Matlacha

Matlacha artists have united to assist in the rebuilding process in the wake of Hurricane Ian and rekindle a popular tradition of the community's art walk to bring visitors back to the island.

After years of hiatus, Jennifer Rena Bennett, owner of Matlacha's Island Flair, has partnered with the Matlacha Civic Association to resurrect Matlacha's Art Walk. Its resurgence returned to the small island on June 13, 2025. Since then, the event has gained increased attention with an intrinsic goal of rejuvenating and reinvigorating the quaint business community, home to the historic fishing village, during the times of stability prior to the cavalcade of hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton—all of which impacted the low-lying island in different ways.

At least three Matlacha businesses continue to reel following a shoplifting incident on Saturday, Nov. 8. One store owner says the suspect stole nearly $500 in local artwork from her store alone — artwork she and the community say local business owners depend on for a stable income and quality of life. Now, nearly two weeks later, with businesses still waiting for updates, the greater community, home to the historic fishing village, remains dumbfounded by what they call an extraordinary event, feeling for the businesses and artists picking up the pieces.

Matlacha fishing pier repair contract approved by Lee County Board of County Commissioners

Almost a year after Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida, leaving so much destruction in its path, Jay Johnson, owner of Bubba's Roadhouse in Cape Coral, shares his storm story and struggles to rebuild with Karen Moore.

Projects in the state budget for Lee County included $51.67 million for Sanibel Causeway corridor repairs where Ian made initial landfall, $12.4 million for repairs in the Matlacha corridor and $6 million for studies on the Big Hickory Pass, Little Carlos Pass and New Pass bridges.

The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to ask the Florida Department of Transportation to incorporate a full replacement of the Little Pine Island Bridge as a part of the permanent repairs to Pine Island Road through Matlacha, which expedites the bridge construction and makes it more resilient to future storms as soon as possible.

Lee County’s Matlacha Community Park, which has been closed since Hurricane Ian due to damage, will reopen to the public with limited amenities at 7 a.m. Saturday.

Head of state Emergency Management and FEMA officials surprise Hurricane Ian victims on Pine Island