Pine Island Experience

Brian Maclean helps Pine Islanders get where they need to go, with reliability, a great personality, and a genuine enjoyment of what he does. 🏝️🚖🧳✈️ When we asked Brian what he hopes someone remembers about his service after he drops them off … ✨ “ That I was affordable. That I was reliable. Being on time, my grandfather taught me if I’m not early, I’m late. And I’ve got yelled at before for be...

What did Jim Wentz do when no one volunteered to lead Pine Island F.I.S.H. — Fellow Islanders Sending Help? Jim volunteered himself! And after talking with Jim, we discovered that he and Jan don’t simply run an organization. They are part of the volunteer team, the administrative team, the fundraising team, the coordination team—and when a volunteer isn’t available, they step in themse...

John Duckworth believes great service starts with showing up, communicating clearly, and doing the job right. 🚜🌴🪴🌺🌳🏡🌿 But after talking with John, we discovered that what he provides goes beyond lawn care. Sometimes great service is simply giving someone peace of mind. When John told us what he wants for his customers, we knew he had summed it up perfectly: ✨ “They just want to be able to...

Meet Suzanne Wilson, the creative force behind Sew Nautical’s beautiful custom window treatments, upholstery and marine interiors. 🌴🛋🪡✂️🛳⛵🚤 Have you ever wondered how custom drapery, re-upholstered furniture, or those comfortable marine chairs and benches come to life? Suzanne joined us to share how she does it—and the story of how her love of sewing began when she was growing up. What started...

Meet Linda Bohacek, President of the St. James City Civic Association! 🌴 What do you think happens inside the Civic Association? If you’ve driven past it—or even attended an event there—you may be surprised by just how much this organization offers the Pine Island community. 🏓 Ping pong, 🥌 Shuffleboard, 💃 Zumba, 🎨 Painting, 🀄 Mahjong, 🎤 Open Mic, 🧶 Crochet, 🌿 Nature activities, 🍽️ C...

Meet Matthew Morrison of Coastal Salt Soap Company 🌊 🧼 🛁 🧴   🧢 Through years of research, hard work, and determination, Matthew has turned a personal challenge into a business that’s making a difference—one customer at a time. Join us as Matthew shares the remarkable story of how Coastal Salt Soap Company was created, why it was so important to him,   and how he made his company a succe...

🐮🫏 🐑 🐔🏝️   Green Thumb Ranch How do you go from buying five acres for a man cave… to creating a ranch filled with miniature cows, donkeys, sheep, chickens, fruit trees, vegetable gardens, fresh eggs, and even a coffee roasting business? 💚 Meet Derick and Johanna Moreno, the owners of Green Thumb Ranch in Bokeelia. What began as an unexpected purchase became a place of healing, family, a...

🏠 🏡🏝️   Matlacha Tiny Village and Nautical Tiki Cruises 🌊 🛖⚓ Bri and Taylor Johnson took a leap of faith when they chose Matlacha to build their future. As the new owners of Matlacha Tiny Village and Nautical Tiki Cruises, they’re investing in more than two businesses—they’re investing in our community. We talked about restoring a waterfront property, creating memorable experience...

For Christine Karow, success isn’t measured by how many haircuts she can do in a day — it’s about helping people feel confident, cared for, and beautiful when they walk out the door. 💛 In this episode, we sit down with Christine Karow, owner of Christine Karow Hair Designs and Massage, to talk about her lifelong dream of becoming a hairstylist 💇‍♂️ , her passion for creativity, and the meaningfu...

🏝️ Saving Pine Island: Big Wins, Bold Moves & What’s Next Robert Ballard returned to the podcast to share everything that’s happened with the Calusa Land Trust since our last interview in 2023 — and the momentum is remarkable. From major land acquisitions like Chipley’s Sandpatch Preserve to the mission to re-pine 🌲 Pine Island and celebrate 50 years of conservation, the Calusa Land Trust con...

What started as a next chapter turned into something much bigger. In this episode, we sit down with Captain Ron to talk about building his business right here on Pine Island 🏝️ —from designing and testing his own rods and reels to working closely with manufacturers to bring his vision to life. The result? The Pine Island Special 🎣 —quality, affordable gear that’s opening the door for more people...

Mental health touches every one of us—but knowing where to begin isn’t always easy. In this episode of the Pine Island 🌴 Experience Podcast, we sit down with Michelle White of Azul Mindspace, a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience, to talk about what mental wellness really looks like in everyday life. 🩵 From simple ways to reset your mood—like stepping outside and reconnecting...

