Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Profiles, Sports & Outdoors.
Childhood shaped by local waters For marine scientist JoEllen Wilson, protecting Southwest Florida’s juvenile tarpon habitats isn’t just part of the job. It carries forward a family history rooted in Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande for decades. Wilson’s connection to the island stretches back through her mother’s family. Her great-grandparents, Ray and Eileen Maus, owned […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
State makes Waccasassa watershed purchase The Florida Department of Environmental Protection purchased 21,600 acres within the Waccasassa Watershed Florida Forever Project in Levy County, expanding Goethe State Forest and permanently protecting a vital tract of land in the Florida Wildlife Corridor. The property is located in central Levy County and adjoins Goethe State Forest at […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association v. Lee County legal dispute was settled over the “Damfi” project. TEN YEARS AGO The GICIA announced that they would be working in earnest to secure pledges for the purchase of the Mercabo facility. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO The Loose Caboose and local wildlife volunteers held […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
This week, Lee County crews were out, removing three of the 21 banyans that line Banyan Street. An assessment: “They sacrificed themselves to help their others.” That was the grim opinion of horticulturist Rick Joyce, on the loss of a number of banyan trees on the island, not just on Banyan Street but at houses. […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
The Lee Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, Nov. 18 selected District 2 Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass to serve as Board Chairman for the coming year and District 3 Commissioner David Mulicka to serve as vice chairman. The Board selects a chairman annually on the third Tuesday in November from among the commissioners. Commissioner Pendergrass previously […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
On Tuesday, the Charlotte County Board of Commissioners approved several items to advance the Placida Boat Ramp renovation project. The Nov. 12 meeting agenda included an amendment to #19-523, Master Site Plan & Design – Placida West Boat Ramp Expansion with Coastal Engineering Consultants of Bonita Springs, in the amount of $310,600. This is for […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
Lewis L. Hamilton, M.D. of Boca Grande, FL and Salisbury, CT died peacefully at home in Salisbury on July 20, 2025 surrounded by his loving family and his dog at his feet. He was 85 and lived an extraordinary life, valuing his relationships with family and friends above all else while also quietly contributing many […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
At its Nov. 12 meeting, Charlotte County approved the following appointments: Approved Vince Parrotta, of the Sunseeker Resort, to the Tourist Development Council and appointed Parrotta to fill the vacated Tourism Accommodations category. The term ends October 9, 2026. They also approved the reappointment to the Marine Advisory Committee, including Zachary Gloer as a representative […]
Written by VAN HUBBARD on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
It is good to be able to share memories of service to our country with others that understand I was blessed to be able to participate in our Veterans Day celebrations. When I wrapped up my tour of duty back in December of 1970, servicemen weren’t welcomed home. After the anti-war protests of the sixties […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO The Historic Preservation Board vetoed supporting a nomination for a portion of the Boca Grande residential historic district to be placed on the National Register of Historical Places. TEN YEARS AGO The nine acres of FPL-owned land at the southern tip of the island had been cleaned, deemed safe and ready to […]