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 […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ STAFF REPORT The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association (GICIA) encourages everyone to have a magical Christmas this year. The cooler weather and holiday atmosphere will certainly increase the number of people utilizing the GICIA bike path throughout the holidays. So, in its ongoing efforts to maintain a safe path for all users, the […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ 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 […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Profiles.
■ 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 […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial, Letters to the Editor, News, Opinion.
To the Editor: Life along the beach in Southwest Florida has been difficult in 2018, with persistent red tide brought on shore by westerly winds. The resultant mortality of fish and invertebrates plus airborne toxins very irritating to the eyes and lungs have chased away not only tourists, but also our beautiful shorebirds. Some recent […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ 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 […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ STAFF REPORT Lemon Bay High School Project Graduation will be holding a bake sale downtown in front of the Post Office on Saturday, Dec. 15 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Money raised will be donated to the Project Graduation fund for an all-night event for graduating seniors of Lemon Bay High School. It is […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY SUE ERWIN The Boca Grande Farm & Fish Market will return to the island on Friday, Dec. 21, 2018. Hours of operation will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. New to the market this season will be vendors Laurie’s Granola, French Chef Meli-Gusto, Pita Stop Mediterranean Food, and Beef County, a local […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ STAFF REPORT The Boca Grande Club’s Tennis Ball Committee has pulled out all the stops for this year’s Tennis Ball gala fundraising event. This is a key fundraiser benefiting Suncoast Humane Society for the 11th straight year. This year’s ball again promises to have exciting silent and live auction packages, focusing on art and culture. […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ 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. […]