Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News.
Green is the color of recovery in Boca Grande. Green is popping up all over the Island as the vegetation that once made this a lush island paradise is returning to its former beauty. It is not quite there yet, but the signs of health and growth are nearly everywhere. Rick Joyce, certified arborist and […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday, Dec. 20 to approve interlocal agreements to fund 14 Lee County Beach and Shoreline projects using more than $5.78 million in Tourist Development Tax revenue. One of the projects money is allocated for is in Boca Grande. The applicant is the Barrier Island Parks Society, and the […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
While much of Gasparilla Mobile Estates was dark last Saturday night, in the very back there was a little corner of festivity, complete with Christmas lights. Inside the Clontz home there were nine people gathered to eat, to drink, to share company among friends. Not long ago that was what the little mobile home park […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in News.
BY ROGER LEWIS Two favorite speakers from past years, Candice Millard and Akhil Reed Amar, will lead the 2023 programming for Friends of Boca Grande at the Community Center. Candice Millard will talk about her new book, “River of the Gods: Genius Courage and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile,” on […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News.
People have started noticing a change in the air. It is not only the cold fronts that have started bringing lower temperatures and lower humidity, but the air is full of birds. Recovery from Hurricane Ian is starting to happen among wildlife, as it is doing to many of the human species. Dr. Robin Bast, […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
Col. James Clark Dieffenderfer (“Jimmie Dee”), a long-time visitor to Boca Grande and the father of local resident Ann Fletcher, took his final flight on 16 September 2022. A decorated World War II hero and a man of extraordinary character, he leaves behind a loving and extended family, along with countless friends. He died peacefully […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.
Cemeteries all over the country honored deceased veterans on Saturday, Dec. 17, by placing holiday wreaths on their graves and holding memorials, usually naming aloud each person being honored. The memorial celebrations were part of a national effort known as Wreaths Across America Day. “Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages.
A BOCA BEACON TIMELINE FIVE YEARS AGO Dr. Raymond James joined the Boca Grande Health Clinic staff. TEN YEARS AGO The Mote Marine Laboratory branch on the island was about to open and Cannon and Kyle Jones spoke to the Beacon about the school shooting in Newtown, Conn. It occurred at the elementary school they […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Columns, Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO The Pink Pony got that really cool machine that presses pennies into different designs. TEN YEARS AGO Ed Seale passed away, a true Southern gentleman who helped shape Gasparilla Island with his real estate company. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO A company that was looking into purchasing the old Mercabo facility wanted to put […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
In some cases, insurance premiums are up 400 percent on island homes for fiscal year 2022-23 Everyone has been aware of the unavoidable insurance premium increase that would come after Hurricane Ian, but one Gasparilla Island couple was so flummoxed by their recent renewal premium, they see this as a game changer for many residents […]