Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Profiles.
BY SUE ERWIN – Ralph DiCarlo has lived on the island with his wife, Charlene, for more than 20 years. The couple relocated from Springfield, Mass. After spending some time on the east coast of Florida, they decided they preferred the west coast because of the calmer, less populated areas. “This side of the state is beautiful – […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY BAYNE STEVENSON – The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association has successfully purchased the Mercabo 30-acre tract at the entrance to the Boca Grande Causeway. The outpouring of support from Gasparilla Island residents and the surrounding communities was unprecedented, exceeding more than 1,100 donors, including several island nonprofits. Phase II of the “Preserve” project […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community, News.
A local dog foster mom is desperately looking for help in placing a very handsome hound in a forever home. Renee Reeves works with Blanche Vedette at The Loose Caboose. Blanche has a foster program for dogs called Tank’s Legacy, and Renee has been fostering Frank, or Frankie Blue Eyes, as he is known.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Sports & Outdoors.
BY VICKY WINTERER – The Island School, a tuition-free charter school for grades K-5, held its 3rd Annual $1,000,000 Golf Shootout last week on a benign winter day at The Gasparilla Inn & Club’s golf course. The funds raised by this popular event are a vital component in providing financial stability for The Island School, Lee […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Entertainment.
SUBMITTED BY THE ROYAL PALM PLAYERS – On Broadway, every Tony award begins with an audition. Here at Royal Palm Players, we begin every season with a general audition. In the professional theatre there are two types of auditions: the “general audition” or “casting call” and the “callbacks.” The general audition, fondly referred to by […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
It was man against beast on a recent hunt in the Everglades called The Florida Python Challenge. Pilot Mark Futch and his friends Randy Wayne White and White’s son, Rogan, flew down to take part in the hunt. Rogan got one right through the head, a nice shot especially considering difficult circumstances. That snake was […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community History.
BY SUE ERWIN – Capt. Bill Miller, Capt. Ray Rodriquez and Capt. John ‘Tater’ Spinks entertained a crowd at the Johann Fust Community Library on Wednesday morning. The event, “A First Mate’s Look at Miller’s Marina Before and After the Fire,” was part of the 2016 “History Bytes” hosted by the Boca Grande Historical Society. The […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
Tickets for the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce 2016 “Ultimate Dining Experience” are still on sale and will be available until they are sold out or until the drawing of the winner on Easter weekend. One lucky winner will receive certificates for dinner for two (excluding alcohol and gratuity) at all 9 island restaurants.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY SUSAN HANAFEE – What do the United Methodist Women’s Strawberry Festival and Boca Bargains have in common? Artist John Mitchell, Sr. for starters. Mitchell is a frequent patron of Boca Bargains and a generous donor to the Strawberry Festival, which will be held on March 5, starting at 9 a.m. at the Community Center grounds. […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY SUE ERWIN – Ten explorers climbed aboard a 42-foot covered catamaran named the “Papyrus” and departed from Cape Haze Marina to Don Pedro Island last Monday to traverse the island. The walking tour was led by Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center docent Al Squires, who has been a volunteer with the organization since 1995. The group […]