Pine Island Experience

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...

This is about the Ancuram Family Medicine Team,   Best of Pine Island Winner 2024.   The team includes Dr Daniel Hanley, his wife, Nadia Hanley, Alisha Hatch, Nurse Practitioner, Dorothy Holy, Office Manager, Naye Cedeno, Medical Assistant and Phlebotomist,   Joy Stafford, RMA and Phlebotomist, Latricia Dick, Medical Assistant, Abbey Mrozinski, Medical Assistant and Leah Miller, Front Desk.   Dr....

This podcast is about St John Carpentry Remodels and Repairs.   Jay St John and his son Conner talk about their mission, commitment to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.   As Best of Pine Island Winners for both 2023 and 2024 in cabinets and flooring they are truly living up to their mission. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineis...

Captain Will Olds, USCG Master Mariner and owner of Matlacha Boating Adventures describes how he got started running excursions.   He uses his history teacher background to update his passengers often stopping to speak during the excursions.   Be sure to read the Google reviews and you will understand why 75% of his cruisers are repeat customers. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast...

In this podcast, Chris Krueger, Manager and Becky Patterson, Inventory Manager talk about Pine Island’s hardware store, Vision Ace Hardware, located near the center in Bokeelia, Florida.   In a very short time after joining the Vision Ace Hardware Stores, this island hardware store won the Ace 2022, Pinnacle Performance Retailer Award.   It is no surprise that they won as visitors are always greet...

In this podcast, the three original Pipe Dream band members,  Daniel Cook, Isaac Holeva and Bob Lombardo talk about how they got together and how much they enjoy harmonizing and playing music together.   The Pipe Dream band is very popular on Pine Island, having won the Best of Pine Island Band in 2023 and 2024. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://...

In this podcast, Ned Bruha tells his story of how he got started in wildlife control.   Ned believes in humane wildlife control and prevention and doing it right the first time.   He gets them out and keeps them out without trapping, relocating, killing or poisons. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, e...

In this podcast, the delightful Miss Fran Poppell shares her life growing up, raising a family and living on Pine Island.   She describes attending the one room school house on Punta Blanca Island and the many changes she witnessed as Pine Island grew.   She talks about her love of sewing from 11 years of age that continues to bring her joy.   Fran became an artist learning to paint, craft plaques...

In this podcast,   Lecia Scott talks about how much she loves her job.   She has been a bartender for Froggy’s for 18 years and she cannot imagine being anywhere else.   She wants to make drinks and make sure her customers are happy.   When you’ve had the pleasure of being served by Lecia and when you listen to her on this podcast, it is no surprise that she is a multiple recipient of The Best of...