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ECOWATCH: Activist leads fight against climate in crisis

Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, Opinion.

Recent headlines gave the long-awaited news that The Mosaic Company, the phosphate giant that has been mining the mineral for years, has been denied a permit by the Charlotte County Commission to continue that activity. The Commission approved a change in zoning bylaws that prohibits phosphate mining and all other activities including phosphate manufacturing in the area. Mosaic is sure to refile for permits to continue to keep their massive enterprise alive. However, many organizations and activists who have opposed phosphate mining for years are ready to again fight to keep phosphate mining out of the area, due to its disastrous effect on the ecosystem. This is a victory, and hopefully the ban will last.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Woman’s Club thanks all for a tremendous virtual auction response

Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.

On behalf of Boca Grande Woman’s Club, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our island community for its magnanimous support of our annual fundraiser. When it was determined that gathering in a tent for “A Grande Gatsby Affaire” was not in the best interest of our community, we proceeded with a virtual auction. Most of our generous ticket holders converted these purchases to donations. Many island businesses and residents donated unique items and experiences to the auction. Other altruistic Boca Grande residents provided sponsorships and donations.

More details disclosed about new Banyan Gasparilla Sound resort

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.

This week it was announced that Banyan Gasparilla Sound, just outside of Boca Grande at the Fishery property, has opened up their sales through Gulf to Bay Sotheby’s International Realty’s Rich Taylor.
The announcement contains the most details released to date and includes information about the 99 condominiums, designed by SB Architects, that start at $1.3 million. The sizes will range from 1,400 to 2,100 square feet with two or three bedroom options and will be decorator ready.
The project also includes 83 fully furnished resort residences.

Two well-known artists together for the first time

Written by Susan Hanafee on . Posted in News.

Two artists who have made their mark in Boca Grande and nearby communities – John Mitchell Sr. and Carroll Swayze – are joining forces for the first time in a show that opens on Friday, Feb. 18, on Cole Key, better known as the Boca Grande North Club House at 6020 Boca Grande Causeway.
The opening reception will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 18 and will continue from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 20. All are welcome. There is no charge for entry to the show.

BGHPB approves St. Andrew’s garden, Journey’s End projects

Written by T Michele Walker on . Posted in News.

“This is an issue where we can’t tell if this property is contributing or non-contributing,” said Hahn. “And as we looked at the history, although we originally placed it as a contributing property, it was listed as a non-contributing property. When it was nominated into the national register, and it was all under one person’s ownership, it was listed as part of a complex. The building is considered part of the historic district. We think that based on the evidence provided here, the building should be considered contributing.” 

Becoming a centenarian

Written by Boca Grande Health Clinic on . Posted in Health & Wellness.

By Dr. Raymond James, Boca Grande Health Clinic If you’re looking to have a long, productive life, there’s a lot to be learned from the lifestyle choices made by people in the world’s “Blue Zones” – places where people live the longest and are healthiest. These “secrets to longevity” were discussed in the January 25 […]

Hamming it up in Georgia

Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages, News.

The beginning of 2022 started off with a road trip to Atlanta, Georgia to visit the Georgia Aquarium. Summer, Bailey (FSC alum ’21), Katie (FSC alum ’20) and I spent the
first night in Jacksonville, FL before driving the six hours to
our hotel in Marietta. Bright and early the next morning, we
arrived to the Georgia Aquarium. It was a peaceful, almost
haunting environment while we made a beeline for the underwater tunnel towards the 6.3+ million-gallon tank.

Creative solutions for the ‘Great Resignation’

Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in News.

The pandemic continues to transform the labor force. During the first months of 2021, millions left their jobs, resulting in what some call “the Great Resignation.” 
As it is with many things, Gasparilla Island has not experienced the same worker shortage as the rest of the mainland, but it’s easy to see once you cross the causeway that “help wanted” signs are hanging in every restaurant and store, and many businesses are forced to close early due to a lack of employees. In fact, around the country businesses are struggling to find qualified employees, and many are starting to think outside the box.
While many retirees have gone back to work to take advantage of sign-on bonuses and additional income, there are also organizations like Easterseals who have highly-trained clients willing and ready to step into these available job opportunities.
And businesses are taking notice.

History Bytes: The Davis brothers remember some of their best years

Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Community History.

Doug and Frank Davis spoke for themselves, their sister Robin Davis Melvin and Doug’s wife Gail Coleman Davis at the Feb. 9 History Bytes presentation. During the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s, the Davis family lived in Arcadia and in Belle Glade but their summers and holidays were spent in a house on Gilchrist, across from St. Andrew’s Church, that was haunted. The ghost they called George appeared regularly. A bedroom door would open, a bright light would be seen – Doug says it looked like someone had turned on the hall light – then a figure would appear. Once they found footprints on the hall floor in some spilled body powder Robin or her mother Judy used before going to bed. And their dog, Coco, growled at sounds of footsteps coming up the stairs but there was no one there. While startling at first, George was not threatening and they learned to live with him.