Pine Island Experience

In this podcast, Marvia Cicchino, owner of the Pine island Family Hair Salon, describes what it has been like styling hair for almost fifty years on Pine Island.   Marvia had always wanted to be a hair stylist and she continues to follow her dream.   She recently renovated her hair salon into a modern, highly functional and beautiful salon.   Marvia is an artist and she has included many of her pa...

In this podcast,   Steve Soloway talks about his construction company, Consumers Contracting Services, an innovative, unique full-service construction company. You will hear how Steve builds a trust relationship with his customers and you will hear his vision for the company.   Steve grew up in construction and he is a realtor.   He realized there was a need for a builder who could build a quality...

In this podcast, Pastor Michelle Browne and Jen Jennings speak about the Pine Island Community Church.   Pastor Michelle describes the many services the community church offers and Jen, the Manager of the PICC Thrift Store, shares how she enjoys managing the thrift store.   You will hear how much these wonderful individuals love supporting the Pine Island community.   They will tell you, ‘Loving o...

Pine Island Auto Repair and Patty’s Coastal Decor sit side by side at 8336 Stringfellow Rd in St. James City located quite near the VFW.   This is a story about a lovely married couple who support each other in their businesses and when you meet them, you will see they are quite happy working together.   Bob will tell you his Pine Island Auto Repair stands head and shoulders above the rest. They p...

Rich and Carol Evans created a beautifully decorated and customer friendly laundromat, the Ship Shape Laundry Co.,   with Electrolux top rated washers and dryers.   There are lovely, bright customer waiting areas inside and out, including a kids section with puzzles and coloring books. Carol and Rich will keep everything Ship Shape and they look forward to getting to know the people on Pine Island...

This podcast addresses many of the questions people have when they have been contacted to be on the podcast.   This is a short podcast containing questions and answers as well as a description of the process. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podcast app or go to our website, https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Tommy Kramer relocated his business, Kramer’s Kutting Edge to 7573 Raymary Street in Bokeelia.   He and Suzanne remodeled the new shop and had it up and running in February 2024.   Tommy can sharpen pretty much anything.   He has over 37 years of locksmithing experience and he has hard to find keys in stock .   He knows how to program, cut and duplicate most car keys/fobs/remotes at around half of...

Jodi Trusty found her new passion after her children were grown seven years ago.   It’s baking.   Jodi recently opened the Sweet Floret Cakery located in the Matlacha Historic District.   Jodi says she is ecstatic to be opening a shop in the Matlacha Community, … something she envisioned for years.   She tells us her heart is to serve, bring JOY, love, comfort, and a sense of togetherness, through...

Listen to Kevin Farley and Michelle Wendt tell their amazing story.   They are both artists.   Kevin is a stand-up comedian and Michelle is a writer and director so it was only natural that they fell in love with the artsy community of Pine Island.   They recently opened the Salt & Poppy Boutique at the center by the 4-Way Stop in Bokeelia.   Michelle will tell you that it’s not a place you ju...

Listen to Aaron Barreda,   the Commander of American Legion Post 136 and Co-Founder, Co-Chair of GPIA, Greater Pine Island Alliance.   The American Legion Post 136 was outstanding in recovery relief after Hurricane Ian and the post was awarded Best All Around Post in Florida 2022-2023.   In October 2022, Islanders Aaron Barreda and Jay Sanderson began developing the Greater Pine Island Alliance to...

Korrie O’Donnell,   Master Electrician and Owner of Sound Electric in Saint James City, FL on Pine Island tells her story of becoming a master electrician and starting her own company.   Korrie rebuilt after Hurricane Ian and Sound Electric came back bigger and stronger.   Korrie says her most important asset is her team.   Her customer service pledge is to be upfront, be prompt, show up on time a...

Jeanine Williams, artist and owner of Material Green tells her story of her graphic design background and how she has worked for years in visual design and design.   A 30 year resident of Saint James City, she talks about relocating her Material Green studio and boutique to 5101 Pine Island Rd NW across from Publix.   Jeanine loves textiles and she especially enjoys fabric mixes and upholstery.  ...

Listen to Jerry Hook describe what it’s like to be an Audubon Eagle Watch Volunteer on Pine Island, Florida.   Jerry talks about his travel experiences in the United Sates and the world photographing nature, wildlife and landscapes.   His amazing trips include Africa, Antartica, the Arctic, South and Central America, Canada and 46 of the 50 states. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite podca...

