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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 […]

TURTLE TRACKS: Snazzy shells secretly placed

Written by Tonya Bramlage on . Posted in News.

The Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association is proud to announce the launch of a first-of-its-kind handpainted seashell campaign. BGSTA volunteer Stephanie Sondock and her sister, Stacey Wilkanoski, began painting by hand each colorful, one of a kind, shell in January of 2022.

Solar panels a sore point for some Historic Preservation Board members

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

After sailing through several items of business, the sticking point came when the Mazza residence project, 235 Whiskey Row, was broached. The Mazza family wishes to complete installation of rooftop solar panels and indoor battery backups on their residence, which will include panels on the south and east-facing portions of the roof – two on the east side, one with 14 panels and one with four panels – and 22 panels arranged in rows on another part of the roof. Once installed the panels will be raised eight inches off the roofline, and according to the Mazza’s representative, would not be visible from the beach side of the home.

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 […]

OBITUARIES: William ‘Bill’ Heisel

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.

William A. “Bill” Heisel passed away on Monday, May 23, surrounded by his family, one week before his 96th birthday. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia (nee O’Donnell) and sisters Marjorie Poss, Rita Sloan Roy and Dorothy Heisel. He is survived by his children: Heidi Heisel, William Heisel (Kellee), Julie Sullivan […]