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Angels among us: Woman’s Club initiates much-needed relief fund

STAFF REPORT – The Boca Grande Woman’s Club announced today it will establish a $250,000 Emergency Relief Fund to provide immediate relief for the economic hardships incurred due to the shuttering of businesses and all economic and social activity in order to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.   “Funds will be available to […]

The loss of Nina Houghton resonates with many islanders

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – Nina Rodale Houghton, a former Boca Grande resident who made a tremendous impact on our island, passed away on March 15, 2020. Nina was born on November 13, 1937, and raised in Allentown, Pa. She was the daughter of Anna Andrews and Jerome Irving Rodale, a publisher (Rodale Press), editor, author, playwright, […]

The official word regarding our island population and COVID-19

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – As the Florida Department of Health and private labs are able to provide more and more tests for Florida residents, numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases are exploding. As of 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, there were 7,773 cases confirmed, with one of the highest 24-hour jumps reported – 819 new cases […]

Ladies Day canceled, World’s Richest fate to be determined: Local fishing captains suffer dire losses but message remains unchanged – go fishing

Executive Order 20-91, Section 3 “Essential Activities states: “For purposes of this Order and the conduct it limits, “essential activities” means and encompasses the following: Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and houses of worship; and participating in recreational activities (consistent with social distancing guidelines) such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running, or […]

PROFILE: Skip Branin

BY OLIVIA CAMERON – Francis ‘Skip’ Branin has dedicated his work to preserving financial stability within the community of Boca Grande. His skillset has allowed him to monitor the funding for island organizations. Before he was ever wintering on Gasparilla Island, Skip grew up in Cranbury, New Jersey, and now spends summers at the “Jersey […]

EDITORIAL: Helen Thrash Fraser

Helen Thrash Fraser passed away at home on March 20, 2020. She was born in 1930 to Dorothy Louise King and Charles Wilson Thrash. Helen had one brother, Charles Wilson Thrash, Jr. – deceased. She suffered with emphysema, COPD, and congestive heart failure. Helen took her Southern twang, grace, wit, beauty and talents with her. […]

A silver lining: Amidst the chaos, some normalcy

BY OLIVIA CAMERON – In spite of the Coronavirus pandemic, nobody has to miss their yoga classes, chorus rehearsals, or Sunday services. Ladies and gentlemen, our local groups have gone digital. Even though Grande Glee members may miss the sound of their chorus practice in person, they haven’t missed meeting all together. They are able to […]

Hudson’s, post office take action to prevent illness

BY OLIVIA CAMERON – The island has begun to change amid the Coronavirus updates. Local businesses are left to contemplate the safety of the town and the precautionary methods to be taken in the next few weeks. As a hot spot for frequent travelers, Boca Grande has succumbed to diligent hand sanitizer use. Dry hands […]