Info from old site
Activities & EventsIsland Eco-Fest is a new festival conducted by the Palm Island Estates Homeowners' Association. This one-day event is usually held on the second Saturday in November. It is held on the bridgeless barrier island of "Palm Island", which is made up of Don Pedro and Knight Islands. The event will feature local eco vendors, and includes live music, fabulous food, and a silent auction.Island FestivalWhen one breeze passes another will soon follow, and such is the case with our beloved Art In The Palms. Long timers will remember that once, not really so long ago it all started when islanders got together to have "Market Madness" which was followed the next year by a "Christmas Crafts Market" and in 1995 became Art In The Palms. Now is the time for another breeze and it is bringing with it an Island Festival.
We are planning to host a family friendly fun and interactive Festival to highlight our wonderful Barrier Island’s great habitats for wildlife.
Our goal is to share with the island community and guests how to best coexist with the Island’s Native creatures and Plant Life. Proceeds benefit the Palm Island Estates Association, which supports the Island Kids Scholarship Fund, the Wildlife and Habitat Preservation Program, the Island Action Fund and various Island programs and local charities.
The Island Festival will be held November 12th 2016
Please check back for updates
Welcome To Our Website!We like to think of it as a “one-stop shop” for information about the Island lifestyle. Here you will find everything from Island history to the latest news. P.I.E. Environmental has a special zeal for educational programs about our beautiful, natural environment. And you don’t have to be a new owner to enjoy the tips provided for “small footprint” living. Use “Contact Us” if you have any questions or suggestions
The Palm Island Estates AssociationPalm Island Estates Association, Inc. is a non-profit association of homeowners on Knight Island, Palm Island, Don Pedro Island and Thornton Key. It was originally incorporated in 1980 “for the preservation of the natural environment and ecology of Knight and Don Pedro Islands.”
Today, it’s mission is to promote cooperation among all property owners, to offer a representative voice in civic and community affairs and to provide assistance and improvement to the islands.
Pay it Forward!Your membership is not mandatory, but take a moment to think about what we do and what we have done for the Island:
FOR OUR ENVIRONMENT: The “P.I.E. Environmental” committee looks after our beautiful environment, with programs that include the Wildlife and Habitat Preservation Program (WHPP) and the Gopher Tortoise Conservation Team. P.I.E. supports the Don Pedro/Knight Island Sea Turtle Patrol, the volunteers who help protect the endangered species that nests on our shores each year. P.I.E. also makes sure our private beach easements and our Island Demonstration Gardens are kept clean and clear by coordinating the Annual Beach Access Clean-up and Cookout.
FOR ISLAND FUN: Our “P.I.E. Social” committee makes the events that you enjoy happen: the New Year’s Day Golf Cart Parade, the Street Dance, the Easter Pancake Breakfast, and our biggest event of the year, Art in the Palms.
FOR OUR COMMUNITY: We keep you up to date with “THE ISLAND NEWS”, posting informative articles about issues that affect our Island. P.I.E. created an Island Action Fund (formerly the “P.I.E. Legal Fund”) to address the state and county on issues that impact our properties and lifestyle. We administrate the Island Kids Scholarship Fund, offering scholarships to qualifying Island kids. P.I.E. also donates annually to important local charities such as Helping Hands, Kids Needs, the Suncoast Humane Society and Venice Wildlife.
Member BenefitsMembers enjoy the convenience of email reminders for upcoming events and Island News updates. And you can download memorable moments from our online photo gallery.
Looking for your neighbor’s number? Find contact information for your fellow P.I.E. members at our MEMBERS ONLY DIRECTORY. Having a party? Members may request use of P.I.E.’s folding tables and chairs free of charge.
Special events and our annual Street Dance (the membership “welcome” party) are free of charge for active members. Free house number signs, group discount septic pump-outs: P.I.E. is always looking for ways to give you more.
There’s so much that P.I.E. does for our Island community. Check out the full roster of activities organized by our committees at our Activities and Events page.
