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Island resident one of 160 chosen for national security seminar

■ STAFF REPORT Boca Grande resident Peter Solmssen participated in the U.S. Army War College’s 65th annual National Security Seminar (NSS) in Carlisle, Pa. recently. Solmssen was one of 160 business, government, academic and community leaders selected from across the country to take part in the week-long academic seminar alongside the students of the Army […]

An adult summer reading challenge … who says summer is boring?

■ BY SUE ERWIN The Lee County Public Library system offers a handful of programs each summer for kids, but this year, a special program is being offered for adult readers. You can participate and earn chances to win a special branch prize – and we’ve heard hints that it’s a pretty good one. Participants can […]

Profile: Debbie Baraoidan

■ BY SUE ERWIN Debbie Baraoidan has taught elementary school for 31 years, but the art she creates in her spare time is what makes her an even more special person. She owns Natureheart Clay Creations, a business known for creating one-of-a-kind custom memory mosaics. Debbie set up her booth on Park Avenue at the 8th annual […]

The FWC needs you to improve recreational fisheries data collection

To the Editor: Did you know there are multiple ways you can contribute to fishery data collection as a recreational angler? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) collects data in many ways including mail surveys, dockside interviews and even a phone app. The information you provide helps scientists and managers monitor annual harvest […]

Camp kids say thanks to Woman’s Club and community through beach street clean-up

To the Editor: Our 2019 Boca Grande Community Center Summer Camp kids wanted to say “Thank You” to the island and especially the Boca Grande Woman’s Club for their sincere generosity in creating a fun, educational and rewarding experience this summer. What better way to say thanks than our annual “Boca Grande Cleanup.” Not to […]

We’ve got a whole lot of new sand on our beach!

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – Excavators were seen driving off island Thursday morning, June 20, as the beach renourishment program is wrapping up. The extra beach isn’t as obvious at the Historic District access points … but my, oh my, is it ever noticeable at the old fishing pier at the south end. The landmark that […]

5th Street beach access is now open

The 5th Street beach ramp and public access point is now open again, after Lee County finished repairing it on June 10. The ramp was closed earlier in the month after erosion took away the beach underneath it, due to high tides and windy storms. This particular beach-access point is important, as it is right […]

Three new green turtle nests this week on local beaches

BY SUE ERWIN – Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association patrol members were happy to report three new green sea turtle nests documented on island beaches this week. “This is exciting news,” said Board member Mel Csank. “Last season we had only two Green turtle nests, so we are trending ahead significantly this year.” The north beach […]

Military Heritage Museum to celebrate Treaty of Versailles day

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – When you walk through the World War I portion of the Military Heritage Museum, a haunting site will catch your eye immediately. A cast sculpture called “The Buddies” by John Nelson Battenberg depicts two paratroopers, very similar to those who dotted the skies over Normandy on D-Day. Upon closer inspection you […]

OBITUARY: FLORITA FIELD

Florence Rita P. “Florita” Field, 91, of Scituate left this world on June 9, 2019 and entered another, to join her daughter Janet for all time. Florita leaves her husband of 68 years, Charles; children Susan McGowan (Randolph, Mass.) and Amy Chessia (Scituate) and spouse Eric Stamp; son Charles Jr. and wife Susan (also of […]