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Bob Fletcher and his secret to longevity 

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Health & Wellness, News.

After the passing of his parents, Robert (Bob) Fletcher, 91, took over the family’s small piano and organ business in the 1970s – back when mall king Edward DeBartolo Sr. was bringing his indoor shopping centers to Florida. Bob opened Fletcher Music as a general music store in Florida’s first mall and quickly focused on selling organs to the retirees of St. Petersburg. That became his business model. If there was a mall, there was bound to be a Fletcher Music store – 42 of them, in fact – in Florida, Arizona, Nevada and the Carolinas.

Lots of things to do and see at Lemon Bay Preserve when spring is at its peak

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.

On Saturday between 9 and 10:30 a.m. you’ll find that spring is not only in the air, it’s in the water too. Join Tonya and Steve Bramlage on a guided tour of the East side ponds to observe upland and aquatic plants to see how they thrive in a compact, dense environment. Wednesday, April 12 from 8 to 11 a.m. Ken Blackshaw will lead a social birding tour meeting at the kiosk area. Ken has been birding for nearly 70 years all over the world. He has written and edited numerous books, and was fortunate to have Edith Andrews as his mentor. Birders of all levels are encouraged. On Thursday, April 13 from 9 to 10 a.m. Maura Qualls and Ann Weaver will lead a monthly walking tour through the Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve Butterfly Habitat meeting at the Members entrance area. Join them as they examine the many plants, flowers, and pollinators that are present in the garden. 

The Spadaro family returns to Boca Grande …

Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Community History, News.

Joseph Spadaro came to Boca Grande in the 1920s. On Sunday, March 26, 2023, his great niece, Celeste Markle, came to the Boca Grande History Center to learn more about him. Her brother Bill Perta who lives in Vermont had called a few weeks earlier looking for information about his great uncle. Since Celeste was visiting from New Haven, Connecticut with a friend in Venice, Bill gave her the information that the History Center had created three notebooks about Spadaro and the Boca Grande Hotel he’d built and opened in 1929.  

Candy Hooper to talk on Absalom Markland … who?

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.

Absalom Markland and Ulysses Grant knew each other briefly while attending school in Kentucky. At the outbreak of the Civil War, Grant called on his high school friend to create an efficient system for mail delivery. At one point, Markland and his team were handling 250,000 pieces of mail a day. So in short he was the man responsible for delivering the most important morale builder, letters from home.

Library Foundation presents two professors and authors in conversation

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.

The Johann Fust Library Foundation is excited to present a unique program featuring two professors from the University of Central Florida, Chrissy Kolaya and David James Poissant, in a conversation about writing on Tuesday, April 4 at 4 p.m. Chrissy Kolaya and David James Poissant are scholars and inspired writing teachers, but beyond that, they […]

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Superheroes were everywhere at the Bike Path Parade and Spring Fair!

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

To the Editor: Boca Grande celebrated the 2023 Boca Grande Woman’s Club Bike Path Parade and Spring Fair last Saturday. “Superheroes Everywhere” was possible due to the 100 or so dedicated Woman’s Club and community volunteers who participated both during the events and leading up to the big day. The morning started with the annual […]

Ever chatted with a manatee? Dr. Beth Brady has, and wants to tell you about it

Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Education, News.

Mote Marine Laboratory’s March Coffee With A Scientist, held Tuesday, March 21, at the Boca Grande Community Center, brought visions of the fictitious Dr. John Doolittle to some people’s minds. The presentation never mentioned the doctor who could talk to the animals, but Dr. Beth Brady, Mote manatee vocalization specialist, did explain how she has […]

More luxury storage options coming soon just off island

Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in News.

By Capt Sandy Melvin After the destruction from Hurricane Ian showcased a need for stronger storage options in our area, the Boca Grande and Cape Haze communities will soon have a new enclosed storage facility available for large RVs, boats, collectible cars, etc. Grande Storage Condos has recently announced plans to begin construction of 52 […]