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One local real estate agent tells the tale of life after Hurricane Ian

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community.

Anyone who has ever been in a disaster situation has the wherewithal to know what to do when it is safe to check out their surroundings. Many people were in that boat on September 28, 2022, the day Hurricane Ian winds and rain forced their way through every nook, cranny and crack in the buildings of Southwest Florida and into our collective memories. 

There were many memories made during that time – some good and some bad – but the ones that stand out in many people’s minds are of the people who helped so much.  

This tale is about just two of those people who made such a difference in so many lives. They are real estate agents Kevin Hyde and his wife Nancy, who are known to many on the island.

Saying goodbye to Father Carosella won’t be easy

Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Community, Community History.

Fr. Jerome Carosella has been the pastor of Boca Grande’s Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church for more than half of the time he has been a priest. He was ordained 60 years ago and has been pastor on the island for 35. 

He is Boca Grande’s pastor, no matter what church one might call home. He has been a fixture on the island for longer than most residents. And now he is retiring, which also means he will no longer be living at the rectory on West Railroad Avenue.

She never ceases to amaze us:

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community.

Artist Carroll Swayze’s work has been showcased in some of the most exclusive settings around the country – maybe around the world – and her marine life works have a color palette and style that can be recognized in an instant. For those of you who can’t fit another piece on your walls, though, you have a new way to appreciate it … by wearing it.

41 turtle lighting complaints since March

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

Since March, 41 sea turtle lighting complaints have been logged with Lee County Code Enforcement. Of those 41, all but two (which were closed and voided) were sent notices and no violations were issued. Addresses include many on Shore Lane, Gulf Boulevard, Gilchrist Avenue, Palm Avenue and a few beach access streets. The majority of […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rev. Daphne Johnson

Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.

“God is always doing something new,” she went on. “We are excited to see what God has in store for us as we serve together in ministry. Frank and I have had Lighthouse Methodist Church and all of Boca Grande in our prayers, and we hope people on the island will have us in their prayers as well, as we all go through this time of transition.”

New golf cart regulations go into effect July 1 … Do you know what they entail?

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

One of the biggest changes to take place in a very long time is about to occur on July 1, when the newly-signed golf cart law goes into effect. House Bill 949 was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis a few weeks ago, which makes the legal age to operate a golf cart 16, or 15 with a learner’s permit and an adult present. If you’re 18 and older, you have to have valid government-issued identification.

Historic Preservation Board extends ‘Octopus Tree’ dialog 

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

While there was only one item on the agenda for the June meeting of the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board on Wednesday, June 14, it was one that could not be decided easily. It was all about the “Octopus Tree,” a banyan that has stood along the property line at 181 Gilchrist Avenue since the early 1900s. The ground where it stands was once part of the Crowninshield compound and the children who used to play there gave it its strange nickname.

The property that includes 181 and 161 Gilchrist Avenue is owned by a family that wants to demolish the large house, as well as the small cottage that the banyan tree stands right next to and has actually grown under and into. 

Therein lies the rub.

Shorebird colony at north end in peril due to humans and pet interaction

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

A large least tern nesting area located on the beach in front of Sea Watch is a welcome sight to any bird lover, particularly those who realize who fragile they can be when nesting. According to residents who monitor the nesting area, as well as Charlotte County Coastal Environmental Specialist Susie Derheimer, it might not be successful for very long.