Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages, Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO High tea was served at The Island School by volunteers Donna Lutton, Margo Freeman and Susan Bowers, with some help from kindergarten teacher/party planner Megan O’Conner. TEN YEARS AGO An internet feud was taking place between the live-baiters and the jiggers, as a gutted tarpon was found in Boca Grande Pass and […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: I just picked up a copy of Gasparilla Island magazine with the cover photo of Banyan Street. I very often proudly profess that Mark and I were the first couple to be married on that street in 1975 by the Methodist minister at that time, Rev. Saunders. People were even in the […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Police & Fire.
Illegal dumping is a very real problem everywhere right now, even on Gasparilla Island, and our local law enforcement officers have been actively and aggressively pursuing those who try to get away with it. According to Capt. Jeff Corkhill, in the last few weeks they have been actively patrolling and looking for people who are […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial.
What started out as the slow process of returning to “normal” (were we ever normal?) after Hurricane Ian, has been speeding up over the last few weeks. When they started the construction and demolition debris pickups this past weekend, you could really start to see a difference. Most of the shops are open. The restaurants […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about what the wind speeds were during Hurricane Ian. Some people swear their neighbor has a device that measured 225 mph winds. Others say they know someone who clocked 230 mph winds and one even swore they knew someone who got a 256 mph reading. That being said, […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
Those who attended the Thanksgiving dinner provided by Samaritan’s Purse at Sky Academy in Englewood were honored to be served by none other than the former Vice President Mike Pence and his family. Photos by Caroline
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in News.
The Barrier Island Parks Society (BIPS) is delighted to extend an invitation to friends and families to share the magic of the season at the annual Lighting of the Lighthouse! Please join us at Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum between 5:30 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10. Gates to the Port Boca Grande […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
Next on the roster for Friends of Boca Grande’s breakout Rhythm & Boots series is a special duo who bring us the sounds of country legends Floyd Cramer and Chet Atkins. These unique sounds live on through Floyd’s grandson, pianist Jason Coleman, and Chet’s great-niece, guitarist Meagan Taylor. This one-of-a-kind performance will take place at […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News.
Fallen palm trees are everywhere on Little Gasparilla Island. It seemed like such a waste to Don Schlandt, who lives on the island. Don is someone who tends to make lemonade when life gives him lemons. He saw the downed trees as a gift that could help him rebuild his own home, and maybe help […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
The Lemon Baywatch Committee of Lemon Bay Conservancy is helping to coordinate a multi-organizational effort spearheaded by Suncoast Waterkeeper to remove debris left by Hurricane Ian in our local creeks and canals. The first Post-Ian Waterways Clean-up Day is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 11. Volunteers are asked to bring their kayaks or jon boats to […]