Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
Last Saturday evening, February 9, 2019, the Barrier Island Parks Society had a celebration to officially relight the historic Boca Grande Rear Entrance Range Light, now officially designated the Gasparilla Island Light. The ceremony was a “thank you” to the “miracle workers” who restored this island icon, and a tribute to the 650+ donors whose […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ STAFF REPORT Two visitors were the victims of a vehicle burglary this past weekend at the south end of the island. According to Lee County Sheriff’s Office reports, an island deputy was notified by the complainant that she was visiting the island on Saturday, Feb. 9 with her friend. They arrived at Gasparilla Island […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY SUSAN HANAFEE Pam Hannah’s dining room table has been covered with papers for the last several months, but it doesn’t bother her. As president of the island’s United Methodist Women, Pam understands that a little clutter – along with a lot of volunteers – is necessary to pull off a successful 2019 Strawberry Festival. […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE The meeting was brief but things were accomplished at the monthly gathering of the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board on Wednesday, Feb. 13. Three items were shown on the agenda, but one – a proposal to remove an existing non-contributing home at 235 Banyan Street – was continued until a later date. […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Obituaries.
Joe “Baldy” Rinaldi – the leader of the tribe, great friend and purveyor of all things pig roastful – has passed away. He touched many, many lives in his travels, from Boca Grande to Maine and beyond, with his contagious laugh, always-positive vibes and an ever- present love for life. Rest well in hog heaven, […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Profiles.
■ BY SUE ERWIN After graduating from college in 1962, Jack Carley had almost a year before entering officer candidate school, so he decided to drive to California to do some sightseeing and a little political networking. He had just turned 21 that summer, and some very important things happened on that trip. But let’s go […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial, Letters to the Editor, News, Opinion.
To the Editor: I had the opportunity to stop by the Smart Studios on Boca Grande last week to view their “Nature Protests” art exhibit in an effort to increase environmental awareness of what is impacting our beaches in Southwest Florida. Several local artists used a mixture of watercolor, oils, multi-media collages and photographs to […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial, Letters to the Editor, News, Opinion.
To the Editor: Please let me explain my actions regarding the protest art show I just hosted at my gallery. I have a problem, you see, a problem with pollution because I am an asthmatic. I can’t breath the air if there are too many nasty things in it, and I have to go to […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial, Letters to the Editor, Opinion.
To the Editor: If you were one of the nearly 200 guests who attended the Boca Grande Club’s 11th annual Tennis Ball, I know you had fun. It was another wonderful event that truly benefited the programs, services and homeless animals of Suncoast Humane Society. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ STAFF REPORT History will be made this Saturday, Feb. 9 as the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse will shine its light across the island for the first time since the fall of 2016. Everyone is invited to help celebrate the event at a party held by the Barrier Island Parks Society. The event begins at 4 […]