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PROFILE: Lily Taylor

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Profiles.

Hooked on island life… BY OLIVIA CAMERON- At the age of 22, Lily Taylor has already landed a position as the executive director of the Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce. This full-time Florida girl is eager to bring the community together over something we all have in common – our love for Gasparilla Island. Lily […]

Body found on beach at Stump Pass, graffiti investigated on island

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Police & Fire.

STAFF REPORT – The death of a man whose body was found at the water’s edge in Stump Pass Park in Englewood on Friday, July 31 has been ruled as a suicide. The call came in around 12:19 p.m. on Friday by boaters in the area. Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes and the Crime Scene Unit conducted the investigation. Several witnesses reported watching […]

You bet your life I took the pledge … a note from a long-time, well-loved island resident

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Health & Wellness.

BY SUSAN BOWERS – More than anything, I want my friends and neighbors in Boca Grande to stay well. It is our cherished home. I have never met fi ner people or had better, more loyal friends. They all live right here on our precious island. And the children, good heavens, they are the highlight of my days. I want to sincerely thank […]

The Boca Grande Club early years: The 1970s and 80s

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community History.

SUBMITTED BY THE BOCA GRANDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY – A November 1978 article in the St Petersburg Times announced the creation of a new development on Gasparilla Island, to be called the Boca Grande Club. The original investors in the project were Harper Sibley, who developed the Ocean Reef Club on Key Largo; Wilber H. (Bud) Cole, a founder of Punta Gorda Isles Inc.; Louis […]

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Lee Commissioners approve next round of LeeCARES assistance programs

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.

To the Editor: The Lee Board of County Commissioners today authorized the next round of LeeCARES programs to assist individuals, families and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board approved plans to: • Launch Round 2 of LeeCares Assistance for individuals and families providing for broader eligibility and increased award amounts up to $3,000 […]

EDITORIAL: County Manager proud of response to COVID-19

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial.

BY ROGER DESJARLAIS – I want to thank Lee County’s residents for your perseverance during these difficult times. I also want to thank our Lee County employees who have stepped up to the challenge of what all public servants are tasked to do in times of great need – serve the community. You know many […]

Beacon team wins 13 awards at FPA competition

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

STAFF REPORT – It was a good showing for the Boca Beacon team at the Florida Press Association’s Better Weekly Newspaper Awards on Friday, July 31, with the virtual presentation announcing 13 awards that went to the island’s hard-working newshounds. This year the awards were even sweeter, as it was a record number of entries […]

GICIA Update: Mercabo Cove Project showing signs of change

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

BY MISTY NICHOLS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GICIA – The GICIA’s Mercabo Cove Project is showing signs of progress. Construction firm TSI Disaster Recovery along with Project Engineer and Manager, Hans Wilson of HWA, are keeping the project on schedule. At this time construction continues, but once the hardscape is complete the planting of native plants and grasses will begin. The final phase of the […]