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Relaunch of Lotus: A Seibert creation, a labor of love

■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE Recently a small but very meaningful ceremony took place on the island that honored the boat-making skills of the Seibert family, just after the loss of island resident Tim Seibert. Tim’s father designed the boat shown here, named Lotus. She is a 20-foot sloop designed in 1944 but not actually built […]

Profile: Chuck Young

■ BY SUE ERWIN He’s a friendly guy from Minnesota, and he’s been enjoying a “Grande” life in Boca since he retired a few years ago. Chuck Young is originally from Saint Paul, Minnesota. His father was a travelling construction superintendent, so the family moved all around the nation many times, but they always ended up […]

Obituary: Eunice Albritton

Eunice Albritton, known for her part in The Fishery’s history and whose father, Walter Gault, ran the old fish house there, has passed away. After Gault’s death Mrs. Eunice took over management of the Gasparilla Fishery. Eventually the popular Fishery Restaurant was built. The Albritton family ran the Gasparilla Fishery, Fishery Restaurant and a fleet […]

Charlotte County reminds everyone of tangible tax deadline

To the Editor: The Charlotte County Property Appraiser reminds business and rental property owners that the deadline for filing 2018 tangible personal property tax returns is April 1, 2019. A return must be filed by April 1, 2019 to receive the up to $25,000 tangible exemption. However, if a blue postcard was received, filing the […]

Scarpa’s Coastal coming soon! Old Theatre Building to come back to life

■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE Boca Grande is abuzz with talk of the new restaurant that will tentatively be opening around May 1 in the Old Theatre Building, where PJ’s Seagrille used to be located. “We are super excited about this, and we hope everyone else is, too,” said Ashley Scarpa, co-owner of the new eatery that […]

Bach concert to be held tomorrow at Lighthouse Methodist Church

■ BY SUE ERWIN Are you a fan of classical music? If so, you won’t want to miss concert artist Dr. Wojciech Wojtasiewicz performing at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Lighthouse Methodist Church. Admission to the concert is free, and all ages are encouraged to attend. A native of Warsaw, Poland, Dr. Wojtasiewicz […]

Mercabo eco-restoration continues, tours offered to the public

■ SUBMITTED BY GICIA The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association (GICIA) is pleased to announce that the State permits for the Mercabo Cove Project have been issued. This project, which will transform the basin area of the Mercabo Preserve into a marine sanctuary, will provide long-term benefits, including improved water quality, enhanced fish and bird […]

Prominent prosecutor and author to speak at library foundation benefit

■ BY SUE ERWIN She worked at the first district attorney’s office in the country that introduced DNA evidence in a major homicide case in 1986, before the courts ever accepted it as reliable. She was also responsible for helping change the way laws treated domestic violence cases. Linda Fairstein will be the featured guest […]

The light has been relit!

Last Saturday evening, February 9, 2019, the Barrier Island Parks Society had a celebration to officially relight the historic Boca Grande Rear Entrance Range Light, now officially designated the Gasparilla Island Light. The ceremony was a “thank you” to the “miracle workers” who restored this island icon, and a tribute to the 650+ donors whose […]

Appreciation for a new look for Whidden’s, remembering Isabelle

■ On Tuesday, Feb. 12 the members of the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum gathered together to honor those who have contributed to the ongoing dock restoration at Whidden’s Marina, and those who helped to fund the project. A new look for the interior historical rooms of the museum/marina was also presented. Michael Hayman came to […]