Author: Marcy Shortuse

Bahamas reopen for fishing, Gasparilla Island boat traffic still heavy

BY OLIVIA CAMERON- Just 50 miles from the east coast of Florida rest the western islands of The Bahamas, an archipelagic state that has consistently thrived off of tourism and fishing until the pandemic...

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Lee County’s Small Business Relaunch Assistance Program application window to close Friday

To the Editor: Lee County Government will close its current application window for its LeeCARES Small Business Relaunch Assistance Program at 5 p.m. Friday, June 19. The county anticipates reopening...

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Ladies Howl: A wonderful first-time experience

To the Editor: On behalf of our crew of anglers, I would like to thank Robin and Sandy Melvin of Gasparilla Outfitters & Special Effects for organizing the 2020 Ladies Night Out Howl at the Moon...

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Charlotte Sheriff looks forward to better times

To the Editor: The past few months have proven to be anything but ordinary. Our day to day lives have been shifted and thrown off-kilter. During this time of uncertainty and unknowns, I hope that the...

Obituary: William Lee Bentley Jr.

William Lee Bentley, Jr., Bill to all his family and friends, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2020 from ALS. He was at his home surrounded by his loving family, which was so important to him. Bill...

PROFILE: Eliot Vestner

A passion for learning drives him to write… BY MARCY SHORTUSE- When having a conversation with Eliot Vestner, one of the first things you notice is the quiet assertiveness in his voice and a gentle...

Capt. Charlie takes first- and belt buckle- in Quarantine Classic

BY MARCY SHORTUSE- The weather was suited more for the fish than the anglers, but even with torrential rain and storms the 2020 Quarantine Classic yielded 70 tarpon released over two days, and Capt....

Historic Preservation Board votes in Catholic Church project

BY MARCY SHORTUSE- Work will soon begin on a new parish hall for the Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, as the project was approved unanimously by the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board at their...

Ladies ‘Howl’ this weekend, Red Gill on June 20

STAFF REPORT- This Saturday, June 13, Special Effects will bring the Howl at the Moon – Ladies Night Out! Tournament to Boca Grande Pass, from 7 until 10 p.m. Cash Prizes awarded to first and second...

Summer Camp starts this week: How has it changed since COVID came to town?

BY MARCY SHORTUSE- Prior to 2020, many local kids (and their parents) looked forward to the beginning of summer camp, which is held at the Boca Grande Community Center and usually starts the week after...