1981: Eight neighbors file the paperwork.
J.C. Smith, Chevy Schutz, Claude Fields, Everett Keese, James Leslie, David Marks, Raymond Krull, and Bea Wieseckel found the association as a Florida not-for-profit under Chapter 617.
What we do
Neighbors, organized since 1981.
A Florida not-for-profit run by volunteers. We inform the island, give residents a forum, speak with one voice to the county and the state, and throw a good party.
Chartered to do four things.
Keep the island informed.
Meetings that cover the legislation, projects, and proposals headed for Matlacha.
Charter wording
To conduct meetings to inform the membership of any progress, legislation or proposed projects that affect the Matlacha community.
Give residents the floor.
A forum where members raise concerns and bring projects worth doing.
Charter wording
To furnish a forum for members to express their views on any community matters and to present worthwhile projects for consideration and action.
Speak with one voice.
A single, unified position in front of County Commissioners and the State Legislature.
Charter wording
To provide a unified voice on civic problems to present to our County Commissioners and State Legislature to obtain action for Matlacha improvements.
Bring people together.
Socials, markets, luminaries, clean-ups: the events that make neighbors.
Charter wording
To promote social events and progress for improving and maintaining good relations with all local residents.
Forty-five years of showing up.
Clean water
We organized for water quality long before it was a headline, and still do.
Smart rebuilding
After Hurricane Ian in 2022 we pushed for rebuilding that keeps the island's scale and character.
Events that fund the island
Art Walk, the European Market, holiday luminaries, and the socials that pay for community projects.
How we got here.
1990s: The town paints itself.
Florida's gill-net ban takes effect in 1995 and commercial fishing declines. Residents pick up brushes and turn a fish camp into an arts town.
2000s to 2010s: Art Walks, markets, and a louder voice.
Recurring events take root and the association becomes the island's channel to Lee County.
2022: Ian.
The hurricane takes the bridge approach and much of Pine Island Road. The association turns to rebuilding and to the Historic Preservation Board.
Today: Still funky. Still here.
Monthly meetings, dues of $15, and a membership that includes part-timers and the visitors who keep coming back.
Who we work with.
Bylaws, minutes, and budgets.
How the association runs, what was decided, and where the money goes. Minutes are posted after they're approved at the following meeting.
Four ways in
Come to a meeting
Last Monday of every month, 6 PM, at the civic building in Matlacha Community Park. Members and neighbors welcome.
Next: last Monday of the month
Pay your dues
$15 a year covers you from October through the following October. Pay by card, Apple Pay, or bank account.
Lend a hand
Waterfront clean-ups, mural projects, event crews, and youth programs. Gloves, bags, and brushes provided.
Give to the island
Donations fund social events, art initiatives, and the community projects that keep Matlacha quaint.
Keep Matlacha funky.
Forty-five years of neighbors showing up. $15 a year keeps it going.