Exploring Pine Island
Pine Island is an oddity among Florida’s coastal islands. It sits where the waters of San Carlos Bay and Charlotte Harbor meet, and there is another island farther offshore protecting it from the Gulf of Mexico. So Pine Island has no beaches: it’s ringed by mangrove forests.
Without a sandy strand as an attraction, it’s remained very low-key, with much of its acreage taken up in tropical fruit orchards and public lands. A bike path parallels the main road of the island, Stringfellow Road, showcasing the agricultural bounty.
There are several communities on the island. Artsy Matlacha, at the bridge from the mainland, is the one you won’t miss. Pineland, on the mangrove coastline, showcases Calusa history. At the north end, Bokeelia is the launch point for trips to Cayo Costa State Park. The south end, St. James City, is more residential.
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New Galt Preserve, Buck Creek Preserve will have trails
According to a recent story in the Fort Myers News-Press, both Lee and Charlotte Counties were successful in obtaining grants to acquire new lands that will benefit both the Florida Saltwater Circumnavigation Trail and Florida hiking. Galt Preserve includes 105 acres on Pine Island which will be rid of its exotic species before amenities are …
INCLUDES: Bokeelia, Matlacha, Pineland, St. James City | NEARBY: Cape Coral, Charlotte Harbor, Fort Myers, Punta Gorda | PART OF: Pine Island Sound, Southwest Florida
