Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Events, Featured News.
This year, the lighting of the community Christmas Tree was held in front of The Gasparilla Inn. The ceremony, which included readings and appearances by all four of our island clergy, included lighting of the tree by Jeanie and Bayne Stevenson, who traditionally host the ceremony at the railroad station. Cookies and programs provided by […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
Island leaders met Tuesday morning, Dec. 10, to debrief the emergency response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Among those in attendance were moderator and AUXCOMM Project Coordinator Bo Hamrick, Boca Grande Fire Department Chief C.W. Blosser, and Lt. Mike Sawicki with Lee County Sheriff’s Office. “We were satisfied with the response,” Sawicki said of the […]
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
“When you give someone your time you are giving them a portionof your life that you’ll never get back. Your time is your life.That is why the greatest giftyou can give is your time.” Rick Warren, American Baptist Evangelical Christian Pastor and Author Now is the time that the frenzy of gift-buying will reach its […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Community History.
BY KAREN GRACE, BOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER For many years, Christmas Eve at the Louise du Pont Crowninshield Community House brought Santa and gifts. The Community House was opened in 1936. Mrs. Crowninshield “began hosting an annual Christmas pageant there for the children, whereupon Santa Claus would arrive with a sack full of toys,” according […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Donations taken through end of month for relief The Boca Grande Island Disaster Fund, with over $3.4 million in collected donations, has dispersed or reserved 97 percent of those donations for island non-profits and businesses. “We are not ready to disperse all,” said Larry Hannah, one of the organizers of the fund, which is being […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Breaking News, Education, News.
The storms of 2024’s hurricane season brought devastating damages to Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. “Repair and restoration estimates are still being determined,” said Father Anthony Hewitt, Pastor of the church, in a report he gave his congregation in late November. The process of restoration is overseen by the Diocese of Venice, which provides […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News.
The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority was able to identify an island resident who dumped hurricane rubbish on the Causeway. That resident was called, though at presstime had not yet responded. “We have cameras everywhere and we are watching,” said Kathy Banson, executive director, “and we were able to identify someone on island.” The person or […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News.
The date for the opening of the Boca Grande Post Office may be sooner than expected. While there is no official date, building owner Mark Spurgeon is now working with the maintenance and building section of the United States Postal Service in Denver on a reopening. “They will still see some activity going on,” said […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
As shops reopen around town, familiar streetscape icons return as well. Here Robin Melvin of Gasparilla Outfitters and Special Effects takes a first look at the shop signs restored by Chuck Forrest. Forrest also re-varnished the bench that sits under their front porch. The bench is a popular rest spot for husbands. The gold leaf […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
Summer restoration projects held up well SUBMITTED BY THE GICIA The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association (GICIA) is making good progress after the double whammy of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These monsters brought storm surges, flooding and masses of debris unlike anything the island has ever seen. The cleanup has been slow and challenging. […]