Here are the Pine Island “Happenings” for this weekend:

FRIDAY, FEB. 17 –

American Legion Post 136 – “Fabulous Steve” on the patio from 12 – 2pm; Ray LoRae will be performing from 6:30 – 9:30 pm. St. James City

Bert’s Bar & Grill – Calypso Magic, 5 pm, Scotty Bryan, 7:30 pm. Matlacha

Bubba’s Roadhouse – Perry English

Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens offers an historical and ecological walking tour of Matlacha every Friday and Tuesday morning. 9 am. Call the gallery at 239-283-6453 for details and reservations.

Miceli’s – Yard Dogs, 6:30 pm. Matlacha

Tarpon Lodge – Tasting with music by Susie Hulcher, 6 – 8:30 pm. Pineland. Reservations recommended for dinner

Snook Cowboy and Calusa John at Bowditch Beach – Fish talk and Calusa demonstration. Ft.Myers Beach.

SATURDAY, FEB. 18 –

Annual Pine Island Garden Gala, Phillips Park, Pine Island Center. 9 am – 2 pm. Local and native plant sales, plant seminars, horticultural vendors, artwork and more. Free to the public. Sponsored by Pine Island Garden Club, proceeds benefit the garden “park” and scholarship fund.

American Legion Post 136 will be a stop for the Marine Corps League Motorcycle Run in the afternoon.

Bert’s Bar & Grill presents music by Michael Locke & The Repeat Offenders, 7:30 pm. Matlacha

Bokeelia Cracker Café presents Second Chance, Chris & Tim, starting at 6 pm. Bokeelia

Bubba’s Roadhouse – John Friday

Miceli’s Restaurant presents Soapbox, 6 – 10 pm. Matlacha

SUNDAY, FEB. 19 –

American Legion Post 136 will hold their patio party from 1 – 4 pm. Music by “Big John.”

Art in the Park with Calusa John in Bonita Springs, Riverside Park.

Bert’s Bar & Grill presents Michael Locke & The Repeat Offenders, 2 pm. Matlacha

Bokeelia Cracker Café presents Second Chance, Chris & Tim, starting at 6 pm. Bokeelia

Miceli’s Restaurant presents Cathy Eagle, 12 – 3pm; Stringtown 4 – 8 pm. Matlacha

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FRIDAY, FEB. 10

Florida’s Creative Coast Weekend at participating galleries on Pine Island and in Matlacha. Artist demonstrations and workshops. Hours vary by gallery – check the website www.floridascreativecoast.com for complete details.

Island Visions in Matlacha is open with light refreshments from 6:30 – 8 pm. Come browse the shop. Wilson Hawthorne will be signing copies of “The Last Pirate” and “Cajun Pirate.”

Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens offers a “historic & ecologic” walking tour of Matlacha each Friday and Tuesday, starting at 9 AM. For reservations and details contact Lovegrove Gallery at 239-283-6453. Tour price $10 per person.

Matlacha Menagerie & Café will host author D.L. Havlin, signing his books.
Pirate’s Ball —-Parade of the Mermaids, 6 PM, starting at Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery and proceeding down the street to Bert’s Bar & Grill. All mermaids invited!

MUSIC:
Bert’s Bar & Grill, Matlacha – Captiva Band
Bubba’s Roadhouse, Pine Island Road – Danny Beach, 8 pm
Bokeelia Cracker Café, Bokeelia – Second Chance from 6 – 9 pm
Miceli’s, Matlacha –
Tarpon Lodge, Pineland – Wine Tasting with music by Lanny Lamb, 6 – 8:30 PM. No cover charge; reservations recommended for dinner.

SATURDAY, FEB. 11

Pine Island Art Association Annual Show & Sale, Matlacha Community Center, 10 AM – 4 PM. Original art by local artists on display and for sale. This annual event recognizes the members of the PI Art Association, and proceeds benefit the island and the association.

