Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY SUE ERWIN As a labor of love, a small congregation has worked to preserve an island landmark over the past century. The historic First Baptist Church of Boca Grande will in 2019 celebrate the 110th anniversary of its founding. Dr. Gary Beatty accepted the call as pastor at the church on Christmas Eve […]
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■ STAFF REPORT On Tuesday, Dec. 18 an island woman lost her life after the vehicle she was driving was involved in a traffic accident with a UPS truck. At approximately 4:04 p.m. Cassie Kernan, 74, of Boca Grande was driving her vehicle southbound out of her driveway in the 400 block of Luke Street. She […]
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■ STAFF REPORT A n expert on Gilded Age art and architecture, Chelsea Bruner will be the luncheon speaker at the Boca Grande Historical Society’s Tour of Homes and Luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 31. She will explore the motivations and cultural aspirations of the so-called “robber barons,” whose unprecedented wealth fueled an architectural and cultural […]
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■ SUBMITTED BY MISTY NICHOLS Last Friday a group of curious ladies had the opportunity to participate in a weapons training class provided by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. This was an educational morning filled with class time, a tour of the Lee County gun range, as well as supervised time on the range. During the […]
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■ BY SUE ERWIN Julie Camp learned how to run a successful business at the young age of 21. Her father, Ken Heimann, Sr., bought the Pink Pony building on Park Avenue in Boca Grande in the early 1980s. The retired Chicago police officer wanted a change when he retired, so after doing some exploring around […]
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■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE A group representing The Gasparilla Inn & Club breathed a collective sigh of relief at the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 12, as Lee County staff recommended approval and the board passed a motion of approval for the new Beach Club project where the island dog park […]
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■ SUE ERWIN The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board approved four items at their monthly meeting on Wednesday, December 12, aside from approving the redevelopment of The Gasparilla Inn Beach Cottages and amenities. One of the proposals was a request to construct a detached garage at the rear and side of the Robinette residence located at […]
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■ BY SUE ERWIN Mike Wheddle plays rhythm guitar and is the lead vocalist for the Boca Bande, a group that’s been performing at restaurants and New Year’s Eve bashes on the island for more than 20 years. But members of this community won’t get the chance to hear Mike sing this New Year’s Eve. […]
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■ STAFF REPORT Carroll Swayze’s 31st annual Studio Party & Art Lovers Appreciation Day is Saturday, December 15, from 2-10 p.m. at the Carroll Swayze Studio, 2373 Donovan Rd. in the north end of Englewood just off SR 776. You can’t miss it: Just turn at the lighted “bicycle tree.” Each year Swayze opens her eclectic […]
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■ BY SUE ERWIN It was a very chilly morning for a boat ride, but 49 people stepped aboard the Santiva on the morning of November 29, to embark on a trip along the Calusa Blueway, The Boca Grande Historical Society hosts a group excursion each year to explore different historical landmarks in the area. […]