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Seibert MOD weekend held complete with great stories and memories

BY MARY BESS – At 90 years of age, island resident Tim Seibert was an engaging speaker at last weekend’s MOD Weekend in Sarasota, where he was the guest of honor. Full of fun and good stories, and generous in his appraisal of the good work of his colleagues, he was characteristically unassuming and occasionally telegraphed […]

Melvin, Waterhouse take GIFT Tournament with 19-inch trout

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – It was another winning year for Capt. Sandy Melvin and his angler, Patrick Waterhouse, on Tuesday, Nov. 21 as the 24th Annual Gasparilla Island Fly Fishing Tournament was held. They took the top spot with a 19-inch trout. Second place went to Richie Meehan with Capt. Jamie Allen, and third place went […]

PROFILE: Tim Spain

BY SUE ERWIN – Tim Spain learned how to become a chef after spending a year working at a restaurant in Bordeaux, France. Now the Zolfo Springs native is sharing his culinary talent in Boca Grande. Tim is the new executive chef at Fusion Restaurant at the north end of the island. He’s been working […]

Boca Grande’s Historic District: Solving the Boca Grande building puzzle

■ BY SUSAN HANAFEE Skilled carpenters are in short supply. The price of materials is rising. Empty lots are disappearing. The easiest thing about building in Boca Grande’s Historic District these days may well be the process for obtaining permits. At least that’s the goal of the Lee County Community Development Department, which supervises renovation […]

Profile John Prescott

■ BY SUE ERWIN John Prescott has been a certified financial planner for many years, and in the past he’s worked with several national corporations. But now he’s serving clients in Boca Grande with Italiano Insurance. Because of his working relationship with Nat and with Italiano Insurance Services over the years, John decided he wanted to spend more […]

Historic Board approves request to add pavilion shade at community center

■ BY SUE ERWIN The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board on Wednesday morning unanimously approved a request to add a free-standing, covered pavilion over the outdoor concrete stage at the Boca Grande Community Center. The addition would be constructed in the north-side courtyard with the intention to provide shade, rain cover and acoustic enhancement. The fabric of […]

Boca Grande’s Historic District: Rises from the ‘Ashes’ of Hotel Hell

■ BY SUSAN HANAFEE When architect Rick Thurkow bought Boca Grande’s infamous “Hotel Hell” in 1986, he never dreamed he would be entering his own permitting purgatory. Before he finished his $150,000 renovation of the 70-year-old structure, Thurkow would spend two years “haggling with building and zoning officials” to get the approvals he needed. “Rick […]

Johann Fust Library Foundation announces new president

■ BY SUE ERWIN The Johann Fust Library Foundation has a new president, and she’s enthusiastic about all the programs that are planned for this season. New Foundation President Lindsay Major said there are several significant events planned for 2018. “We are extremely proud that we’re able to get Amor Towles to come and speak […]

Royal Palm Players cast rehearses for season opener ‘Duets’

■ BY ERICA RESS MARTIN What happens when four couples dare to deal with the differences in their relationships? Well, it’s complicated. Once again, the Royal Palm Players have produced a hilarious show – Peter Quilter’s “Duets.” Yes, it’s about relationships, male and female relationships, specifically, yet it is not an examination of romantic love. Instead, it’s […]

Profile Hal McCombs

■ BY SUE ERWIN Hal McCombs and his wife, Lynne, have been visiting Boca Grande for nearly 30 years. They enjoyed their time on the island so much that they acquired a home here in 2014. Lynne’s maiden name is Marmet. Her parents – Barbara and Bob – were very active on the island for years, which […]