Impressed by the interest and involvement of the community and by the research and educational potential of their Pineland property, in 1994 Patricia and Donald Randell donated about 53 acres to the University of Florida Foundation. In their honor, the property was named the Randell Research Center.

Four people, two seated at a table and two behind them, at a black-tie banquet. All are looking at the camera
Patricia and Donald Randell (foreground) pose with then-UF president John Lombardi and his wife Cathryn at the conclusion of an appreciation banquet, August 12, 1994. Photo courtesy of Harmon Photographers, Fort Myers.

It was the understanding and expectation of the Randells that their gift property would be sold to the State of Florida. Proceeds from the sale would be used to endow the Center’s research and education programs, to be operated by the Florida Museum of Natural History. The property was eventually sold to the State in 2003, and the Museum was named manager of the site.

In 2000, led by the Stans Foundation, funds were donated toward a teaching pavilion, public restrooms, a parking area, and the first phase of an interpreted walking trail. These funds were matched by the State of Florida, and construction began in 2003 on the first of two building phases. Additional funds were raised from 2003 to 2005, and were again matched by the State of Florida, enabling completion of the classroom and a book and gift shop at the pavilion in 2006.

Grants defrayed much of the RRC’s operating expenses from 2001 to 2005, including an especially generous gift from the Maple Hill Foundation. In January 2001, Lee County purchased the 8.5-acre property containing the historic Ruby Gill House, the Pineland Post Office, and archaeologically and environmentally sensitive wetlands. The University of Florida leased the property from the County on behalf of the RRC, and in September 2001 the Gill House at 7450 Pineland Road opened as the RRC’s headquarters. In January, 2002, we began a new quarterly newsletter for members of the Friends of the Randell Research Center.

In December, 2004, we opened the “Calusa Heritage Trail,” a project funded in part by a grant from the Florida Division of Historical Resources and sponsored by a leadership gift from Dwight and Susan Sipprelle. In 2006, the Randell Research Center was designated an official stop along the Great Calusa Blueway, a Lee County-sponsored marked canoe and kayak trail.

Pineland suffered a direct hit from powerful Hurricane Charley on August 13, 2004, causing severe damage to the Ruby Gill House, a significant loss of vegetation at the Pineland site, and a three-month delay in opening the Calusa Heritage Trail. The Pineland Marina’s buildings and the Mote Marine field house were completely destroyed and later demolished. The marina was eventually rebuilt, reopening in 2008. The Tarpon Lodge was severely damaged, but was restored, reopening on December 30, 2004. The first dinner guests were former president Jimmy Carter, his wife, and extended family. The Carters also visited the Calusa Heritage Trail.

The Wilson sisters’ house and the cottage on Randell Complex Mound 2 were damaged heavily by Hurricane Charley, but were subsequently repaired and are still occupied today as rental property for the Randell estate. Twin boat houses built by Graham and Mary Wilson were dislodged from the Tarpon Lodge dock and hurled into Pine Island Sound by Hurricane Charley. They were salvaged by the Lodge owners, moved to dry land, connected together, and renovated as an additional rental unit now known as “the Boathouse.”

Citrus canker invaded the groves of South Florida in the aftermath of Charley, and traces of the plant disease were found near our citrus trees in November 2004. Unfortunately, this meant the mandatory destruction of the thriving citrus trees on the RRC property as well as those of our neighbors, erasing the last vestiges of the once thriving groves that dominated Pineland in the early twentieth century. We replanted with 40 new citrus trees in December, 2007, but it will be many years before the grove matures.

On December 15, 2005, the Gill House and Pineland Post Office were added to Lee County’s List of Designated Historical Resources. A grant from the Florida Division of Forestry helped with reforestation and habitat restoration of the Pineland Site Complex in 2006 and 2007. In 2005, 2006, and 2008, grants were received from the Lee County Historic Preservation Board to first stabilize the Gill House and post office, then to create a master historic-preservation plan for the Gill House and to rehabilitate it. Architect Linda Stevenson created the master plan and Bob Rude provided structural engineering consultation. Funds were also received from the Lee County Tourist Development Council, the Arts and Attractions Fund of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, and many private citizens, including leadership gifts from Paul and Warren Miller and Dwight and Susan Sipprelle. Rehabilitation of the Ruby Gill House was completed by general contractor Dale Schneider in May, 2010 (see RRC Newsletter, volume 9, no. 2, June, 2010).

The Pineland Archaeological Site was designated a Lee County Historical Resource in January, 2008. It was already listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In 2009, we restored the old damaged dock across the street from the Randell Mound, creating an observation pier for the enjoyment of the public. Today the Randell Research Center hosts over 3,500 visitors at the site each year, and provides educational programs for public and private school children.

We value the heritage of the Pineland community as well as that of Greater Pine Island. Pineland has been a recognized community since its first post office was established in 1902. The RRC has been a part of Pineland for 16 years — 15% of Pineland’s modern history — but our Calusa Heritage Trail celebrates the 2,000 years of Pineland’s human history, from early Native American fisherfolk to the diverse community of today. Presently, all three RRC employees live on Pine Island. Our classroom complex was built by a Pine Island contractor. Another Pine Island contractor rehabilitated the Gill House. Pine Island businesses help maintain our properties and equipment, and Pine Island caterers supply our special events. Pine Island people have been unfailingly supportive, giving freely of their time and donating resources.

Voted the #1 tourist attraction on Pine Island for four consecutive years by readers of the Pine Island Eagle, the RRC continues to beckon visitors from near and far to experience Pine Island and to appreciate it as we do. We hope to be a part of the Pineland community for many years to come, and we hope that you will come and visit soon.

This 5-part series starts with Part 1: A Recent History of the Pineland Community.

This article was taken from the Friends of the Randell Research Center Newsletter Vol 9, No. 3. June 2010.