The Shields Painting Difference: Perfection with Every Brush Stroke
Many painting companies in Florida rely on flashy marketing and big promises to try and attract new clients. But when it comes time to work, they fall short of their promises. This is often due to a lack of experience, qualified painters, and a drive to overachieve. At Shields Painting, we do things a little differently than other painting companies in Citrus County. We believe that a professional paint job should be as close to perfect as possible. Our goal is to leave you 100% satisfied, whether we're touching up an old residential paint job or performing a complex commercial project. It might sound simple, but we achieve that goal through honesty, hard work, beautiful results, and reasonable pricing.
As a family-owned and operated painting company in Pine Island, FL, we strive to provide personalized, professional, and friendly service. Shields Painting has been in business since 1968 for a good reason. Whenever possible, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers are happy. Unlike some of our competition, we want to know all about your house or business painting project: your vision, your preferences, your challenges, and your goals. When we understand your needs, we can present you with a fantastic final product - one that you're proud to show off to friends and neighbors.
At Shields Painting, we combine our extensive experience with time-tested, meticulous painting processes, resulting in the highest quality painting results around. As a painting contractor in Citrus County, we can take on a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial projects in Florida.
A few of our most popular painting services include:
- Interior Painting
- Exterior Painting
- Residential Painting
- Commercial Painting
- Cabinet Painting
- Ceiling Painting
- Fence Painting
- Sign Painting
- MUCH More!
Our commercial, industrial, and residential painting contractors take the proper steps to protect your property and belongings while we work. Our team will clean up after ourselves, so your property is left clean and free of debris when we're done. After all, we think there's only one way to do a job, and that's the right way.
Painting Services
Eco-friendly & clean work area.
PDCA Certified Member.
Your Go-To House Painting Company in Pine Island, FL
Your home is a haven of relaxation and solitude. It is uniquely you - a place where you can express who you are through style and design. Whether you need interior touch-ups for your crown molding or a new exterior coat of paint, hiring a reliable painting contractor is the best way to get quality results.
At Shields Painting, we know how important it is to have a home that highlights your tastes and personality. That's why we offer an extensive array of residential painting services in Citrus County. As tempting as it might be to try a DIY paint job, without the proper skills and experience, there is a good chance that the results will turn out less than satisfactory.
High-quality painting requires skill, experience, and patience. If you're a homeowner who needs residential painting services but doesn't have the time, patience, or skills to handle the job, look no further than Shields Painting. We offer accuracy, precision, and longevity with each paint job we perform. Our customers choose Shields Painting for their home because they receive:
- Free Quotes with Detailed Project Breakdowns
- Affordable Pricing
- Expert Painting Contractors
- High-Quality Paint Products
- Combo of Traditional and Modern Techniques
- Well-Maintained Tools
- Unmatched Craftsmanship
- Friendly, Personalized Service
- Good Old-Fashioned Hard Work!
The majority of our house painting services come in two forms: interior and exterior.
Interior Residential Painting
As an interior painting contractor with decades of experience, our expert technicians have developed an interior painting process that maximizes quality and emphasizes customer satisfaction. We understand that interior painting goes beyond aesthetics. It protects your ceilings and walls and helps you sustain a healthier place to live for your family. When only the finest craftsmanship will do inside your home, Shields Painting is here for you.
Our seasoned team of painting experts and craftsmen is dedicated to respecting your space and providing you with the look and feel you're craving inside your home. Whether you bought a new house and want to make it your own or need minor touch-ups but have no time, Shields Painting is ready to tackle the job, no matter how small or large.
Unlike some painting companies, our interior house painters take the time to get the details right, every time. For instance, color is only one aspect of your interior paint job. The paint sheen or finish is just as important. Certain finishes are better for living rooms and bedrooms than in kitchens and bathrooms. We'll help you find the right finish and paint colors for your home, so you don't have to worry about touch-ups or repainting.
Some of our most popular interior house painting services include:
- Ceiling Painting
- Popcorn Ceiling Removal
- Living Room Painting
- Bathroom Painting
- Basement Painting
- Color Consultations
- More
Cabinet Painting
Citrus County cabinet painting deserves its own section on this page because it requires more time, skill, and quality paint than most sections of your home. If your home's cabinets are built into its woodwork, replacing them can be obnoxiously expensive. Compared to the cost of installing new cabinets, painting your kitchen cabinets is much more affordable.
