Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News.
■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE Every year, the first weather event of the hurricane season usually serves to spur many of us into setting our plan of action in case severe weather hits us, and this year is no exception. After Tropical Storm Emily formed almost right over us this week, there’s been an small influx […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY SUE ERWIN The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority truck scale is in the process of being replaced. The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority truck scale is in the process of being replaced. The scale was originally installed in 2000. Removal of the old scale began on Monday, July 31, just as Tropical Storm Emily was […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY SUE ERWIN Although The Palmetto Inn now has new proprietors, patrons can expect it to remain the same cozy, family-style inn that has existed on the island for decades. Aashish Patel and his father, George Patel, own the Boca Grande Resort on the north end of the island. The hoteliers recently purchased The […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY SUE ERWIN Boca Beacon columnist Bob Elliot has compiled four years of published pieces of his work in a new book, “What We’ve Got Here is a Failure to Communicate,” and it’s available now for purchase through the author. Several years ago, Elliot started reprinting chapter snippets from his book, “Make Your Point,” […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Profiles.
■ BY SUE ERWIN Stephanie Sprinkle has been working as a cosmetologist at James Griffith Salon on the island for the past five years. She specializes in French hairstyles and is a master at applying airbrush makeup. “My favorite part of the job is getting to know my clients,” she said. “May and October are my busiest […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial, Featured News, Letters to the Editor, News, Opinion.
To the Editor: Having been a founding member of the Barrier Island Parks Society (BIPS), president of BIPS for a lot of years “back in the day,” and director/curator of the Lighthouse Museum from 1998 to 2003, I write to express my admiration and joy at what BIPS has accomplished with the restoration of the […]
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■ STAFF REPORT A 15-year-old boy visiting Boca Grande with his church youth group drowned on Saturday, July 15 at 5:32 p.m. According to police reports, Godrien “Gody” Marcelin of Port Charlotte was in the water by the rock jetty at the south end of the island at Gasparilla Island State Park. A witness, a […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE Theresa Wise’s simple shark’s tooth hunting expedition on Wednesday, July 12 at the south end of the island turned into an ordeal she will never forget, and she has a shell sifter and a pink pool noodle to thank for really saving the day. Theresa Wise’s simple shark’s tooth hunting expedition […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News.
■ BY SUE ERWIN Islanders Beverly Furtado and Len Tatko will soon bid farewell to Boca Grande, but they’re not going very far. The Palmetto Inn property has been available on the market for many years, and recently a solid offer was made that cemented the deal. Beverly purchased The Palmetto Inn in 1980 with […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News, Profiles.
■ BY SUE ERWIN Beverly Furtado was first introduced to Boca Grande 38 years ago, when she was vacationing with her late husband Jack. They were exploring the Florida Keys and the west side of the state. During their travels they looked at properties in Marco Island in 1979, and they ended up visiting some friends from […]