If you were paying close attention, you might note that the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce already hosted a 2025 Stone Crab Music Fest at the beginning of the year, back in January. According to GPICC board president Dave Conner, it was originally delayed due to hurricane activity. Now, he said, there is a focus on music.

“It’s basically a music food fest, with the emphasis on stone crab,” Conner said of the upcoming event.

There is also a salute to the veterans, as the GPICC has tied in the American Legion, VFW and Disabled American Vets, he said, as well as a change in the actual tone of the music.

Conner admits this event may be the biggest stone crab event yet. The event was a bit longer last time, he said, going from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., while this time the event will be put on from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The reason it is not being offered as a two-day off-island event, he explained, is that Pine Islanders are very happy to experience it as an on-island event, of which they can be proud. Conner said, otherwise it becomes an entirely different animal.

“With a two-day event, generally you get money from the county with grants, then you have to match it,” Conner said.

The GPICC is very interested in keeping the island event just that, and featuring what Pine Island is known for, he said, such as crabbing and fishing. At the last stone crab event, he said, he noticed folks were very interested in how their favorite football teams were doing. To remedy that, he said, this event will include a big screen TV, running not only live sporting events, such as football, but also continuous feed from event sponsors.

“There won’t be sound from the TV, so the music will still be going. This way people can enjoy the festival and watch football,” Conner said.

To get involved as a volunteer or a sponsor for this event, reach out to the Greater Pine Island Chamber of Commerce at 239-283-0888.

The Winn-Dixie shopping center is located at 9864 Stringfellow Road, south of The Center, on the St. James City end of the island. Contact Winn-Dixie at (239) 283-4404.

To reach PAULETTE LeBLANC / pleblanc@breezenewspapers.com, please email