Local Legends: Allice White the Tree Lady is now the Pie Lady Serving the SunCoast area

Alice White celebrates her 1st Place win for Strawberry Rhubarb at the Wellen Park Pie Bake-Off in 2023. She has been a local legend leading People for Trees and is responsible for helping Southwest Florida breathe easier with thousands of trees planted since the 1990s.She is now famous for her fresh pies at Pi-licious Bake Shoppe

By Dr. Tamara "Tami" Patzer of Voice Authority Network
 
Featured in the Voices of North Port podcast series by the City of North Port
 
If you live in Southwest Florida — in Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Englewood, Boca Grande, North Port, Venice, Wellen Park, or any of the surrounding areas, you know about Alice White! She is a local legend. 
 
Alice White is more than just the "Pie Lady" of North Port. She's a retired math teacher, a passionate environmental advocate, and a community voice for nature, sustainability, and sweet traditions. She founded People for Trees and has been a local icon since the 1990s.
 
Recently featured on the Voices of North Port podcast, Alice shared her story of baking, teaching, and tree-loving that has inspired residents across the Suncoast. 
 

 Special Thanks
This story is made possible thanks to Voices of North Port, a public podcast series produced by the City of North Port to highlight local leaders, changemakers, and everyday heroes. Listen, share, and get involved.

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It's fun! It's HOT! It's WOW! 

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🎒 Back-to-School Bash & Supply Stops

✏️ North Port Resource Fair – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ WOW

🗓️ Aug 7 | 5:30–7:30 PM | North Port
🎉 Why it’s WOW: Packed with free supplies, local support booths, and community cheer—your one-stop prep station for back-to-school success!
👉 Get the details & RSVP here!

🎒 Port Charlotte Back-to-School Bash – ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫

🗓️ Aug 7 | 5:00–7:00 PM | Port Charlotte
🎉 Why it’s WOW: Grab supplies, play games, and connect with neighbors—it’s a party to kickstart the school year!
👉 Find out what’s in the backpacks 🎒

💦 Splash & Play Events

🌊 REC2U Splash Back to School – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Family Favorite

🗓️ Aug 9 | 11 AM–2 PM | Port Charlotte Splash Pad
💦 Why it’s WOW: Water slides, face painting, snacks, and splashing fun = back-to-school vibes done right!
👉 See splash pad map + family tips 💦

🎪 Loomis Brothers Circus – ⭐⭐⭐⭐🎟️ Big Top Fun

🗓️ Aug 8–10 | Turner Agri-Civic Center, Arcadia
🎪 Why it’s WOW: Clowns, acrobats, and popcorn thrills—bring the whole crew for a magical old-school circus show!
👉 View showtimes & buy tickets 🎪

🌽 Markets & More

🧺 Punta Gorda Farmer’s Market – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Pet-Approved

🗓️ Aug 9 & 16 | 8 AM–1 PM | Downtown Punta Gorda
🐶 Why it’s WOW: Grab a coffee, walk your pup, listen to tunes—fresh produce and local love all around!
👉 See vendor list + directions 🧺

🚶‍♀️ Harborwalk & Linear Trail Days – ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ Serene & Scenic

🗓️ Aug 7–18 | Punta Gorda
🌳 Why it’s WOW: Gorgeous views + pet-friendly trails = instant zen. Take a stroll or bike the waterfront loop!
👉 Check trail map & parking info 🚴

🚗 Events That Bring the Fun

🚘 Englewood Crusin’ on Dearborn Car Show – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Chrome & Coffee Vibes

🗓️ Aug 9 | 9 AM–1 PM | Dearborn St, Englewood
🚗 Why it’s WOW: Classic cars, oldies music, vendors, and dogs on leashes—bring your camera and your cool factor.
👉 See car lineup + live music details 🚘

🌞 Venice Weekend Market + Beach Yoga – ⭐⭐⭐⭐🧘 Relax & Reboot

🗓️ Aug 7–18 (weekends) | Downtown Venice & Venice Beach
🌴 Why it’s WOW: Shop local then stretch on the sand—family-friendly, relaxing, and absolutely Instagram-worthy.
👉 Catch the schedule + yoga times 🧘‍♀️

Visit Boca Grande during the week instead of the weekend to avoid crowds and enjoy the stunning white sands and clear waters in peace.

