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We are open and ready to serve you …

As more places of business reopen on the island, we get more opportunities to patronize them. Shown here: Rebecca Cleveland at Smart Studio is set up with art options galore; Jamie Curry from Gulf to Bay/Sotheby’s greeted Park Avenue visitors with her trademark smile from her sidewalk office; above, Gretchen, Renee and Vonda are happy […]

History: Christmas Eve memories and Louise Crowninshield

BY KAREN GRACE, BOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER For many years, Christmas Eve at the Louise du Pont Crowninshield Community House brought Santa and gifts. The Community House was opened in 1936. Mrs. Crowninshield “began hosting an annual Christmas pageant there for the children, whereupon Santa Claus would arrive with a sack full of toys,” according […]

Wanderer in the State Park

Although dogs are allowed on some beaches, many do not allow dogs, such as those at state parks, including Gasparilla Island State Park. Occasionally, they do escape. Over 30 species of shorebirds and seabirds use beach habitats for nesting, resting and finding food. Some birds also use the beach during winter for rest during migrations. […]

Extensive repairs to Our Lady on list

The storms of 2024’s hurricane season brought devastating damages to Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. “Repair and restoration estimates are still being determined,” said Father Anthony Hewitt, Pastor of the church, in a report he gave his congregation in late November.  The process of restoration is overseen by the Diocese of Venice, which provides […]

Illicit debris dumper identified by GIBA staff

The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority was able to identify an island resident who dumped hurricane rubbish on the Causeway. That resident was called, though at presstime had not yet responded. “We have cameras everywhere and we are watching,” said Kathy Banson, executive director, “and we were able to identify someone on island.” The person or […]

Post office opening date could be delivered soon

The date for the opening of the Boca Grande Post Office may be sooner than expected. While there is no official date, building owner Mark Spurgeon is now working with the maintenance and building section of the United States Postal Service in Denver on a reopening.  “They will still see some activity going on,” said […]

Give me Park Avenue with gold leaf

As shops reopen around town, familiar streetscape icons return as well. Here Robin Melvin of Gasparilla Outfitters and Special Effects takes a first look at the shop signs restored by Chuck Forrest. Forrest also re-varnished the bench that sits under their front porch. The bench is a popular rest spot for husbands. The gold leaf […]