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Historic Preservation Board discusses Journey’s End and possibility of rezoning downtown for multi-use

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community History, News.

In other meeting news, board member Becky Paterson asked if it would be all right with the board if she worked with Anthony Rodriguez, the community development manager, to work with her regarding a potential plan for the downtown historic district to have its own special zoning. Paterson said she was concerned about affordable housing needs in town and thought a mixed-use zoning change would be beneficial to many.
“I own a contributing commercial building in the district, and there are lots of us who would love to be able to put a second story on and create a mixed use for housing,” she said. “Affordable housing has become an urgent issue here. Almost everyone who works here is commuting, sometimes 20 or 30 minutes to get home. We have lots of examples in contributing and noncontributing that were permitted when it was allowable.”

Downtown road resurfacing looks like a ‘go’ for May

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

Boca Grande’s road resurfacing is considered by Lee County to fall into the discretionary spending category funded by transportation capital improvement fees and taxes.
Streets included in the plan are parts of East Railroad Avenue, Palm Avenue, 7th Street, 8th Street East, 9th Street East, 10th Street East through 13th Street East and 18th Street East.

BGWC announces community grants and scholarship awards

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Entertainment, News.

At its annual meeting on April 4, the Woman’s Club announced that 20 area organizations will receive funding through the BGWC’s community grant program, for a total of $210,584.
Grants were awarded this year to the following organizations: Barrier Island Parks Society); Boca Grande Art Center; Boca Grande Charities; Boca Grande Historical Society; Boca Grande Preschool; Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association; Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association; GasparilAla Island Maritime Museum; Lee County Parks and Recreation; Mote Marine Laboratory; Royal Palm Players; and The Island School. Grants will also be given to L.A. Ainger Middle School Band; Lemon Bay High School Band Boosters; LBHS Chorus; LBHS Project Graduation; LBHS Theater Guild; and Lemon Bay booster organizations for the school’s football, girls basketball, and softball teams.
In addition to awarding community grants, the Club voted to provide post-secondary education (university, college, trade or vocational) scholarships for 39 local students for a total of $ 234,000 for the 2022-2023 school year.

Hughes Gallery presents one of America’s finest rod and reel leather creators on Monday, April 25

Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in News.

Annie Margarita will arrive in Boca Grande for her one-person exhibit on Monday, April 25. She will be bringing an assortment of the most amazing leather rod and reel cases that you’ve ever seen. We hope you can arrange to stop by and chat with her. She will be available for commissions.
If you or your children or grandchildren fly fish or just love fishing of any kind, Annie can hand-fabricate rod cases, reel cases, rifle cases – any kind of a case, or strap or leather goods for your outdoor adventures.

PROFILE: Jorge Matos

Written by Tonya Bramlage on . Posted in Health & Wellness, News, Profiles.

The municipality of Sabana Grande is located in the western coastal valleys of Puerto Rico some 1,144 miles from Boca Grande. This small town is surrounded by public forest land and packed with history and architectural gems. It has been nicknamed the Town of Petateros in honor of the multigenerational artisans who make petate, a mat woven from a specific type of palm leaf. The most famous petate weaver of the town is Doña Monserrate Montalvo, but its most famous chef is perhaps Jorge Matos. 

Boca Grande Community Center looking for a special person to fill a special job

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.

What they call “Program Specialist” we call “Heart of Boca Grande.” For those of us connected to the island, we know how important it is to have a community-minded person fill this role. One who has interest in continuing traditions such as the Halloween Festival, Turkey Hoop Shoot, 5k Run/Walk, Bike Parade and Woman’s Club Fair, Egg Hunt, Summer Camp; along with facilitating use of the Community Center by island organizations and others.

This date in the Boca Beacon …

Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages, Editorial.

Fifteen years ago the Gasparilla Island Water Association monitored the island’s water situation and deemed it to be in a critical state due to the winter drought. Cayo Costa rangers aided seven Cuban refugees who came ashore on Cayo Costa State Park.