At Shields Painting, we specialize in transforming old cabinets into new, gorgeous features that are just as usable as they are beautiful. Each step of our cabinet painting process is meticulous and thorough. And we'll take care of the entire job, from cleaning, prep, and sanding to priming, painting, and reassembly. This unique service lets you enjoy a brand-new look in your kitchen without having to go into debt by replacing your cabinets.
Whether your cabinets are new, but you want to change their color or you'd like to transition wood cabinets to a painted finish, Shields Painting has the expertise and experience to give you a new look you'll love.
Exterior Residential Painting
Your home - it's a place that not only keeps your belongings safe. It protects your family and loved ones, too. It's one of your largest investments, and like anything else of value, it should be protected. However, Florida weather can take a toll on your home's structure and paint, lowering your home's value and even putting your family at risk.
While it's true that a beautiful exterior affects your house's value, it shouldn't take thousands of remodeling dollars to make a positive change to your home. There's a fine line between reasonable pricing and top-quality painting, and that sweet spot is what Shields Painting aims for. If you want to transform how your friends and neighbors see your home, never underestimate the power of a professional paint job.
Our exterior residential painting services are designed to boost curb appeal, give your home a fresh look, and help it stand up to Florida's unique weather. But we provide more than that. When you hire Shields Painting for your outdoor painting project, you will enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your home is in truly capable hands. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and help bring out the best in your property, whether you need to re-stain your deck or remove old, peeling paint from your siding.
If you're on the hunt for the very best exterior painting contractor in Pine Island, FL, look no further than Shields Painting.
Some of our most popular exterior house painting services include:
- Vinyl Siding Painting
- Deck Painting and Staining
- Stucco Exterior Painting
- Wood Exterior Painting
- Porch Painting and Staining
- Soffit Painting
- Fascia Painting
- Window Painting
- Front Door Painting
- Thorough Painting Prep
- More
The Premier Commercial Painting Company in Pine Island, FL
When it comes to first impressions, your businesses' appearance plays an important role. Your commercial property's paint job factors into its overall aesthetics. A great-looking, well-maintained paint job can mean the difference between a customer walking in your storefront and passing by. Conversely, an old, worn-out commercial paint job can send the wrong message to prospective customers. If you can't take the time to keep up your property's appearance, why would a customer spend their hard-earned money on your products?
The same goes for your businesses' interior paint. Would you want to do business with a company that has peeling paint or unsightly crown molding? At Shield's Painting, our goal is to create a beautiful environment that your customers and employees will love inside and out. When you work with our business painters, you can rest easy knowing we treat your business like it were our own. We always clean up after ourselves and know that operations cannot come to a halt just because we're painting. As such, we'll work with your busy schedule to ensure the job gets done right the first time without disrupting your day-to-day commitments.
With decades of commercial painting experience, we know the demands of a commercial painting project necessitate a disciplined and focused approach from the start. Our team of business painters is committed to delivering quality, on-time results on every project, every time - no excuses
We offer professional business painting services to a variety of building types, including:
01
Industrial Painting
A high level of care and finesse are required to effectively paint an industrial property. At Shields Painting, we know that industrial paint jobs involve much more than aesthetics. That's why our industrial services are customized to your specifications, using industrial-grade materials that stand up to heavy-duty operations.
02
Retail Store Painting
Our commercial painters apply effective, yet appealing interior and exterior paint that stand up to the daily rigors of busy retail environments.
03
Small Business Painting
Do you own a restaurant franchise? Have a small "mom and pop" location that needs a fresh coat of paint? Shields Painting has the resources and reliability to efficiently get the job done the first time. That way, you can focus on serving your customers, not having your business repainted.
04
Healthcare Location Painting
From walk-in clinics to long-term care facilities, Shields Painting is sensitive to your patients' needs. We know you must protect your patient's privacy while maintaining productivity. Our approach to healthcare location painting centers around your schedule to avoid disruptions in care.
05
Apartment Complex Painting
Erase signs of wear and make your apartment complex or multi-family building a more desirable place to live with a stunning, professional paint job.
Florida's Most Trusted Painting Contractor
Shields Painting has been in the business since 1968. In a world where so much has changed, we are proud to uphold the ideals that make us successful: hard, honest work, getting the job done right, and excellent customer service. Providing you with trustworthy, quality work will always take priority over rushing through a project to serve the next customer. That is just not the way we choose to do business.
