Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
The Beacon has periodically published letters to the editor about leafblowers. Most of those have appealed for something close to an outright ban on all leafblowers. The problem with that position is, too much is invested in good-looking properties on Gasparilla Island … and lawn crews gotta work.
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
Let me get this straight. We already have an excess of boats using the existing parking facilities at the Placida boat ramp. This purchase will support, and encourage, more cars on our roads, more boats on our precious waters, and more pressure on the fish. More fossil fuels being burned, more destruction to the natural grasses that are essential to a healthy fishery, more insensitive boaters abusing what used to be so very special, and more congestion on the causeway — because this additional excess will further congest access to the causeway.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Obituaries.
‘Kin to almost everyone on the island’ As the sun would start setting on any given day, you might find Jo Anne Speer down at 1st Street beach. Sometimes her nephew and caretaker, Nelson, would accompany her. Other times it was her little dog. Jo Anne passed away on March 7, 2022, in her sleep, […]
Written by Boca Grande Health Clinic on . Posted in Health & Wellness, News.
On March 28 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of a second COVID-19 booster shot for persons over the age of 50. Additionally, persons over the age of 18 with compromised immune systems are also eligible for a second booster shot. Both Pfizer and Moderna mRNA shots have been granted emergency use authorization – or EUA – for a second booster. Both vaccines seem to be equally effective in boosting neutralizing antibody levels and immunity. Both vaccines can be given as second boosters at four months or more after previous booster administration.
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News.
Two news legends took the podium at the Johann Fust Library Foundation’s first-ever Author’s Luncheon Thursday, April 7, at the Gasparilla Inn. The crowd of 100 was enthralled by the wit and charm of the principle speaker, as well as the man who introduced her.
Tom Brokaw, resident of Boca Grande, and retired television journalist and author, presented his friend and fellow television journalist Lesley Stahl at the Johann Fust Library first-ever “Author’s Luncheon” on Thursday, April 7 at The Gasparilla Inn and Club.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
An analysis of the counties in Florida where residents earned the most income from investments in 2018 has been completed, and Lee and Sarasota counties came in strong for the state at fifth and sixth place, respectively. The year 2018 was used as it had the most complete (returned) information to date. The study compared counties across three metrics using IRS data: ordinary dividends, qualified dividends and net capital gains. Counties where residents earned the greatest amount of income in these categories were those that ranked the highest.
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages, Columns, Opinion.
On April 29, the University of Florida Institute will offer “Go Florida Native for Arbor Day.” Those interested can sign up to plant and care for a collection of native plants in their own yards. The Institute will offer one kit per household to those who preregister and attend a short class on planting and caring for their plants. This kit will consist of one Florida native tree, two shrubs and two grasses.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
In three years America will be celebrating its 250th-year anniversary. Friends of Boca Grande Community Center has gathered eight renowned historians, including Rick Atkinson and Nathaniel Philbrick, to explore the American Revolution from its origin to the year 1783. On Wednesday, April 20 to Friday April 22, go beyond the facts and dates and rediscover the American Revolution from military, social, cultural, economic and historical perspectives.
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in News.
There were two croquet grounds on the island when Lucinda arrived. One was a Boca Bay amenity for residents of Boca Bay. The other was a Gasparilla Inn amenity for guests of The Inn and Inn owner Bayard Sharp. Lucinda, who lived in Boca Bay across from the court, took up the sport along with Boca Bay neighbors Blaine and Sheila Davis. Blaine and Sheila became particularly expert, so much so that Blaine was invited to play with Mr. Sharp. Blaine also had a vision: that The Inn Club become open to outside membership, as are The Inn Golf and Beach Clubs. Mr. Sharp was receptive to Blaine’s vision, thus the Gasparilla Mallet Club, with a subscription membership, was born. The Mallet Club now hosts the annual USCA- sanctioned Blaine Davis Invitational Six-Wicket Croquet Tournament, in Blaine’s honor and memory.
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in News, Obituaries.
BY CHEF TIM SPAIN Unfortunately, my friend Chef Josh Orlick, passed away last week. He will be sorely missed. Josh and I worked together on several occasions in Boca Grande. He was the first person I always called to ask for help for upcoming events. He usually agreed and sometimes would show up a half-hour […]