Episodes

Chuck and Nancy from Koucky Studios tell their remarkable story of how they have been creating art together for years. They describe their adventures owning galleries in Michigan and Florida until moving to Bokeelia. They have a new studio in their Pine Island location where they create art, develop new products, teach classes and host the Pine Island Potters Guild Shows. For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Lisa Dence, owner of the new restaurant Salty Girls Island Café describes her life and journeys on Pine Island before and after Hurricane Ian. She is a determined courageous women who figured out how to create a business in new locations. In this new journey, her next chapter, Lisa is thrilled to be where she belongs, back serving the community, greeting and feeding her customers. For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Jim Griffiths is an entrepreneur, an author and the owner-writer-publisher of the monthly Nautical Mile Magazine and the quarterly Destination Pine Island Visitor and New Resident Information Guide. In this episode, Jim shares his adventuresome life across the country and introduces his book, Don’t Tell Me I Can’t Do It! where he explains what it’s like to be an entrepreneur. As Jim explains, entrepreneurs don’t think out of the box, they invent boxes and they make things better… For more infor...

This episode introduces Tommy Kramer, owner of Kramer’s Kutting Edge. Tommy can sharpen just about any knife or blade. He is a certified locksmith, and he can duplicate the most difficult to find keys. Tommy believes that Pine Islanders should never have to leave the island just to have something sharpened or to replace watch batteries.

This is wonderful story of Sara Brinks who decided to move to Pine Island and start a business. With the help of her family and friends, Sara came up with the idea of The Frozen Flip Flop, a lovely frozen yogurt shop. The Frozen Flip Flop opened on July 21, 2022, and then Hurricane Ian hit. For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

This episode features Capt. Gregg McKee of Wild Fly Charters. Capt. Gregg started his fishing career as a young man after moving to Key West in 1992. Capt. Gregg started fishing the waters surrounding Pine Island in 2001 when his parents retired to beautiful Matlacha, Fl. He immediately fell in love with the area and now spends his time chasing tarpon, redfish and snook from Boca Grande to Sanibel. For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

This episode introduces Jim Coffey owner of Tackle Craft of Pine Island. Jim has been crafting custom fishing rods in St James City for over a decade. Jim turned a hobby into a business, and he couldn’t be happier. Arlene, Jim’s wife joined us on the interview, and you will hear how proud she is of her husband’s craft. To listen, use your favorite podcast app or use our website https://pineislandexperience.com For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

Jay Sanderson and Steve Soloway, Island Tactical business partners, speak of what they did immediately after Hurricane Ian and how they recently celebrated a grand reopening of their store. They discuss their dedication to the island and passion for customers. They talk about their commitment to providing great products and services while loving what they do and having fun. Jay and Steve share the many plans they have for future growth on Pine Island. Listen to the Island Tactical episode at P...

Judd Payne and his daughter, Kaelyn from Island Bikeworks in Bokeelia describe starting up their family business on Pine Island. We learn how close they are as a family and how they strive to make their customers happy and get people riding again as quickly as possible. They live by their commitment, always going the extra mile to provide great services, sales, or rental experience at their shop. Listen to the Island Bikeworks episode at Pine Island Experience Website For more information, em...

The owners of Blondies Coffee Co., Rachel and Joe describe the journey to their dreams. We hear how they met and how they decided to move back to Pine Island right before Hurricane Ian. While dealing with the aftermath of Ian, they researched and created their coffee business opening in April 2023. They are enjoying their new business on Pine Island, “Striving to serve the community with great coffee and a smile”. Listen to Blondies Coffee Company episode at Pine Island Experience Website For ...

Chef and owner Reid talks about his new restaurant on Pine Island. You will hear his passion for creating great food and serving ice cold beer. We learn how he grew up in Florida, worked all his life in restaurants, graduated from Le Cordon Bleu and dealt with the challenges of Hurricane Ian. Reid is living his dream on the island with his motto, “Drink Local, Eat Local and Keep it Simple”. Listen to Reid’s episode at Pine Island Experience Website For more information, email pineislandexperien...

This episode is a conversation with Joanne Lembo where we hear about her career of service and how her initiative and experience helped other Pine Islanders after Hurricane Ian. Joanne has an amazing life story that you will not want to miss. For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

This episode is a conversation with Rudy Cox where we learn how Rudy got started in music and his journey to Pine Island. Rudy tells an amazing story that you will not want to miss. For more information, email pineislandexperience@gmail.com

This is the first podcast of Pine Island Experience Podcast. These podcasts are a weekly listening experience about the adventures and life on Pine Island, Florida for those who have chosen to live or visit this beautiful island. In this episode, the hosts introduce themselves and describe why they enjoy Pine Island. For more information or if you have questions please email pineislandexperience@gmail.com