Author: Sheila Evans

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: A new TIS teacher for the ‘littlest’ students has arrived in a big way

July 29, 2022
Sheila Evans
Profiles

When you walk into Gretchen Hughes’ kindergarten room at The Island School, you will know you are in a magical place. There is nothing ordinary about this entrance into formal education. Gretchen wants...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ken Burnette

July 8, 2022
Sheila Evans
Profiles

Ken Burnette wants to die in Boca Grande – but not for a good long time. He and his wife, Barbara, have fallen in love with Boca Grande and want to live in this town, on this island, until they...

In the Spotlight: Just Martyn, please No formal titles for new Methodist minister

July 1, 2022
Sheila Evans
Profiles

July 1 marks a starting point in the liturgical year for those in the United Methodist tradition. Not coincidentally, it is also common for new Methodist pastors to begin their service on the first...

SPOTLIGHT: Ken Fortney – 97 and still working at The Inn golf shop

June 24, 2022
Sheila Evans
Profiles

Responsibility is something Ken Fortney learned from a young age … and has never shirked from. He will be 97 next month and he is still working. Ken is that wise golfer you see in The Gasparilla...

EDITORIAL: A first time fishing this writer will never forget

The intrepid staff of the Boca Beacon took off last Sunday afternoon for a few hours of team-building and camaraderie. We were not informed which boat would be taking us out, so we were highly impressed...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Elaine Williams retires after delivering your newspapers for 26 years

June 17, 2022
Sheila Evans
News, Profiles

Elaine Williams probably woke up around 1:30 a.m. this morning, but, unlike a week or so ago, today she could roll over and go back to sleep. Elaine is now retired. Her role as the iconic newspaper...

Insurance issues plaguing homeowners may be a little less troubling soon

June 10, 2022
Sheila Evans
News

Florida property owners have found themselves in an impossible position in the last few years regarding insurance coverage. Many insurance companies have closed or left the state, raised rates to impossible...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jerry and Chrissy take on the Continental Divide

June 2, 2022
Sheila Evans
Profiles

When most people retire, their plans tend toward leisure and comfort. Most people, though, are not married to someone like Chrissy Taylor. Chrissy is a life-long runner and outdoor enthusiast, and...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Palm Island’s Fraser family makes it big with ‘Drinkwater’

Going to the movies might be a fun outing, but being among the insiders for the writing, production and rollout of a new movie is a whole new level of excitement. Former Palm Island residents Susan,...

GIBA reports historic number of vehicles over bridge in March

May 13, 2022
Sheila Evans
News

More than 5,000 crossed the bridge in two consecutive days, a new record At its spring quarterly meeting Thursday, May 5 the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority had some interesting news about the...