Columns
The contrast between the large silver fish and the clear blue Gulf
May 21, 2026
I was able to enjoy up-close observations at this year’s tarpon fishing events. Smitty from Hudson’s was my teammate on our committee boat. Capt. Charley Coleman was generous and donated his 23 Dora…
EcoWatch: Honoring Vets on Memorial Day in a changing world
May 21, 2026
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders Field, the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row.
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid th…
EcoWatch: Wildlife needs wild land
May 14, 2026
When all the trees have been cut down, when all the animals have been hunted, when all the waters are polluted, when all the air is unsafe to breathe, only then will you discover you cannot eat mone…
SW Florida Fishing: Mother’s Day tarpon love
May 14, 2026
BY BILLY CALDWELL
Sue Sligar and Kris Elbert celebrating Mother’s Day fishing with Capt. Cam Schurlknight catching a 130 pound tarpon. Phil Elbert and Billy Caldwell offered moral support!
History: Miss Consuelo Vanderbilt and a 1926 honeymoon in Boca Grande
May 7, 2026
Exotic pirate island trip
BY JAMES BLAHA BOCA GRANDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
“The couple are having a great time, they both admit, in this honeymooners’ paradise, long known to newlyweds of Philade…
Season begins: Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament this weekend
May 7, 2026
The Lady’s Day Tarpon Tournament is a big deal. Mother’s Day is an even bigger deal. Every one of us is here because of our mothers. Fathers are necessary but moms make it happen. Let’s all take tim…
EcoWatch: Happy Mother’s Day to super moms
May 7, 2026
A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends desert us; when troubles thicken around us, still she wi…
CAPT. VAN HUBBARD: It’s prime time tarpon season. Please don’t forget our heritage
April 30, 2026
May is the launch of our formal tarpon season. The fish have been here, but the mob is coming now. We will enjoy some good fishing if we can stay out of each other’s way. Please respect the tarpon…
EcoWatch: Counting the effect of population growth
April 30, 2026
Democracy cannot survive overpopulation. Human dignity cannot survive it. Convenience and decency cannot survive it. As you put more and more people in the world, the value of life not only declines…
EcoWatch: Earth Day 2026: A year for concern
April 16, 2026
We are in danger of destroying ourselves by our own greed and stupidity. We cannot remain looking inwards at ourselves on a small and increasingly polluted and overcrowded planet.”
Stephen Hawkin…







