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Historic Preservation Board extends ‘Octopus Tree’ dialog 

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

While there was only one item on the agenda for the June meeting of the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board on Wednesday, June 14, it was one that could not be decided easily. It was all about the “Octopus Tree,” a banyan that has stood along the property line at 181 Gilchrist Avenue since the early 1900s. The ground where it stands was once part of the Crowninshield compound and the children who used to play there gave it its strange nickname.

The property that includes 181 and 161 Gilchrist Avenue is owned by a family that wants to demolish the large house, as well as the small cottage that the banyan tree stands right next to and has actually grown under and into. 

Therein lies the rub.

53 tarpon released, 23 boats … lots of fun

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.

The anglers who fished the “Ladies Night Out: Howl at the Moon” tournament on Saturday, June 10 barely had any time to howl, as 53 tarpon kept almost all 23 boats busy for three hours.

The first fish was released by Capt. Wayne Joiner’s team aboard “Hey, Moma!” and the last fish was released by Capt. Jessie Craddock’s team on “Outcast” at 10:03 p.m.

Red Gill to rev up this Saturday

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.

Are you ready for the last tarpon tournament of the season? The Red Gill Invitational is happening on Saturday, June 17, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The entry fee is $750, $100 of which will be donated to the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum.

They won’t have a band or DJ this year, but they will have a barbecue dinner for the participants immediately following the tournament at Whidden’s Marina. Awards will be held at that time as well.

Call William Woodroffe at (813) 310-1609 for more information.

A rare find: Girl finds a coveted shell on local beach

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.

On Monday, June 5 a little girl made a fantastic find just off the north end of Palm Island, south of Stump Pass. Amateur sheller Olivia Green, eight, of Texas had visited this beach many times before, as her family has a place on Palm Island and she always checked her shell guide – purchased at Fugate’s – to research her found treasures.

Lee County fertilizer restriction period now in effect

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.

Lee County reminds the public that fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorous may not be used on lawns and landscapes during the rainy season, between June 1 and September 30. Excessive nutrients – nitrogen and phosphorus – from fertilizer used on urban lawns and landscapes can have a detrimental effect on water quality in Southwest Florida. […]

‘Hurricane survival’ seminar scheduled for next week in Punta Gorda

Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in News, Uncategorized.

Charlotte County Libraries and History will present “After The Storm – Hurricane Survival,” a panel discussion featuring experts who will share their advice to help you better survive a major weather disruption. The discussion is scheduled for 5:30 to 7 p.m., June 22, at the Punta Gorda Charlotte Public Library, 401 Shreve St., Punta Gorda. […]

OBITUARY: Kevin Whispell

Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Obituaries.

Kevin Benjamin Whispell, 68, dedicated husband, loving father of three, and beloved friend of many, has passed on June 1st, 2023, at his home in Greenwood, South Carolina. Kevin was born on February 24, 1955 to Kenneth and Jeanne Whispell and raised in Kingston, New York along with his four sisters, Cheryl, Dawn, Tammy and […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Tim Bonisolli

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Profiles.

I’ve been coming to Boca since I was a kid. I remember coming to the beach and coming to go fishing. I started working in Boca Grande in 1990, when I started as a maintenance worker for The Gasparilla Inn & Club. Not long after, I accepted a position as assistant mechanic. I worked at The Gasparilla Inn for 16 years. 

THIS WEEK IN THE BOCA BEACON

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Columns.

Boca Beacon backpages FIVE YEARS AGO “Miss Sarah” won the Ladies Howl, the red tide was really bad, and the night-blooming cereus was spectacular.  TEN YEARS AGO The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted 4-3 to pursue the ban on jigs, a type of bottom-weighted lure that has a tendency to snag a tarpon, […]

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Lemon Bay Conservancy receives grant for Hurricane Ian relief

Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.

To the Editor: Lemon Bay Conservancy is pleased to announce it has received a $6,800 grant from the Charlotte Community Foundation. These funds will support replacement of the maintenance shed at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve that was destroyed by Hurricane Ian.  As the center for philanthropy in Charlotte County, the Charlotte Community Foundation (CCF) envisions […]