Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Obituaries.
John I. Shaw Jr, 82, of Southport, Conn., died peacefully on Friday, December 1, 2017 at Bridgeport Hospital from complications of a rare autoimmune disorder. He was surrounded by family members while listening to his beloved Whiffenpoof Song. Known as “Shawsie” to his grandchildren and many close friends, John was the quintessential gentleman/gentle man. John […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial, Letters to the Editor, News.
To the Editor: Mark your calendar and make plans to join us for the 9th annual Bonefish & Tarpon Trust Boca Grande fundraiser on Friday, Feb. 2, 2018. Anglers from around the area will gather at The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club beginning at 6 p.m. Enjoy cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music and a program […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ STAFF REPORT Join family and friends at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, for the annual lighting of the Boca Grande Community Christmas Tree. With clergy members from all island churches participating, the ceremony will take place on Park Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets. A longtime Boca Grande tradition, the tree lighting will include […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY SUE ERWIN What happens when you are 23 and just earned your college degree, but aren’t sure what to do with your life just yet? That was the situation Andrew Forsthoefel had to figure out after he graduated from college in Vermont in 2011. So he packed a backpack and spent the next […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Profiles.
■ BY SUE ERWIN Capt. Mark Futch has brushed shoulders with many famous people in his days. He’s been a fishing guide for Neil Armstrong and helped him land a 115-pound tarpon. He’s also filmed scenes from his seaplane with stars like Colin Farrell and Denzel Washington. “Running a saltwater seaplane is a very expensive operation,” Mark […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY SUE ERWIN – When Boca Grande residents Peter and Elsa Soderberg learned that Suncoast Humane Society needed a catalyst to help kick-start the campaign for a new campus, they took action. The Soderbergs scheduled a meeting with Executive Director Phil Snyder and offered a $1 million gift to get the project going. The organization needs […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
PROVIDED BY THE BARRIER ISLAND PARKS SOCIETY – Nearly 30 years ago, a group of concerned island residents set out to rescue the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse at the south end of the island from decades of neglect and the effects of an eroding beach. By working together, the historic lighthouse was restored and the legacy […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY MARCY SHORTUSE – Saturday, Nov. 25 marks the grand opening of Boca Bargains for the 2017-2018 season. According to long-time volunteer JoAnn Welch, the shop, located on Park Avenue at Banyan Street, is “filled to the gills; we can hardly open the doors!” To showcase furniture donated over the summer, the opening will include […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
Join family and friends at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3 for the annual lighting of the Boca Grande Community Christmas tree. With clergy members from all island churches participating, the ceremony will take place on Park Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets. A longtime Boca Grande tradition, the tree lighting will include carol singing […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
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 […]