Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
Tuesday’s meeting at Lighthouse United Methodist Church regarding parking started with an announcement that the church had struck an agreement with neighbors in its decades-long fight over parking on Gilchrist Avenue. “We have reached an agreement on how to remain friends and respect one another,” said Church Council Chair Peter Soderberg. He said that the […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: It’s hard to believe that six months ago our restaurants were not open, the town and many homes were underwater, we lost our post office, and the centerpiece of our island, The Gasparilla Inn, was extremely compromised. These have been challenging times. Prized possessions were destroyed, beloved cars and golf carts were […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
FROM SHARON MCKENZIE,EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BIPS I recently attended the parking issue meeting at the Boca Grande United Methodist Church and in hindsight, I realized I did not clarify our role. Barrier Island Parks Society (BIPS) is a Citizen Support Organization (CSO) for four local Florida State Parks, Cayo Costa, Don Pedro Island and land base, […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Profiles, Sports & Outdoors.
First tarpon of the season Gasparilla Island native Gail Coleman Davis earned the accolade of the first tarpon of this year’s tournament season at last weekend’s Ladies Day. Gail was raised on island and is now married to Doug Davis. Doug’s sister is Robin Melvin of Gasparilla Outfitters and Special Effects. She has been fishing […]
Written by VAN HUBBARD on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
Fixing water quality now, still cheaper than reviving dead estuaries How do we tackle water quality? Just like an elephant. One bite at a time. Many things contribute to these problems. It took years of abuse to get there, and it will require billions of dollars, and serious effort, to gain water quality resurrection. We […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History, Opinion.
Seaplanes to the oyster beds: My time with Katharine Hepburn BY KATHY FUTCH Miss Hepburn made fairly regular visits to Boca Grande to be with her Houghton family relatives and also some friends. Upon entering Palermo’s “Griswold” home where she was staying, she immediately approached me and removed the straw hat I was wearing and […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
It was a good day to have three Lee County commissioners come to Boca Grande on Tuesday for a forum on parking. There were some (not us) who were worried that somehow it would be contentious. Indeed there was much that was not said. What was said, every word of it, was useful. Who would […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News.
At a packed meeting at Lighthouse United Methodist Church today, three Lee County Commissioners came to hear residents talk about a proposed parking ordinance for Boca Grande. Commissioners David Mulicka, Cecil Pendergrass and Brian Hamman came individually to listen to residents. The meeting went on for just under two hours. Over 200 business owners, residents, […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Sports & Outdoors, Uncategorized.
Tarpon season is in full swing and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is reminding anglers to use these best fishing practices to keep silver kings reigning for generations to come. These best fishing practices were developed to help anglers quickly reel in tarpon and be set up for a successful release. From gear […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
BY MARCY SHORTUSE As the ongoing debate about parking continues through this summer (see p. 1), there are still questions, as a formal plan has not been released. One issue is enforcement. If a paid parking and/or time-limit-enforced parking plan is implemented, how much will it cost, and what entity will bear the cost of […]