We support you. We ask for your support in return. For $40 per year, your household membership supports P.I.E. Your participation in our events supports our work. Just follow the link to a membership application form and JOIN PIE NOW!
Activities & EventsAll of P.I.E.’s activities are accomplished through our various committees, and coordinated by our Board of Directors. Any active P.I.E. member is welcome to serve on any of our committees.
OUR ACTIVITIES
EnvironmentalActivities: WHPP, Gopher Tortoise Conservation Team, Island Demonstration Gardens, Septic Pump-out with SOS.
The P.I.E. Association was originally incorporated as an environmental organization, making P.I.E. Environmental the granddaddy of P.I.E. committees. Free-of-charge programs include: environmental inventories of vacant lots, Sabal Palm and native plant adoption/relocation program, the “Wildlife-Friendly Yards” program and environmental packets for new homeowners.
SocialActivities: New Year’s Day Parade, Annual Street Dance, Art in the Palms, Pig in the Palms, Special Events.
P.I.E.’s social committee makes all the Island “happenings” happen. Every year P.I.E. Social sponsors "Art in the Palms", the Big Enchilada of Island events. In addition to our annual favorites, P.I.E. sponsors spectacular special events for special occasions. In 2012 P.I.E. hosted a “F.A.R.T. Party”, honoring the Island’s former Fire and Rescue Team volunteers. Past events included a “Cheeseburgers in Paradise” Parrothead Party, an Elvis dinner party, a Pink Panty Pull-down Party, and the Senior Prom.
Information ServicesP.I.E.’s Information Services include everything that helps P.I.E. to provide a “representative voice” for our membership. Activities:
THE ISLAND WATCH. A dedicated group of volunteers who scour newspapers, scan agendas for County Commission meetings and fact-check rumors from the Coconut Telegraph to bring you “All Island, All the Time” news about issues that impact Island life.
INFO CENTRAL. “We provide, you decide”, Info Central is the committee that brings informative speakers and educational programs to the Island. Past programs included a morning with Bill Truex, Charlotte County Commissioner, a Q&A with Judith Northdurft and Dawn Harrison of Charlotte County Public Works, and a “HeartSaver” basic CPR class.
THE ISLAND POLL. P.I.E.’s way of staying connected to the interests and inclinations of our membership.
THE ISLAND ACTION FUND. Originally established as the P.I.E. Legal Fund, the Island Action Fund is a dedicated fund to help provide the means for legal representation or other costly actions where Islanders need to defend their interests.
P.I.E. WEBSITE. The spot where it all comes together: history, news, education, information, a photo gallery and the P.I.E. members-only online directory.
Community ServicesActivities: Annual Beach Clean-up and Cookout, Island Scholarship Fund, P.I.E. Member Phone Directory, House Numbering, Welcome Wagon, Island Angels.
AdministrativeActivities: Membership, Nominating.
Activities & EventsAll of P.I.E.’s activities are accomplished through our various committees, and coordinated by our Board of Directors. Any active P.I.E. member is welcome to serve on any of our committees.
OUR ACTIVITIES
EnvironmentalActivities: WHPP, Gopher Tortoise Conservation Team, Island Demonstration Gardens, Septic Pump-out with SOS.
The P.I.E. Association was originally incorporated as an environmental organization, making P.I.E. Environmental the granddaddy of P.I.E. committees. Free-of-charge programs include: environmental inventories of vacant lots, Sabal Palm and native plant adoption/relocation program, the “Wildlife-Friendly Yards” program and environmental packets for new homeowners.
SocialActivities: New Year’s Day Parade, Annual Street Dance, Art in the Palms, Pig in the Palms, Special Events.
P.I.E.’s social committee makes all the Island “happenings” happen. Every year P.I.E. Social sponsors "Art in the Palms", the Big Enchilada of Island events. In addition to our annual favorites, P.I.E. sponsors spectacular special events for special occasions. In 2012 P.I.E. hosted a “F.A.R.T. Party”, honoring the Island’s former Fire and Rescue Team volunteers. Past events included a “Cheeseburgers in Paradise” Parrothead Party, an Elvis dinner party, a Pink Panty Pull-down Party, and the Senior Prom.