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Wild Voices - Miss Pris and the Vultures

An Unexpected Backyard Friendship

From palm-sized piglet to porch queen, Ms. Pris is now 10 years old — a rescued black wild hog who lives her best life in a Southwest Florida backyard. Every afternoon, two vultures stop by, not for trouble, but for lunch scraps. Melon rinds. Day-old bread. Hog pellets. Sweet potato skins. It’s their daily routine.
 
Together, they’ve created a peaceful coexistence that only Florida could produce.
 
🎨 This story features an original watercolor illustration of Ms. Pris and her vulture pals in their Florida pond paradise.
 
 
🪧 Sponsored by Kent’s Lawn Services
Clean-ups, mowing, and yard care — even if the vultures are watching.
📍 Englewood, FL | 📞941-421-6563|
 

📣 Got a Backyard Wildlife Story?
We’d love to hear it!
Send your photos, videos, or stories about Florida’s wild side:
📬 Reply to this email
📩 Email Dr. Tami: tamarapatzer@gmail.com
💬 Or post in the comments on our Facebook Group

Your story might be featured in an upcoming issue, and you could win a gift card from our weekly sponsor!

If you enjoyed this issue of Suncoast Voice. Please let us know. What is your favorite section?

Do you want to share your stories?

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Share your photos, stories, and videos on our local Facebook pages or groups. Look for Suncoast Voice, or your community plus Voice, and we are there. (For example, Boca Grande Voice, Englewood Voice, Port Charlotte Voice, Wellen Park Voice, North Port Voice...we are here for you!

Suncoast Humane Society, founded in 1971, serves over 400 square miles in Sarasota, Charlotte, and Lee counties.

They provide a safe haven for lost, abandoned, and abused animals, never turning any away.

Their adoption process includes spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchip, and more.

The shelter is open for adoptions and visits Tuesday through Saturday.

For more information on their adoption policies, fees, and services, visit their website..

📸 Memory Lane: Gone But Not Forgotten

🏜️ Dean’s South of the Border – Punta Gorda

A Tex-Mex legend that lit up downtown Punta Gorda for over 30 years. Closed July 2025.

Way back in the 80s, I used to go there for lunch with my friend, Reneee. I hate their salsa and chips and always went back to work with the giggles....ummmm? 

Source: Gulfshore Business – Dean’s Closing Article

🍳 Wee Blew Inn Cafe – Venice

This nostalgic, no-frills diner quietly closed its doors this summer after years of serving beloved breakfasts.

Source: Yelp – Wee Blew Inn Reviews & Photos

I have lived in the Englewood area for a long time. I ate the Wee Blew Inn one time...many folks I know swear by it  Sorry to see it go. 

📝 Have a photo or favorite memory from one of these spots? Click here to share it!
We may feature you in an upcoming issue!

 

Share your story and get entered to win a $25 gift certificate from Angel Ministries Gift Shop!

Want to Sponsor SunCoast Voice  —

Lots of cool opportunties! 941-421-6563 

Q: How do I sponsor SunCoast Voice Newsletter and Facebook Group and Page? 

A: Reach out to Dr. Tamara Patzer at tamarapatzer@gmail.com for all the sponsorship and advertising opportunities. 

Q: Can I donate a gift certificate to my store for a contest? What is the charge?

A: Yes, this is the ideal way to support SunCoast Voice! If you provide a gift certificate or gift card to your store or service, there is no charge to you So you provide a $25, $50, $100 or more certificate, we will promote you at no additional charge. 

Q: How can provide stories, videos, photos, and other ideas! 

A: Just reach out to Dr. Tamara "Tami" Patzer. TamaraPatzer@gmail.com or 941-421-6563.