Some people move to Pine Island. Others become part of its heart. In this week’s episode, we sit down with Elsie Stearns , Vice President and Sr. Branch Manager of Centennial Bank on Pine Island, to hear the story of how a young woman from the city fell in love with island life — and spent decades giving back to the community she came to love. Elsie shares memories of arriving on Useppa Island in...

From faded and worn… to a deep, factory-fresh shine that even the owner couldn’t believe. In this episode of the Pine Island Experience , we sit down with Chris Holzem of Badger Boat Detail to hear how he and his partner Nick Petty are helping boat owners across Pine Island and Lee County bring their boats back to life. From mild oxidation to major restoration , Chris and Nick specialize in restor...

🌟 The Cottage Bakery Pine Island Fell in Love With What happens when a chef moves to the island and asks one simple question: What can I create here that people will love? In this episode, we sit down with Tristan Carter, founder of The Proper Palm Cottage Bakery. From his kitchen in Pine Island, Tristan releases online menus that islanders eagerly wait for—and when the menu drops, the orders com...

From waterfront restaurateur to food truck favorite — JD Hollway joins us for S4E6 of the Pine Island Experience. After owning the Waterfront Restaurant and Marina for nearly 25 years and supporting countless local charity fishing tournaments, JD reinvented himself with Horse Eyed Jake’s American Sliders Food Truck. Alongside his wife, Tricia, they’ve created more than a menu — they’ve created an...

🎣 Being on the water has a way of bringing people together — friends, family, and even someone you’ve just met. Add a Pine Island sunset and dolphins 🐬 surfacing nearby, and it becomes something truly special. In this episode, we talk with Debbie Hanson , award-winning outdoor writer, professional fishing guide, and Community Outreach Director for the Freedom Waters Foundation . Debbie shares he...

🏝️ In this episode, we’re joined by Staci Stevens , local realtor and broker-owner of Castaways Island Realty & Rentals. Staci Stevens shares her journey, her love for the island, and the heart behind Castaways Island Realty & Rentals. 🩵 This is a heartfelt conversation about island life, family, and building a business rooted in community. As the owner of Castaways Island Realty & Re...

⚓ Alan and AJ Ferrera, a dynamic father and son team with a commitment 🩵 🚤 In this episode, we’re joined by Alan and AJ Ferrera , the father-and-son team behind A & A Boat and Equipment Services — a veteran-owned, licensed, and insured mobile service proudly serving Pine Island and Matlacha. 🌊 Alan and AJ share their Navy backgrounds, what it’s like working together as family, and how thei...

🎣 The 5th Annual PICC Free Fishing Seminar Series Returns for 2026! Captain Chuck Downes is back, joined by expert presenter Dan Carns, to bring a refreshed and more focused approach to fishing education. This year’s free seminar series dives deeper into snook, redfish and spotted seatrout behavior — where to find them, how they live, and what to present throughout the seasons. 📍 Held at the Eag...

🎙 Season 4 begins with laughter, reflection, and storytelling. The delightful Tom Chase joined us on the Pine Island Experience Podcast for a conversation filled with humor, heart, and insight. Tom shares the moment he first discovered the power of making people laugh, stories from growing up in Plant City, Florida , and how those early experiences shaped a life that would include law, mediation,...

📚✨ Award-Winning author and Pine Islander,   Robert N. Macomber joins us to share the heart behind his life as a maritime historian, novelist, and lecturer. From the inspiration behind his 17-book Honor Series to the moments that light up his audiences, Robert brings history to life with passion and purpose. This conversation offers a glimpse into the storyteller who has captivated readers aroun...

🥬✨ In this episode, we sit down with Bill and Benet Kazokas of Flor-Da-Lee Farm in Bokeelia.   In 2013, they stepped away from corporate life, purchased 2.5 acres of agricultural land, and began growing specialty artisan lettuce — now supplying hotels, country clubs, and restaurants across Naples and Fort Myers. Today, they nurture 60 varieties for seven months each year, while Benet has expande...

⚓️📚 This week, we dive into mystery, law, and life along Pine Island Sound with author and attorney John D. Mills . 🌅🐟 A fifth-generation Fort Myers native, John grew up fishing these waters — and today, he channels that deep local knowledge into his nine-book fictional mysteries set right here in our coastal backyard.   In his first three books, his main character is Detective Doug Shearer wi...

🌴✨ From firefighter to Florida dreamer, Dan Boone’s journey is all heart. After years as a firefighter — eventually becoming a Lieutenant and joining Special Ops — Dan’s optimism and drive led him through every chapter with purpose and joy. Known as his department’s “Ambassador of Goodwill,” Dan brings that same energy to his company, CoastalFlo , creating performance apparel made for Florida’s...