IT’S BEEN TWO AND A HALF YEARS since Hurricane Ian crashed through Fort Myers and just a single lane on the only bridge connecting Pine Island to the mainland is open. On-going construction regularly stops traffic dead. Businesses along Pine Island Road through Matlacha can only watch the cars inching past—no one wants to lose his place in line. We spent 45 minutes in the mile-long backup before we realized what the problem was.
An hour delay, each way, every day
Local Business in happier times
Settling in
The Yellow Cottage, Bokeelia on Pine Isalnd
Yes, we’re back “home” after nearly four blissful months abroad. Pine Island, billed as a bit of “old Florida,” sounded like just the place to pick up our Grand Tour. The Yellow Cottage has everything we need to resume a normal life . . . and it’s most definitely yellow!
Daily reminders of what was . . . and what's to come
We were due for Covid boosters and Connie desperately needed a haircut. Great Clips was only 8 miles away but it took almost an hour to get there. The ominous clouds, spitting rain and gusty winds had the six stylists and most of the patrons fretting about the weather as she checked in. I imagine when you’re reminded of Ian’s devastation every day, the weather plays heavy on the mind. Every thunder-clap, wind-rattled door—even sparrows gathering under a bush—sets off alarm bells in someone who has ridden out one of the big hurricanes.
Spared . . . this time!
Bokeelia Art Gallery, a steal at $2,500,000
It’s more a matter of “when” not “if” the next big one will hit. Judging by the number of “For Sale” signs, even those folks whose million-dollar homes at the top of the island were spared have received the memo. Tempting as it was I think we’ll pass on the art gallery/residence for sale at only $2.5 million.
