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We’ve got a whole lot of new sand on our beach!

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – Excavators were seen driving off island Thursday morning, June 20, as the beach renourishment program is wrapping up. The extra beach isn’t as obvious at the Historic District access points … but my, oh my, is it ever noticeable at the old fishing pier at the south end. The landmark that […]

Searene is on fire! 11 releases to win the Red Gill

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – It was a very eventful few hours on the evening of Saturday, June 15 as the anglers participating in the Red Gill Invitational Tarpon Tournament brought 67 releases to the boat. In first place was Capt. Lamar Joiner Jr. and his team that included Richy Edwards, Leslie Edwards, Tiki Seralles and […]

5th Street beach access is now open

The 5th Street beach ramp and public access point is now open again, after Lee County finished repairing it on June 10. The ramp was closed earlier in the month after erosion took away the beach underneath it, due to high tides and windy storms. This particular beach-access point is important, as it is right […]

It’s hot, the iguanas are afoot: Here’s what you need to know

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – While we have been dealing with an iguana eradication program for many, many years, at Tuesday’s meeting it became apparent that either people haven’t been reading about the situation or just recently moved here. Because of this, and at the iguana panel’s request, we will attempt to break down the pertinent […]

Three new green turtle nests this week on local beaches

BY SUE ERWIN – Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association patrol members were happy to report three new green sea turtle nests documented on island beaches this week. “This is exciting news,” said Board member Mel Csank. “Last season we had only two Green turtle nests, so we are trending ahead significantly this year.” The north beach […]

Little Toot paid a visit to Gasparilla Island

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – It was quite an honor when Little Toot paid the island a visit … not to mention Christopher Robin as well. Last week the Johann Fust Library brought the small tug and its captain to Boca Grande Marina. Little Toot is a very famous children’s story written and illustrated by Hardie […]

Military Heritage Museum to celebrate Treaty of Versailles day

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – When you walk through the World War I portion of the Military Heritage Museum, a haunting site will catch your eye immediately. A cast sculpture called “The Buddies” by John Nelson Battenberg depicts two paratroopers, very similar to those who dotted the skies over Normandy on D-Day. Upon closer inspection you […]

OBITUARY: FLORITA FIELD

Florence Rita P. “Florita” Field, 91, of Scituate left this world on June 9, 2019 and entered another, to join her daughter Janet for all time. Florita leaves her husband of 68 years, Charles; children Susan McGowan (Randolph, Mass.) and Amy Chessia (Scituate) and spouse Eric Stamp; son Charles Jr. and wife Susan (also of […]

PROFILE: Ashley Scarpa

BY SUE ERWIN – Ashley Scarpa has been an entrepreneur in the restaurant business since 2006. Since April, she and her husband Glenn have been leasing the space that, until last summer, was home to PJ’s Seagrille located at 321 Park Ave. on the island. They own and operate Scarpa’s Coastal restaurant. The husband-and-wife team behind […]

Another terrific World’s Richest event has come and gone, thanks to the help of many

To the Editor: The 37th annual World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament was filled with Grande traditions, exciting tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass, expert captains, mates and anglers, generous sponsors, incredible judges, talented artists, hardworking volunteers and the love and spirit of the Boca Grande Community. The Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce was honored to […]