As professionals dedicated to perfection, we strive to provide a unique painting experience for every customer - one that focuses on their needs and desires instead of our own. Whether you need residential painting for your home or commercial painting for your business, we encourage you to reach out today to speak with our customer service team. Whether you have big ideas about a new paint project or need our expertise and guidance, we look forward to hearing from you soon.
352-212-1533Free Consultation
Latest News in Pine Island, FL
Salt & Poppy boutique now open on Pine Island
capecoralbreeze.comhttps://www.capecoralbreeze.com/news/business/2024/01/19/salt-poppy-boutique-now-open-on-pine-island/
New shop owned by actor and stand-up comedian Kevin Farley with his wife, writer and director Michelle Wendt Salt & Poppy boutique owners Kevin Farley and Michelle Wendt. PROVIDEDIn an endeavor to become a part of the Pine Island community, stand-up comedian Kevin Farley and wife, director and Emmy Award-winning writer Michelle Wendt, opened a specialty store, Salt & Poppy, in Bokeelia Thursday.The couple met in New York, Wendt said, while she was directing a musical she wrote, in which Farley was cast. After c...
New shop owned by actor and stand-up comedian Kevin Farley with his wife, writer and director Michelle Wendt
Salt & Poppy boutique owners Kevin Farley and Michelle Wendt. PROVIDED
In an endeavor to become a part of the Pine Island community, stand-up comedian Kevin Farley and wife, director and Emmy Award-winning writer Michelle Wendt, opened a specialty store, Salt & Poppy, in Bokeelia Thursday.
The couple met in New York, Wendt said, while she was directing a musical she wrote, in which Farley was cast. After closing the chapter on a global pandemic and a ghastly hurricane, Farley and Wendt are now putting down roots as islanders, and opening a new chapter as retail store owners.
Salt & Poppy is not a place you just run through, said Wendt, as she is hoping people find joy in the unique quality of the store where you can find everything from pet supplies to genuine Kevin Farley merchandise.
“There’s a convenience in having a store that’s a unique boutique–a little bit of everything. It’s not a hardware store, it’s not a general store. Salt & Poppy is a place where you can get something for your kids, your dogs and maybe even some candy,” Wendt said.
Years of spending time as kids with their parents vacationing in Sanibel and Captiva brought the couple down south as adults, where they decided on Pine Island shortly after Covid.
The front of the Salt & Poppy boutique. PAULETTE LeBLANC
“Once I found Pine Island, I thought this is the coolest place — it felt the most like us — artsy, bohemian, different — unique,” Wendt said.
Calling Pine Island home now reminds them both of vacations from their time as youths in south Florida, and the two are very excited about their choice to be part of the tight-knit Pine Island community, as Farley admits he loves Pine Island.
“Most of my time is spent on the road doing stand-up, so this will be a chance for me to do something new — to set roots and be a part of Pine Island. When I do come off the road, the island is a quiet place to relax. For me this place offers me a chance to decompress. I’m interested in making the store a place that people can enjoy. I just want people to come to the store for unique kinds of gifts — things you won’t find anywhere else,” Farley said.
Family plays an important role in the lives of these Alden Pines residents, as Farley, who is the brother of the late actor Chris Farley, also enjoys time with Wendt’s son Leo, who is currently a busboy at Tarpon Lodge and a varsity football player at Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers. Wendt said Leo really enjoys being at home more than anything and insists the family is adapting to life on the island as they are becoming a clan who never wants to leave the island unless it’s absolutely necessary.
“We used to find ourselves leaving Pine Island for every little thing and now we’re wondering, what do we need to do, to never leave the island? So that has changed for both of us,” Wendt said.
A sample of some of the items you will find in the new store. PAULETTE LeBLANC
Salt & Poppy is at 10502 Stringfellow Road, #5501, Bokeelia. For additional information about the boutique, call 310-567-4546.
