Skip to main content
Search Results for “grand

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: No McMansions, please

To the Editor:  I admit to being a die-hard gawker of the beautiful homes on BG – all types, but especially the architectural gems along the perimeter of the island. For me the only city homes more fun to gawk at are in Amsterdam, where they are also nestled along the banks of the sea […]

Cell phone tower update: More COWs are coming before new tower is put in place

The current providers of service have responded to the immediate needs in Boca Grande for interim service brought on by Hurricane Ian. There is service uncertainty due to capacity limitations and demand from island visitors.

The Boca Grande CSWG has established a dialog and working relationship with the current providers of service – AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon. The group is reviewing current and future plans for Boca Grande. Each of the providers have enthusiastically offered support and solutions.

Preservation Board to meet next week on Gilchrist home

Next week on Wednesday, April 12 the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board will meet for their monthly meeting at 10 a.m. in the Woman’s Club Room at the Boca Grande Community Center. This meeting has a couple of interesting requests from a property owner on Gilchrist Avenue that have drawn attention from island island residents, particularly in regards to a historically-contributing home on one of the old Crowninshield properties. 

The Adam family, owners of 161/181 Gilchrist Ave., have requested permission to change the status of the small cottage that sits at the front of the property from contributing to non-contributing. They intend to demolish the building, as it has become structurally unsound due to years of disrepair. 

They have also requested an allowance for the gulfside home on the property, which is not historically contributing, to be demolished. 

The public is allowed to attend but seating is limited.

Donations down in big blue barrels

Donations are down in the blue barrel at Barnichol Hardware, and that makes Jane Caple a bit concerned. They are down in all of the island’s barrel locations, in truth. The group that has worked with island residents to fight hunger in our area, Englewood Helping Hand, has Boca Grande volunteers driving to the pantry weekly to help stock shelves. Lately, though, the donations to take have become less and less.

First tarpon tournament of the year is up on deck! Sign up now

Sign up sheets are now available for the 2023 Howl at the Moon Tarpon Tournament, to be held on Sunday, May 28 from 7 to 10 p.m. in Boca Grande Pass. Some proceeds from the tournament benefit the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum, the event’s host. The entry fee is $700, with a non-refundable $100 amount donated to the GIMM. Under normal circumstances, 25 percent of the proceeds goes to the museum. The remainder will be split 60/40 between the first and second place teams. 

Historical Society needs new volunteers to help keep island history alive

“As a volunteer, you can learn more about the island you love, or teach us all the stories you know!” said Diff. “We’re looking for volunteers to help foster our island’s vast culture, while having fun and meeting new friends in the process. History spans so many different topics and we’re sure to find something that satisfies anyone’s interests.”

Bob Fletcher and his secret to longevity 

After the passing of his parents, Robert (Bob) Fletcher, 91, took over the family’s small piano and organ business in the 1970s – back when mall king Edward DeBartolo Sr. was bringing his indoor shopping centers to Florida. Bob opened Fletcher Music as a general music store in Florida’s first mall and quickly focused on selling organs to the retirees of St. Petersburg. That became his business model. If there was a mall, there was bound to be a Fletcher Music store – 42 of them, in fact – in Florida, Arizona, Nevada and the Carolinas.

Johann Fust Library Foundation book sale coming soon

Hours for the sale on Monday, April 17, and Tuesday, April 18 are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the first two days of the sale, hardcover books, CDs & audiobooks are just $3. Or you can bundle and save – get four items for $10.  Paperback books are $2 each or bundle six paperback books for $10.

Art After Dark Part II featuring Susan Wood a smashing success

It’s not every day that a photographer with the body of work that Susan Wood has is featured in a slideshow on the side of a building on a tiny island like ours. It happened, though, on March 30, as the second in a series that celebrates the senses called “Art After Dark.” The J.McLaughlin store hosts the events, which are held for charity. Wood, a world famous photographer to the stars of movies, music, fashion, and politics, as well as a highly skilled photojournalist capturing down-to-earth happenings, was thrilled to be part of it.