Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
By Marcy Shortuse This week the tales of a little girl who loved to play, another girl who loves to play tricks and a third girl distraught with grief over a lost love. Welcome to Part II of “Ghosts and Legends of Boca Grande,” a slightly darker side of the island that we call home. […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
By Marcy Shortuse A community hearing date has been set to discuss a matter very vital to the Boca Grande community: The purchase of the FPL land at the southern tip of the island, possibly for $20 million. In an inquiry to FPL’s representatives on Thursday it was determined that the land is under contract, […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community History, News.
■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE It isn’t hard to surmise that a place as old as Gasparilla Island has a few tales to tell – and not all of them are paradise-perfect. While we are now known as an elite island getaway location, just a few decades ago there was a more diverse population. From times […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: The Lee County Tax Collector’s Office will offer community education seminars this fall, focusing on property taxes, driver licenses, vehicle registration and concealed weapons services. Join Tax Collector, Larry Hart, and hear from agency experts who will offer information and answer questions. Six sessions will be offered at library locations across Lee […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
Lightning was determined to be the source of a fire that occurred in a home in Grande Quay on Thursday, Sept. 4 at approximately noon. Reports indicate lightning hit the roof of the building, where plywood and insulation were ignited. Workers were in the home at the time of the strike but there were no […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY MARCY SHORTUSE Gasparilla Island has the proclivity to bring out the best in many people, residents and visitors alike. There is an endless list of people who were born and raised here who have gone on to do great things, but three students in particular this year have truly proven if […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: Enjoy an enchanted evening full of dancing and mystery while supporting Mote Marine Laboratory at the second annual masquerade gala, Bal Masqué: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The gala takes place Saturday, Oct. 3 from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Avenue Sarasota, […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY MARCY SHORTUSE Sometimes, everything in the universe works out just right. Boca Grande firefighters experienced a similar feeling last Thursday, Aug. 20, when they were called out for a water rescue that came together like clockwork … literally just hours after finishing drills for the exact same situation. Firefighter Jeff Knowles was working at […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY MARCY SHORTUSE Sad news came by the way of Thonotosassa this week, as we found out that a popular angler in our waters was gunned down by his own brother. Scott Tomlinson, 51, was shot and killed by his brother, Todd Tomlinson, of Plant City, according to Hillsborough County law enforcement. They believe it […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in News.
The 10th annual Gil Memorial Classic, benefitting the Barrier Island Parks Society, is coming up in September and entries have been sent out. Raffle night will be on Thursday, Sept. 24 in Tampa and fishing will take place on October 1, 2 and 3. Raffle prizes are still being sought. Entries for the tournament must […]