A sample of some of the items you will find in the new store. PAULETTE LeBLANC
Business
Pine Island’s pivotal role in filling Florida with its favorite trees
WZVNhttps://www.abc-7.com/article/pine-islands-pivotal-role-in-filling-florida-with-its-favorite-trees/45955370
With a name like Pine Island, you might expect to see needles and pinecones littered along the shoulder of Stringfellow Road on Pine Island. While Florida’s largest island certainly has no shortage of Pine Trees, it’s also home to a massive industry centered around a different type of tree. Infinite Scroll Enabled GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTSThe latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.Your Email Address...
With a name like Pine Island, you might expect to see needles and pinecones littered along the shoulder of Stringfellow Road on Pine Island. While Florida’s largest island certainly has no shortage of Pine Trees, it’s also home to a massive industry centered around a different type of tree.
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LEE COUNTY, Fla. — With a name like Pine Island, you might expect to see needles and pinecones littered along the shoulder of Stringfellow Road. While Florida’s largest island certainly has no shortage of pine trees, it’s also home to a massive industry centered around a different type of tree.
Arguably, they are Florida’s favorite tree. Mark Dean, the owner of Palmco in Bokeelia, is not just an operator, but also a pioneer.
“I was the first one to start growing palm trees here on Pine Island commercially,” Dean explained.
That was more than 38 years ago. Today, his original concept has blossomed into a booming industry. Something Dean partly attributes to a perfect climate.
“We have a small microclimate here and in Charlotte Harbor just north of us, a mile or so as the crow flies, as the cold fronts come across from the north, we actually get a heating effect from the Bay. We are 6 degrees warmer than just south of here,” Dean said.
Those ideal conditions have allowed him to create exotic groves or rare palm trees, with exotic animals to boot, like the wild peacocks that call Pine Island home.
Palmco is a wholesaler, so it won’t sell to your average homeowner. However, if you’ve ever been to one of Orlando’s many theme parks, chances are you’ve seen something grown on Pine Island, and it’s not just the big buyers like Disney World or Universal. Apartment complexes, restaurants and even entire counties are customers. We’ve learned almost every palm you come across in our area comes from a nursery on Pine Island.
“They probably don’t know but they have seen our material somewhere before; some people call it the happiest place on earth,” said Jay Burke, the vice president of Palmco.
Moving a 1000-pound tree is no easy task, and neither is predicting the demand for adult palm trees years in advance.
“That’s hard to predict; there is definitely an art to growing and selling trees and keeping your inventory balanced,” Dean said.
You end up with huge fields of ready-to-go trees because you never know when someone will want their little slice of paradise.
“Royal palms are especially popular for us, our coconut palms; we grow a specific kind of coconut palm called the Maypan,” Burke said.
So, while it’ll always be known as Pine Island, you could also consider this place “Palm Island” – an agricultural community dedicated to creating tropical vibes by growing and distributing these tropical trees.
“It’s kind of a symbol of the island if you really think about it; so many people know those groves when they come to visit because it’s something they have never seen before, so it’s really cool to be a part of that,” Burke said.
With Florida RAS, Pine Island Redfish working toward red drum revival
Chris Chasehttps://www.seafoodsource.com/news/premium/aquaculture/pine-island-redfish-working-to-re-establish-commercial-market-for-red-drum-through-aquaculture
Megan Sorby is hoping to reignite commercial interest in red drum through her new company, Pine Island Redfish.For over three decades, red drum – commonly known as redfish – has not been available to commercial fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico after stock assessments found declining populations after heavy overfishing in the 1980s. In the span of a decade, the species disappeared from U.S. menus, and although there are a few aquaculture operations sprinkled across the U.S. South that produce red drum, their volumes are not ...
Megan Sorby is hoping to reignite commercial interest in red drum through her new company, Pine Island Redfish.
For over three decades, red drum – commonly known as redfish – has not been available to commercial fishermen in the Gulf of Mexico after stock assessments found declining populations after heavy overfishing in the 1980s. In the span of a decade, the species disappeared from U.S. menus, and although there are a few aquaculture operations sprinkled across the U.S. South that produce red drum, their volumes are not large enough to support a national market.
Sorby is working to change that by establishing a new recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) on Pine Island in Southwest Florida, located near the city of Fort Myers. Her company, founded in late 2023, is hoping to reestablish red drum in the U.S. commercial market.
“I think redfish, for us, is the real story that RAS aquaculture is supposed to be telling,” Sorby told SeafoodSource during the Global Seafood Market Conference, which ran from 23 to 25 January in Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. “We talk so much about positioning ourselves close to markets, about providing a domestic supply of a species that is not available domestically – and that’s what redfish is.”
