Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages, Columns, Opinion.
The story of their little church took place at a time when the island was in the midst of growing pains. Boca Grande was a town that had alligators resting on the lawns of homes along the canal, large snakes sunning on the middle of the road on cold days, and a multitude of other species of wildlife on the island. All lived in harmony. Iguanas still had not made the trip from a little Mexican town. But that’s another story for another time.
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News.
The war in Ukraine is being fought some 6,000 miles from Boca Grande, but it is also being fought in our own backyard … and affecting people we know and care about. This week we have a story featuring such a connection, and it shows us that the world is smaller than we sometimes think … and that there are many ways we can serve the interest of world peace by reaching out and helping our neighbors.
Andy Roman, who spent his childhood in Boca Grande and still has connections here, is leaving May 2 for his second trip to Ukraine since the war with Russia started a little over a month ago. He has relatives in Ukraine and originally wanted to help them relocate to a safer place. When the family members decided to stay and fight, Andy decided to do the same.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community History, News.
In other meeting news, board member Becky Paterson asked if it would be all right with the board if she worked with Anthony Rodriguez, the community development manager, to work with her regarding a potential plan for the downtown historic district to have its own special zoning. Paterson said she was concerned about affordable housing needs in town and thought a mixed-use zoning change would be beneficial to many.
“I own a contributing commercial building in the district, and there are lots of us who would love to be able to put a second story on and create a mixed use for housing,” she said. “Affordable housing has become an urgent issue here. Almost everyone who works here is commuting, sometimes 20 or 30 minutes to get home. We have lots of examples in contributing and noncontributing that were permitted when it was allowable.”
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
Boca Grande’s road resurfacing is considered by Lee County to fall into the discretionary spending category funded by transportation capital improvement fees and taxes.
Streets included in the plan are parts of East Railroad Avenue, Palm Avenue, 7th Street, 8th Street East, 9th Street East, 10th Street East through 13th Street East and 18th Street East.
Written by Boca Grande Health Clinic on . Posted in Health & Wellness.
r year-long celebration of the Boca Grande Health Clinic’s 75th anniversary, the Clinic is pleased to launch a short series of web videos that capture some of the “secrets” to having a long, productive life – told by some of the Island’s elders.
In the second episode of the series, we hear from Edith (Edie) Gardner. At 97 years young, Edie’s busy days keep her engaged and in constant motion. As a former RN, she understands the importance of healthy eating and keeping fit. She practices her “To rest is to rust” mantra by starting each day with a walk on the beach with her cherished dog.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Entertainment, News.
At its annual meeting on April 4, the Woman’s Club announced that 20 area organizations will receive funding through the BGWC’s community grant program, for a total of $210,584.
Grants were awarded this year to the following organizations: Barrier Island Parks Society); Boca Grande Art Center; Boca Grande Charities; Boca Grande Historical Society; Boca Grande Preschool; Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association; Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association; GasparilAla Island Maritime Museum; Lee County Parks and Recreation; Mote Marine Laboratory; Royal Palm Players; and The Island School. Grants will also be given to L.A. Ainger Middle School Band; Lemon Bay High School Band Boosters; LBHS Chorus; LBHS Project Graduation; LBHS Theater Guild; and Lemon Bay booster organizations for the school’s football, girls basketball, and softball teams.
In addition to awarding community grants, the Club voted to provide post-secondary education (university, college, trade or vocational) scholarships for 39 local students for a total of $ 234,000 for the 2022-2023 school year.
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in News.
Annie Margarita will arrive in Boca Grande for her one-person exhibit on Monday, April 25. She will be bringing an assortment of the most amazing leather rod and reel cases that you’ve ever seen. We hope you can arrange to stop by and chat with her. She will be available for commissions.
If you or your children or grandchildren fly fish or just love fishing of any kind, Annie can hand-fabricate rod cases, reel cases, rifle cases – any kind of a case, or strap or leather goods for your outdoor adventures.
Written by Tonya Bramlage on . Posted in Health & Wellness, News, Profiles.
The municipality of Sabana Grande is located in the western coastal valleys of Puerto Rico some 1,144 miles from Boca Grande. This small town is surrounded by public forest land and packed with history and architectural gems. It has been nicknamed the Town of Petateros in honor of the multigenerational artisans who make petate, a mat woven from a specific type of palm leaf. The most famous petate weaver of the town is Doña Monserrate Montalvo, but its most famous chef is perhaps Jorge Matos.
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages, Editorial.
Fifteen years ago the Gasparilla Island Water Association monitored the island’s water situation and deemed it to be in a critical state due to the winter drought. Cayo Costa rangers aided seven Cuban refugees who came ashore on Cayo Costa State Park.
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
Donations made out to the Charlotte Community Foundation cannot be designated for the benefit of Gasparilla Mobile Estates. They can be designated for Charlotte County Tornado Victims and therefore may be used to assist any tornado victim in Charlotte County.