Author: Marcy Shortuse

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Another successful season of History Bytes is in the books

To The Editor: History Bytes – February 2020 All I can say is WOW!! The 2020 History Byte program has come and gone so quickly! We had a fantastic series of four “Bytes” at the Johann Fust...

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Many thanks for keeping us safe

To the Editor: A big thank you to the employers and clients who are paying us NOT to come do our jobs. We are scared, and worried too, but your kindness helps. It shows that we matter. That’s why we...

OBITUARY: Bob Hayden

Our family is heartbroken to announce that we lost one of the greatest loves of our lives. Bob Hayden loved his family and his many friends, the Navy, his loyal Sigma Chi brothers, his two dogs that...

PROFILE: Gretchen Holla

BY OLIVIA CAMERON – Boca Grande’s Englewood Bank has just hired a new manager to keep their tellers in good hands. Gretchen Holla has been in the banking business since her career history began...

‘To Go’ only: Florida Governor issues executive order closing all dining rooms in establishments on March 20

STAFF REPORT – Here is your to-go dining list for the island. An executive order by our governor has closed all dining rooms in restaurants. Starting Monday, March 23, shopping will be limited...

Editor’s Note: What a difference a week can make

March 20, 2020
Marcy Shortuse
Editorial, News

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – Last week in this same spot on the front page we had two cancellations in our social calendar, with a mention of a third, due to COVID-19 concerns. This week the spot is taken...

A message from the Clinic: ‘It is time to put community above self’

BY DALY WALKER, MD – The Coronavirus is now moving explosively through the world’s human population. The latest scientific reports warn that without action by the government and individuals to...

COVID-19 and your tap water: It IS safe to drink

BY BONNIE PRINGLE – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that Americans continue to use, and drink tap water as usual. COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies. EPA’s...

Beaches closed, Inn closed: Clinic warns, don’t ‘stick your head in the sand,’ COVID-19 could be here

March 20, 2020
Marcy Shortuse
News

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – Effective Thursday, March 19 all Lee County and Gasparilla Island beaches are closed due to concerns regarding COVID-19. This went into stringent effect at 6 p.m. on Thursday,...

EDITORIAL: A time to think, a time to plan

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – Did you ever think things would get this crazy? Just a couple of weeks ago we were worried about things that seem so inconsequential now. Whether you believe this virus threat...