Much of the older population the U.S. Gulf of Mexico region remains familiar with redfish, and Sorby hopes to rekindle excitement for the fish as the basis of her company's marketing strategy. And its existence as a sport fish means it’s already in the public consciousness in the U.S. Southeast, eliminating a barrier to getting it to market.
“It has a market presence, or a market history, already that we can build up,” Sorby said. “What we hope to do is bring back that domestic supply sid. The real challenge is scaling it up.”
As it gets off the ground, Pine Island Redfish is using data accumulated from scientific enterprises that worked to raise the fish for restocking purposes. That research has given Sorby data on stocking densities, growth curves, and more.
"[The U.S.] government pumped a lot of money into state fish and wildlife agencies and nonprofits to do the research on the fish, so that foundational work is there to hopefully support the growth of an industry," she said. “We know all that work is there supporting the model of what a larger scale looks like."
Sorby is no stranger to what it takes to establish a RAS operation. She is the former operations manager of Kingfish Maine, which under her watch achieved full permitting, and is set to begin construction once the company achieves sufficient funding.
Pine Island, Florida, is an ideal location for the company's farm, according to Sorby. The area has already commercialized aquaculture of a few species, including catfish and crayfish, and there’s already an industry-focused research presence in the area.
“There may be intricacies of each species or the way a particular system is designed, but we’re all working on the same core challenges – you’re still farming an animal in a closed condition,” Sorby said.
Despite the welcoming environment, Pine Island Redfish will still have to achieve a feat no other company has ever accomplished – grow commercial volumes of red drum in a land-based facility. But Sorby said her team is resolved to achieve its goals.
“We joke around that very few things are purpose-built for aquaculture, and that 90 percent of what we do is arts and crafts, because you’re trying to build the lunar lander out of some parts,” Sorby said. “That doesn’t matter whether you are offshore or whether you’re land-based. You’re still finding new solutions to these problems that arise. But I think the breadth of experience that our group has had brings about a really well-rounded perspective.”
Besides growing fish, Sorby said Pine Island Redfish also plans to use waste products from the farm to fertilize and grow red mangrove trees, a key shoreline species in Florida. The regenerative aspect of the business was what helped net Pine Island Redfish a boost from Bright Tide Accelerator, a leading environmental consultancy in the United Kingdom. Bright Tide recently launched its first-ever Regenerative Farming Accelerator. Through the program, Pine Island Redfish will get additional support with free technical advisory services, pro-bono legal support, and networking opportunities with investors and policymakers.
Establishing the RAS is the first step for Sorby and her team. The next will be to create a market for the species. To that end, the company has gotten help from ...
Photo by Chris Chase/SeafoodSource
Authentic, Artsy & Ageless: The Pine Island Communities
Robin Draperhttps://authenticflorida.com/authentic-artsy-ageless-the-pine-island-communities/
Are you yearning for a truly “Authentic Florida” experience? Seeking something to do that reflects Florida’s past, a simpler life, a place where the pace slows, nature is abundant, the food is fresh and life is less complicated? We know a place in Southwest Florida that might satisfy that desire.Things to do in Pine IslandTable of ContentsOn Florida’s southwest coast, approximately thirty minutes from Fort Myers, Pine Island embodies the Authentic Florida spirit. It has a remote “feeling&r...
Are you yearning for a truly “Authentic Florida” experience? Seeking something to do that reflects Florida’s past, a simpler life, a place where the pace slows, nature is abundant, the food is fresh and life is less complicated? We know a place in Southwest Florida that might satisfy that desire.
Things to do in Pine Island
Table of Contents
On Florida’s southwest coast, approximately thirty minutes from Fort Myers, Pine Island embodies the Authentic Florida spirit. It has a remote “feeling” but is not too remote. It’s surrounded by world-class fishing, a vibrant local art scene, and, of course, fresh seafood. The “old” Florida vibe is everywhere! This unique island also delivers its own distinctive “sense of place”.
Where is Pine Island?
Pine Island is the largest island along Florida’s Gulf Coast, surrounded by the waters of Pine Island Sound and jutting into Charlotte Harbor. It is 18 miles from tip to tip and rimmed with mangroves, the prolific coastal trees with interesting roots and tiny green leaves. This is not an island with sandy white beaches; in fact, its lack of beaches is one of the reasons it has remained true to its authentic core.
