Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Obituaries.
Bob Heilman of Buffalo, New York and Boca Grande, Florida passed away unexpectedly from natural causes on January 27, 2024, at age 75. Bob was happily married for 53 years to his high school sweetheart Pamela Davis Heilman. The couple’s first date was their high school prom. They have been homeowners in Phase II of […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Events, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Open Mixed Doubles The Gasparilla Island Tennis Classic kicked off this past weekend with Open Mixed Doubles at Boca Bay Pass Club with a crowd of tennis enthusiasts braving the chilly weather to watch the competitive play. As we continue into the second week of play, Open Ladies’ Doubles will be held at the Boca […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Entertainment, News.
While many on the Island have spent the last 15 months recovering from Hurricane Ian, the Historical Society and Island TV have worked on documenting this current history. It will premiere next week, though the event is full. The project started while the storm was still at its height with Rick Montgomery of Island TV […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
Mote Marine Laboratory’s most recent Breakfast with a Scientist was something like taking the underground tour at Walt Disney World or going backstage during a major stage play. The 60 or more people who joined the scientist at the Boca Grande Community Center last week were treated to a peek at how “the magic happens,” […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
BY BARRIER ISLAND PARKS The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum, a cherished local landmark and the oldest structure on Gasparilla Island, is thrilled to announce its reopening to the public on Monday, Feb. 5. This marks a significant milestone as the museum has been closed since 2022 due to the destructive impact of Hurricane […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Letters to the Editor, Opinion.
Island School PTO thanks community To the Editor: The Island School PTO would like to thank everyone for their hard work in making the Chowder Dinner SO successful! We would have never been able to pull that off without the help of our Island School staff, parents, alumni, local restaurants, chefs, businesses & community! With all […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial, Opinion, Sports & Outdoors.
For anyone up early Wednesday morning, there was a particularly effective full moon coming through the clouds, different from a clear-sky full moon. With the clouds intermittently covering and uncovering the moon, it had the feel of God playing a bit of a tease. Throughout, it was hopeful. The sky was yellow, not gray, and […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Community, Profiles.
Rick and Kris Ganong have a philosophy: work hard, play hard and give back to the community. It is how they live their lives, and they found a whole community of like-minded people when they started coming to Boca Grande. They have made Boca Grande their winter home for years now, first coming to the […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
Last week’s colder weather proved to be challenging for wildlife. Islanders have been forced to step up to help get these animals to safety. Locals worked together to rescue an injured tern on the Center Bridge on Thursday, Jan. 18. The bird was placed in a crate before being removed to the Wildlife Center of […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Community History.
The Johann Fust Community Library has been at the core of the Boca Grande Community for decades, and now, after more than 74 years, the Johann Fust Library Foundation would like to share some of its rich history with the community. During the months of February, March and April, the foundation will offer docent-guided tours […]