Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community History.
BY TONYA BRAMLAGE – In November of 2020, Gasparilla Magazine shared the story of local love birds John and Helen Brouwer with their readers. Theirs is truly a love at first sight classic tale if ever there was one. Sara Helen Sprott was the second youngest of seven Sprott daughters of the late Captain William […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
SUBMITTED BY THE GICIA – In October 2015 the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association realized that the perfect storm was brewing; an offer had been made by a resort developer to purchase the Mercabo property located at the entrance to Gasparilla Island. The 30 acres, armored by 4,700 linear feet of seawall, boasted potential […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
STAFF REPORT – The Johann Fust Library Foundation will present a series entitled: Island Booknotes 2021: Live Stream. The first virtual event will feature author Fred Rich. He will speak about his latest novel, Escape from Extinction: An Eco-Genetic Novel. The program will be presented live online on Thursday, Feb. 11, at 4 p.m. For […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Entertainment, News.
STAFF REPORT – The 3rd Annual (but first-ever virtual) Boca Grande Film Festival! This year’s festival will span five days with a diverse selection of riveting films and documentaries, viewable through the Friends of Boca Grande online film hub. Friends of Boca Grande Community center will be hosting a socially-distanced opening night drive-in film on […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY CATHY BALLMAN – The Boca Grande Garden Club’s 2020-2021 season continues to hold more activities than make cancellations, a success story amidst the COVID-19 crisis. “Part of this is because we’re fortunate to be in Boca Grande where we can plan events outdoors,” noted Susan O’Brien, club president. “But a big part of this […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY TONYA BRAMLAGE – Alliances are not always created equal, as is the case of the Boca Grande Art Center, and their commitment to the importance of the arts in the lives of the next generation. Part of the shared vision that sets the organization apart is their scholarship program. Every year a high school […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY T MICHELE WALKER – The Boca Grande Art Center will host the second annual “President’s Show” beginning Friday, Feb. 26 at the Boca Grande Art Center 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., continuing Saturday, Feb. 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 28 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. “The President’s Show” refers to […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Profiles.
BY T MICHELE WALKER – Most people spend their weekends relaxing away from work. Zach Rogalski, the new general manager of the Boca Grande Marina, spends his weekends touring Florida marinas with his wife and two young sons. “Most weekends we like to explore different marinas: We enjoy it,” he laughed. “We like to go […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Obituaries.
Claude “Allen” Sparks, 58, of Fort Ogden, FL. passed away on Friday, Jan. 29, 2020 in Port Charlotte, surrounded by his loved ones. Allen is survived by his wife, Missie Sparks; his children, Christopher and Christina Sparks, Kendra and Alejandro Villanueva, William and Casie Sparks, and James Doneburgh; his brother, Charles “Eddie” Sparks; his sisters, […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Education.
BY MARGUERITE TREMELIN – Even in troubled times, there are causes for celebration. Five of them are right here at Boca Grande Preschool. Less than one year ago, on March 2, 2020, just before the country started shutting down, the Boca Grande Preschool launched an exuberant new fundraiser: The Beach Ball at The Gasparilla Inn […]