Author: Marcy Shortuse

THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

FIVE YEARS AGO Friends of Boca Grande announced they had plans to put up a sunshade at the Community Center outdoor stage. TEN YEARS AGO Abbie Turner hooked a giant jumping shark on the “Jill...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: John Garland Pollard

July 13, 2023
Marcy Shortuse
Profiles

There are few Southern gentlemen left, but by outward appearances, so far, John Garland Pollard IV might be one of them. He is our new staff writer at the Boca Beacon and Gasparilla Island Magazine,...

THE BOCA BEACON’S (NOT-SO) ACCUWEATHER FORECAST

BOCASCOPES

THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON:

FIVE YEARS AGO A truly handsome alligator was just chillin’ on the beach near Sundown Colony, catchin’ some rays. Waylon took the buckle. TEN YEARS AGO The Boca Grande Marina was closing down...

Octopus Tree discussion shelved, urgency of bakery building demo takes center stage at meeting

The July meeting of the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board went rather expeditiously, even though the one official item on the agenda was a huge project at 1000 10th Street. It was the discussion...

Two Swinneys and a Wise man take the Boca Grande Open

Boca Grande resident Dabo Swinney and his family love Independence Day. So much so, in fact, they turn one day of celebrating into several. It isn’t a stretch to conclude that a guy who can lead his...

The ground is broken and the walls are going up at South Beach Bar & Grille

July 6, 2023
Marcy Shortuse
Community, News

South Beach Bar & Grille co-owner Bart DeStefano still hasn’t stopped holding his breath, even though the walls are going up on the replacement building. He has had to jump through a lot of hoops...

THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

FIVE YEARS AGO The television documentary called “Mullet and Mangroves: The Pioneer Fishing Familes of Cayo Costa” had aired, featuring cameos by Huddy Coleman Capt. Robert Johnson. Effie Joiner...

Cell tower plans are looking to be on track

July 6, 2023
Marcy Shortuse
News

Progress is being made on the island’s new permanent cellphone tower, as communication has been flowing with Vertical Bridge – the tower company – and contact has even been made with the individual...