Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Profiles.
During the weeks of spring break, families must be strategic about when they decide to come downtown for an ice cream cone. Often, at 4 p.m. the line can be out the door. Many of these families are regular visitors to Gasparilla Island, familiar faces that inhabit shops, restaurants and tennis courts year after year […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Community History.
BY JAMES J. BLAHA, DIRECTORBOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER The Roaring Twenties and The Jazz Age are just a few of the labels that historians have applied to this unique period of U.S. history. Although there was a depression in 1920-1921, the U.S. economy experienced significant growth during the twenties. The average income in the U.S. […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Travel.
Each week, our Ballyhoo section tells of restaurant on the island, as well as shopping and events. During the quiet season, there are still a great options, including the newly reopened South Beach Bar & Grille. For the week of Sept. 13, 2024, here are some options.
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Society.
BY MATTHEW HACKL There are few times in life you find the opportunity to upgrade from uncle to “the cool uncle.” My venture arrived in the form of a Gasparilla Island shopping spree. James, 11, William, nine, and Marguerite, four, (affectionately known by all as “Sister”) completed their daily cycle of watching a movie, going […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Uncategorized.
August is quieter on Gasparilla Island, but boutiques and eateries are still open, albeit with some limited hours. Below are just some of the store reports we have from island retailers and restaurants. Call first. Telephone numbers are listed below to check with individual boutiques and retailers. A reminder to island retailers to please email […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Editorial.
This week, the English comedian and actor Russell Brand held a podcast discussion on God with scientist Bret Weinstein. Most do not know Weinstein. Many do not know who Brand is; he is a British comedian, TV host and actor, who might be best known in America for his very brief marriage to singer Katy […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
There comes a time in many kids’ lives when they have to realize they have to pony up and take on the big fish … to stare that giant silver king in the eye and tell him he’s been bested. We’re hoping a lot of that takes place on Saturday, June 11 during the Gasparilla Island Kids’ Classic, a tournament that has become a well-loved island tradition since 2014.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News.
It’s been awhile since we have updated our listings of what’s going on around the island, and we are happy to report that many more of your favorite stores and restaurants are starting to re-open! Please plan a trip out if you haven’t been by since the ‘rona came to town! Boca Grande’s Houses of […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
UPDATED APRIL 1, 2020 The following activities have been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. Lee County schools are closed until May 1. LEE COUNTY BEACH ACCESSES WILL BE OPEN ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29. THE DOG PARK WILL RE-OPEN, AS WILL THE GREEN SPACE AT THE BOCA GRANDE COMMUNITY CENTER. THE COMMUNITY CENTER IS […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE Last Friday, Aug. 8, Lee County Code Enforcement began an earnest attempt to clean up some of the complaints about businesses that were left lingering on the books in the Boca Grande Historic District. So far, all complaints have been closed – with the exception of one against The Loose Caboose […]