Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Profiles.
BY SUE ERWIN – Ashley Scarpa has been an entrepreneur in the restaurant business since 2006. Since April, she and her husband Glenn have been leasing the space that, until last summer, was home to PJ’s Seagrille located at 321 Park Ave. on the island. They own and operate Scarpa’s Coastal restaurant. The husband-and-wife team behind […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Letters to the Editor, Sports & Outdoors.
To the Editor: The 37th annual World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament was filled with Grande traditions, exciting tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass, expert captains, mates and anglers, generous sponsors, incredible judges, talented artists, hardworking volunteers and the love and spirit of the Boca Grande Community. The Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce was honored to […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ STAFF REPORT As of Tuesday, June 18, 2019 the Pink Pony will be officially giving the reins of its kitchen to David Mota, creator of its new kitchen concept and the name, “Tortuga.” Tortuga Mexican Street cuisine is the brainchild of Pink Pony Owners, Julie Camp and Ken Heineman Sr, and Jr, as well […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY SUE ERWIN Due to the current beach renourishment project, Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association patrol members have relocated 15 nests – 12 between 2nd and 18th Street and three at the South End from Gasparilla Island State Park. “They have been moved to a safe location, and we’ll continue to monitor nests in […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Profiles.
■ BY SUE ERWIN Ozzie Lessinger learned to fish before he could walk. His father, an avid fisherman, put 6-month-old Ozzie in a backpack carrier and placed a fishing pole in his hand and taught him to fish. Ozzie was hooked, so to speak. Originally from Tuxedo, New York, Ozzie moved to Tallahassee with his family when he […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
■ BY SUE ERWIN The 2019 Raymond James and RSA Boca Grande Classic was tremendously successful this year, netting more than $240,000 for a very good cause. The objective of this annual event is to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, an organization with a mission to cure cystic fibrosis by funding research and drug development […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial, Letters to the Editor, News, Opinion.
To the Editor: It’s that time of year: Mote Marine Laboratory scientists have started observing manatee mating herds (multiple males trying to mate with a female) around Sarasota’s beaches and inshore waters. The public should always give the manatees plenty of space to ensure safety of both the animals and onlookers. Often, as the female […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ STAFF REPORT The Johann Fust Community Library is offering the following free programs for children in June: The Bucky and Gigi Show 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 19 Location: Boca Grande Community Center Using physical comedy, circus skills, mime, magic, improvisation and audience participation, these two characters provide all the fun for a fast-paced 45-minute […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ STAFF REPORT With a sales-tax-free holiday May 31-June 6 on hurricane supplies, Floridians should plan to stock up on the things they find most valuable when a storm hits. Portable generators, gas cans and other hurricane-preparedness items are qualified for tax-free purchases, and here are a few tips from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Obituaries.
Recently I lost my hero. Lauren Knowles was the strongest person I have ever known. In 2014 we were told that she had stage 3 HER2 positive breast cancer. I didn’t know what to do or say, I just hugged her and asked her to be strong. She defiantly did that. I watched her bravery […]