Information ServicesP.I.E.’s Information Services include everything that helps P.I.E. to provide a “representative voice” for our membership. Activities:
THE ISLAND WATCH. A dedicated group of volunteers who scour newspapers, scan agendas for County Commission meetings and fact-check rumors from the Coconut Telegraph to bring you “All Island, All the Time” news about issues that impact Island life.
INFO CENTRAL. “We provide, you decide”, Info Central is the committee that brings informative speakers and educational programs to the Island. Past programs included a morning with Bill Truex, Charlotte County Commissioner, a Q&A with Judith Northdurft and Dawn Harrison of Charlotte County Public Works, and a “HeartSaver” basic CPR class.
THE ISLAND POLL. P.I.E.’s way of staying connected to the interests and inclinations of our membership.
THE ISLAND ACTION FUND. Originally established as the P.I.E. Legal Fund, the Island Action Fund is a dedicated fund to help provide the means for legal representation or other costly actions where Islanders need to defend their interests.
P.I.E. WEBSITE. The spot where it all comes together: history, news, education, information, a photo gallery and the P.I.E. members-only online directory.
Community ServicesActivities: Annual Beach Clean-up and Cookout, Island Scholarship Fund, P.I.E. Member Phone Directory, House Numbering, Welcome Wagon, Island Angels.
AdministrativeActivities: Membership, Nominating.
The Administrative committee maintains the active membership roster and volunteer lists. Each year they develop the slate of Board nominees, do the annual membership mailing and coordinate the ballot voting for the board of directors.
here's always fun happening on the Island, and we try to capture all of the "Island Things" right here! Just click on an album below to view the photos. From the photo page, click on any picture to view in full size or download.
P.I.E. EnvironmentalFor more information about P.I.E. Environmental and its activities, you may "Contact Us" or contact the committee chair listed on the About Us/Meet the Board page.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTACTS and LINKS
Barrier Islands Environmentally Related Resources:Charlotte County Codes online www.municode.com
Charlotte County Code Enforcement941.743.1201www.charlottecountyfl.gov/services/building
construction/Pages/Code-Compliance.aspx
Charlotte Co. Dept of Health (Septic & beach advisory)941.743.1266www.floridahealth.gov/chdcharlotte/EH/index.html
Charlotte County Permitting
Department941.743.1201www.charlottecountyfl.com
Charlotte Harbor National
Estuary Program866.835.5785www.chnep.org
Charlotte Co. Environmental
Center_Cedar Point Park941.475.0769www.checflorida.org
DEP_FL Dept of Environmental
Protection850.245.2118www.dep.state.fl.us
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (for violations)888.404.3922www.myfwc.com
Mote Marine Laboratory
941.388.4441www.mote.org
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service800.344.9453www.fws.gov/endangered/
Animal Rescue and RehabilitationGopher Tortoises_Charlotte
Co. Environmental Specialist941.743.1290www.charlottecountyfl.com/environmentalservices/
Sea Turtles_Charlotte Co.
Environmental Specialist941.613.3223www.charlottecountyfl.com/environmentalservices/
Charlotte Co. Animal Control
(Nuisance/Sick/Bites/Carcass)941.833.5690www.charlottecountyfl.com/animal/
Peace River Wildlife Center
(Injured wildlife rehab_leave message)941.637.3830www.peaceriverwildlifecenter.com
Suncoast Humane Society941.474.7884www.humane.org/
Wildlife Center of Venice941.484.9657www.wildlifecenterofvenice.org
Wildlife Alert_FL FWC
(Wildlife emergencies, violations. 24/7)888.404.3922www.myfwc.com/contact/report
Not sure who to contact or what to do? You can reach out to our local volunteers with PIE Environmental and they will point you in the right direction:
Cathy Schwartz: 412.418.5294
Pat Gordon: 941.697.5848
Kjell Plotkin: 941.697.5252
Florida Friendly LandscapingCharlotte Co. Cooperative Extension Services941.764.4340www.charlotte.ifas.ufl.edu
Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection
(Mangrove Trimming)813.470.5723www.dep.state.fl.us/water/wetlands/
Florida Native Plant Society561.562.1598www.fnps.org
Florida Yards & Neighborhoods941.764.4340www.fyn.ifas.ufl.edu
Florida House Institute941.924.2050www.flhouse.org
People for Trees941.426.9752www.peoplefortrees.com
Solid Waste Recycling941.764.4380www.charlottecountyfl.com/PublicWorks/SolidWaste/
Our thanks to Kjell Plotkin and Merrill Horswill for updating the content of this page!
