Anchor: Corey Lazar
•6/29/2026
MATLACHA, Fla. (WINK)—Matlacha neighbors are sounding the alarm about speeding down Pine Island Road.
This was a big concern brought to WINK News anchor Corey Lazar at WINK Listens, and he went right to law enforcement for help. Onofrio Demattia owns Onofrio D. Oro Fine Jewelry Boutique on Matlacha, right on Pine Island Road.
"Yeah, even though the speed limit is 30 miles an hour. I understand people want to get home after work, but we have to keep it around 30 miles," Demattia said.
He knows the island that touts island time as a way of life. But a problem that locals say is growing is speeding.
"This is still a touristy place. People are walking," Demattia said.
When asked whether he often sees cars speeding, Demattia responded clearly.
"Oh, yeah, quite a bit. I mean, almost all the time, and sometimes I'm out here just waving my hand to slow down. Yeah, yeah, I have to do what I can for the island, if whatever we can," Demattia said.
One of the hotspots where deputies find speeders is when they make the curve coming onto the island from Cape Coral, where the speed limit drops from 35 to 30 miles per hour. Narrow roads, people walking, and rushing cars create a dangerous mix.
"Cars tend to go around if somebody is pulling into the restaurant, they'll pull around them rather than stop, and that's the problem that we're having. People don't just want to wait for them to turn or give way so the car can turn into the restaurant. It's a little chaos," Demattia said.
Lazar brought this concern directly to the Lee County Sheriff's Office, and they took no time to beef up patrols on the island. When WINK News arrived, it didn't take long for deputies to catch drivers speeding.
Lazar requested data from the sheriff’s office on the number of cars pulled over on this three-mile stretch of Pine Island Road. From Jan. 1 to June 8, they performed 36 traffic stops.
Michael Shevlin also sees the speeding. He says one new tool is already making an impression.
"I've seen a couple of people get run over. Now that was a number of years ago, right at Island Avenue and Pine Island Road," Shevlin said.
"Since the electronic sign has been there, I've noticed a real drop in the speed rate that trucks and cars are going through. No question about it's been a big help," Shevlin said.
If you see speeding on Matlacha, the Lee County Sheriff's Office needs your help to let them know where you keep seeing drivers go over the speed limit.
To leave the Lee County Sheriff’s Office a tip on speeders, call 239-477-1000.
