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SPOTLIGHT: Ken Fortney – 97 and still working at The Inn golf shop

Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.

The Fortneys do other things for fun that many people might not expect. They have a modern camper and take trips to interesting places where they camp and enjoy meeting new people and trying new things. They found an internet site called Harvest Hosts, where members, who must be “self-contained RVers,” have unique overnight stays, such as camping on a golf course, in a pasture, at an alpaca ranch or a horse farm, all of which the Fortneys have done. The camping is free, but each host has something of interest to market, so campers usually buy produce or a sweater or whatever else the host has to offer. 

EDITORIAL: A first time fishing this writer will never forget

Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Editorial, News, Sports & Outdoors.

Then, bam! Lynn felt something hit her line. Tim instantly got my rod secured and me out of the way, and then put all his attention on Lynn. She had a tarpon on the line. “You got this,” he assured her. “Reel it in.” “Bow to the king,” “Just hold on, don’t do anything.” The orders were calm, but authoritative. Captain Mark was advising Tim from his higher vantage point and moving the boat as conditions warranted.

Outta Line takes Kids Classic!

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.

The race for that last fish released was a tricky one, as there were two other teams fighting tarpon as well as Searene when Capt. Sandy called the tournament at 4:50 p.m., right as a severe storm was closing in off the Gulf and another was threatening from the harbor side. Team Reel Shark released their tarpon at 5:01 p.m., but Searene was still out there fighting. It took a lot of going over observer clipboards to determine who that “last fish” winner was, but that’s why observers are so important.
There were 29 boats in the field for this year’s Kids Classic, with 38 anglers under the age of 10 and 70 kids older than 10. Out of the 108 total, 70 were boys and 39 were girls.

When fishing near rookeries, use caution and take care

Written by Tonya Bramlage on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.

Fishing action is heavy right now in island waters, as is juvenile bird season. Many of our local feathered brethren are taking care of their young in their nests in local rookeries. When you combine fishing and a heavy bird presence, it doesn’t always end up well.Even when precautionary steps are taken, birds can get […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Elaine Williams retires after delivering your newspapers for 26 years

Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News, Profiles.

Elaine Williams probably woke up around 1:30 a.m. this morning, but, unlike a week or so ago, today she could roll over and go back to sleep. Elaine is now retired. Her role as the iconic newspaper carrier serving Boca Grande for the last 26 years has ended, and her early-morning habit of making sure her customers get their daily newspapers – dry and on time – is someone else’s task.

Insurance issues plaguing homeowners may be a little less troubling soon

Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News.

The House of Representatives and Senate introduced identical proposals, which included items related to reinsurance, roof solicitation, roof underwriting, bad faith, attorneys’ fees, insurer regulation and transparency, and building codes. The bills passed both houses. The Governor signed them into law on May 25. Some provisions will take effect immediately, others have effective dates included in the law’s language. 

OBITUARY: Evelyn Wilbur Darna

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Obituaries.

One of the island’s leading ladies has left us Evelyn Wilbur Darna, a well-loved member of the Boca Grande community, died surrounded by family in Englewood on June 6, 2022. She was 82. You could pick Evelyn out of a crowd the minute she laughed … and she laughed often. Her sense of humor and […]

Governor DeSantis vetoes bad water bill SB 2508

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.

Halfway through the Florida legislative session in February, Florida Senate leaders fast-tracked Senate Bill 2508 which included major water-related policy changes that would write into law preferential treatment of the industrial sugar industry. It was filed as a budget conforming bill which allowed it to circumvent the standard legislative process and minimized opportunity for public input.