Florida’s Creative Coast Weekend – Matlacha and Pine Island art galleries offer artist demonstrations and workshops.

Bokeelia Cracker Café, located on Stringfellow Road in Bokeelia is holding the first annual “Cracker Jam” from 12 noon until -, to benefit HandsUp Charity. Performing will be several local music groups. Second Chance will play from 6 – 9 pm.

Harborside Gallery, Gifts & More located in the Matlacha Post Office building is hosting Nancy Leake at 12 noon, signing her book “Growing Old on Island Time,” Anne Sansone will be doing caricatures & face painting starting at 11 am, and Robyn will be doing cornrow braids/beads during the day. The Matlacha Hookers will be selling “Hooker-wear” out front.

Island Visions features artist Ed Brown, watercolorist, who will be painting his colorful scenes. He will also be at the gallery on Sunday. Byron Wertz will be set up with his stunning wire-wrapped stone jewelry all weekend.

Island Décor & More in Matlacha features the clothing line of Coco Rillman, fashion designer. Coco’s designs are casual, fun, & great for “cruise wear.” Coco will be at Island Décor from 11 am – 3 pm.

Matlacha Menagerie & Café will feature local author D.L. Havlin signing his books.

St. James City Civic Association hosts their February “BIG” Breakfast and MOTI Rummage Sale in the SJCCA building (Lemon St and 4th Avenue, St. James City). Sale starts at 7:30 am, “all you can eat” breakfast for $5 from 8 – 10:30.

Pirate’s Ball —– and Costume Contest, Bert’s Bar & Grill, Matlacha. 7:30 pm. Music by the New Vinyls.

MUSIC:
Bubba’s Road House, Pine Island Road – Daniel Cook,
Miceli’s, Matlacha –, 6 – 10 PM

SUNDAY, FEB. 12

Pirate’s Ball —–Auction to benefit From Our Hearts at Bert’s Bar & Grill, Matlacha. Registration – 12:30 pm, auction 1 – 4 pm. Music by national blues act, The Christopher Dean Band, 4:30 pm.

Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens, Matlacha, hosts musician Jim Tucke each Sunday from 1 – 4 PM.

MONDAY, FEB. 13

Bert’s Bar & Grill in Matlacha features Texas Blues musician Diddley Squat, 7:30 pm.

TUESDAY, FEB. 14

Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens in Matlacha will hold the annual “wedding vow renewal” between 5 and 9 pm. Pastor Heidi Grueser will officiate, with her daughter Charli Su as the flower girl. Contact the gallery at 239-283-6453 for details and reservations.

Enjoy Valentine’s Day with a special meal with your special someone!

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THURSDAY, JAN. 5:

Bert’s Bar & Grill presents Deb and the Dynamics, 7:30 pm. Matlacha.

Tarpon Lodge presents music by Roy Schneider, 6 – 9pm. Pineland. Reservations recommended for dinner.

FRIDAY, JAN 6:

Bert’s Bar & Grill presents music Bobby Hubcap 7:300m. Matlacha.

Nav-A-Gator Grill in Port Charlotte presents “Breakfast with Hippo” from 7 – 9am. Live remote – come promote your business and enjoy a great breakfast! Lake Suzy, Port Charlotte.

Tarpon Lodge holds its “Mystery Tasting and Music” with music by Susie Hulcher. 6 – 8:30pm. Pineland. Reservations recommended for dinner.

SATURDAY, JAN 7:

Nav-A-Gator Grill presents Jim Morris, 2 – 5pm, Port Charlotte.

Bert’s Bar & Grill presents “Mixed Business” at 7:30 pm. They are the most requested national band act that has played at Bert’s – their third appearance here in the past 5 years. Matlacha.

Pine Island Writers presents local author Robert Macomber, 10am – 12 noon, at St. John’s Episcopal Church, St. James City. Topic is “Planning Your Writing Career.” $10 fee, contact Lynne at 239-282-1464 for information.

