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COLUMNS: MATTHEW HACKL

August 7, 2025
Boca Grande: Curve of the horizon, dignity of a heron BY MATTHEW HACKL I was born in May of 1999, but in some ways, I was born again each time I crossed the toll bridge returning to Boca Grand…

It used to be her town. But we must work this out.

August 7, 2025
The last real top 40 hit from James Taylor was a duet with J.D. Souther. The song “Her Town Too” did not reach that high on the Billboard list in 1981, but many will remember it as a lament about ho…

Next week’s Charlotte County meetings

August 7, 2025
Charlotte County government meetings for the coming week: Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, 1:30 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board, Charlotte County Administration Center, 18500 Murdock Circle, Room 119, Port C…

Remembrance of Helen Beardsley

August 7, 2025
FROM THE BOWEN FAMILY The Bowen family celebrated the late Helen Beardsley, who died June 19, 2025. Born in 1928, she had nine children, 23 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren. The family wa…

Charlotte launches floodplain tracker

August 7, 2025
The Charlotte County Community Development Department has officially launched Forerunner, a new online platform that gives residents quick, easy access to detailed flood information about their prop…

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Martina Long

August 7, 2025
Her ship sailed to Boca Grande Friends Martina Long is stepping into her new role as program director for Friends of Boca Grande, overseeing event planning and talent booking for the upcoming sea…

Friends gears up for season

August 7, 2025
The Friends of Boca Grande team is gearing up for the 2025-26 season. Left to right: Kyle Rich, Judy Prestia, Melissa Richardson, Tammy Rigney, Marta Howell, Martina Long and D.J. Keisling.         …

Cruising the Island!

August 7, 2025
The Porsche Club of America was in Boca Grande recently for one of its regular outings. Rob Vigorito, vice president of the Everglades Region of the PCA, organized the outing, which included lun…

EcoWatch: Animal cruelty is all around us. If you see it, report it.

August 7, 2025
“The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Mahatma Gandhi, Prominent leader in the Indian independence movement, known for his philosophy of nonviolence. Thi…

Lee County passes island beach parking restrictions

August 5, 2025
Above, Chamber director Gary Cross addresses the board. Photo by Matt           The Gasparilla Island parking ordinance passed unanimously at Tuesday’s Lee County Commissioners meeting with sever…