Listen to Commander Scott Zilch tell how proud he feels being part of the VFW.   He discusses the many post activities and the services that are offered to the veterans.   Commander Scott says the mission is very simple. We foster camaraderie among United States veterans of conflicts overseas, we serve our veterans, the military, and the communities, and we advocate on behalf of all veterans. We e...

Listen to Aimee and Sarah tell their story of how they fell in love with Pine Island and opened Spots Ice Cream, Crepes and Sauces in Bokeelia, just north of the 4 way stop.   They want the community to come in and tell their story and enjoy the delicious ice creams, Sarah’s homemade sauces, and their wonderful sweet and savory crepes.   As Sarah and Aimee say, we want it to be the ‘spot’ where ev...

Chef Becca and Chef Bo of Coastal Eats discuss how they craft unforgettable culinary experiences with fresh coastal dishes for their customer’s special moments.   Becca and Bo are personal chefs offering dining experiences in North Captiva, Useppa, Pine Island and Cape Coral.   While they offer so many wonderful personalized chef services from plated meals, buffets, heat and serves, fresh catches...

This episode is about Stephen M Longest, a Realtor who goes above and beyond for his customers.   Listen to Stephen tell his story of how he discovered Pine Island and how he made a decision to become a Realtor.   Stephen lives by his slogan, “ More than Just a REALTOR®” and Pine Islanders have agreed by voting for him.   He was recently awarded,   2023 Best of Pine Island Real Estate Agent. To li...

Matt Anderson, Licensed Beekeeper is the owner of Anderson Bee Removal and a firefighter and paramedic living in Bokeelia, Florida.   Matt is a state licensed beekeeper trained in the safest and most effective ways to remove bees and relocate them to a new, safe environment. Matt says he loves this island and loves the community and getting to meet people, getting to help people and just do right...

This episode features Nicole Cicchino photographer and owner of the  Matlacha Post Office and Gallery & Gifts.   Nicole has worked in the Matlacha Post Office for over 22 years and has owned the business for over 6 years.   Nicole loves taking pictures of nature on Pine Island because it makes her happy and she loves making the pictures the best they can be for other people to enjoy.

This episode features Joe and Lisa Perry, the owners of Carmen’s Kayaks.   This is the story of how they discovered Pine Island and met Carmen.   From their very first meeting with Carmen to multiple trips with their family and Carmen over many years,   you will discover this journey was meant to be.   Joe and Lisa purchased Carmen’s Kayaks in May 2022. To listen to the podcast, use your favorite...

This episode features Dennis Borcky, the owner of Froggy’s.   Dennis knew Froggy’s was a great place thanks to the culture that Romana built.   Six months after taking over Froggy’s, hurricane Ian brought 4 ft of water into the building.   Dennis used his construction experience and turned the disaster into an opportunity, redesigning and rebuilding Froggy’s while maintaining the vibe of Pine Isla...

This episode features Captain Cathy, Charter Boat Captain and owner of Captain Cathy Eagle Boat Tours .   Captain Cathy has spent more than 40 years delighting her passengers with her wildlife knowledge and her talent for attracting dolphins during her tours. Captain Cathy, known as the Dolphin Whisperer, is also a musician and writer for The Pine Island Eagle and Nautical Mile Magazine. To listen...

This episode features John Petrus, owner of That BBQ Place in Matlacha.   John creates Central Texas-style barbecue using salt and pepper smoked slow over oak wood.   After hurricane Ian,   the restaurant needed to be rebuilt however, his smoker survived.   John felt he had a responsibility to feed people stating,   “People needed to be taken care of and I had the equipment to feed people”.   John...

This episode features Jeff Abbott a painter and figurative artist from Bokeelia, Florida. Jeff has been delighting people with his Figurative Artwork for more than twenty years.   Much of Jeff’s life-sized 3D artwork surrounds his home in Bokeelia and he says half the fun is in finding his home.   Jeff believes in this saying, “Whatever you can imagine, you can create” which is why there are no li...

This episode features Jasmina Pirganoski describing how she and her husband Artur discovered Matlacha, Pine Island. They were so impressed, they found themselves visiting just about everyday and they decided to open their new store in Matlacha called, Tropical Jewelry and Matlacha Hammock Company.   Jasmina is amazed by the friendliness and closeness of the Matlacha island community.   She loves h...