News
Watkins, Major retain chair and co-chair seats on GIBA Board
February 5, 2016
BY MARCY SHORTUSE – Ginger Watkins and Lee Majors retain their seats as chairman and co-chairman of the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority, as a vote was cast at the board’s quarterly meeting on Tue…
Two notices to mariners: Bridge closed to boat traffic, buoy locations changed
February 5, 2016
The swing bridge will be closed to boat traffic from February 8-15 so contractors tearing down the old swing bridge can remove some of the steel. The closure was originally slated for the first week…
FPL land use change passed by commissioners, so what’s next?
February 5, 2016
BY MARCY SHORTUSE – Developers looking into purchasing the 9.98 acres at the south end of the island, commonly known as the former FPL land, are one step closer to their goal as Lee County Commission…
Lemon Bay Conservancy celebrates Wildflower grant, new progress for park
February 5, 2016
BY SUE ERWIN – Nearly 100 people gathered at the Cape Haze Community Center last Monday to commemorate the recent progress at Wildflower Preserve Habitat. A restoration design review meeting precede…
Painter Joan Mitchell featured in Lippincott book, author to speak at Fust
February 5, 2016
BY ALICE GORMAN – Who is Joan Mitchell? She is not Joni Mitchell, the pop singer of “Both Sides Now” fame. If you are an artist, you very likely know about the abstract expressionist painter Joan Mit…
Portion of Boca Grande fishing pier closed, deemed unsafe
February 5, 2016
BY MARCY SHORTUSE – The Boca Grande Fishing Pier at the north end of the island is partially closed, due to Charlotte County Parks and Natural Resources staff saying there is some potential for stru…
Trio Art Show planned for February 13, 14
February 5, 2016
BY SUE ERWIN – The tradition of the biennial trio art exhibit will continue this weekend, as Jack Horner teams up with Toni and Linda Wolcott to host their art show at the Boca Grande Art Center. The…
Nat Geo photographers make guest appearance at Island School
February 5, 2016
BY SUE ERWIN – National Geographic Explorers David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes gave a special presentation to students at The Island School on Wednesday afternoon. The presentation featured unique un…
The Strawberry Festival to return March 5 for its 18th year
February 5, 2016
Luscious ripe strawberries on top of crispy biscuits. Hundreds of bargains and boutique items. Live and Silent Auctions filled with fishing excursions, paintings and crafts by some of the island’s be…
The Farmers Market? Yes, it’s open
February 5, 2016
If you wandered down to the Wheeler Road ballfield last Friday and noticed the Boca Grande Farmers Market wasn’t there, don’t worry. It wasn’t shut down by any hand other than Mother Nature’s.