Small businesses on Matlacha say they are losing customers as construction on the Little Pine Island Bridge continues to cause major traffic delays.
The bridge, which is the only route on and off Pine Island, has been under construction since June 2024. With just one lane open, backups have become a daily frustration for both residents and visitors.
Cindee Tolliver, who owns Trader’s Hitching Post in Matlacha, says the construction is doing more than just slowing down traffic — it’s hurting business.
"It's just like a punch to the gut," said Tolliver. "We've had the worst December. The last time I made as much money as I made in December of this past year, it was '97. So that's how far back this has pushed my business."
FDOT was originally expected to complete Phase One of the project by now, which would have reopened the road to two lanes. However, the timeline has now been pushed back to sometime in spring, with no exact completion date.
"So I don't anticipate that being the first week of spring," Tolliver said. "Why is it taking so long and why don't you put more crews on? Why? Why are they not working around the clock? I'm losing thousands and thousands of dollars, maybe a little compensation from the state for this B.S. that's been going on for three-quarters of a year."
FDOT responded, saying it has increased construction resources and work crews.
"We recognize the importance of completing this project as soon as possible," an FDOT spokesperson told Gulf Coast News. "To help accelerate progress, nighttime work is being done where feasible, and schedules are being adjusted to optimize efficiency. While every effort is being made to expedite the project, safety remains the top priority, and some phases require specific timing to ensure quality and durability."
While many business owners and residents are feeling the impact, some residents and visitors say the delays are just part of life on the island. Emily Pancoast, general manager of The Perfect Cup, says it’s all about adjusting to the situation.
"That’s why it’s a good opportunity to listen to an audiobook, a podcast, music you haven’t heard since the 90s," Pancoast said. "It’s a moment to take a breath and take a stop."
Despite the traffic holdups, some visitors are still making the trip.
"The traffic is a little bad right now, but it’s well worth it," said visitor Jane McLain, returning to Pine Island for an annual birthday trip with her best friend. " We like coming here for the shopping and the privacy, and it's more affordable than somewhere like Sanibel."
FDOT officials addressed concerns Tuesday night during a public meeting at First Baptist Church of Pine Island. While they couldn’t provide an exact completion date for Phase One, they assured Gulf Coast News that they are working to minimize disruptions and keep business owners informed, but for some, that reassurance isn't enough.