Pine Island Strong
An island worth rebuilding
One quaint barrier island off Florida’s southwest coast, a host of old-Florida charm and quiet living left ravaged by Hurricane Ian
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We can’t ask you to put yourself in harm’s way, but if you are looking for a way to get involved with recovery, there are several resources available.
To donate relief funds and get involved in rebuilding, visit Volunteer Florida.
To donate directly to the residents of Pine Island, visit the official GoFundMe here.
To donate supplies to the equine relief effort, reach out to Jenn Cordell for more information at jennzcordell@gmail.com.
October 5, 2022
A glimmer of hope lying beneath the rubble has been unearthed, largely by the goodwill of Southwest Florida’s private citizens. Take one glance at any Pine Island-related Facebook page and you will find an outpouring of support, love, and kindness from total strangers - a particularly heartwarming sight to behold during these harsh times.
I have had the pleasure of staying in contact with one Cape Coral woman, checking in on her well-being and that of her horse on Pine Island. Throughout our conversations, riddled with connectivity issues due to the infrastructure damage, Cindy described the harrowing conditions around her. Her home in Cape Coral remains without power or water while she works with others to coordinate supplies for the horses stranded on her beloved island.
Earlier this week, Cindy was able to connect with a private boat ferrying supplies to the island, marking her first trip back since the storm hit last Wednesday/Thursday. Upon arrival, she was stunned by the damage but assured me that the barn and horses withstood the storm. A feat I thought impossible with the storm’s sudden track change that left many large animal owners with no time to move their horses or fortify barns.
Shipment of hay, grain, and dog food via Honey’s Mini Therapy Adventures to the victims of Hurricane Ian
Thanks to an incredible endeavor by Pine Island residents, neighbors, local companies, and strangers from afar, Cindy, along with many other horse owners, individuals, and families have received aid in various forms or “beacons of hope” as she puts it. Shipments of hay, grain, and dog food are headed to SW Florida in the coming days via a collaboration of horse owners and nonprofit organizations from across the state - just one example out of hundreds that shows how love can truly build bridges.
“The people helping – boat captains, fishermen, area residents – say they're compelled to do something. Most of them are burning their own gas to operate; there's no government subsidy or fuel depot.”
Following a concerted effort to keep Pine Island on the map (quite literally), reconstruction has exploded. At the time of writing, the main access point to the island has been temporarily rebuilt and is accessible to emergency vehicles and authorized suppliers only - it is not clear when private citizens will be able to utilize the road. While residents on and off the island are waiting for the “all clear”, many are celebrating HONC Industries, a family-run and owned company based in St. James City. Though the contract ultimately went to a company out of Miami, HONC is being recognized as the scissors that cut the red tape.
October 1, 2022
September 30, 2022
While we watched Hurricane Ian diabolically dance through the Gulf, those in Tampa prepared for the worst. Evacuation orders were issued roughly 48 hours before the storm was modeled to submerge us. My husband, Charlie, and I prepared to pack up our belongings, and animals (including the horse), and head towards the northeast coast. Some Tampa residents even chose Fort Myers to ride out the storm, later to find out that would mean catastrophe.
As the storm shifted and then shifted some more, we watched our worst nightmare move south to our beloved stretch of coastline and all those who inhabit it, leaving them with less than 24 hours to choose what is most precious to them and abandon their homes. For some, evacuating was not an option - many elderly were not able to navigate such a quick shift, others did not have the means, and for those with large animals, such coordination under that timeline was damn near impossible.
Disclaimer: disturbing images below
Just across the bridge from Matlacha, a small intercoastal town now reshaped by the storm surge, lies the beauteous Pine Island laden with tropical orchards, towering trees, and friendly people. An oasis for those that prefer to set their clocks to island-time and just be. Charlie and I have had the pleasure of basking in the sappy sweetness of this small slice of sand, enchanted by the lack of hurry or worry. Less than a year ago and only a few months after our elopement on Useppa, we found ourselves lazily driving down Stringfellow Road, amazed by the secludedness and general disconnect from the mainland - something we never thought would be a problem until a Category 4 hurricane changed its course.
Many island communities are cut off from the mainland following Hurricane Ian.
Over 9,000 people live on Pine Island and in the surrounding area year-round.
The remains of Matlacha Bridge to Little Pine Island (courtesy of unnamed eyewitness)
Watching Ian engulf the islands we share with countless others was tough, but it is nothing in comparison to the devastation the residents and their families are feeling.
Pine Island is forever in our hearts and the memories it led us to inspire our passion to give back to the places that taught us as children, entertained us on vacation, and welcomed us when we needed to sip margaritas on the beach.
To our friends on PI: We are watching, we are taking notes of names, keeping an eye on reports, connecting with every person we can (on and off the island), we see you, and we are mobilizing for you.
