are on the north end of Pine Island, which is on the lower Gulf Coast of Florida, 125 miles south of Tampa. About 17 miles long and 4 miles wide, sheltered from the gulf, Pine Island sits behind the Sanibel-Captiva Islands in the bay waters. Population is sparse due to its "out-of-the-way" setting.

Bokeelia juts north into Charlotte Harbor. It is in stark contrast to the appearance of the rest of Pine Island. This beautiful little town has had to live in the shadows of it's more famous neighbors that attract tourists to their Gulf of Mexico beaches but it is well worth visiting - or even living here! There is a great bayfront beach, crystal clear waters, lagoons and waterways, fishing galore and a nice peaceful pace. What was once a quiet fishing village and retirement community has been discovered but growth is not ruining its character.

If you plan a road trip, detour off the main drag to or from Bokeelia and see Pineland. The Calusa Indians settled this area thousands of years ago. Large shell mounds mark burial grounds and many can be found here. Although the state now prohibits the disturbance of these mounds, rest assured there are skeletal remains yet in these man-made shell hills.

As for much of Southwest Florida, quiet family vacations or home buying seems to be the draw. These pictures attempt to show the viewer typical houses, villas and condos that might be of interest and their natural surroundings.

Matlacha and Pine Island Center are featured here. Pine Island, which is on the lower Gulf Coast of Florida, 125 miles south of Tampa is about 17 miles long and 4 miles wide. It is sheltered from the gulf by the Sanibel-Captiva Islands and sits in the back bay waters. Population is sparse due to its "out-of-the-way" setting.

Matlacha is not on Pine Island but on a narrow neck of land leading to it. It is just west of Cape Coral, Florida and an old fishing outpost among the mangroves in the shallow back bay waters. As you can see from the photos, Matlacha is unremarkable. Old buildings with new paint are featured in the commercial area and the residential areas show flood-prone houses. Obviously this is an area to be evacuated in tropical storms. Even with its lackluster appearance, though, this is a great area for 3 things: fishing, sunrises and sunsets.

The drive down to Pine Island Center is about 5 minutes from Matlacha. Pine Island Center is at the intersection of Pine Island Road and Stringfellow Boulevard. Going north on Stringfellow takes one to Bokeelia and south to St. James City. With an overall small population, Pine Island was never able to support larger commercial establishments. In the mid-nineties a grocery chain and pharmacy finally placed stores in Pine Island Center. This was a welcome relief for most residents used to making the long haul into Fort Myers for monthly shopping. This area is also unremarkable but its relatively cheap land and crossroad's location keeps it growing.