News
While Payroll Protection is looking up, unemployment filing problems plague furloughed island workers
May 2, 2020
BY MARCY SHORTUSE – As Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Wednesday that on May 4 some retail shops and restaurants would be opening for limited business, some cheered and prepared to go back to work. Ot…
First four turtle nests found, prior to May 1 season opening
May 1, 2020
BY MARCY SHORTUSE – Never let it be said that Gasparilla Island turtles are slackers. By the beginning of sea turtle nesting season for 2020, which started today, May 1, there were already four nests…
Let’s talk sidewalk amenities and parking in Boca Grande
May 1, 2020
Part II: Items to be addressed by the Boca Grande Community Planning Association STAFF REPORT – Island residents who took the Boca Grande Community Planning Survey gave their views on two topics fami…
The show must go on! Spark TV to present online play May 2
May 2, 2020
BY OLIVIA CAMERON – Even without hot stage lights and quirky costume design, the theatre lives on in Spark Boca Grande’s eyes. With the technical help of a 21-year-old, their visions of a socially di…
Helping pet owners in financial distress, new drop-off point now on island
May 1, 2020
STAFF REPORT – Suncoast Humane Society is in very urgent need of pet food donations for their Pet Food Bank, and now there’s a way to donate even more efficiently for Boca Grande residents. SHS acce…
Island native wins prestigious library award for intellectual freedom
May 1, 2020
BY MARCY SHORTUSE – Island native turned New Orleanian Seale Paterson was recently honored by the Louisiana Library Association with the 2020 Alex Allain Intellectual Freedom Award. This doesn’t come…
An appropriate refresher in history: The Quarantine House of Boca Grande
May 1, 2020
BY CAPT ROBERT W JOHNSON
The Boca Grande Quarantine Station, located on the south end of the island, was built in 1892 on the beach next to the Boca Grande Lighthouse for the Florida State appoin…
Historical Society documentary regarding COVID-19 to air
May 1, 2020
SUBMITTED BY THE BOCA GRANDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY – Jim Blaha, Chairman of the History Center, recently initiated an effort to document the Island’s current experience with the Covid-19 virus for the…
Profile: Nancy Jo Powers
May 1, 2020
Local Nancy Jo Powers, who now goes by Jo Powers, may be recognizable to avid fans of Island TV, the program that sheds light on public service announcements and provides coverage of local events. Wh…
Boca Grande shows up on COVID-19 tracker
April 24, 2020
BY MARCY SHORTUSE – A case, or cases, of COVID-19 have finally showed up on the radar of the Florida Department of Health this week, as they are reporting “five or less” cases in the Lee County porti…