Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Profiles.
There are few Southern gentlemen left, but by outward appearances, so far, John Garland Pollard IV might be one of them. He is our new staff writer at the Boca Beacon and Gasparilla Island Magazine, and knowing how crazy you have to be to write for a living, we might want to check his crawl space and backyard to see if there are any bodies hidden there.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages, Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO A truly handsome alligator was just chillin’ on the beach near Sundown Colony, catchin’ some rays. Waylon took the buckle. TEN YEARS AGO The Boca Grande Marina was closing down for repairs and dredging. The Vacation Bible School kids from the Methodist Church came back from their trip to the Eleuthera Islands. […]
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, Opinion.
Lately there have been countless problems facing residents who are still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Ian and the possibility of facing another herculean storm due to the overheating of Gulf waters and other issues.
The prospect of wars, shortages of medicines and fuel, and the rise of crime rates in cities and smaller towns has many on edge.
Plus, the rising cost of home insurance, food, medicine and housing has been taking its toll on the masses. Instead of going to the doctor to get prescriptions for sleeping aids and other minor ailments, experts say we should giver Mother Nature a try.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Police & Fire.
Two teenagers from out of state were arrested this week after being caught by Lee County deputies for some disturbing crimes.
According to reports, on Tuesday, June 27 Lee County Sheriff’s detectives were informed of grand theft and criminal mischief that occurred at the Gasparilla Inn Golf Course. Detectives learned that the golf course was under repair and multiple pieces of heavy equipment had been moved overnight. Two suspects had entered the property and driven multiple pieces of equipment around the course.
The heavy machinery, golf course and storage sheds were all damaged. According to LCSO earlier in the week, the damage to the course and equipment was estimated at around $33,000. However, it is likely that the final cost will be much more.
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in News.
Julie Blakeslee and her sister-in-law Karen Blakeslee were visiting Boca Grande this week after the Fourth of July for one reason: to enjoy Gasparilla Island during the quiet season.
“We don’t like it to be so crowded,” said Karen Blakeslee.
The extended Blakeslee family of six from Springfield, Mo. included three children. While here, they swam, fished for snapper and shot videos of the Fourth of July parade. The day after the Fourth, they were out on Park Avenue in front of Hudson’s, bringing home takeout for the family from Tortuga Mexican Street Cuisine, one of a steady stream of lunchgoers unfazed by the temperature.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Police & Fire.
On Tuesday, July 4 at 10:05 p.m. firefighters and EMTs responded a call in the 5000 block of Gasparilla Road for a man who had vomited, then fell face first into shallow water. In the end, he was not transported.
On Sunday, July 2 at 10:55 p.m. firefighters received a call of jet skiers in distress. The caller stated they had not had contact with the two people aboard the jet skis since they were told the pair had run aground.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Columns, Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO The television documentary called “Mullet and Mangroves: The Pioneer Fishing Familes of Cayo Costa” had aired, featuring cameos by Huddy Coleman Capt. Robert Johnson. Effie Joiner co-produced it. TEN YEARS AGO More than three inches of rain fell on the island in five days’ time, leaving us a bit soggy and moist. […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
Progress is being made on the island’s new permanent cellphone tower, as communication has been flowing with Vertical Bridge – the tower company – and contact has even been made with the individual cellphone carriers. The Boca Grande Cell Tower Committee has stated that they have also been in contact with Joe Steele, of T […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
If anyone thinks that Boca Grande won’t be celebrating Independence Day just because we don’t have an official fireworks display, they would be wrong. Not only do our residents set up some amazing displays all on their own, we also have the golf cart and bike parade that has been taking place for years. Starting […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
The Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association recently announced their inaugural Adopt-A-Nest program for the 2023 season, which allows you to adopt a sea turtle nest on Gasparilla Island and be a part of protection and conservation efforts. Adoption donations will help protect and conserve endangered sea turtles. Funds will be used for turtle patrol equipment, […]