Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial, News.
It has been more than seven months since the morning of January 16, when an F1 tornado swept the bottom of Cape Haze Peninsula, damaging more than two dozen mobile homes in Gasparilla Island Estates. You would think in that amount of time, certainly the damage was cleaned up and repaired. But time has been […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community History, News.
Change can be difficult to accept, especially in the last few years when progress seems to be accelerating and changes are everywhere all over the Cape Haze Peninsula. One thing that has not changed – at least not yet – is a little family home at the back of Eldred’s Marina. You might have missed it all this time if you’ve only been to the main parking area, but when you see it, you’ll never forget it.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
When someone brings up the largest animals in the Gulf, it’s standard to think along the lines of whales and sharks, or maybe a Goliath grouper. But one of the largest species in our waters can be found both on land and in the water. It is a green sea turtle, which can grow to […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Community History, News.
In 1992 Charlotte County decided to put a public boat ramp on a strip of property they owned along the old railroad bed in Placida. It was an old rail siding that was abandoned when the rail line shut down, and the County had acquired ownership of the property after the train stopped running. The County had built the fishing pier on the old trestle, and this would provide parking for the pier as well as a boat ramp. The property was on the west side of what is now the walk path to the pier, and adjacent to the Mercury Marine test facility. Mercury got wind of it, and they didn’t want people launching boats and parking beside their operation, so they offered to trade the current site of the public ramp for the strip adjacent to their property. Why not just pass that headache to someone else? The County took them up on the proposal and built a boat ramp right beside Eldred’s Marina, then started giving away what the marina was charging for. Now the County was in direct competition with a local business, but they were providing the service for free. Private businesses can’t compete with that.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
We told you about the ongoing court case between Boca Grande resident Boots Tolsdorf and a Nantucket beachfront homeowner who ended up with an assault charge after he allegedly pushed Boots twice during an alteration. While Boots claimed to have been below the mark that signifies private property, the homeowner said she was not.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
Dorothy S. Gibson, of Frostproof, passed away on August 14, 2022, in her home surrounded by family. Dotty was born on December 1, 1929 in Deland to Albert A. Sullivan (deceased) and Edith Carter Sullivan (deceased). She later relocated with her family to Vero Beach, where she finished high school. She then attended Agnes Scott […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.
Ray grew up in Cuba in the 1950s and early 60s but was forced to flee the country as his father became more and more involved in the fight to bring freedom and prosperity to all the people of Cuba. Initially, this put him and his family in the crosshairs of Fulgencio Batista, and eventually in those of Fidel Castro, as well.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
Samuel A. Dixon, of Englewood, passed away Friday, August 12, 2022, with his family by his side. Sam was born in Richmond, Va., on September 30, 1963 to James O. Dixon (deceased) and Marian C. Dixon. Sam had four brothers: Tim, Tom, Sylvester and Andy, and five sisters: Eva Kate, Kathy, Becky, Ruth and Sarah, […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: The graduates of the 3rd Learn to Sail Class offered by Englewood Sailing Associates (ESA) stand proudly with their coaches and their director, C.H. Ritt. At the Sailing Center at Indian Mound Park on Lemon Bay. ESA has taught 74 students the basics of sailing and the ethics of seamanship this summer […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: Sanibel and Gasparilla Island are among the top spots for snook fishing in Florida this fall! Snook is one of the all-time favorite species of inshore anglers. And considering they are outstanding fighters as well as a delicious meal, that is no surprise. To ensure healthy populations fishing, for snook is limited, […]