Other Environmental OrganizationsWhile P.I.E. Environmental and the Sea Turtle Patrol are discreet organizations, they share many of the same environmentally concerned volunteers. P.I.E. also provides funding for some of their needs, such as their uniform hats and shirts and special equipment requests.
DON PEDRO/KNIGHT lSLAND SEA TURTLE PATROL
The mission of the "Don Pedro Turtle Patrol" is to nurture and promote an environment which contributes to the healthy propagation of the sea turtle, a valued natural treasure. With the assistance of public and private support, the aim of this organization is to provide turtle patrol volunteers with the necessary equipment and materials to monitor sea turtle embryos and hatchlings so they may safely enter the waters of the Gulf of Mexico in their journey to adulthood.
The Turtle Patrol Team is made up of 10-15 volunteers. They are permitted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The Island (Don Pedro, Knight, & Palm) is divided into 10 zones and each morning from May 1 until Oct. 31 the volunteers document all new nests and every new false crawl. They watch over the nests and care for them as needed. As the season grows to a close, they document the number of babies hatched and unhatched, the number of babies destroyed, and the number of dead and alive babies in the nests and count the total of all the eggs in the nests.
The patrol mainly documents the activity of the loggerhead sea turtle but has had occasions to document a few green sea turtle nests also. The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is easily distinguished by its relatively large head. The green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) gets its name from the greenish color of its body fat and has the presence of a pair of scales on the front of its forehead.
Sharing the Beach with the TurtlesOf course, we would prefer that you not go on the beach at night during turtle season but we know that is probably too much to ask so:
IF YOU HAPPEN TO SEE A NESTING SEA TURTLE:
l. Please stay behind her at a distance so that she cannot see you. Keep your distance, remain quiet, and keep lights off. Noise and any light can cause the turtle to abandon her nest and return to the gulf.
2. Please keep hands and other objects off and away from the turtle. (After nesting, she may appear slow and hesitant.) Touching, prodding, shining light, or causing commotion may frighten her, disorient her, and cause her to spend less time covering and camouflaging her nest.
IF YOU HAPPEN TO SEE SEA TURTLE HATCHLINGS:
1. Please watch them from a distance.
2. Please allow hatchlings to crawl to the water on their own, as the journey from the nest to the water allows them to imprint on their home beach. That imprint, Scientists believe, helps hatchlings remember where they came from, so they can return and lay their own nests 20 to 30 years later.
3. Please leave hatchling sea turtles in their nest; they will exit when they are ready and will have a much better chance of surviving.
4. Please keep all lights off. If hatchling turtles see artificial lights they become confused, crawling in circles and heading away from the ocean causing them to be eaten by other animals or to die of dehydration.
And Now for the Obvious, (We Hope):Leave nests and signs undisturbed!
Shield or turn off all lights that shine on the beach!
Remove beach furniture, toys, and equipment from the beach every night.
Keep pets off the beach!
Remember that motorized vehicles and campfires are prohibited!
PHONE NUMBERS TO REMEMBER:If you have questions, witness violations or if you see an injured, disoriented, or dead adult turtle or hatchlings wandering in a road, parking lot or in directions other then the water contact:
Brenda: (Permit Holder of Don Pedro Turtle Patrol) 941-697-0045 or 941-698-8869
Florida Marine Patrol: 1-800-DIALFMP or 1-800-342-5367
FWC, Division of Law Enforcement: 1-888-404-FWCC or *FWC from your cell phone.
SEA TURTLE PROTECTION INFORMATIONAll species of sea turtles in Florida are listed as either threatened or endangered by the federal Endangered Species Act. In addition, sea turtles are protected by Florida Statute 370.12, the Marine Turtle Protection Act. Anyone found harassing a sea turtle or interfering with the nesting process faces criminal and civil penalties.
A special thought from the patrol:
KEEP IN MIND THAT WE WANT OUR CHILDREN TO KNOW THE TURTLES! WE DON’T WANT TO TELL OUR CHILDREN SOMEDAY THAT THE TURTLES WERE HERE ONCE UPON A TIME...
Gopher tortoises have a listing designation of “threatened species”, and are protected under federal law. Tortoise burrows on a vacant lot must be addressed before building. Special permitting from the state is needed to remove and relocate the gopher tortoises from the lot before the lot can be cleared.
GOPHER TORTOISE CONSERVATION TEAMDid you know that gopher tortoises are ancient? Their ancestors are a species of land tortoise that originated in western North America some 60 million years ago.
Ray Ashton of the Ashton Biodiversity Research & Preservation Institute said in his literature for the Gopher Tortoise Conservation Initiative, “think of them as a cow with a shell. They graze on vegetation just like cows, and therefore, are important players in spreading seeds.”
In 2006, WHPP members met with Mr. Ashton and FWC Wildlife Biologist Matt Singer to train for certification as gopher tortoise relocation specialists.
Our Gopher Tortoise Conservation Team now holds a Florida State Gopher Tortoise Agent permit, and the all-volunteer team is authorized to work under it. This permit gives them the authority to advise and perform activities associated with gopher tortoises anywhere in the state.
Their services are free of charge to island residents. They can expedite the permitting process from the FWC for homeowners, and save homeowners hundreds of dollars by performing the same relocation services that other specialists charge for.
he GTCT also responds to calls for things like injuries, mortalities, excavations, and roping off burrows for construction for outdoor events like Art in the Palms.
Fun FACTS about Gopher Tortoises
Tortoise burrows can be up to ten feet deep and 40 feet long, and are as wide as the length of the tortoise that made it.
The gopher tortoise shares its burrow with more than 350 other species, including indigo snakes, Florida mice, gopher frogs, opossums, rabbits, armadillos, lizards, toads and burrowing owls.
The gopher tortoise reaches sexual maturity between 12 and 15 years of age, when their shells are about 9 inches long.
The gopher tortoise egg's are round and about the size of a ping-pong ball. They incubate for about 80-90 days.
The sex of the offspring is determined by the temperature of the sand or dirt where the nest is incubating, if the temperature is above 86° F, the tortoises hatchling will be females. Temperatures below 86° produce males.
The largest part of their diet consists of low-growing grasses and legumes. They also eat gopher apple, prickly pear cactus, paw-paws, blackberries, saw palmetto berries, and other seasonal fruits.
Gopher tortoises will also scavenge and are opportunistic feeders, occasionally feeding on dead animals or excrement.
Most of the water they get comes from the food they eat. During periods of extreme drought they have been seen drinking standing water on the side of the road.
Gopher tortoises can use their front flipper-like legs to dam up water as it runs down their burrow during a rain.
A gopher tortoise may have one to three burrows in it’s home range, the area where it spends most of its time.
The tortoise may travel 2 to 5 miles to forage, staying temporarily in an existing burrow or digging a new burrow. After a period of time, the tortoise may return to its original home range, and even to its original burrow.
JUST YOUR AVERAGE
GOPHER TORTOISE
Length: 9-16 inches
Weight: Average of 29 lbs.
Lifespan: Average 60 years
Board Meetings are held from Sept-May on the second Monday of each month at 5:00 PM at the Pointe Bocilla Pool Pavilion. Board meetings are open to the public.