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Check fraud reported

February 5, 2026
Two different island institutions reported incidents of check fraud to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office last week. On Tuesday, Jan. 27, Christine Oliver, the head of The Island School, reported a…

Events Roundup: Feb. 6-12

February 5, 2026
Friday, Feb. 6 • Farmer’s Market, Bayou  • Boca Grande Art Center, Grande Gals show (through Sunday, Feb. 8) • Boat Show by Ingman Marine, Boca Grande Marina (to Feb. 8) • Johann Fu…

Hermitage slates event on Gasparilla Island 

February 5, 2026
Among the new Hermitage Artist Retreat programs are a beachside program at the Gasparilla Range Light. The Hermitage announced new programs in February and March, spanning Lee County up through M…

Preservation Board reviews Boca Grande Preschool, Shore Lane modern

February 5, 2026
Next Wednesday, the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board will review two projects, as well as hear details about the flood-damaged Amory Chapel at Gasparilla Island State Park.  One p…

Turning stormwater canals into fish habitat; stocking tidal creeks with snook

February 5, 2026
Although it was again too chilly on Tuesday to have coffee outdoors at the Boca Grande Community Center before the second “Coffee with a Scientist” presentation of the 2026 series, the auditorium wa…

Viola speaks at Men’s Club 

February 5, 2026
Viola with retired Lt. Gen. Dell L. Dailey and Commandant Lt. Gen. Steven Wesley Gilland Florida Panthers owner Vincent “Vinnie” Viola, a U.S. Army veteran, came Monday, Feb. 2 to speak to the B…

Charlotte’s marine ops serving Gasparilla Sound

February 5, 2026
The Charlotte County Marine Unit has been around for over 20 years. Matthew McElroy, who last week was appointed fire chief and public safety director for Charlotte County Public Safety has been aro…

Local immigration enforcement seen on and off island

February 5, 2026
Above, a CBP van, with green stripe. Photos by Jarell Iacoma Reports of an immigration investigation in Boca Grande early Wednesday morning, Feb. 4 were confirmed by the Charlotte County Sheriff’…

Oh, Baby!

February 5, 2026
What a precious bundle of joy! Wade William Bowen was born on Dec. 1, weighing in at 8 lb, 15 oz. Pictured on the right is big brother Tate. Proud parents are Brandon and Christine Bowen.      …

Letters: Charlotte residents treasure town of Boca Grande

February 5, 2026
To the Editor: Boca Grande, our cherished jewel on Gasparilla Island, has always embodied natural beauty intertwined with genuine community spirit. Yet over the past year, a painful rift has wide…