SUNDAY, JAN 8:

Bert’s Bar & Grill presents live entertainment with Jim Morris, 2pm. Matlacha.

Nav-A-Gator presents music by Gary & Kerri from 2 – 5pm, Lake Suzy.

Great fishing, boating, kayaking, nature tours are available any day of the week; check out the local guides, marinas and shops for what’s best this weekend.

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THURSDAY, DEC. 15:

Dave & Pat Johnson Spenst will have an open house featuring art, photography, and Arbonne, from 3 – 7pm, 13976 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia.

Bert’s Bar & Grill presents Deb and the Dynamics, 7:30 pm. Matlacha.

Tarpon Lodge presents music by Sister Kaite, 6 – 9pm. Pineland. Reservations recommended for dinner.

Nav-A-Gator Grill presents music by Latitude, 6pm. Punta Gorda.

FRIDAY, DEC 16:

Bert’s Bar & Grill presents music by Captiva Band, 7:30pm. Matlacha.

Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery offers FREE gift wrapping through Christmas, and Christmas specials: Crocs – buy 1 pair, 2nd at 25% discount, Christmas cards and napkins half off. Open until 7pm Friday & Saturday, Sunday noon until 5pm.

Nav-A-Gator Grill in Port Charlotte presents music by Gary & Kerri, 7 – 9pm. Lake Suzy, Port Charlotte.

Dave & Pat Johnson Spenst will have an open house featuring art, photography, and Arbonne products from 1 – 4pm. 13976 Stringfellow Road. Just in time for holiday shopping!

Tarpon Lodge holds its “Mystery Tasting and Music” with music by Susie Hulcher. 6 – 8:30pm. Pineland.

SATURDAY, DEC 17:

Island Visions is hosting a holiday Open House from noon to 6pm. Light refreshments served while browsing their jewelry and other gift options. Have Steve Timcak create a custom piece of jewelry, or choose from crochet wire & bead items crafted by Joanne and Debbie. Matlacha.

Koucky Gallery & Gardens and Earth & Spirit Garden Gallery are having their “Enchanted Holiday Event” this weekend. Each gallery is featuring gifts for under $35! Come meet artists, writers, and musicians at both galleries. Koucky’s will feature pottery by Chuck Koucky, authors Gerald Hausman and Kirk Walter, music by Annie Wenz. Call for details. 239-283-4414 (Koucky’s), 239-282-1025 (Earth & Spirit). 10am – 4pm at Koucky’s, 10am – 7pm at Earth & Spirit.

Nav-A-Gator Grill presents Jim Morris and his Christmas Show, 2 – 5pm, Port Charlotte.

SUNDAY, DEC 18:

Bert’s Bar & Grill presents live entertainment with Jim Morris and his Christmas Show, 2pm. Matlacha.

Koucky’s Gallery & Gardens and Earth & Spirit Garden Gallery continue their “Enchanted Holiday Event” with holiday gifts, refreshments, and more. Earth & Spirit will have a Christmas carol Sing-along at 1pm, music throughout the day.

Great fishing, boating, kayaking, nature tours are available any day of the week; check out the local guides, marinas and shops for what’s best this weekend.

Don’t forget to purchase your personal copy of the Pine Island Puzzle! They make great holiday gifts and souvenirs. We have them pre-wrapped at the Pine IslandChamber Welcome Center which is open 7 days a week!

Pine Island FISH is “selling” Christmas stockings to help support their Christmas Basket Brigade. For a $5 donation, you can help support FISH – stockings are available at the Chamber Welcome Center and area banks.

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ADDITIONAL EVENTS THIS WEEKEND:

Matlacha Menagerie & Café will be hosting author D.L. Havlin signing his books and discussing local history on Friday and Saturday. In addition, the gallery will have a special “sale tent” with items on sale up to 35% off. Matlacha.

