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Tennis and Gasparilla Island: They’ve been synonymous for more than a century

May 17, 2021
BY T MICHELE WALKER – Boca Grande is famous for tarpon fishing, golf carting and spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico, but it also boasts more tennis clubs and pros per capita than any island i…

POLICE BEAT: Mysterious van filled with fuel found abandoned at Placida boat ramp, CCSO asks all island residents to lock up their boats, tackle and other gear

May 17, 2021
On Friday, May 7 Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office investigators and Charlotte County Fire were on scene at the Placida boat ramp investigating a van found abandoned, filled with barrels of fuel.  …

OBITUARY: Mike Weddle

May 17, 2021
Michael Lee Weddle, born September 29, 1954, passed away on May 7, 2021 in Englewood at his home in Englewood, FL.  He was born in Compton, Calif. to parents Bob and Gene Weddle, but lived most of …

PROFILE: Virginia Williamson

May 17, 2021
BY T MICHELE WALKER – While most mothers spent Mother’s Day being pampered, brunching and celebrating their one special day of the year, Virginia Williamson spent her Mother’s Day morning teaching …

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: A tribute to local artist and historian Patti Middleton

May 17, 2021
To the Editor: During the past six years we were very fortunate to spend time with this special lady. As soon as Patti would get out of the hospital or care facility she would arrive at the History…

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Many thanks for a terrific prom, from grateful parents

May 17, 2021
To the Editor: As parents of this year’s senior class at Lemon Bay High School, we would like to issue a heartfelt thank you to our local businesses and community for pulling off a wonderful prom f…

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Please respect our beaches, take out what you bring in

May 17, 2021
To the Editor: Diapers. Sandals. Broken glass. These are just a few of the things that I find on a regular basis when I walk the beaches of Boca Grande. The trash shown here contains not only the t…

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: FWC launches the new Florida fishing pier finder

May 17, 2021
To the Editor: Are you looking for a place to fish from shore? Check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s new Florida Fishing Pier Finder, an interactive map that allows angl…

Is the fate of the NHR proposal sealed? Appeal filed, but state announces that more than half of residents in the district have objected to the nomination

May 9, 2021
BY MARCY SHORTUSE – Word from Tallahassee this week is that the controversial National Register of Historic Places nomination that was proposed by Sarasota resident Mikki Hartig is no longer viable…

The loss of a legendary artist and friend: Rest well, Patti Middleton

May 9, 2021
BY MARCY SHORTUSE – It’s amazing how such a diminutive body can wield such a mighty soul, but everyone who met Patti Middleton recognized her tremendous spirit. The tiny body that could get easily …