‘Kin to almost everyone on the island’ As the sun would start setting on any given day, you might find Jo Anne Speer down at 1st Street beach. Sometimes her nephew and caretaker, Nelson, would accompany her. Other times it was her little dog. Jo Anne passed away on March 7, 2022, in her sleep, […]
On March 28 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of a second COVID-19 booster shot for persons over the age of 50. Additionally, persons over the age of 18 with compromised immune systems are also eligible for a second booster shot. Both Pfizer and Moderna mRNA shots have been granted emergency use authorization – or EUA – for a second booster. Both vaccines seem to be equally effective in boosting neutralizing antibody levels and immunity. Both vaccines can be given as second boosters at four months or more after previous booster administration.
Two news legends took the podium at the Johann Fust Library Foundation’s first-ever Author’s Luncheon Thursday, April 7, at the Gasparilla Inn. The crowd of 100 was enthralled by the wit and charm of the principle speaker, as well as the man who introduced her.
Tom Brokaw, resident of Boca Grande, and retired television journalist and author, presented his friend and fellow television journalist Lesley Stahl at the Johann Fust Library first-ever “Author’s Luncheon” on Thursday, April 7 at The Gasparilla Inn and Club.
Would you like to become part of the Gasparilla Island’s community of visual artists? The time is now to stop by the Boca Grande Art Center and pick up your application to become an exhibiting member for our 2022/2023 season. You are invited to join a group of colleagues working together to encourage each other’s artistic achievements and progress.
In three years America will be celebrating its 250th-year anniversary. Friends of Boca Grande Community Center has gathered eight renowned historians, including Rick Atkinson and Nathaniel Philbrick, to explore the American Revolution from its origin to the year 1783. On Wednesday, April 20 to Friday April 22, go beyond the facts and dates and rediscover the American Revolution from military, social, cultural, economic and historical perspectives.
There were two croquet grounds on the island when Lucinda arrived. One was a Boca Bay amenity for residents of Boca Bay. The other was a Gasparilla Inn amenity for guests of The Inn and Inn owner Bayard Sharp. Lucinda, who lived in Boca Bay across from the court, took up the sport along with Boca Bay neighbors Blaine and Sheila Davis. Blaine and Sheila became particularly expert, so much so that Blaine was invited to play with Mr. Sharp. Blaine also had a vision: that The Inn Club become open to outside membership, as are The Inn Golf and Beach Clubs. Mr. Sharp was receptive to Blaine’s vision, thus the Gasparilla Mallet Club, with a subscription membership, was born. The Mallet Club now hosts the annual USCA- sanctioned Blaine Davis Invitational Six-Wicket Croquet Tournament, in Blaine’s honor and memory.
BY CHEF TIM SPAIN Unfortunately, my friend Chef Josh Orlick, passed away last week. He will be sorely missed. Josh and I worked together on several occasions in Boca Grande. He was the first person I always called to ask for help for upcoming events. He usually agreed and sometimes would show up a half-hour […]
Boca Grande’s traditional Easter Sunrise Service is back. All four of the Island’s churches are coming together again to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, with each denomination taking a role in the service. The gathering will be on the shore near the Boca Grande Lighthouse at 7 a.m., April 17, Easter Sunday morning. The […]
Joshua Paul Orlick, 39, took his last cast when he passed away suddenly March 13, 2022. A local chef at The Loose Caboose for many years, as well as at Zekes on Dearborn in Engle- wood, he was passionate about his craft. His dream of owning a food truck was closer than ever. He was […]
To the Editor:Two Questions:1. Did you know?2. Does Boca care about their neighbors?At 6:37 a.m. on January 16, 2022 an EF1 (110 mph) tornado ripped through Gasparilla Marina and Estates. Most Boca residents, including myself, assumed it occurred some distance away. Yet it happened less than a mile outside the entrance to Boca Grande. At […]