Because it is situated between the mainland coast and several barrier islands (Sanibel, Captiva, and Cayo Costa), and lacks a Gulf beach, it has not seen the development akin to most Florida beachfront areas. While not your typical island, it is well worth the visit. And if you must have those sandy white sands and aquamarine waters, relax – it’s just a taxi boat ride to Cayo Costa State Park, one of Florida’s best beaches. (Check out our other favorite Fabulous Florida Beaches!)
Matlacha Island
The gateway to Pine Island is Matlacha (Mat-la-shay) Island, a historic fishing village, now home to an array of motels and cottages, gift shops, bait and seafood shops, restaurants, and unique, offbeat art galleries. You will pass through this eclectic, mile-long town on Pine Island Road (Hwy. 78), a simple narrow road fringed with funky shops. You cross two bridges getting on, and then off this little island. One of the bridges has the distinction of being called the Fishinginest Bridge because the active tidal flow creates prime fishing conditions.
Art lovers should consider stopping at Matlacha’s charming gallery row. Almost adjacent to one another are the Wildchild Art Gallery, the Leoma Lovegrove Gallery, and the Island Vision Artists Gallery. The Wildchild is a co-op gallery, featuring the work of 120 talented Florida artists. Next, (and not to miss), is the Lovegrove Gallery filled with bright, tropical-colored paintings adorning every inch of gallery space. Artist Leoma Lovegrove has created a 1960’s Love Fest with brilliant Florida themes, Beatles art, and painted shells – indoors and outside on her patio. Next, check out the Island Vision Gallery with its one-of-a-kind Florida paintings, including whimsical home décor items like lamps, funky chandeliers, mailboxes, and gift items that will make any Florida aficionado feel complete.
After stimulating your creative side, and likely laden with a few new treasures, you’ll be ready for some fresh local seafood. A short stroll down the street is the Old Fish House Marina & Restaurant. Order at the outside window or dine dockside on the fresh local catch. Smoked mullet is a specialty.
Continuing to Pine Island you will enter mid-island and be faced with a choice – turn north to Bokeelia or south to St. James City. These two small towns provide convenient bookends on the island. Bokeelia faces Charlotte Harbor to the north and is filled with charm, while St. James City has a commanding view of Sanibel Island and, across San Carlos Bay, Fort Myers Beach. If you choose to head to Bokeelia, you’ll pass palm tree nurseries and mango farms along the way. Mango is the island’s signature fruit crop and some of Florida’s best are grown here. Every summer the Mango Mania Festival celebrates the harvest.
Bokeelia
Bokeelia is a tiny village of cottages, a restaurant, and a community pier with expansive views of Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico beyond. In the distance, you can make out Cayo Costa and Gasparilla Island (Boca Grande) to the north. Park your car at the dock, grab your fishing pole, or just stroll and watch the pelicans waiting for handouts. For an Old Florida experience, consider a stay in one of the nearby state-owned Jug Creek cottages. Nearby, the Lazy Flamingo restaurant at the Four Winds Marina serves fresh local seafood.
On the way back, turn at the sign for Pineland on the northwestern shore of Pine Island. This community is even smaller than Bokeelia, with one of the smallest post offices in Florida.
The Tarpon Lodge
For accommodations in Pineland and a very comfortable stay, visit the Tarpon Lodge (member, Superior Small Lodging). The lodge faces Pine Island Sound, with convenient dockage for boats, a spacious lawn, palm trees, and an ideal spot to watch the evening sunset. The cozy bar is where locals and tourists meet and if you are hungry, consider the Lodge Restaurant – indoors or outside on the porch for the view. The specialties are (of course) fresh fish, blue crab, and corn chowder and for dessert, key lime pie. Most people come here to fish, and the Lodge is conveniently located next door to Pineland Marina with fuel docks, charter boats, and water taxis.
Across the street from the Tarpon Lodge is the Randell Research Center, home to the Calusa Pineland archeological site. Visitors can follow an interpretive walkway and hike the easy trail across small bridges and through wooded areas leading to shell middens. There are displays depicting the fascinating life of the island’s first inhabitants, the Calusa.
