Skip to main content
Search Results for “a

BGHPB hosts special presentation at monthly meeting about proposal to demo two Gilchrist structures

One of the biggest bones of contention, however, was not either of those things, but rather something that sits on the property of the big house. The Whispering Bench, created by Louise du Pont Crowninshield in the early 1900s, sits next to The Promenade and has been recognized by some as one of the last vestiges of the original Crowninshield property that once stood there, aside from the home next door that was Frank Crowninshield’s art studio and the pool and pool house at the corner of 1st Street and Gilchrist. 

What exactly is the ‘Whispering Bench?

There’s a lot of speculation about a structural “folly” along The Promenade, located behind 161 Gilchrist Ave., called “The Whispering Bench,” or “Whispering Circle.” It was part of the large Crowninshield compound that was once located along Gilchrist Avenue, which included the Frank Crowninshield art studio – located next door to the south – as well as Las Olas, horse stables and the swimming pool and pool house at 1st and Gilchrist. Most of the homes located on Gilchrist were once owned by the du Pont/Crowninshield families, in fact. They were all built around the same time as well, in the 1920s and ’30s.

Eat the food, hear the message

Friends of Boca Grande invited Bren Smith to share stories from his book, “Eat Like a Fish,” detailing his bold vision for the future at the Community Center on Wednesday, April 19 at 4:30 p.m. Bren will show how we can transform current agriculture models while enjoying delicious, nutritious, locally grown food, not to mention how restorative ocean farming could create millions of jobs and protect our planet from the causes and effects of climate change. To learn about Bren Smith in advance of his lecture, please plan to join him the night before for a kelp inspired seafood dinner prepared by the chefs at the Eagle Grille on Tuesday, April 18, 5:30 p.m.

Development threats to Warm Mineral Springs draws angry crowd

More than 100 angry people showed up for the North Port City Commission meeting earlier this week to object to what they see as the city’s attempt to railroad through the development of the Warm Mineral Springs property by private investors. Many believe something “smells funny,” and it is not the minerals in the Springs.

Better Shot program raises $70K for local youth scholarships 

On March 25 some 92 players took to the course for the 2023 tournament fundraiser that helps bring these values to life for the young golfers. The tournament met its financial goal, raising more than $70,000 for the A Better Shot Foundation, which supports the work of the program. Mary Anne Hooker is president of the Foundation, and leads a very active and involved board. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Susan Haggarty

Susan Haggarty could be considered the top friend of Boca Grande. She loves the place, the people and the vibe. Her status as #1 Friend, however, is also due to her position as chair of the board of the Friends of Boca Grande Community Center, known commonly as simply “Friends of Boca Grande.” She sees […]

THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

Boca Beacon backpages FIVE YEARS AGO The Boca Grande Garden Club celebrated their 20 year anniversary with a tea party at the home of Nora Lea Reefe. The Island School art exhibit showcased unique pieces at the Boca Grande Art Center.   TEN YEARS AGO President Abraham Lincoln, or a reasonable facsimile of, told stories […]