Terry Fortner

The pioneer history of Caladesi Island in Pinellas County will come to life through stories and pictures shared by Terry Fortner, a descendent of Swiss immigrants who made the barrier island their home beginning in the late 1880s.

Ms. Fortner’s appearance is sponsored by the Boca Grande Historical Society. Her talk will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 20, at the Boca Grande Community Center Auditorium. It will be followed by a reception in the Woman’s Club Room. All lectures are free and open to the public.

A teacher and naturalist, Ms. Fortner is the granddaughter of Myrtle Scharrer Betz (1895-1992), who grew up on Caladesi Island, which is now a state park. When she was 87, Mrs. Betz wrote her memoirs,

“Yesteryear I Lived in Paradise.” This story by the only child ever born on Caladesi captures the natural wonders, discomforts, challenges and joys of pioneer life on a Florida West Coast barrier island.

“Yesteryear I Lived in Paradise” will be available for sale at the lecture. Proceeds benefit the Henry Scharrer Memorial Fund supporting preservation, education and conservation activities at Caladesi Island State Park.

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