It is a new year, the weather is cooler, island activities are picking up and there is a steady stream of users on the GICIA Bike Path. The GICIA’s Bike Path property includes approximately three miles of a pedestrian-friendly walking path and five miles of a 10-foot-wide paved path. This linear park is shared by many different users including walkers, runners, skaters, as well as people on golf carts, bikes, and wheelchairs. With activity on the Bike Path increasing, the GICIA encourages all users to adopt a “Share the Path” mindset.

St. Andrew’s Church welcomes #1 New York Times bestselling author of “To Heaven and Back” on Tuesday, Jan. 11 at 4 p.m. as the first guest speaker in the church’s “Faith and…” speaker series. Dr. Neal’s presentation will be in person at the church or live streamed on standrewsbocagrande.org.

A piece of island history may soon have an entirely new look, as the owners of the 7th Street boathouse are looking to tear down the old metal building and put up a two-story structure that will include space for not only boats, but for meetings, offices and a caretaker’s residence.

You never know who you’re going to run into while shopping in Boca Grande. From artists to presidents to television celebrities, the island is a gathering of talent from all walks of life. Imagine checking out at Hudson’s and J.K. Rowling (famed “Harry Potter” author) rings up your groceries. You don’t have to imagine any longer, because Kathy Auman, who works as a cashier at Hudson’s, has just published her first children’s book called “The Secret Bully Patrol.”