Cabbage Key
You won’t want to leave Pine Island without a visit to the famous Cabbage Key. If you have traveled a distance it is a must, but even frequent local visitors will enjoy one of Florida’s most authentic experiences. It will require a boat trip but is well worth the ride.
This special “Old Florida” island is reported to be the inspiration for Jimmy Buffett’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” A restaurant, bar, and inn situated on top of an ancient Calusa Indian mound attract boaters and visitors from all over to enjoy a burger, a cold one, and beautiful scenery. No boat, no problem – the Island Girl, a water taxi service from Pine Island Marina will get you there.
Upon arrival, you’ll notice little has changed since 1938 when mystery writer Mary Roberts Rinehart purchased the picturesque property surrounded by clear waters, mangroves, and covered with Royal Poinciana trees. Ospreys and bald eagles soar overhead. Pelicans, cormorants, egrets, and herons roost in the trees and also wade in the shallows.
While there, walk the island, climb the old water tower, hike the nature trail, and if you feel you can’t leave, stay the evening. If you decide to stay in the inn or one of the old cottages, you’re likely to catch a dazzling display of Nightblooming Cereus, a beautiful flower that blooms during the evening and covers many of the island’s Sabal Palm trees.
To make it a full day, you might also opt for the Tropic Star Ferry from Bokeelia. This cruise includes a lunch stop at Cabbage Key and then a visit to the nearby Cayo Costa Island State Park known for its world-class beach and shelling.
One more tip, before you leave the island, stop at Island Seafood Market (in Matlacha) to take home some locally caught fish.
And finally, Pine Island is Authentic Florida. Aren’t you ready to nourish your “real” Florida soul?
Pine Island, Matlacha: Where to get resources, supplies before Hurricane Idalia makes landfall
Samantha Neelyhttps://www.news-press.com/story/news/local/2023/08/28/pine-island-southwest-florida-supplies-idalia-publix-gas-hurricane-supplies-for-hurricane-idalia/70699054007/
Hurricane Idalia is headed right for Florida, potentially hitting regions that were devastated during last year's Hurricane Ian.After being nearly demolished this time last year, Pine Island and Matlacha officials are taking no chances and have already started...
Hurricane Idalia is headed right for Florida, potentially hitting regions that were devastated during last year's Hurricane Ian.
After being nearly demolished this time last year, Pine Island and Matlacha officials are taking no chances and have already started preparing residents for this upcoming storm's wrath.
Fire district leaders are currently offering up sandbags and other supplies to those who need it. Check back here for updates on Pine Island and where to get supplies for Hurricane Idalia before it arrives to the region.
Idalia strengthens:'Be vigilant': Idalia intensifying, could slam Florida as major hurricane. Live updates
Where to get sandbags and supplies on Pine Island
The Matlacha and Pine Island Fire Control District will be handing out sandbags to those who need it.
"Although Southwest Florida is not currently in the direct path of Tropical Storm Idalia, the area is under a tropical storm watch which means it is possible that we might experience storm surge, heavy rainfall, and tropical storm force wind conditions," officials wrote on Facebook.
Sandbags are located at 5700 Pine Island Road on Bokeelia at Fire Station 1. The bags are limited to 25 per resident within the Matlacha and Pine Island Fire Control District. Officials told the News-Press that they will also have tarps to those who need them.
Sand is also staged at the Pine Island Little League field parking lot at 5675 Sesame Drive in Bokeelia. Limited shovels will be provided at the sand pile; we encourage you to bring your own in case ours are in use when you arrive. The sand is self-serve; you will need to fill your own bags.
For those who still have any questions or need further assistance, they ask them to contact officials at (239) 283-0030.
Is the Pine Island Publix open?
Yes, it is still open.
Publix Super Market at Calusa Cay is located at 5100 Pine Island Road in Bokeelia. It is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Alternatively, there is also the Publix Super Market at Coral Shore outside of Matlacha. It is located on 3015 SW Pine Island Road in Cape Coral and is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Is the Pine Island Winn-Dixie open?
Yes, it is still open.
The Pine Island Winn-Dixie is located on 9864 Stringfellow Road in St. James City. It is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
What gas stations are open on Pine Island?
To see gas prices and what types of gas are available, visit Gas Buddy.
Where can I get updates on Pine Island resources?
To check in with updates on Hurricane Idalia and it's potential impact on Pine Island, look at: