MATLACHA, Fla. (WINK) — WINK Listens had another successful outing, this time at the Matlacha Community Center.

Matlacha residents poured into the community center, which is nestled between the Barnhill Seafood Market and Blue Dog Bar & Grill, across the street from the Perfect Cup, on Pine Island Road on Wednesday.

Matlacha is known for its tropical-painted buildings, working-fishing-village roots, art galleries, and laid-back “Old Florida” feel.

In the 1960s, as part of Greater Pine Island, the area was marketed as the "Treasure of Pleasure" with "almost daily sunshine—never a frost."

It’s truly a gem. But it has taken some time to regain its polish.

Matlacha, Pine Island, and St. James City were all hit especially hard by Hurricane Ian and then again by Helene and Milton.

Now, more than three years later, while scars remain, so do signs of hope, resiliency, and the new norm — elevated homes and reinforced structures.

And WINK News wants to hear about it all. Do you have a story of survival? A tale about your amazing neighbor? Or you may need help with something.

How WINK Listens works

For those who want to show up and have their stories hear, first, you will check in and fill out a couple of forms. 

Once you turn them in, you will speak one-on-one with a WINK News anchor or reporter. You will be asked to share your story, idea, issue, or whatever you choose to talk about.

We. Will. Listen.

What's next?

After that interview, we'll get to work.

Some stories are easier to tell and get answers to. Others might require a deeper dive, more digging, and more time to tell. But we will work on it.

If you don't have a story to share, don't let that keep you away. Everyone's invited. Stop by. Have a cup of coffee. Come say hello.