Harborside Gallery is hosting artists at the gallery, with face painting and other crafts. Robyn will be doing hair braiding and beads as well at the gallery. In addition, they will hold a drawing for a piece of “palm art” created and donated by artist Gregg Forsberg – stop by and sign up for the drawing this Saturday. Matlacha.

Junior Olympics at Phillips Park, for all children kindergarten through fifth grade, sponsored by Lee Parks and Rec and the Pine Island Kiwanis. No charge to participate; kids will compete in several sports, with awards given to the top finishers in each sport, each division. Each child receives a complimentary tee shirt and silver dollar. 10am, Phillips Park, Pine Island Center. Come out and cheer our youth to victory!!

Great fishing, boating, kayaking, nature tours are available any day of the week; check out the local guides, marinas and shops for what’s best this weekend.

Don’t forget to purchase your personal copy of the Pine Island Puzzle! They make great holiday gifts and souvenirs. We have them pre-wrapped at the Chamber Welcome Center. We are now open 7 days a week!

Pine Island FISH is “selling” Christmas stockings to help support their Christmas Basket Brigade. For a $5 donation, you can help support FISH – stockings are available at the Chamber Welcome Center and area banks.

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THURSDAY, DEC. 8:

Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens will host Jim Tucke in a tribute performance to the late John Lennon, 11am – 3pm. Matlacha.

Nav-A-Gator Grill on Lake Suzy presents musician Jim Morris from 6 – 9pm. Port Charlotte.

Tarpon Lodge presents music by Roy Schneider on guitar & harmonica, 6 – 9pm. Pineland. Reservations recommended for dinner.

FRIDAY, DEC 9:

Creative Coast Weekend begins today! For detailed listing of gallery events, go to www.floridascreativecoast.com.

Olde Fish House Concert with Kip Lawrence, 6 PM. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy an outdoor concert, free of charge. Bring a toy (new, unwrapped) for Pine Island FISH Christmas Basket Brigade to help Pine Island families. Matlacha.

Bert’s Bar & Grill presents music by Calypso Magic. Matlacha.

Pine Bay Gallery hosts author Robert Macomber with a “Holiday Book Signing” from 5 – 7pm. Come enjoy some of Macomber’s stories, good Matlacha fun, and excerpts from the latest in his “Honor” series. Matlacha.

Island Visions Gallery features artists Joan Roberts and Bill Fuery demonstrating their arts from 6 – 8pm. Matlacha.

Wild Child Gallery will have an opening reception “Feelings, Oh Feelings” a multi-artist show from 2 – 8pm. Matlacha.

Nav-A-Gator Grill in Port Charlotte presents music by John Reno, 7 – 9pm.

Tarpon Lodge holds its “Mystery Tasting and Music” with music by David Sarchet. 6 – 8:30pm. Pineland.

SATURDAY, DEC 10:

Lunch with Annie & Friends at Bert’s Bar & Grill, from 1 – 4pm. Music with singer/songwriter Annie Wenz, with local musicians invited to join in. Matlacha.

Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery will have “Artists in the Garden” from 10am to 4pm. Meet the artists and crafters. Also Sally Braund from 10am – 2pm presents “The Wisdom of the Stones.” St. James City, 239-282-1025.

Island Décor & More presents Cindy & Joe Daigle, wood artists, from 11am until ???. Matlacha.
Island Visions Gallery presents a Dichroic glass workshop by artist Beth Kauffmann, 11am – 4pm. Call 239-282-0452 for details. Matlacha.

Nav-A-Gator Grill begins the celebration of their 17th year in operation. Live music and a week of fun throughout the entire week. Call daily between 10am and 5pm for details – 941-627-3474. Port Charlotte on Lake Suzy.

SUNDAY, DEC 11:

Bert’s Bar & Grill presents live entertainment 2pm. Matlacha.

Island Visions Gallery features JD Designs with a trunk show featuring their wire & bead creations, 12 – 4pm. Matlacha.

