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Community History


February 9, 2024
The Gasparilla Inn history tour takes guests back in time History Tour Guide Sandi Firtion had a full house on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 6 at The Gasparilla Inn and Club. A crowd of about 30…

February 2, 2024
Each Wednesday this February will be an opportunity to relive some of the most interesting aspects of Boca Grande history. This year there is a twist, as three of the four presentations are bei…

January 26, 2024
FIVE YEARS AGO The Harry Chapin Food Bank had a mobile food pantry to help federal employees during the federal government shutdown. The focus was on helping employees who were air traffic cont…

January 25, 2024
The Johann Fust Community Library has been at the core of the Boca Grande Community for decades, and now, after more than 74 years, the Johann Fust Library Foundation would like to share some of i…

January 19, 2024
FIVE YEARS AGO, 2019 The Vasher, Simmons, Dowgiallo, Stockdale and Tincher families enjoyed the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Washington Redskins game as both teams vied for a seat at the NF…

January 12, 2024
By JOHN VALICKAS, Guest Columnist Part of the uniqueness and the cultural identity that Boca Grande enjoys comes from its rich historical roots. Although many of the island’s historical structu…

January 12, 2024
FIVE YEARS AGO The Burdettes welcomed another bundle into the family. Jenna Marie Burdette joined sisters Christina and Lindsay. TEN YEARS AGO Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity dedica…

December 22, 2023
Last week, crews replaced the awnings on the Railroad Depot building. They match the ones before Hurricane Ian. The building dates from 1910, and is the former Charlotte Harbor and Northern…

December 1, 2023
Almost ten years ago, James Blaha joined the Board of Directors of the Boca Grande Historical Society, and he and Rose Marie Blaha began to volunteer at the History Center. Their combined back…

November 22, 2023
Another precious piece of Boca Grande history has gone with the winds of Hurricane Ian – the 7th Street Boathouse. In fact, everything on the little point – the boathouse, the covered slips an…