Skip to main content
Search Results for “with

4th of July parade plans finalized

Boca Grande’s annual Fourth of July parade will take place on, you guessed it, July 4, with the lineup beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot between Englewood Bank and the Old Theatre Building on Park Avenue. The parade will begin at 9 a.m. sharp, so make sure your decorations are on your golf […]

Saying goodbye to Father Carosella won’t be easy

Fr. Jerome Carosella has been the pastor of Boca Grande’s Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church for more than half of the time he has been a priest. He was ordained 60 years ago and has been pastor on the island for 35. 

He is Boca Grande’s pastor, no matter what church one might call home. He has been a fixture on the island for longer than most residents. And now he is retiring, which also means he will no longer be living at the rectory on West Railroad Avenue.

She never ceases to amaze us:

Artist Carroll Swayze’s work has been showcased in some of the most exclusive settings around the country – maybe around the world – and her marine life works have a color palette and style that can be recognized in an instant. For those of you who can’t fit another piece on your walls, though, you have a new way to appreciate it … by wearing it.

41 turtle lighting complaints since March

Since March, 41 sea turtle lighting complaints have been logged with Lee County Code Enforcement. Of those 41, all but two (which were closed and voided) were sent notices and no violations were issued. Addresses include many on Shore Lane, Gulf Boulevard, Gilchrist Avenue, Palm Avenue and a few beach access streets. The majority of […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rev. Daphne Johnson

“God is always doing something new,” she went on. “We are excited to see what God has in store for us as we serve together in ministry. Frank and I have had Lighthouse Methodist Church and all of Boca Grande in our prayers, and we hope people on the island will have us in their prayers as well, as we all go through this time of transition.”

OBITUARY: George Benisek

George John Benisek M.D., 91, passed away in his sleep under hospice care in Frankfort, Michigan on June 18, 2023.  He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara (Ellacott), brothers John and Paul, and grandson Kyle Killworth. He leaves his son George Benisek Jr. and daughters Lisa Benisek, Kay Muller (Fred), and Anne Bralver […]

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: How safe is our community?

 To the Editor: This vehicle burglary occurred IN BROAD DAYLIGHT on Lime Tree Park in Rotonda.  It serves as a crucial reminder about the utmost importance of consistently locking your vehicles, ensuring that all valuables are brought inside, and keeping your garage doors closed at all times, day or night. We are asking for anyone […]

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Lee County Commissioners recognize retiring county manager, approve contract for successor

To the Editor:  The Lee Board of County Commissioners today recognized retiring County Manager Roger Desjarlais for his 10 years of leadership and approved a contract for Deputy County Manager Dave Harner to assume the role, effective Aug. 1.  “I am deeply grateful to Roger for his service to the county over the last 10 […]

New golf cart regulations go into effect July 1 … Do you know what they entail?

One of the biggest changes to take place in a very long time is about to occur on July 1, when the newly-signed golf cart law goes into effect. House Bill 949 was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis a few weeks ago, which makes the legal age to operate a golf cart 16, or 15 with a learner’s permit and an adult present. If you’re 18 and older, you have to have valid government-issued identification.