Nav-A-Gator presents live music by Jimmi Pappas, 2 – 5pm. Lake Suzy, Port Charlotte.

Great fishing, boating, kayaking, nature tours are available any day of the week; check out the local guides, marinas and shops for what’s best this weekend.

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FRIDAY, NOV 25:

Nav-A-Gator presents live music with Eric Stone, 7 – 10pm. Lake Suzy, Port Charlotte.
Bert’s Bar & Grill presents Mike Imbasciani, 7:30 pm.

SATURDAY, NOV 26:

Nav-A-Gator Grill presents music by Sunny Jim from 2 – 5pm.
Bert’s Bar & Grill presents Deb & The Dynamics , 7:30pm. Matlacha.

SUNDAY, NOV 27:

Bert’s Bar & Grill presents Gary & Kerri at 2pm. Matlacha.
Nav-A-Gator presents live music by Jim Morris, 2 – 5pm. Lake Suzy, Port Charlotte.

Great fishing, boating, kayaking, nature tours are available any day of the week; check out the local guides, marinas and shops for what’s best this weekend.

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We knew it would happen sooner or later. After much investigation (see earlier post from the Continental Op), Flingo has been found. Was it easy, you ask? Well, take a look at the above photo. Here you see our intrepid hero holding Flingo in front of the Great Pyramid of Cheops in Giza near Cairo, Egypt.

Interpol has nothing on us. The CIA? Mere amateurs.

Actually, Mike was in Cairo visiting daughter Amy, who attends the American University there, when who should show up? Flingo. Getting Flingo out of the country to bring home was another matter, however. In fact, Flingo could not come home. He is supposedly still in Egypt, although it is hard to be sure.

Stay tuned. We haven’t heard the last from this pink traveler.

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FRIDAY, NOV 18:

Open House at Pine Island Elementary School, 2 – 7 pm, to celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Enjoy live music at Bert’s Bar with Jim Morris, starting at 7:30 pm. Matlacha.

Miceli’s Restaurant features music by Dereck Trentholm, 6 – 10pm, Matlacha.

Nav-A-Gator Grill presents music by Rick Farner, 6 – 9pm. Located on Lake Suzy, Port Charlotte.

Tarpon Lodge presents “Mystery Tasting and Music” with Sister Kaite, from 6 – 8:30 pm. Reservations recommended for dinner, Pineland.

SATURDAY, NOV 19:

Matlacha Mariners’ 12th annual SW Florida Blues Fest, noon – 9pm, gates open at 11:30. German-American Social Club, Pine Island Road, Cape Coral. Tickets $20 at gate, $15 at Traders Hitching Post and Pine Island Chamber of Commerce through noon, Friday.

Nav-A-Gator Grill presents music by Jim Morris from 2 – 5pm.
The Nav-A-Gator is now taking reservations for holiday or special celebrations. They can seat up to 100, call 941-627-3474 for more information. Lake Suzy, Pt. Charlotte.

Grand opening at Calusa Ridge from 11am – 4pm. Visit the newly completed model home, enjoy refreshments, and enter to win prizes. Located at 12401 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia.

Bert’s Bar & Grill presents Cindy and Marshall, 7:30pm. Matlacha.

Miceli’s Restaurant features music by Soapbox, 6 – 10pm. Matlacha.

SUNDAY, NOV 20:

Bert’s Bar & Grill presents David Hardin at 2pm. Matlacha.

Bokeelia Cracker Café presents live music jam with TJ Brown & Dogfish, 2 – 5pm.

Miceli’s Restaurant features “Singing” Capt. Cathy, 12 – 3pm, and Stringtown, 4 – 8pm. Matlacha.

Nav-A-Gator presents live music by John Friday, 2 – 5pm. Lake Suzy, Pt. Charlotte.

Great fishing, boating, kayaking, nature tours are available any day of the week; check out the local guides, marinas and shops for what’s best this weekend.

