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How to protect your home from lightning

■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE Lightning is one of the most fickle aspects of nature, as those of us who live in “The Lightning Capital of the World” can attest to. With bolts of energy that can reach temperatures of 50,000 degrees, maintaining a healthy respect for this element is a must. As scary as that […]

Island waste collection assessment to increase

■ STAFF REPORT Charlotte County has reached an agreement with Waste Management to continue providing waste collection to residents of unincorporated areas of Charlotte County, beginning Oct. 1 Residents will see an increase in their sanitation assessment rates. The increase was negotiated during the recent rate case provided for by County Ordinance, which allows the […]

Hampton Boney publishes his first book, based on a tarpon dream

■ BY SUE ERWIN There’s a new author in town, and he happens to be a first grader at The Island School. Hampton Boney had a dream last year that he caught a 500-pound tarpon, breaking the record for the biggest fish ever caught of that species. His vivid memories from that dream inspired him to […]

Update on Larissa the loggerhead

■ BY SUE ERWIN Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association patrol members reported that Larissa, the female loggerhead that was found wondering on the beach recently and transported to Mote Marine for treatment, is doing better. She is now eating on her own, but still is having a little trouble breathing in deep water. Her blood count […]

Sign up now for the Great Beach Cleanup

■ STAFF REPORT Join Gasparilla Vacations, LeeCounty, Gulf Coast International Properties and the Ocean Conservancy on Saturday, Sept. 21 for the 31st annual International Coastal Cleanup Day in Boca Grande. The cleanup begins at 9 a.m. and continues until noon. Volunteers and sponsors are needed. Gloves, trash bags, water and T-shirts will be available to […]

Profile: Steve Rinaldi

■ BY SUE ERWIN Steve Rinaldi remembers when there was a campground at the north end of Gasparilla Island. As a kid, he would visit Boca Grande with his family every few weeks. He also recalls when the Innlet Marina was the Knight Brothers’ boatyard. “It was still operational when I was a kid, and they […]

And now, a word about President Donald Trump

To the editor, It’s long past time for Congress to hold Trump accountable. It’s time for a formal impeachment inquiry. Here’s what we know: Donald Trump claims the Mueller report exonerated him, but Mueller clearly stated in his testimony last month that he did NOT exonerate Trump. Mueller’s investigation found extensive criminal activity, uncovered over […]

The good and the bad regarding anonymity

■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE It’s been a quiet week on the code enforcement complaint front, with nothing new listed since August 19. That’s a refreshing change, to be sure, but it doesn’t stop people on the street from constantly asking me (and each other) who the person was making the complaints. I can tell you […]

Saying goodbye to the Boca Grande Dog Park

We were blessed for many years to have one of the most beautiful dog parks in the United States, but the times they are a-changin’. The Gasparilla Inn & Club has announced that September 1 will be the last day the dog park is open; construction on the new Gasparilla Inn Beach Club facilities will […]