Pine Island Experience

⚓ Alan and AJ Ferrera, a dynamic father and son team with a commitment 🩵 🚤 In this episode, we’re joined by Alan and AJ Ferrera, the father-and-son team behind A & A Boat and Equipment Services — a veteran-owned, licensed, and insured mobile service proudly serving Pine Island and Matlacha. 🌊 Alan and AJ share their Navy backgrounds, what it’s like working together as family, and how their mobile repair services help keep boats, trailers, generators, lawn equipment, and small engines running reliably. It’s a conversation about service, trust, and community — Pine Island style. 📍 Serving Pine Island & Matlacha 🛠 🚐 Mobile repair available 🇺🇸 Veteran Owned & Operated ✨“I’m not the type of person to look at a customer and be like well, I can’t fix it. You entrusted me to work on your equipment to begin with so I’m going to actually fix it.” — AJ Ferrera✨ 🎧 Listen on any podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com

🎙 Season 4 begins with laughter, reflection, and storytelling. The delightful Tom Chase joined us on the Pine Island Experience Podcast for a conversation filled with humor, heart, and insight. Tom shares the moment he first discovered the power of making people laugh, stories from growing up in Plant City, Florida, and how those early experiences shaped a life that would include law, mediation, comedy, storytelling, and poetry. Along the way, Tom also treats us to readings from his poetry — offering a thoughtful glimpse into another side of his creative life. ✨ “Even as a kid, I didn’t like seeing people get treated unfairly. If no one was going to say something about it, I was.” — Thomas C. Chase 🎧 Listen on any podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com 🎧 Listen to the podcasts on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8zuPKxsuzdusG0RbUHoQXijz0KSy0LUe 📧 We’d love to hear from you: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

🥬✨In this episode, we sit down with Bill and Benet Kazokas of Flor-Da-Lee Farm in Bokeelia. In 2013, they stepped away from corporate life, purchased 2.5 acres of agricultural land, and began growing specialty artisan lettuce — now supplying hotels, country clubs, and restaurants across Naples and Fort Myers. Today, they nurture 60 varieties for seven months each year, while Benet has expanded the farm’s offerings with her growing passion for ornamentals, herbs and artistic planters.🌸🌿 🌱With agricultural experiences that span Mexico, Australia, Brazil, and Argentina, and a deep commitment to the Pine Island community through the Garden Gala, Island Market, Potters Guild and Friday Night Art Walk, their story blends global perspective with local purpose. Join us as they share the challenges, inspirations, and unexpected joys that shaped Flor-Da-Lee Farm — and the vision they carry into the island’s future.🌴 ✨“It spoils you. Once you start to taste flavorful food, it’s hard to accept anything else.” —Bill Kazokas✨ 💚”It’s nice to get feedback from other people and encouragement and to see that people really like what you’re doing.” —Benet Kazokas 🎧 Listen on any podcast app or at pineislandexperience.com 🌐 Learn more at flordaleefarm.com 📧 We’d love to hear your thoughts: pineislandexperience@gmail.com

🌴✨ 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

🌅🐟 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

🌴💛✨ 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

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

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