GUEST ESSAY: Island held together with small, indie businesses like Pink Pony Pony
BY DANA RYAN
Like all of you, I watched with a heavy heart as Hurricanes Helene and Milton tore through our country, leaving devastation in their wake. My family lives on a small barrier island in Florida, and while Helene caused damage, Milton rocked its foundation, destroying the water, sewage and power systems. It washed away roads, beaches and seawalls, and severely damaged or destroyed many homes and businesses.
This island’s tiny village is held together by small, independent businesses, some of which have been family-owned for generations. These businesses are the heartbeat of this community, working hard every day to maintain that delicate balance between tourists and locals, preserving the relaxed charm of “old-world Florida.” It’s a place of beauty, peace and nostalgia.
My son has practically grown up in Boca Grande. It’s where he’s made some of his best memories—going to the beach, searching for Easter eggs, fishing, learning to drive a golf cart, spotting manatees and dolphins. He’s watched ospreys nest and pelicans glide, and learned about marine life from the Barrier Island Parks Society. There, he’s free, untethered from screens and all the distractions that don’t really matter.
And woven into all those memories is one constant: The Pink Pony. Rain or shine, twice a day without fail, he goes for a milkshake. Yes, two a day. Ah, the metabolism of youth. This unassuming little ice cream shop, with its wood floors and pink trim, is his favorite spot on the island.
He’s collected the shirts, the stickers and the cups, and every year he gets a Pink Pony gift card in his stocking. It’s not just an ice cream shop; for him, it’s a joyful symbol of our time there.
About the author: Ms. Ryan is the director of media relations for Independent Advisor Alliance in Charlotte, N.C. She is the daughter of Skip and Cathy Russo of Boca Grande.
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