Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery

Specialties

Pine Bay’s customers say we have the best selection of Crocs they’ve ever seen. The selection of fabulous local art is also affordable. We are the original sellers of all things «Bert’s», ie. tees, hats, coozies, Woozies, also unique souvenirs, books by local authors, as well as bestsellers (also by local authors!) We specialize most in customer service, and will try to accommodate special orders, if we can. Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery is the best place to find a gift; and our favorite sound is the laughter when customers browse our greeting cards, magnets, napkins, signs, humorous books, etc.; You’ll find a great variety of flags & windsocks for boat, yard, or garden. In our kids corner, find Crocs, books, animals, Pirates, Mermaids, and interesting projects… Watch for Pine Bay Annual Mermaid Festival in early February. All mermaids are invited! Oh, and the best view is from our Mel Meo room!

History

Established in 2002.

Would you believe Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery was originally obtained to create a parking lot for Bert’s Bar and Grill? Bert’s Bar could offer few spaces for his customers, so Pine Bay Marina, located across the street, became the parking lot. When Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery first opened in the little yellow clapboard building that was one of the first buildings to be built in Matlacha in the 1920s, it was an outlet for Bert’s tee shirts and caps, with a smattering of local art. After Hurricane Charley blew off the roof, and the front porch, owner Bernard Johnson decided to add more merchandise to the newly renovated building. More local artists saw the possibilities; Mel Meo added her art to the mix; manager Deb Cole listened closely to the requests and suggestions of customers, and the business grew to be voted «Best Gift Shop» in 2011 and 2012. Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Meet the Manager

Deboriah C.

Manager

Deb has lived in Matlacha since 1999, and has been the manager and buyer of Bert’s Pine Bay Gallery since 2003. She graduated from the school of Hard Knocks in Petoskey, Michigan, before moving to Empire, Michigan in 1995. When Deb visited Matlacha, it was only a matter of time.