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On April 29, the University of Florida Institute will offer “Go Florida Native for Arbor Day.” Those interested can sign up to plant and care for a collection of native plants in their own yards. The Institute will offer one kit per household to those who preregister and attend a short class on planting and caring for their plants. This kit will consist of one Florida native tree, two shrubs and two grasses. 

There’s more to the story: Rediscover the American Revolution

In three years America will be celebrating its 250th-year anniversary. Friends of Boca Grande Community Center has gathered eight renowned historians, including Rick Atkinson and Nathaniel Philbrick, to explore the American Revolution from its origin to the year 1783. On Wednesday, April 20 to Friday April 22, go beyond the facts and dates and rediscover the American Revolution from military, social, cultural, economic and historical perspectives.

‘No whine’ wine and wickets

There were two croquet grounds on the island when Lucinda arrived. One was a Boca Bay amenity for residents of Boca Bay. The other was a Gasparilla Inn amenity for guests of The Inn and Inn owner Bayard Sharp. Lucinda, who lived in Boca Bay across from the court, took up the sport along with Boca Bay neighbors Blaine and Sheila Davis. Blaine and Sheila became particularly expert, so much so that Blaine was invited to play with Mr. Sharp. Blaine also had a vision: that The Inn Club become open to outside membership, as are The Inn Golf and Beach Clubs. Mr. Sharp was receptive to Blaine’s vision, thus the Gasparilla Mallet Club, with a subscription membership, was born. The Mallet Club now hosts the annual USCA- sanctioned Blaine Davis Invitational Six-Wicket Croquet Tournament, in Blaine’s honor and memory. 

The loss of a legendary chef, and friend

BY CHEF TIM SPAIN Unfortunately, my friend Chef Josh Orlick, passed away last week. He will be sorely  missed. Josh and I worked together on several occasions in Boca Grande. He was the first person I always called to ask for help for upcoming events. He usually agreed and sometimes would show up a half-hour […]

Saving the Annie-T, a gem of a sloop

The Annie-T was the serendipitous  collaboration between Sarasota’s legendary modernist architect Edward J. “Tim” Seibert FAIA , an original member of the Sarasota School of Architects, and Florida’s most celebrated wooden boat builder, George Luzier. Also collaborating was Seibert’s father, Capt. E.C. Seibert, USN, Ret., a naval architect and marine engineer who had been designing sailboats since the 1920s.

OBITUARY: Josh Orlick

Joshua Paul Orlick, 39, took his last cast when he passed away suddenly March 13, 2022. A local chef at The Loose Caboose for many years, as well as at Zekes on Dearborn in Engle- wood, he was passionate about his craft. His dream of owning a food truck was closer than ever. He was […]

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Resident feels all islanders should contribute at least $1,000 to show they care

To the Editor:Two Questions:1. Did you know?2. Does Boca care about their neighbors?At 6:37 a.m. on January 16, 2022 an EF1 (110 mph) tornado ripped through Gasparilla Marina and Estates. Most Boca residents, including myself, assumed it occurred some distance away. Yet it happened less than a mile outside the entrance to Boca Grande. At […]

Charlotte County commissioners ‘bit the apple,’ bought two of four lots for boat parking, kayak launch project

Charlotte County commissioners attended a meeting on Tuesday, March 22 that included the decision to unanimously give the go-ahead to purchasing two parcels of environmentally sensitive land in Placida that will expand boater access to the Placida Boat Ramp.
The two parcels are on Placida Road, across from the county boat ramp near the Boca Grande Causeway. Two additional parcels, which are adjacent to the ones considered at the March 22 meeting, are also under consideration for purchase by the county. They are owned by Brad Kelley, a man with local ties who is considered to be one of the top 10 landowners in the United States.

Catastrophes, accidents and calamaties featured in latest BGHS exhibit

This public exhibit showcased three major hurricanes – unnamed hurricane of 1926, Labor Day Hurricane of 1935, Hurricane Charley in 2004 which caused major damage to the island.
It also featured the explosion of the Arthur Albright, a phosphate carrier that blew up at the Port of Boca Grande in 1965 (due to a faulty valve resulting in over pressurization of the fuel tank). Eight men were hospitalized with extensive injuries.