News
A history of island pranks and pranksters
September 18, 2020
The following is a story written by Karen Grace and the Boca Grande Historical Society. It details some of the more amusing highlights of small-town living back in the day, in Boca Grande. We thank t…
‘Back to Boca’ four-part COVID webinar scheduled for September 23
September 18, 2020
To the Editor: On Wednesday, September 23 at 4 p.m., Boca Grande residents will have an exclusive opportunity to join Healthnetwork Foundation and experts from leading medical centers in the first of…
Part Deux of the ‘rona testing saga for two confused families
September 18, 2020
BY MARCY SHORTUSE- I wish I would report in this week and tell you that our questions have been answered about our situation with the COVID-19 testing, but I cannot. Between our house and our friends…
PROFILE: Byron Maxwell
September 18, 2020
Sustaining state parks for four generations… BY OLIVIA CAMERON – Visitors from across the nation come to Boca Grande to dip their toes in the gulf, trek a park path and watch the sun dip under a b…
Looking for their guardian angel, Punta Gorda family seeks man named Freddie who saved their lives after jets tipped
September 11, 2020
BY MARCY SHORTUSE- A Punta Gorda family is counting their blessings this week, and seeking their guardian angel after a nearly-disastrous incident at an island beach. Kayla Bowen and her family came…
Local business buys 800 pieces of clothing for charity organization
September 11, 2020
BY OLIVIA CAMERON- On Thursday, Sept. 10, the St. David’s Jubilee Center ladies packed up a large donation of clothing at Fresh Produce – 800 pieces, to be exact – which came to them courtesy of Par…
A message from the Clinic: Getting a flu shot this year is more important than ever
September 11, 2020
BY MARK DRISCOLL- Before coming back to the island this year, please get a flu shot. If you are working on the island, please get a flu shot. It does not matter where you get your flu shot, but makin…
Bad weekend weather makes for many fire calls
September 11, 2020
STAFF REPORT- Labor Day weekend weather was temperamental, including some major storms, which led to several fire calls. On Saturday, Nov. 5 the Boca Grande Fire Department received a call of a water…
The horse doorbell: Another piece of island history
September 11, 2020
BY OLIVIA CAMERON- Just a week ago, master metalsmith Alex Klahm was back on Gasparilla Island with another restoration project, this time at a residence on First Street. Klahm is a trusted lighthous…
Sugar flowers by Suzanne bring a beautiful touch to quarantine celebrations
September 11, 2020
BY OLIVIA CAMERON- The year 2020 was something to look forward to, whether that was because it meant a sudden twist into an unknown future or the long-awaited invention of the hoverboard. Instead, we…