Community History
History Bytes: Leslie Porter Joiner on ‘Effie’
February 22, 2024
Memories of Effie Sapp Joiner, 1900-96
Artist Leslie Porter Joiner shared stories about Effie Sapp Joiner at a talk at the Fust Library as part of the Boca Grande Historical Society’s History Byt…
History Bytes: A ‘true Southern lady’ Mary Ellen Vickers Parkinson
February 15, 2024
The second History Bytes program for 2024 featured Boca Grande native Carolyn Parkinson Nabers sharing about her mother’s life on the island. Mary Ellen Vickers Parkinson was “a true Southern lady,”…
Historic Preservation Board considers two residential projects
February 9, 2024
Two projects, including a signature house at 181 Gilchrist Ave., will go before Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board on Wednesday, Feb. 14.
The proposed new house on Gilchrist is a two-story n…
History Bytes looks at book, towns of the island
February 9, 2024
Despite the chill in the air, close to 100 people showed up for the season’s first History Bytes program at the loggia of the Johann Fust Library. The topic was the History Center’s new exhibit, bas…
From pirates to the Pelican Room
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 p…
February History Bytes topics include Mary Ellen Parkinson, Grandma Effie
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 being…
This Date in the Boca Beacon: Boca Grande North construction begins
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 contro…
Docent tours debut in February, tell story of Amorys and Fust Library
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 its…
This Date in 1999: Boca Grande decides against incorporation
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 NFL…
Placida Bunkhouse still needs attention, entrance to Boca Grande
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 structure…