LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Fifth Street Beach Access closed as a safety precaution

There is a personality “type” the psychology professionals call “The Caregiver” or “The Consul.” People of this sort tend to be outgoing, loyal, organized, and tender-hearted. They gain energy from interacting with other people, according to the “Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Guide,” used by many folks who study such things. These caregivers are typically described as “outgoing and gregarious.” They have a way of encouraging other people to be their best. In Boca Grande, one of the best examples of this type of person is Richard Malcolm. Richard has not only made his life reflect these characteristics, but makes a living at it, as well. Richard – not Rich or Rick or Ricky – lives in Englewood, but has been a fixture on Gasparilla Island since the early 1990s. He started out working in the restaurant industry, working as a waiter, bartender, busboy … whatever was needed. His first gig was at Uncle Henry’s, where he recalls an incident that may have started him on the road to being a professional “helper.”