Author: Sheila Evans

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Volunteers for Barrier Island Parks, Range Light lighters

December 19, 2024
Sheila Evans
Profiles

This year marked the first Christmas lighting of the Range Light. The effort was led primarily by Gasparilla Island State Park volunteers, including Mike and Tammy Kipp of Port Charlotte. The Kipps,...

Extensive repairs to Our Lady on list

The storms of 2024’s hurricane season brought devastating damages to Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. “Repair and restoration estimates are still being determined,” said Father Anthony Hewitt,...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New chef at the Boca Grande Club, Rocco Caggiano

December 12, 2024
Sheila Evans
Profiles

Food has been a passion of Rocco Caggiano (cah-jee-ah-no) since he was a kid. Now he’s grown up to be the Executive Chef for the Boca Grande Club, putting to work all he has learned over the...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Hurricane correspondent and recorder Ann Wolfe Combee

December 5, 2024
Sheila Evans
Profiles

Ann Combee, who has become a hurricane eyewitness of sorts in Boca Grande, lives two lives. Part of each week she is the owner of a spa for dogs in Winter Haven; the other part of the week she is basking...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Our staff writer Sheila Evans tells of being thankful after storms

November 28, 2024
Sheila Evans
Profiles

Sometimes thankfulness comes easily. Other times it is harder to see the blessings, especially when they come wrapped in traumatic events. Nearly everyone in and around Boca Grande can identify...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: At Anchor Inn, Joyce King

November 21, 2024
Sheila Evans
Profiles

The grand veranda at Boca Grande’s Anchor Inn is an inviting stop for many visitors to the community, even if they never go inside or stay a night at the inn. Visitors to the town often pause to sit...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: At Mimi’s, South Beach and at her food truck — Jeri Lynn Perrin

November 14, 2024
Sheila Evans
Profiles

Just accept it – resistance is futile. Jeri Lynn Perrin and the treats from her friendship-promoting food truck are going to capture you. They’ll feed your soul as well as your body. You might as well...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New citizen front and center at The Inn, Dencina ‘Dee’ Barracks

November 7, 2024
Sheila Evans
Profiles

There’s a new pep in the step of Dencina Barracks, front office manager for The Gasparilla Inn and Club. Dencina, or “Dee,” is a brand-new American citizen. Her citizenship became official at a ceremony...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Interim pastor at First Baptist Church, Ken Lindow

October 31, 2024
Sheila Evans
Profiles

Sitting in his rocking chair and playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren will have to wait. Dr. Ken Lindow Sr. is now the interim pastor of the First Baptist Church of Boca Grande. He...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: New choirmaster, music minister at St. Andrew’s, Glen Olsen

October 25, 2024
Sheila Evans
Profiles

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church has a new Minister of Music, Dr. Glen Olsen. The audience was small but appreciative when Dr. Glen Olsen made his first visit to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. It was...