Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News, Profiles.
■ BY SUE ERWIN Bill Whitney has always been interested in the rhythm and beat of the drums. For the past five years, he’s been the drummer/percussionist for the Royal Palm Players. Bill became involved with the Royal Palm Players five years ago when he met Dan Headington, who was president of the organization at […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Obituaries.
Vernon Armour, 90, died of natural causes on Tuesday, April 10, 2018. Vernon was born in Lake Forest, IL to Lester and Leola Stanton Armour on July 1, 1927. He was preceded in death by his wife Linda Freeman Armour, and siblings Elizabeth Hollins, Lester Jr. and T. Stanton Armour. He is survived by his […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial, Featured News, Letters to the Editor, News, Opinion.
To the Editor: I have lived on this island for almost 35 years. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t reflect on what a great place Gasparilla Island is. I’ve studied its history, the story of a small fishing village that was destined to be the playground for the rich and un-famous. […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News.
■ BY SUE ERWIN AND MARCY SHORTUSE At its monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 11, the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board addressed confusion over the Promenade after residents received letters from code enforcement and threats of hefty fines. According to historical records, from Fourth Street to First Street the land along the seawall has been […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News.
■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE House Bill 631, signed into law last month but just recently making headlines, has some Gasparilla Island homeowners and beachgoers puzzled about their rights to access local beaches. While the answer is – of course – clear as mud when you ask a lawmaker, be assured it isn’t as impactful as […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News.
■ STAFF REPORT Community and tourism champion Mark O. Asperilla, MD has been selected as the 2018 Charlotte County Tourism Hall of Fame inductee and will be inducted during the annual tourism luncheon on Tuesday, May 10 at 11 a.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center. The Hall of Fame was established in […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit invites everyone on the island to a special presentation on ID theft and other fradulent activities, scheduled for Wednesday, April 25 at 2 p.m. in the Boca Bay Power House. Topics will include credit card fraud, phone scams, email phishing and social media scams. At least one island […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News.
■ SUE ERWIN Every other year, students from The Island School work to create unique pieces of art that get to be on display for everyone to see at the Boca Grande Art Center. The 2018 Island School exhibit will begin on Wednesday, April 18. All are invited to join the proud parents and families of […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News.
■ BY SUE ERWIN Volunteer rangers are sought for the Caloosahatchee Waterkeeper program in Fort Myers. The Caloosahatchee River Watch, also known as the Caloosahatchee Citizens Association, started back in 1997. The organization applied for Waterkeeper status with the Waterkeeper Alliance in late 2016, and requested that John Cassani serve as their Waterkeeper. A Waterkeeper […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News, Profiles.
■ BY SUE ERWIN Dr. Raymond James has been serving patients in the area for more than two decades, and since March he’s been treating patients at the Boca Grande Health Clinic. He officially started as a physician at the island clinic on March 1, 2018. The doctor comes to Boca Grande from Englewood Community Hospital, where […]