include split rail fencing, designated parking areas, boulders, mulch, and a new pavilion roof.
Matlacha artists completed a mural celebrating Matlacha’s 100-year anniversary, 1926–2026. New pedestrian safety improvements include crosswalk flashing systems and speed limit signage. Road resurfacing is scheduled in the commercial area from May 13–15.
Ms. Scott also reported that the Old Fish House property has been purchased by new owners who intend to preserve and restore the historic structure. Cleanup has already begun, and the owners are working with Lee County Historic Preservation, DEP, and Lee County on restoration and remodeling.
Calusa Waterkeeper will hold a Vertical Oyster Garden workshop on June 28 at Matlacha Community Park. The next Matlacha Civic Association meeting will be held June 1 due to the Memorial Day holiday.
MangoMania / Road Updates
MangoMania is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, and the Civic Association plans to participate. Road resurfacing in the Pineland area was also noted.
Treasurer’s Report
The Treasurer reported April income of $172 and April expenses of $325, resulting in a net loss of $153.10 for the month. Year-to-date income totaled approximately $1,927, with expenses of approximately $1,254.
The Treasurer explained that the Board reduced the required liquid cash balance from $10,000 to $7,000 due to improved investment maturity scheduling. The organization continues transitioning investments from bank CDs to Treasury Direct investments for improved interest returns. A CPA review of the organization’s financials was completed with a clean review.
Development and Zoning
Steve provided an update on the proposed Bokeelia cell tower. The hearing examiner ruled in favor of the applicant, granting the requested variances and height exception. The Civic Association is considering whether to appeal the decision to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners and may consult with a land use attorney before proceeding.
Concerns remain regarding the proposed tower location, setbacks, variances, and neighborhood compatibility. Members discussed the distinction between opposing cell service and opposing the proposed tower location.
Additional development updates included discussion of Bokeelia Point, Maria Drive, the Alden Pines property, and proposed restaurant/parking redevelopment in Matlacha. Members raised concerns regarding traffic, parking, mangrove impacts, and future commercial use.
Discussion also included ongoing concerns regarding Jug Creek, including code enforcement, permitting, noise, parking, and compliance issues.
Announcements
The next meeting will be held June 2 and will include a representative from FWC. There will be no meeting in July. Meetings will resume in August.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn was made and seconded. The meeting was adjourned.
—Minutes respectfully submitted by Skylynn Brown, Secretary