Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Health & Wellness.
BY CHARLOTTE C. COWAN, MD Few things are more joyful – or more unpredictable – than a grandchild’s visit. Children inevitably bring with them both fun and minor chaos. And, as every grandparent knows, the best memories often come with a few “uh-ohs” along the way. This month’s Ask a Doc welcomes guest contributor Charlotte […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Police & Fire.
A Coast Guard Station Cortez boat crew rescued eight boaters on Saturday, after their 26-foot vessel became disabled approximately 35 miles west of Venice. The boaters and vessel were brought back to a Venice Inlet boat ramp with no reported injuries. An Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew located the boaters aboard their disabled […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Travel.
Allegiant Travel Company this week announced 30 new nonstop routes connecting 35 cities across the country, including four new markets. The new route here is from Punta Gorda, Florida via Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) and Trenton, New Jersey via Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN). It begins Feb. 20, 2026 with one-way fares as low as $49. The […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News.
The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority reported that cash tolls were up two percent and pass sales were up three percent for the 2025 fiscal year, ending Sept. 30, 2025. At the quarterly board meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 19, Executive Director Kathy Banson gave an operations update, sharing with the board that overall revenue for the […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association v. Lee County legal dispute was settled over the “Damfi” project. TEN YEARS AGO The GICIA announced that they would be working in earnest to secure pledges for the purchase of the Mercabo facility. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO The Loose Caboose and local wildlife volunteers held […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
This week, Lee County crews were out, removing three of the 21 banyans that line Banyan Street. An assessment: “They sacrificed themselves to help their others.” That was the grim opinion of horticulturist Rick Joyce, on the loss of a number of banyan trees on the island, not just on Banyan Street but at houses. […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE The 30th annual Gasparilla Island Fly Fishing Tournament is only a few days away! This year’s event will have prizes for all three of our back country slam species, redfish, snook and trout. First place for the tournament will consist of the two longest combined length redfish while second place will […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Opinion.
BY JIM COCHRUN In the mid-50s, my little hometown of Naples, Fla., had a substandard school system. It was shortly after my father picked me up from school one day that my life would change forever. I was barefooted, possessed no schoolbooks and homework assignments were nonexistent. The decision to yank me out of the […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
At its Nov. 12 meeting, Charlotte County approved the following appointments: Approved Vince Parrotta, of the Sunseeker Resort, to the Tourist Development Council and appointed Parrotta to fill the vacated Tourism Accommodations category. The term ends October 9, 2026. They also approved the reappointment to the Marine Advisory Committee, including Zachary Gloer as a representative […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Entertainment, Events, Featured News, News.
Musician and entrepreneur here Grammy-winning banjoist, composer and label founder Alison Brown returns to the stage next Friday, Nov. 21, with two performances at the Crowninshield Community House. Known for her innovative five-string banjo style and collaborations with artists including Steve Martin and the Indigo Girls, Brown blends bluegrass tradition with global influences. She spoke […]