Author: Sheila Evans

FEMA village by Home Depot in Englewood populated until 2024

August 31, 2023
Sheila Evans
News

A new housing development has sprung up near SR 776 and Gulfstream Blvd., just west of the Home Depot. It is a temporary solution to continued housing problems for people in the area, due to Hurricane...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: John Gaffney

August 31, 2023
Sheila Evans
Profiles

John Gaffney has never had a job he didn’t love. The one he has now is no exception. John collects tolls at the Boca Grande Swing Bridge. “Being a police officer will always be my favorite job,”...

Rotary Club youth campground renovated after Ian

August 24, 2023
Sheila Evans
Community

There is a hidden gem in Sarasota County that is shining a bit brighter this week. This gem is the Rotary Club of Englewood’s Youth Foundation Campground, on S. Moon Drive in Venice. The campground...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Firefighter Daniel Martinez

August 24, 2023
Sheila Evans
Profiles

Daniel Martinez has found himself a home at the Boca Grande Fire Department. He’s only been here since June, but he envisions himself retiring from this department one day. Since he is 24, that means...

PROFILE: Terry Hoffman, new Island School art teacher

August 17, 2023
Sheila Evans
Education, Profiles

The Island School has not only found an art teacher with pizazz, they found one with a sense of humor and a sense of purpose. The new art teacher is Terry Hoffman, and she loves bringing out the artistic...

PROFILE: Amy Cyr

August 10, 2023
Sheila Evans
Profiles

Amy Cyr loves music, and she has since she was very young. Now she has joined The Island School as its music teacher, and she hopes to pass that love on to the young people there. Amy is excited...

Local men to take Honor Flight this fall

August 3, 2023
Sheila Evans
Community, News

Two local men will be taking the trip of a lifetime in October, as they have been chosen to be aboard the second Honor Flight from Southwest Florida in a year. Pastor Gary Beatty of island’s First...

The smell of fresh office supplies and school uniforms fills the air as TIS is almost back in session

August 3, 2023
Sheila Evans
Education, News

The Island School is at full capacity this year, as 60 students will start school on Thursday, Aug. 10. Head of School Christine Oliver is looking forward to a “normal” school year, free of pandemic...

The Baptists are back at home!

July 20, 2023
Sheila Evans
Community, News

Boca Grande’s Baptist community celebrated in grande style as the congregation returned to its own church building July 16 for services. The fellowship hall will be the venue for services for a while,...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Effie Joiner

Author George Bernard Shaw famously claimed youth was wasted on the young. Apparently, he never met Effie Joiner, because she is not wasting a moment of her youth. Effie is not yet 27 but is putting...