Written by Boca Grande Health Clinic on . Posted in Health & Wellness, News.
It used to be that we wondered if we caught a flu bug or just had a case of the common cold. Then we weren’t sure if our allergies were giving us a hard time or if red tide was to blame. And of course, we can’t forget COVID-19, which marches on. Right now, COVID-19, […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in News.
BY ROGER LEWIS Two favorite speakers from past years, Candice Millard and Akhil Reed Amar, will lead the 2023 programming for Friends of Boca Grande at the Community Center. Candice Millard will talk about her new book, “River of the Gods: Genius Courage and Betrayal in the Search for the Source of the Nile,” on […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News.
People have started noticing a change in the air. It is not only the cold fronts that have started bringing lower temperatures and lower humidity, but the air is full of birds. Recovery from Hurricane Ian is starting to happen among wildlife, as it is doing to many of the human species. Dr. Robin Bast, […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
Col. James Clark Dieffenderfer (“Jimmie Dee”), a long-time visitor to Boca Grande and the father of local resident Ann Fletcher, took his final flight on 16 September 2022. A decorated World War II hero and a man of extraordinary character, he leaves behind a loving and extended family, along with countless friends. He died peacefully […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.
Cemeteries all over the country honored deceased veterans on Saturday, Dec. 17, by placing holiday wreaths on their graves and holding memorials, usually naming aloud each person being honored. The memorial celebrations were part of a national effort known as Wreaths Across America Day. “Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages.
A BOCA BEACON TIMELINE FIVE YEARS AGO Dr. Raymond James joined the Boca Grande Health Clinic staff. TEN YEARS AGO The Mote Marine Laboratory branch on the island was about to open and Cannon and Kyle Jones spoke to the Beacon about the school shooting in Newtown, Conn. It occurred at the elementary school they […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Editorial, News.
By Hector Flores, Charlotte County The Christmas and New Year’s holidays are a time of celebration and reflection. I wish you and your loved ones health, happiness and a deserving respite from the hard work we’ve all been doing to recover from the damage caused by Hurricane Ian. I am so proud of the efforts […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Columns, Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO The Pink Pony got that really cool machine that presses pennies into different designs. TEN YEARS AGO Ed Seale passed away, a true Southern gentleman who helped shape Gasparilla Island with his real estate company. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO A company that was looking into purchasing the old Mercabo facility wanted to put […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial, Opinion.
This has been a strange year. So was the year before it … and the year before it … and so on. It’s been a non-stop parade of “unprecedented” situations we’ve been experiencing, all the while trying to continue on with what we recall our “normal” lives to have been. That memory is slipping further […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
In some cases, insurance premiums are up 400 percent on island homes for fiscal year 2022-23 Everyone has been aware of the unavoidable insurance premium increase that would come after Hurricane Ian, but one Gasparilla Island couple was so flummoxed by their recent renewal premium, they see this as a game changer for many residents […]