Matlacha Pass

Pine Island / Matlacha motorists asked to be aware of temporary overnight lane closure due to emergency utility repair work

Andrew Jarosh found his Matlacha home in a shambles when he finally got a chance to survey what Hurricane Ian had wrought. However, he didn't count on the visitor that the storm dumped at his property.

Three days after Hurricane Ian ripped through the communities on Pine Island, the coast guard organized a water-borne operation to help evacuate residents because the bridge that used to connect the island to the mainland is buckled and broken. Many residents want to stay.

Every other summer, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission closes the blue crab fishery so volunteers and organizations can collect…