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Obituary: Francis (Frank) Kernan

Francis (Frank) Kernan, Jr. died peacefully on Friday, Feb. 13, 2015 at his home surrounded by his family and dog. He also resided in Bedford, N.Y. and Fishers Island, N.Y. He is survived by his wife, Katherine (Cassie) Sheffield Kernan, to whom he was married for 46 years; his son, Francis Joshua Kernan (Elizabeth); his […]

Guest editorial: GICIA, Friends of Cape Haze watching Charlotte County comp plan closely

SUBMITTED BY THE GASPARILLA ISLAND CONSERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION In recent years, GICIA has begun to face new challenges as we recognize that growth in nearby areas off-island have the potential to seriously impact us. In an effort to effectively deal with such issues, GICIA has established a strong relationship with the Friends of Cape Haze […]

Editorial: Residents, shopowners concerned: Will the weight restrictions go up one day?

A 40,000-pound weight restriction is a huge hassle for many people, such as construction workers and shop owners who rely on deliveries. When contractors can bring more concrete or I-beams over the bridge at one time, it saves them time, saves the person paying for the project money, and the job gets done quicker. It’s that simple. When a store can have more inventory delivered in one load, it’s better for them and means less truck traffic on the island.

Editorial: Tarpon fishers, please read!

SAVE THE TARPON – For almost a decade, the Professional Tarpon Tournament Series used a snagging device, misleadingly characterized as a “jig,” to capture large breeding females in Boca Grande Pass. More fish and more chaos, meant more revenue for their TV reality show. Tournament participants would gaff and drag the fish to a scale […]

OBGBBC celebrates: One man, two children, three books

The Johann Fust Library Foundation and Friends of the Boca Grande Community Center have announced that tickets are available for the One Big Grande Boca Boca Club celebration, scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Gasparilla Inn Beach Club. Did we mention that tickets are free? This year, OBGBBC celebrates […]

Lee County School District makes historic decision, says ‘no’ to FCATS: But how does it affect The Island School?

Heads are spinning within the Lee County School District, as the school board voted 3-2 to opt the district out of standardized testing. The decision was made on Wednesday, Aug. 27, and it made history.
Lee County is now the first county in Florida to opt out of the tests. What that means to supporters of the school board’s decision is that students will no longer be in dread of being held back because they failed the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, and that they will be graded on their schoolwork … not on their FCAT scores.

Lee County Sheriff Office quiet on enforcement cost

Officers issued over 1,021 citations citations  The upcoming Boca Grande parking draft ordinance that will come before the Lee County Commission in August contains numerous references to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.  It includes an array of parking permits, with four tiers, as well as rules for parking around the areas of Gilchrist Avenue, and […]

Lee County invites flood survey responses

Lee County is in the process of completing a Flood Vulnerability Assessment, and one of the key requirements tied to the state funding for the assessment is a community engagement component. The county is inviting residents to take a flood survey. The county posted the survey beginning Sunday, June 15. The survey is being promoted […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Ellen Thompson 

A foundation for Michigan college education Being labeled a visionary is pretty high praise. That’s the word the Detroit News has chosen to describe Ellen Thompson, long-time winter resident of Boca Grande, as well as summer resident of the Mitten State. Her recognition as a visionary came with the naming of Ellen as one of […]