Cayo Costa Island's pioneer fishing families are featured in the "Mullet and Mangroves" video set to makes its debut Feb. 7 at Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island.
The program, produced by Main Sail Video Productions of Fort Myers, is the centerpiece for "An Evening for the Island" sponsored by the Friends of Cayo Costa State Park.
"The story of the fishing families who inhabited Cayo Costa Island from the late 1800s into the 20th century is an important piece of Pine Island Sound's history that needed to be captured," said Margi Nanney, president of the Friends of Cayo Costa State Park.
Article Photos
Producer/Director Ilene Safron on location filming “Mullet and Mangroves.”
Mullet and Mangroves, in production for several months, was underwritten by grants from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Lee County Tourist Development Council, the Friends of Florida State Parks and IBM.
Producer/Director Ilene Safron, president of Main Sail Video Productions, interviewed Virginia Padilla Morton, Rufus Darna, Francis Barnes Poppell and Wink Coleman to capture personal reflections about life long ago on Cayo Costa Island. Safron visited the island and surrounding waters to develop footage for the program.
"All of those interviewed said that life was hard on the island but agreed that it was a special place to grow up," said Safron. "Many are still living in surrounding island communities and believe fishing will always be in their blood."
Fact Box
To Go
Who: Friends of Cayo Costa State Park
What: "An Evening for the Island"
When: 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7
Where: at Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island
Why: "Mullet and Mangroves" premiere, dinner and a silent auction.
Cost: $45
Contact: Go to friendsofcayocosta.org, e-mail info@friendsofcayocosta.org or call (239) 283-7255.
"An Evening for the Island" runs from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. with the premiere, dinner and a silent auction.
Kat Epple, flutist and composer, will play Calusa Indian-inspired original music featuring flutes from cultures around the world. Epple has released 24 music albums, won eight Emmy Awards and received the 2011 Angel of the Arts Performance Artist of the Year Award.
Tickets are $45 per person and available at friendsofcayocosta.org or by e-mailing info@friendsofcayocosta.org. Call (239) 283-7255.
The Friends of Cayo Costa State Park, founded in 2011 by the late Sally Tapager, works to preserve, protect and promote Cayo Costa State Park's natural beauty, recreational opportunities and history through education, environmental stewardship and community partnerships.
