Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: The damage caused by Helene and Milton in our area was unprecedented. While many communities received immediate attention and governmental support, Little Gasparilla Island has been overlooked, treated like an afterthought. Everyone here has been affected, with countless homes completely destroyed. Some of the most cherished people in my life lost everything […]
Written by Boca Grande Health Clinic on . Posted in Health & Wellness, Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: As we embrace this season, we are deeply grateful for the strength and generosity that define our island community. To our incredible clinic staff: After the storms, you showed unwavering dedication. The very next day, you were there – seeing patients, making home visits by golf cart and connecting through telehealth. Your […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
This week, Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved significant investments to protect Florida’s natural resources and agricultural lands. Through the Florida Forever Program, $111 million will secure 24,113 acres of critical lands, including seven key acquisitions that will connect vital conservation areas. Additionally, $206 million was approved to preserve over 62,000 acres of […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
This week, the GICIA sent out a letter to the island talking about the planning for a significant restoration effort within the Town Park area of the GICIA Bike Path between 3rd and 5th Streets. This area is irrigated, providing the opportunity for them to plant early in 2025 instead of waiting for the summer […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Editorial.
Last Friday, the Good Gulf pink pump returned to Park Avenue, in front of Hudson’s Grocery. Monday, Hudson’s reopened. Thank you to the staff of Hudson’s, the Wise family, BGI Painting and so many others who worked so hard to make it happen. The amount of commerce in that small square retail footage footprint should […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Events.
MPD Gallery in Grove City held a reception for artist Diane Mannion at the Southern Design Living Outdoor Orchid Garden on Dec. 12. The exhibition also included a retrospective of Catherine Kerr’s architecture book on Gale E. Henderson, a St. Louis architect.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Education, Events, News.
The Island School PTO 9th Annual Chowder Dinner will take place on Friday, Jan. 17, 6 to 9 p.m. at The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club. They will offer delicious soups and chowders from all of our favorite local restaurants and clubs, as well as salads and desserts. A cash bar will be available to purchase […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.
This year marked the first Christmas lighting of the Range Light. The effort was led primarily by Gasparilla Island State Park volunteers, including Mike and Tammy Kipp of Port Charlotte. The Kipps, along with other volunteers, overcame the challenge of lighting the Range Light while also contending with the usual household Christmas light issues, such […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Events, Featured News.
This year, the lighting of the community Christmas Tree was held in front of The Gasparilla Inn. The ceremony, which included readings and appearances by all four of our island clergy, included lighting of the tree by Jeanie and Bayne Stevenson, who traditionally host the ceremony at the railroad station. Cookies and programs provided by […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
Island leaders met Tuesday morning, Dec. 10, to debrief the emergency response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Among those in attendance were moderator and AUXCOMM Project Coordinator Bo Hamrick, Boca Grande Fire Department Chief C.W. Blosser, and Lt. Mike Sawicki with Lee County Sheriff’s Office. “We were satisfied with the response,” Sawicki said of the […]