Pine Island Experience

🌴✨ Chef Anthony Pospiech opened The Island Girl Eats last spring within Pineland Marina in Bokeelia — a food truck and large tiki hut that’s quickly become a must-stop for locals and visitors alike. Open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset, it’s where incredible food meets stunning waterfront views. You’ll hear his passion, his gratitude for his team, and his humble joy in creating somethin...

🌅🐟 In this episode, we sit down with Rob Wells , who grew up surrounded by the beauty of Pine Island Sound. His family’s story began in 1976 when his parents purchased Cabbage Key , creating a one-of-a-kind island retreat. In 1999, the Wells family expanded their legacy with The Tarpon Lodge in Bokeelia — blending history, hospitality, and heart. Today, Rob and his brother Ken continue to preser...

🌴💛✨ Creativity isn’t just for artwork—it’s a powerful tool for business, too. 🌟 This week, we sit down with Nancy Koucky of NRK Designs, who shares how her artistic roots shape her graphic design work, from adult books and children’s books to branding for businesses. 🎧 Tune in and be inspired by Nancy’s journey 🌴 “If you turn a painting upside down and it still works, that is a good painting...

🌴💛✨ Welcome to the Pine Island Experience Podcast, where we celebrate the people, places, and spirit that make our island community so special. Today, we’re shining a light on the Beacon of Hope . Since 2004, this organization has been a lifeline for Pine Islanders—offering meals, transportation, counseling, education, and so much more. Executive Director Nancy Cote joins us to share how the Be...

Madison Morris is on fire — from being a two-time Grammy-submitted singer-songwriter to his currently nominated song Hard Rain , up for a Josie Award for Americana Song of the Year . 🏆 💛 On the latest episode of Pine Island Experience , hear the story behind Madison’s music and journey. These days, he calls himself “half Texan, half Floridian”—a mix that fuels his ability to blend country, elect...

In just a short time, Tami Sager and Yovan Santiesteban have transformed The Eagle’s Nest into one of Pine Island’s most exciting destinations — serving up incredible food, refreshing drinks, live entertainment, and an atmosphere that feels like family. With multiple Best of Pine Island 2025 Awards under their belt, their success goes beyond the kitchen. Tami and Yovan are passionate about giving...

Paulette LeBlanc , Editor of the Pine Island Eagle and award-winning author, has spent her life writing—and her heart now belongs to Pine Island and its people. From children’s books to community stories, Paulette captures resilience, kindness, and hope with every word. 💛 “The heart of what I do creatively will always be writing.” 🌟 This a must listen unforgettable interview. 🎧 Listen now on yo...

From her early days growing up in Ohio to her vibrant life on Pine Island, artist Juli Gilson has always been drawn to the coast. Her work beautifully reflects the natural gifts of the sea—seashells, sea glass, driftwood—and brings them to life in her paintings, driftwood sea creatures, birds, boats, and resin art.   She even uses historic Pine Island windows as frames for her coastal creations. I...

From casting lines to writing lyrics, Joe Harley’s journey is rooted in resilience and creativity. In this episode, we hear how Joe went from growing up on Pine Island to becoming a beloved fishing guide—until Hurricane Ian changed everything. Now, he’s pouring his heart into music as a singer-songwriter with growing success. 🎶 His latest single, Pass the Time , is gaining traction on Spoti...

In this episode, we meet Leanne Luehrman, the creative force behind Sea Salt & Co.   Though she’s new to Pine Island, Leanne is no stranger to the art of bespoke embroidery and personalized gifting . A self-taught embroiderer with a love for the history of monograms, Leanne brings passion, precision, and personality to everything she creates. Leanne lights up when helping customers find just t...

In this episode, we meet the delightful Darcy Conner—Travel Advisor, Small Business Owner, and passionate travel matchmaker. Helping people is what brings her joy, and that shines through in every trip she helps plan. Whether you’re dreaming of ocean cruises, river adventures, resort getaways, or fully customized travel experiences, Darcy brings deep expertise, personal insight, and a whole...

In this episode, we sit down with Sheila Breech, of Kickstand’s Pub & Grub.   When Sheila and Dave Breech rolled into Pine Island, they brought more than restaurant know-how—they brought heart, grit, and a deep love for community and motorcycles. In this episode, Sheila shares how Kickstand’s Pub & Grub came to life, filling a big gap for a biker-friendly restaurant. Now a favorite hangout...

