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Who knew something so irritating could be so beautiful?

Pearls, just like us (who, me?), are not perfect. The best and most assured way to tell a real pearl from a fake is to look for the imperfections. Surface blemishes, uneven luster and color, subtle differences in size that are expected tells from an organic gem. But these are not flaws, for it is within our imperfections that true beauty lies.

GICIA Mercabo Cove seagrass planting effort continues

The GICIA contracted with Sea & Shoreline, a Florida-based aquatic restoration firm that has two decades of experience restoring fresh and saltwater habitats and whose nursery grows seagrass for restoration projects all across the southern U.S. Last March Sea & Shoreline planted  3,400 units of seagrass within the cove area.  A team of biologists spent a week in dive gear carefully hand-planting each grass unit. Over the last year, the biologists have had monthly visits to the site to monitor and maintain the seagrass. This week the final monitoring report was delivered, and the results are so positive that the GICIA has contracted with Sea & Shoreline to complete a second phase of seagrass planting within the flushing channel of the cove. The second phase will use observations documented during the 12 months of monitoring and establish a plan that will complement and build upon the success of the first planting phase.   

Banyan Gasparilla Sound units moving fast; completion date set for end of 2023

“The luxury condominiums with features and amenities of this caliber are very attractive to buyers looking to enjoy the coastal lifestyle Southwest Florida offers,” said Rich Taylor of Gulf to Bay Sotheby’s International Realty. “This is reflective of the fact we have 80 percent of the released inventory under reservation, with the majority of reservations coming from Boca Grande.” 

A new season soon to begin for Royal Palm Players: Are you going to audition?

Auditions for next season take place this coming Monday and Tuesday, March 28 and 29. If you have ever considered dusting off your vocal cords, your acting skills or your tap shoes, come out next week and join this merry group of thespians. They don’t take themselves too seriously, but they put on some great productions and have a lot of fun doing them. 

OBITUARY: Judy Shaw

Mary Judith (McKee) Shaw, fortified with the Sacraments of the Holy Mother Church, passed away on March 19, 2022, at the age of 83. Survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Vincent E. Shaw. Loving mother of four children Eddie, Greg, Mimi (Teddy) Phelan and Jeff (Michaela) Shaw. Judy (Gaga) was loved by her […]

A sad goodbye to a friend

On Sunday, March 20 Pastor Matthew Williams announced to his congregation at the Lighthouse United Methodist Church that he would be moving on from the island in July. “I was approached with an incredible opportunity for our family as we move into the future of both of our callings and careers, and most importantly, the […]

PROFILE: Kacy Joiner Cheske

“That lifestyle was my norm and is a family tradition,” she said. “My granddaddy was a lobsterman. He lived down in the Keys, and he would catch crab and lobster, so we had a full supply of that, as well as fresh fish and fresh shrimp from the shrimp boat. I don’t think I’ve ever had a piece of store-bought seafood.”

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Please be patient with parking

Spring has come to Boca Grande, and while we welcome the beautiful weather, it also brings the annual frustration of parking on the island. The Boca Grande Parking Panel is very aware of the challenges we face and the limited amount of parking, versus the number of visitors. We encourage all golf cart owners/operators to take advantage of designated golf cart parking during this busy time. The BGPP works closely with the Lee County Sheriff’s Department and Lee County Parking Rangers to monitor and enforce parking on the island; however, it can be overwhelming at times.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: GIMM event a success

On Saturday, March 19 the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum opened their doors to the entire community for a Maritime Expo honoring the legacy of Isabelle and Barbara (The Whidden Sisters).
These women were two of the originators of the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum, as it was their father’s dream, property and business that they were trying to keep alive. It is the board’s intention to continue their great legacy, preserving and maintaining our maritime history.