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FRIDAY, NOV11:

Veterans’ Day – be sure to thank all our military personnel, both active and veterans, for their service to our country. They keep the United States a country of freedom.
FLORIDA’S CREATIVE COAST WEEKEND – FOR DETAILS GO TO WWW.FLORIDASCREATIVECOAST.COM

Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery celebrates “11-11-11” with special activities including yoga, Qi-Gong, poetry readings, labyrinth walks, and more. Activities run from 11am until 6:30pm. For details call the gallery at 239-282-1025. St. James City.

Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery features the works of local artist Marie Cahill this weekend, with special activities throughout the weekend. 239-283-1335. Matlacha.

Island Décor & More now has their nautical and tropical Christmas cards, along with art by local artists, hand-made towel racks, jewelry, “Fun Fish” to hang, and more. Fall hours are 10am – 6pm, Monday through Saturday, and 1 – 5pm on Sundays. Matlacha.

Sandy Hook Restaurant presents their “Creative Coast Drink Special” all weekend. This month’s special drink is the “Harvest Moon.” When ordering this beverage, be sure to mention the “Creative Coast” to receive special pricing on the beverage. A different “Creative Coast” beverage will be offered in December. Matlacha.

Mollusk Shells in the World of the Calusa at the Calusa Heritage Trail, Pineland. Join Dr. Bill Marquardt from 9 – 11am for a discussion and demonstration of how the Calusa Indians made use of shells in their daily lives. Fee charged, pre-registration required. 239-283-2062. Pineland.

Enjoy live music at Bert’s Bar – Captiva Band starting at 7:30 pm. Matlacha.

Nav-A-Gator Grill presents music by John Reno, 7 – 10pm.
In honor of both the Marine Corps Birthday, November 10 and Veteran’s Day November 11, The Nav-A-Gator Grill and Marina would like to salute those who are serving or did serve by offering a 10% discount off your meal on those days. To get the discount it’s very simple; just tell your server the “code word” OORAH before ordering. So bring your best “OORAH” and join us for lunch or dinner, but remember the discount is for a limited time only, Thursday Nov 10 and Friday Nov 11. If you come in for lunch stop by the boat office after your meal so we can take a photo to add to our “local veteran’s” board. Need more information or directions call 941-627-3474. Lake Suzy, Pt. Charlotte.

SATURDAY, NOV 12:

Nav-A-Gator Grill presents music by Gary and Kerri from 2 – 5pm.
The Nav-A-Gator is now taking reservations for holiday or special celebrations. They can seat up to 100, call 941-627-3474 for more information. Lake Suzy, Pt. Charlotte.

Bert’s Bar & Grill presents “Lunch with Annie (Wenz) & Friends” from 1 – 4pm, in the Gator Room; other local musicians welcome to drop in and play along with Annie. Music continues with Roger “Hurricane” Wilson, 7:30pm. Matlacha.

Earth & Spirit Garden Gallery will feature their crafters and artists, between 10am and 4pm, with a special book signing and workshop on waterfalls, by Claude Memoli and Carole Weise starting at 1pm. St. James City.

Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens reopens the gardens this Saturday with events for everyone from 10am to 6pm. Matlacha.

SUNDAY, NOV 13:

Bert’s Bar & Grill presents Gary and Kerri at 2pm. Matlacha.

Earth & Spirit Garden Gallery presents a special “Labyrinth Retreat” from 1 – 3pm. Come and enjoy the new labyrinth in the gardens, with a discussion on the purpose of labyrinths and a guided walk. Donation suggested. St. James City.

Great fishing, boating, kayaking, nature tours are available any day of the week; check out the local guides, marinas and shops for what’s best this weekend. The public boat ramp in Bokeelia has reopened.

Music can be enjoyed at:
Bert’s Bar & Grill, Bubba’s Roadhouse, Miceli’s, Pine Island Moose, Pine Island Elks, Tarpon Lodge, Bokeelia Cracker Café.

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