My Hometown — Pine Island, Florida

Author: PghJohn
Date of Trip: August 2006

Pine Island is off of the Southwest coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. It is approximately 14 miles long and about 2 miles wide and has about 9000 permanent residents. It is a quiet laid back place, having only one four-way stop sign. The major attractions include fishing, kayaking, hiking in protected land and walking or biking on the 13 mile black top path.

There are nine restaurants, mostly Mom and Pop with one Dairy Queen and one Subway. The clubs include a Moose, Elks, VFW and American Legion, which all provide very reasonable meals. For example, a beer and a hamburger with fries at the VFW is priced at $3.00. Yes, $3.00. The other clubs have the same kinds of deals.

There is one “shopping center.” It has a Winn Dixie, a CVS, a liquor store, beauty shop and Pizza Hut. So, usually all we need can be purchased without leaving the island. However, one drawback is when it is necessary to go into “town.” It usually is at least a one half-day experience, but we are finally getting some new stores that are closer.

There is hardly any crime and no traffic to speak of. My wife works at the library which is a five minute ride. Can’t beat that.

We are accessible by a draw bridge that leads into the artist community of Matlatcha which also has restaurants and many art galleries. This is by far, the best place I have ever lived.