Pine Island is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Hernando County, Florida, United States. The population was 64 at the 2010 census, unchanged from the 2000 census.
Pine Island Park requires paid parking year-round, with fees set at $5 per vehicle before 5:00 p.m. and $2 per vehicle after 5:00 p.m. The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until sunset, according to Hernando County Parks & Recreation.
Geography
Pine Island is located in western Hernando County on the island of the same name on the Gulf of Mexico. It forms the northern edge of Rock Island Bay, which lies between Pine Island and Bayport. Pine Island Drive is the sole road access to the Pine Island community; via Pine Island Drive and Cortez Boulevard it is southeast to U.S. Route 19 and State Road 50 at Weeki Wachee.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of , all land.
Pine Island Park (also known as Alfred McKethan Park) is a area on the Gulf of Mexico at 10800 Pine Island Drive that includes a swimming beach and swimming area, picnic tables, shelters, barbecue grills, observation point, volleyball court, playground and concession stand.
Storm Impact
Pine Island has experienced multiple weather-related closures and coastal flooding events over the years due to its location on the Gulf of Mexico. In June 2020, Hernando County temporarily closed Alfred McKethan/Pine Island Park as a precaution in response to a forecasted storm surge of two to four feet above ground level, with high-tide flooding expected overnight.
In August 2023, Pine Island experienced significant coastal flooding during Hurricane Idalia, when storm surge overtopped portions of Pine Island Drive and temporarily restricted access to the community. The beach park closed for cleanup and safety inspections before reopening to the public in early September.
thumb|Pine Island Beach Park at the north end of [[County Road 495 (Hernando County, Florida)|County Road 495]]
Demographics
As of the census