Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ SUBMITTED BY GICIA The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association (GICIA) is pleased to announce that the State permits for the Mercabo Cove Project have been issued. This project, which will transform the basin area of the Mercabo Preserve into a marine sanctuary, will provide long-term benefits, including improved water quality, enhanced fish and bird […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY SUE ERWIN She worked at the first district attorney’s office in the country that introduced DNA evidence in a major homicide case in 1986, before the courts ever accepted it as reliable. She was also responsible for helping change the way laws treated domestic violence cases. Linda Fairstein will be the featured guest […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
Last Saturday evening, February 9, 2019, the Barrier Island Parks Society had a celebration to officially relight the historic Boca Grande Rear Entrance Range Light, now officially designated the Gasparilla Island Light. The ceremony was a “thank you” to the “miracle workers” who restored this island icon, and a tribute to the 650+ donors whose […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ On Tuesday, Feb. 12 the members of the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum gathered together to honor those who have contributed to the ongoing dock restoration at Whidden’s Marina, and those who helped to fund the project. A new look for the interior historical rooms of the museum/marina was also presented. Michael Hayman came to […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY SUE ERWIN The inaugural Boca Grande Film Festival exceeded the expectations of organizers – ensuring that the 2020 event will be an even greater affair. “We felt it was a wonderful success,” said Steve Laughlin, who spearheaded the event, suggesting the concept to the Friends of Boca Grande last March. The Boca Beacon, […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ STAFF REPORT Two visitors were the victims of a vehicle burglary this past weekend at the south end of the island. According to Lee County Sheriff’s Office reports, an island deputy was notified by the complainant that she was visiting the island on Saturday, Feb. 9 with her friend. They arrived at Gasparilla Island […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY SUSAN HANAFEE Pam Hannah’s dining room table has been covered with papers for the last several months, but it doesn’t bother her. As president of the island’s United Methodist Women, Pam understands that a little clutter – along with a lot of volunteers – is necessary to pull off a successful 2019 Strawberry Festival. […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE The meeting was brief but things were accomplished at the monthly gathering of the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board on Wednesday, Feb. 13. Three items were shown on the agenda, but one – a proposal to remove an existing non-contributing home at 235 Banyan Street – was continued until a later date. […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Obituaries.
Joe “Baldy” Rinaldi – the leader of the tribe, great friend and purveyor of all things pig roastful – has passed away. He touched many, many lives in his travels, from Boca Grande to Maine and beyond, with his contagious laugh, always-positive vibes and an ever- present love for life. Rest well in hog heaven, […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Profiles.
■ BY SUE ERWIN After graduating from college in 1962, Jack Carley had almost a year before entering officer candidate school, so he decided to drive to California to do some sightseeing and a little political networking. He had just turned 21 that summer, and some very important things happened on that trip. But let’s go […]