Pine Island Portrait Series
The Faces of Pine Island
Pine Island is a cherished community because of its people...the ones who are welcoming, the ones who know the history, and the ones who appreciate the island's beauty. This community project is a series of portraits of our locals intended to capture the story and history of our island as it is now. It takes 5 minutes to take your portrait and if you're willing to answer I'll ask, "what do you love most about the island?" The images are intended to grow into an exhibition for our community.
Support the Project
Contributions help fund the photography, story-gathering, and the eventual community exhibition. Click here to make a contribution.
the faces of pine island
Rob Wells
The Tarpon Lodge & Cabbage Key
Second-generation steward of the Tarpon Lodge and Cabbage Key. The lodge began in 1926 as Gra-Mar Villa, a private fishing retreat built by a Philadelphia couple who loved these waters — after years of transformation, Rob's family restored this property to its 1920s soul. Ask him what he loves most about the island, and the answer hasn't changed in one hundred years: the waterways.
the faces of pine island
Rachel Branch
blondies Coffee & Co.
Owner of Blondies Coffee Co. and local realtor, Rachel, fuels the St. James City side of the island — one cup and conversation at a time.
the faces of pine island
Joey Dunkerson
pine island Native, businessman & Honorary Mayor
Pine Island native and the island's honorary mayor alongside his companion, Maya. Joey's memories stretch back to the 1970s, when his family first arrived — a living legend in the community sharing stories of who we were and who we've become.
the faces of pine island
Kevin
Bob & annie's boatyard
A Pine Island local who'll tell you the fishing is world-class — but what keeps him here is the community: close-knit, welcoming, and quick to wave you in.
the faces of pine island
Johnny & Erin
Low Key Tiki
Owners of The Low Key Tiki at Mile Marker 1 — where boaters tie up, musicians play dockside, and Old Florida still gets a seat at the bar.
the faces of pine island
James
bob & annies boatyard
Pine Island native and lifelong enthusiast of the place. Some people live on an island; James is of it.
the faces of pine island
United States Post Office
St. james city branch
Meet the longstanding team of the St. James City Post Office — where mail gets sorted, news gets traded, and everybody's name is known before they reach the counter.
Who AM I?
I'm Nina
I'm a curator and historian at heart and appreciate the love of this community. Like many of you, we've gone through several hurricanes here and want to preserve as much of the island's beauty as possible. For me, that includes our locals. The people who make this island so special. While I didn't grow up here, I am a Florida native and understand what "supporting local" really means. This project is helping me do just that in my own way.
With love,
Nina
thank you to our community supporters
