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Nestled in Florida’s tropical climate, Pine Island supports a year-round population of about 9,000, which swells to approximately 12,000 in winter. It’s a haven for farmers, artists, and retirees, creating a laid-back community characterized by a rich blend of traditions and lifestyles. The summers are marked by an abundance of sweet, juicy mangoes—an essential local crop that has been thriving since 1833.
Historically, mangoes found their way to Pine Island through various channels, including ship routes from Cuba, and seeds discarded during the Spanish colonial period. A lesser-known origin story suggests that early inhabitants, often salvagers (or pirates in more colorful terms), contributed to the cultivation of mango trees, allowing them to flourish in this hurricane-prone area.