Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:57 — 43.4MB)

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⚓️📚This week, we dive into mystery, law, and life along Pine Island Sound with author and attorney John D. Mills.

🌅🐟 A fifth-generation Fort Myers native, John grew up fishing these waters — and today, he channels that deep local knowledge into his nine-book fictional mysteries set right here in our coastal backyard.  In his first three books, his main character is Detective Doug Shearer with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Detective Shearer solves murders set on islands in Pine Island Sound in these books: Reasonable and Necessary, The Manatee Murders, and The Objector. The fourth book, Sworn Jury, is a legal thriller about a murder at the Historic Edison Home in downtown Ft. Myers.  John’s characters in his recent five books: The Trophy Wife Divorce, The Hooker, the Dancer and the Nun, Pineland Gold, Cayo Costa Cross and Captiva Coven are divorce attorney, Beth Mancini and longtime boyfriend, Frank Powers, prosecuting attorney. 

🏝️💛 John’s writing blend courtroom tension with the heritage and heart of the islands we love. From years in the legal field to a lifetime on the water, his stories carry the depth of real experience.  From his years as a prosecutor and defense attorney to his passion for preserving local stories, John gives us a rare glimpse into the real people and places that inspire his thrillers.

✨ On fishing Pine Island Sound, “Going out on the water, it reminds me of my younger days and it uses a different part of my brain.”  — John D. Mills✨

🎧 Listen on any podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com

📚 Learn more at pineislandsoundmysteries.com

📧 We’d love to hear your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:22 — 33.6MB)

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🌴✨ From firefighter to Florida dreamer, Dan Boone’s journey is all heart.

After years as a firefighter — eventually becoming a Lieutenant and joining Special Ops — Dan’s optimism and drive led him through every chapter with purpose and joy. Known as his department’s “Ambassador of Goodwill,” Dan brings that same energy to his company, CoastalFlo, creating performance apparel made for Florida’s sun, sea, and sand.

Now calling Pine Island home, Dan has turned retirement into inspiration — building community, friendship, and a lifestyle brand that celebrates the Florida vibe.

💬 “Making new friends on the Gulf Coast — this never gets old!” — Dan Boone

✨ We love Florida! From beach, boat, to sandbar — CoastalFlo has you covered. ✨

🎧 Tune in and be inspired by Dan’s story.  Listen on your favorite podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com

💡 Visit: coastalflo.com

📧 Share your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:34 — 36.1MB)

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🌴✨ Chef Anthony Pospiech opened The Island Girl Eats last spring within Pineland Marina in Bokeelia — a food truck and large tiki hut that’s quickly become a must-stop for locals and visitors alike. Open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset, it’s where incredible food meets stunning waterfront views. You’ll hear his passion, his gratitude for his team, and his humble joy in creating something special for this island community.💛

🌅🍴“I’d rather sacrifice five minutes and give you a great meal than get it out quickly and you’re just unimpressed. The view’s great but I want the food to be great too.” — Chef Anthony 🎉

🎧 Tune in and be inspired by Chef Anthony🌴

✨ Open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset ✨

🎧 Listen to the podcast now → Use your favorite podcast app or pineislandexperience.com

Share your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

💡 Visit the website to see the menu and order food → https://order.toasttab.com/online/islandgirleats

🧍‍♂️Sit back and enjoy the sunsets

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:33 — 36.1MB)

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🌅🐟 In this episode, we sit down with Rob Wells, who grew up surrounded by the beauty of Pine Island Sound. His family’s story began in 1976 when his parents purchased Cabbage Key, creating a one-of-a-kind island retreat. In 1999, the Wells family expanded their legacy with The Tarpon Lodge in Bokeelia — blending history, hospitality, and heart.

Today, Rob and his brother Ken continue to preserve that legacy, building unforgettable guest experiences, winning awards, and creating lasting connections for visitors and locals alike. 🌴

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app — and experience the magic of Pine Island Sound through Rob’s story.

📩 Share your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

View more on the websites: 👉 tarponlodge.com 👉 cabbagekey.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:00 — 33.2MB)

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🌴💛✨ Creativity isn’t just for artwork—it’s a powerful tool for business, too. 🌟

This week, we sit down with Nancy Koucky of NRK Designs, who shares how her artistic roots shape her graphic design work, from adult books and children’s books to branding for businesses.

🎧 Tune in and be inspired by Nancy’s journey🌴

“If you turn a painting upside down and it still works, that is a good painting. Because it’s not just about what you’re seeing, it’s how it’s laid out.” —Nancy Koucky

✨ Books, branding, and beyond! ✨

🎧 Listen to the podcast now → Use your favorite podcast app or pineislandexperience.com

Share your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

💡 Visit the Koucky Studios website to see works by Nancy and Chuck including their latest collaborative pieces: kouckystudios.com

🧍‍♂️ Attend the Pine Island Potters Potters’ Guild Show and Sale … it’s not just pottery. The first show this season is Saturday, November 8, 2025.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:46 — 37.5MB)

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🌴💛✨ Welcome to the Pine Island Experience Podcast, where we celebrate the people, places, and spirit that make our island community so special. Today, we’re shining a light on the Beacon of Hope. Since 2004, this organization has been a lifeline for Pine Islanders—offering meals, transportation, counseling, education, and so much more. Executive Director Nancy Cote joins us to share how the Beacon is not only meeting needs but also inspiring hope and connection every single day.

🌟You’re going to walk away from this episode feeling encouraged, uplifted, and proud of what’s happening right here on Pine Island.

🎧 Listen to the podcast now → Use your favorite podcast app or pineislandexperience.com

Share your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

🧍‍♂️To learn more abut the Beacon of Hope… Nancy says, “The best way to get to know us is to Volunteer.”  Stop in and see Nancy at 5090 Doug Taylor Circle, St James City, FL 33956.

🌐 Checkout the Attic Thrift Store and donate and/or purchase some lovely items.

💡 Visit the Beacon of Hope website: https://beaconofhopepineisland.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:03 — 36.7MB)

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Madison Morris is on fire — from being a two-time Grammy-submitted singer-songwriter to his currently nominated song Hard Rain, up for a Josie Award for Americana Song of the Year. 🏆

💛 On the latest episode of Pine Island Experience, hear the story behind Madison’s music and journey. These days, he calls himself “half Texan, half Floridian”—a mix that fuels his ability to blend country, electronic dance, R&B, and hip-hop with a style all his own.

🔥 Don’t miss his just-released single, Eve of Revolution, available on all streaming platforms or at madisonmorrismusic.com.

🎧 Listen to the podcast now → Use your favorite podcast app or pineislandexperience.com

📩 Share your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:56 — 29.7MB)

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In just a short time, Tami Sager and Yovan Santiesteban have transformed The Eagle’s Nest into one of Pine Island’s most exciting destinations — serving up incredible food, refreshing drinks, live entertainment, and an atmosphere that feels like family.

With multiple Best of Pine Island 2025 Awards under their belt, their success goes beyond the kitchen. Tami and Yovan are passionate about giving back, guided by faith and a deep love for the community they call home. From generous portions to heartfelt service, their mission is clear:

💛 “Our focus is on making Pine Island better. This is our home.”

🌟 This is an inspiring and unforgettable conversation about food, faith, and building community. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com

📩 Share your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:19 — 35.8MB)

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Paulette LeBlanc, Editor of the Pine Island Eagle and award-winning author, has spent her life writing—and her heart now belongs to Pine Island and its people.

From children’s books to community stories, Paulette captures resilience, kindness, and hope with every word.

💛“The heart of what I do creatively will always be writing.”

🌟This a must listen unforgettable interview.

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com

📩 Have thoughts or questions? We’d love to hear from you: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 31:03 — 35.5MB)

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From her early days growing up in Ohio to her vibrant life on Pine Island, artist Juli Gilson has always been drawn to the coast. Her work beautifully reflects the natural gifts of the sea—seashells, sea glass, driftwood—and brings them to life in her paintings, driftwood sea creatures, birds, boats, and resin art.  She even uses historic Pine Island windows as frames for her coastal creations.

In this episode, Juli shares how a life-changing accident and the challenges that followed led her back to her first love: art. With resilience and heart, she transformed adversity into inspiration—building a life filled with creativity, teaching, and community. Whether in her home studio or at local businesses, Juli now teaches art classes on Pine Island, spreading joy through every brushstroke.

☀️ Stop into @Island Flair in Matlacha to see her latest artwork in person, and follow @Juli Gilson and @Coastal Creations to explore more of her art and stay updated on upcoming events.

☀️ These are Pine Island businesses where Juli has taught art classes:  @Island Flair, @Kickstand’s Pub & Grub,  @Street Eatz & Ale, @Jug Creek Marina & Fish House,  and @The Island Girl Eats

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com

📩 Have thoughts or questions? We’d love to hear from you: pineislandexperience@gmail.com