Put Matlacha and Pine Island on your next Florida Itinerary!

Called the "Creative Coast", Pine Island consists of several communities, most notably Bokeelia to the north, St James City to the south and Matlacha (pronounced "Mat-luh-shay") in the middle. And each has a charm and uniqueness of its own.

Pine Island was and still is primarily a fishing community, as evidenced by the number of seafood restaurants, boats in the neighboring waters and fishermen on the Matlacha bridge on any given day.

But artists also have made their home in Matlacha and tourists flock to the area to visit galleries and shops - all painted in a bright tropical palette of colors and offering artwork ranging from the zany to the sublime.

Surrounded by mangroves, three aquatic preserves and with mostly agricultural zoning, Pine Island has been fortunate to miss the rush of development experienced by other Florida islands. That's a tribute to the local commissioners. Zoning limits now in place allow future growth but will preserve the island's "Old Florida" atmosphere for years to come.

Step back in time and experience a Florida that's friendly, slow-paced, familiar and beautiful. One day on the waters around Pine Island and you'll be hooked for life. 

Find out more about this intriguing Island here.