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Piper, of 1st EnviroSafety, Inc.—a pioneering Pine Island company founded in 1997 and operated by his grandparents, Dr. Ted and Dr. Ann Tidwell. Built on innovation and integrity, the company has developed a line of powerful yet safe solutions, including the Purely Green cleaning and degreasing products, Bio-Wash for boosting agricultural yields and profits...

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Chedester, owner of Pine Island Pest Control, to hear how he went from dedicated employee to passionate business owner. Andrew shares what drives him: a deep love for the Pine Island community, a commitment to keeping homes safe, and a belief that real service starts with real relationships. It’s more than pest control—it’s about people. Don’t miss this ins...

In this episode, we’re joined by two wonderful members of Pine Island Community Church’s Hugs Program and Food Pantry team — Pat Downes and LaDonna Lippincott. Alongside their dear friend Dort Koetje, these women are affectionately known as “the Marthas” for their heart of service and gift for hospitality. Each week, they spend Mondays cooking meals with love and care, and on Tuesdays, they bring...

In this episode of The Pine Island Experience Podcast , we’re thrilled to welcome Jennifer Bennett, the vibrant and creative force behind Island Flair —a one-of-a-kind artist boutique nestled in the heart of colorful, artsy Matlacha. Jennifer set out with a dream: to build a lively, welcoming space where local island artists could showcase their work and where makers could come together to teach,...

Get ready to meet Zac and Thristina Woodhams, the dynamic duo behind Pine Island Pawn and Jewelry in Matlacha! They joined us on the podcast to share their journey of opening the shop, their passion for the community, and their excitement about welcoming customers. From explaining the ins and outs of the pawn business to showcasing unique jewelry and art, Zac and Thristina are bringing something s...

Don’t miss this heartwarming episode! We sit down with Lisa Fromm, owner of Sandy Paws Island Dog Bakery & Wash, and her son Codee as they share their journey from passionate dog lovers to running a dream bakery. Lisa opens up about the inspiration behind Sandy Paws, the challenges of turning her vision into reality, and what’s next for their growing business. Tune in on your favorite podcast...

This podcast is about 2 Fish Inn,   a beautiful, newly remodeled Inn located in the heart of St. James City on Pine Island, Florida.   Two of the owners, Brett and Holly Valentine talk about what it was like to join in partnership with the current owner and assist in the remodeling project.   2 Fish Inn offers single bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens, living rooms, separate bedroom/bath...

Jimmy and Jennifer say Pine Island is the best place ever and they believe they have the most wonderful clientele.   They have everything you could possibly need for fishing in their shop, from new beginners to moms and sons to seasoned pros.   The team at Pine Island Bait and Tackle are so helpful to their customers so much so that their customers come back happily showing them the fish they caug...

Do not miss this podcast about Wendy White , an artist of many talents who is very happy, extremely positive and in love with continuous learning.   Wendy says yes to every challenge and she always succeeds.   She is a very bright light in all of her endeavors so it is no surprise that she describes her painting in this way;   “ Painting is a consistent source of inspiration. As each canvas goes f...

This podcast is about a local family business on Pine Island, A. Gonzalez Nursery and Landscaping.   They have thousands of different Palms, Plants, Flowering Shrubs, and much more.    They have been landscaping and delivering quality plants since 2013 while receiving outstanding customer reviews.  To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexpe...

Erica’s passion for butterflies began the day she bought 18 Milkweed plants,   the required host plants for caterpillars of the monarch butterfly.   Erica was mentored and now she mentors others on all things butterflies.   As a vocalist, she is extremely talented and engaging.   To see Erica perform, look for announcements of the musical duo, Joy Ride or the full band, Cover Story SWFL.  To liste...

Captain Chuck Downes has spent many years as an educator and as a charter captain.   His passion is teaching people how to fish.   Captain Chuck is offering 4 weekly seminars at the Pine Island Community Church located at 5320 Doug Taylor Circle in St James City. The sessions are every Wednesday from 6:00pm until 8:00pm, January 29 through February 19.   To reserve a spot or if you have questions,...

Roland Ruocco is a working artist using a diverse array of media and artistic styles with his goal to create beautiful and thought provoking artworks. You will see his beautiful murals on Pine Island and throughout Lee County.   If you are lucky, you may even get to see him creating a mural.  To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience...