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The Very Early Years
Once Upon an Island
Boca Grande Woman’s Club
Snapshots of Boca
Grande’s Historic Past
The Heartbeat of the Boca
Island Community
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A brief look at Florida’s past
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Celebrating 500 Years
of Florida’s History
Viva Florida Events
Meet Bob Melvin
The passion in this man is
evident in everything he does
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Pirates of Southwest Florida
Myths and Legends
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Boca Grande Health Clinic
Serving the Wellbeing of the Island
Cover photo by Lou Freeman
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BOCA GRANDE Magazine
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A Tsste of the Island
3rd Street Cafe
On the Cover
Staff List
30 Once Upon an Island
Adam Bartolotta
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Publisher
Danette Bartolotta
Managing Editor
Jessica Hobbs
Assistant Editor
Joyce Cattelane
Copy Editor
Lynda Venditti
Art Director
Trevin Steger
Graphic Designer
Matt Mativi
Director of Sales & Marketing
Photographic Images
by Heidemarie
Contributing Photographer
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In Focus
Photos of Events
Departments
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Island Talk
Highlights on local business
76
Red Tide Alert System and
Research Initiative
Providing an Early Warning System for
Red Tide Impacts on Boca Grande
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Island Must Haves
Products that you’ll love
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On the wild side
Discover our wildlife
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Business Directory
Resources at your fingertips
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It’s five o’clock somewhere
Cocktail recipe
For advertising information, please
call ROI Media at (941) 257-4352
To contact the Editorial Department,
please e-mail [email protected]
www.roimedia.us
www.bocagrandemagazine.com
Please mail any correspondence to:
Boca Grande Magazine
2500 Bobcat Village Center Road, Unit G
North Port, FL 34288
Boca Grande Magazine is published by ROI
Media. The editorial staff makes every effort
to ensure the accuracy of the information
presented herein. ROI Media is not liable
for errors or interpretations. The publisher
reserves the right to accept or reject any
advertising and/or editorial copy. No part
of this publication may be reproduced in
whole or in part, in any form, without the
prior written consent of the publisher.
follow us on
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Island Talk
Does your
business have
something
to say?
If you would like to
have your business
news featured in this
section, please call
(941) 257-4352.
Davis & Beyer Dental
Health Professionals
Specialty Scotches, Boutique Wine
and Everything Else!
Their specialty is oral health and producing
great smiles. They offer comprehensive dentistry from prevention to full-mouth rehabilitations. They have been part of the area for many
years and care about the quality and value of
their services. This is reciprocated by their
wonderful patients, your neighbors. They are
the Readers’ Choice Best Dentists as selected
by polls of our local newspapers, a distinction
they have enjoyed for the past dozen years.
New patients are always welcome. Multiple
sedation options for patient comfort, in-office
bleaching, Botox and Juvederm fillers are available to complete one’s great smile. Charles
Davis, DDS and Brent Beyer, DDS are located
at 1218 E. Venice Avenue in Venice. For more
information, call (941) 488-1075 or visit www.
venicedentist.com.
BNT Liquors and Fine Wines is your local full
service store that carries liquor, wine and beer.
Their walk-in wine cellar is the most unique
in the area and they carry the largest selection
of fine wines. They also carry a great selection
of specialty single malt scotches and beers in
stock and will cater to any special order or
event that you may have. BNT Liquors and
Fine Wines is the last stop before Boca Grande
and they offer free delivery on the island. BNT
Liquors and Fine Wines is located at 8725 Placida Road next to Publix. You can reach them
at (941) 698-1011.
MetLife
There is a common misconception that estate
planning is only for the wealthy. Too often,
individuals neglect putting an estate plan together for this very reason, leaving families and
loved ones to make complicated and sometimes heart-wrenching decisions without the
proper input and guidance from the individual
who should have the most say – you. An estate plan helps ensure your wishes are carried
out, should you be unable to do so. This protects your family from making tough decisions
as well as ensuring that your assets are divided
in a way you would have wanted. For more information, call William E. Rich, financial services representative, (941) 961-6100. MetLife
does not provide tax or legal advice. Please
consult your tax advisor or attorney for such
guidance. Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MLIC), New York, NY 10166. Securities
products offered by MetLife Securities, Inc.
(MSI) (member FINRA/SIPC), {1819 Main
Street, #1300, Sarasota, FL 34236, 941-3660687}. MLIC and MSI are MetLife companies.
L0113302095[exp0314][FL]
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Cavana Classic Charters
Cavana Classic Charters specializes in custom luxury boating excursions in and around
the Boca Grande area. Day trips to surrounding islands such as Captiva, Useppa, Cabbage
Key and Sanibel are especially grand on their
40’ Picnic Yacht. Perhaps exploring the skinny
waters of this beautiful area is on your agenda.
Their handsome Yellowfin flats boat is perfect
for this! Destination weddings on Boca Grande
can be made memorable with your bride and
groom arriving and leaving the ceremony on
one of their classic boats For a truly unique
experience, take a once-in-a-lifetime jaunt on
“Kitten,” their 1964 Riva Aquarama. Come join
Cavana for a full day or a half day. Cavana, because vacation matters! For more information,
call (941)875-4946.
BestPro Team Cleaning Services
BestProTeam Cleaning Services is a familyowned business specializing in residential and
commercial high quality cleaning. Good cleaning starts with good people and being licensed,
insured and bonded, they select the best professionals to be part of their team to keep your
place spotless. For more information and a
free estimate, call (941) 726-1216 or visit www.
BestProTeam.com.
Island Talk
Barbara Anne’s Jewelry and Repair
Barbara Anne’s Jewelry and Repair features handcrafted 14kt
gold, sterling silver, copper and costume jewelry. They have
recently expanded their inventory to include hats, purses,
t-shirts, caps, beach towels, robes and fragrances. Barbara
Anne’s also offers a wide range of services, including jewelry
repair, watch batteries and insurance appraisals. They are
open year round, Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM
to 5:00 PM, located at 410 Park Ave - Suite 1, Boca Grande,
33921. For more information, call (941) 964-1776.
Interior Decorating Tips for Master Baths
Master bathroom remodeling projects are a blessing and a
curse: a curse in the fact that your largest bathroom will be in
some state of disarray anywhere from one to three months
depending upon the complexity of your project. It’s a blessing in that when the bath is finished, the beauty, elegance,
upgrades and functionality that you were striving for has
been realized and you are on your way to bathroom Nirvana
for a long time to come! Chandeliers at the ceiling and bevel
glass sections at the vanity, freestanding tubs versus platforms that block your access to windows, casually elegant
glass and stone tile, and rich wood tones are all materials
carefully selected to convey a timeless style. Blending these
elements successfully is a hallmark of their designs that have
been published in national magazines. Contact Carlene
Zeches at (941) 575-9891 or www.zinteriordecorations.com
for your next custom project, be it a master bath makeover,
casually elegant window treatments or accessorization to
complete your room style.
Boca Grande’s Neighborhood Pet Store
They are committed to the local community and to providing outstanding service and quality products for customers and their four-legged friends. Woof Gang Bakery
store hosts in-store events to help benefit the local pet
community, including pet adoption events, yappy hours,
fundraisers and private parties. Woof Gang Bakery specializes in healthy, natural pet foods and treats, including hypoallergenic, wheat-free and grain-free selections, plus food,
treats and supplements. They offer a variety of fun, fuzzy,
floatable and tough toys, as well as fashionable accessories,
collars and leads and pet grooming products. Special order
requests are welcome and delivery service to local homes,
resorts and businesses is available. Visit them in the Railroad Plaza at 480 E. Railroad Ave Suite 6, or call them at
(941) 964-woof (9663).
Bob Melvin and the Gasparilla Real Estate Team
Bob Melvin and Gasparilla Properties is the Regional Exclusive Member of “The Board of Regents” (the guiding body
of Luxury Real Estate), the World’s most elite Luxury Real
Estate Brokers, comprising an exclusive network of the very
finest and most experienced luxury firms in the real estate
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industry, Regents.com, LuxuryRealEstate.com - the most
searched Luxury Real Estate website in the world. Please
come visit us at our Private office at 471 Park Ave and speak
with one of our knowledgeable Agents, or call me at 941380-8891. There is no substitute for experience … and no
one else that has sold over a billion dollars of Boca Grande
real estate. Whether Buying or Selling SOLD is best represented by Bob Melvin and the Gasparilla Real Estate Team!
Truex Preferred Construction
Specializing in all phases of construction from small to large
projects. Are you thinking of remodeling or new construction? Would you like to update your kitchen with new cabinets and countertops? How about replacing your old tub/
shower and fixtures? Want to expand your living space with
an addition or by enclosing your lanai? Let their team of professionals help you create your “dream.” Call Truex Preferred
Construction for a free estimate today at (941) 475-6680.
Creative Window Treatments
At Creative Window Treatments, we design elegant, beautiful and meticulously produced window treatments that
have the ability to transform an entire room. Our products
include custom draperies, valances, cornices, bedspreads,
pillows, tablecloths, fabric headboards and upholstery. We
also carry a large selection of plantation shutters, blinds
and shades. We are a Priority Dealer for Hunter Douglas,
Ado Corporation and many other top shutter and blind
fabricators. We have a huge selection of fabrics and rods
along with an extensive display of various window treatment styles. For more information, call (941) 828-0000 or
visit www.mycreativewindow.com.
Antique Boutique
The Antique Boutique will be offering cash scholarships
based on a 1000+ word essay, “How is our future predicated
upon History.” Essays must be submitted by April 20 and
winner(s) will be announced Sunday, April 28 at 1:00 PM
during the Boca Grande Centennial Celebration located at
the Historical Train Depot. For more info or eligibility requirement, please call Brendalee at (352) 586-0480 or email
[email protected].
Cruisin Coastlines
Cruisin Coastlines is line of jewelry depicting the beautiful
Coastlines of Florida and other locations from around the
world. Designer/creator Jason Paul Marien hand finishes his
Gold and sterling silver jewelry to reveal the distinctive topography of the coastline. His most sought after pieces are
enameled to mirror the beautiful colors that the ocean creates. Each piece will bring a person back to a memory of a
location, whether it was on a beach where you were married
or a sunset you have never forgotten. For more information
visit www.cruisincoastlines.com.
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The Very Early Years
Once upon a time Florida was a part of Africa
More than half a billion years ago, the peninsula now known
as Florida was little more than a limestone shelf attached
to the northern part of Gondwanaland, a supercontinent
made up of what we now call Africa and South America.
Some time between 200 million and 400 million B.C., this
area collided with the North American continent, forming
the supercontinent Pangaea. When the continents started
drifting apart, the Florida area remained attached to North
America. By 2 million B.C., fluctuating global temperatures
were causing the ocean level to rise and fall – at times,
Florida was completely submerged, and at other times the
ocean level was as much as 100 feet lower than it is today,
allowing Florida’s west coast to extend as much as 100
miles further out. The first inhabitants of Florida arrived
approximately 15,000 years ago, the descendents of Asians
who crossed the Bering Straight from Russia to Alaska. As
the climate changed, these ancient men and women shifted
from hunters and gatherers to settle down, form permanent
settlements, and adopt a more agricultural-based society.
One of the earliest tribes of Native Americans to develop
in Florida were the Timucuans, who inhabited the northern portions of the state. Sixteenth century Spanish explorers recorded as many as 100 different tribes and groups of
natives. Florida owes its name to the Spanish, particularly
Juan Ponce de León, who landed on the peninsula in April
of 1513, during la Pascua Florida (“Flowery Easter”). During this time, Southwest Florida was inhabited by a tribe of
natives known as the Calusa (it is these natives after whom
the Caloosahatchee River is named). De León made several
attempts to colonize the Charlotte Harbor area, culminating in a failed attempt in 1521 that left the explorer mortally
wounded. It wasn’t until 1539 that Hernando DeSoto defeated the Calusa, and it wasn’t until 1565 that a permanent European settlement was established. And even then, it wasn’t
until the late 18th century that people began to colonize the
area in large numbers.
On March 3, 1845, Florida became the 27th state of the
United States of America. In 1855, Manatee County
formed, becoming the 31st county in the state. In 1887, the
south and east portions of Manatee County were sectioned
off and became DeSoto County. In 1921, DeSoto County
was cut up again, creating Hardee County, Glades County, Highlands County and Charlotte County. In the same
year, Sarasota County was created out of the remnants of
Manatee County. Thus, Southwest Florida was born, and
the stage was set for the modern era.
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™
Juan
Pon
ce
de L
eon
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St. Augustine Settlement
Written by Jessica Hobbs
Pedro Menendez de Aviles arrived in
Florida in 1565, determined to create a
Spanish settlement. He
established the first permanent
European settlement at St. Augustine.
Pedro Menendez de Aviles
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It’s no surprise that the state of Florida has a rich and diverse
history. But some people don’t realize just how deep that history goes, or how far back its beginning dates. Recorded history of Florida is the longest of any state in America and was
the first place of European arrival, even before the Pilgrims
landed at Plymouth Rock, according to www.VisitTallahassee.com. Over the centuries, the state saw a number of different nationalities and cultures having a hand in cultivating
Florida, and on a larger scale, the United States. Juan Ponce
de Leon’s fateful arrival to Florida’s east coast in 1513 was the
catalyst for Florida’s cultural development and change.
Presented by the Florida Department of State and its partners,
the Viva Florida 500 is a statewide, year-long celebration of
the state’s 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s landing on
Florida. This was the first documented landing by a group of
Europeans. They named it La Florida, meaning “flowery land.”
They were also the first documented Europeans to explore a
part of the now continental United States of America. While
American Indians were the original pioneers, the 1513 arrival and claim by Spain brought about the legacy of Spanish
Florida and a new era of documented history that included a
number of different cultures that created the foundation of the
United States. Throughout 2013, different Florida counties will
host events that will explore the varied people, cultures, places
and historical events that make up the Florida of today.
Viva Florida events will showcase the different cultures and people that influenced and shaped Florida.
Florida’s rich history began before Ponce de Leon arrived.
Tribes of American Indians were the earliest inhabitants
with documented material history that dates back more
than 12,000 years. Following the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, exploration and settlement throughout the state
began. Other explorers made voyages to the state in search
of treasures and wealth. While none were found, these travels brought information of Florida to Europeans. Others
became attracted to Florida and soon French explorers arrived as well. Pedro Menendez de Aviles arrived in Florida
in 1565, determined to create a Spanish settlement. He established the first permanent European settlement at St.
Augustine. Rule of Florida passed through the hands of the
French, English and Spanish again over the years.
Florida was also very important in later years. It was the
location of the Seminole Wars against the American Indians. Many African-American slaves fled to Florida from
the Carolinas and Georgia to an area where their masters
couldn’t reach them. Many of them hid and lived with Indian tribes and these ‘Black Seminoles’ or ‘Gullahs’ fought
for their freedom with the American Indians, a mostly unknown portion of Florida history. Following the Civil War,
Florida became a large hub for lumber and forest products
that were necessary to rebuild the nation’s cities. Cattle became a large-scale commercial enterprise at the end of the
19th century. Other industries grew out of immigrant communities such as the manufacture of cigars and citrus also
grew into a very significant industry. With the development
and growth of roads and railroads, tourism grew as visitors
traveled to enjoy the state’s mild climate and natural beauty.
The Viva Florida 500 is a great way to educate residents,
tourists and other visitors about Florida’s vast and complex
history, as well as bringing tourists to the area. Viva Florida
events will showcase the different cultures and people that
influenced and shaped Florida and will offer a look into the
many cultures that still thrive in the state today. Florida’s
history is an intricate part of the shaping of America as
well, and many people will be surprised by this fact.
Historical programs, conservation trips and festivals will be ongoing throughout 2013 in most of
Florida’s counties.
For more information about Viva Florida and the
ongoing events, visit www.fla500.com. This website also features a database of over 3,000 historic
sites in Florida. You can also visit the Viva Florida
500 Facebook page to keep up-to-date on new
anniversary events as they are added.
Aseola, a Seminole leader
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Viva Florida Events & Happenings
™
Cities and counties throughout the state will host numerous events to celebrate Florida’s
500th anniversary in 2013.
Expedition Florida 500: An Adventure
More Than 500 Years in the Making
Florida has more than 12,000 miles of rivers,
streams and canals and more coastline than
any other state in the country. These waterways support agriculture, transportation and
trade across the nation. In 2013, Expedition
Florida 500 (XF500) will mark Juan Ponce de
León’s landing on Florida’s east coast in 1513
by exploring the coastlines and waterways
across the state on paddleboards, kayaks and
other small watercraft. Mother Ocean, Inc.
launched XF500 in partnership with Quiksilver, Tahoe SUP, GoPro, Viva Florida 500 and
others to highlight the historic significance of
these natural resources. For more information
on the event, visit www.motherocean.org/
xf500.html
The Viva Florida 500 Time Capsule
The Florida Department of State’s Division of
Library and Information Services has launched
a project in honor of Florida’s 500 year anniversary, the 2013 Viva Florida 500 commemoration. To encourage activities in every community in each of Florida’s 67 counties, the
Department has provided a Viva Florida 500
Time Capsule to every county library in the
state. County commissioners are also being
contacted and asked to work with their communities on the project. Deciding where the
time capsule should go can and should be a collaborative decision – of course be considerate of
the history already in the ground! The design of
a program around the theme, detailing what to
put in and how to solicit entries, is being left up
to the individual libraries, but coordination with
the County Commission is vital. Time capsules
are for the future generation to learn about the
past. Some programs may choose to set a donot-dig-before date, such as 50 years or more,
perhaps 500! All institutions are encouraged
to register the location with a repository such
as the Oglethorpe University. For more information and time capsule content ideas, please
email [email protected].
Florida at the Time of Ponce de Leon
On April 2, 1514, Juan Ponce de Leon became
the first European to set foot on the Florida
coast. What did he discover 500 years ago?
Find out more about early Florida from historian David Southall at this program on April 2
from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Located in the meeting room of South County Regional Library,
21100 3 Oaks Parkway in Estero. For more information, call (239) 533-4400.
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The Battle of Fort Myers and
The Cow Cavalry
Join Duane and Holly Shaffer as they present
a multimedia presentation on the Civil War
battle that occurred at Fort Myers in February
1865. On April 10 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM at
the Sanibel Public Library, 770 Dunlop Road in
Sanibel. Admission is free. For more information, email [email protected].
Florida Pioneers… Alva, Buckingham
and All Points Between
On April 13 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, this
historical program will explore and share the
history of east Lee County from the shores of
the Caloosahatchee to the airfields of Buckingham. Located in the meeting room at the
Riverdale Branch Library, 2421 Buckingham
Road, Fort Myers. For more information, call
(239) 533-4370.
Florida’s First People
Since at least 12,000 years ago, Florida has
played host to a complex collection of human
cultures. From great mound complexes to the
most ephemeral of camp sites, humans have
left fascinating evidence of unique community
structures within Florida’s diverse environments. Learn what archaeologists have uncovered throughout the state that helps them
understand several of Florida’s major cultures.
Presented by Melissa Timo of the Florida Public Archaeology Network on April 13 from
11:00 AM – 11:30 AM. Located in the meeting room at East County Regional Library,
881 Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres. For more
information, call (239) 533-4212.
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Viva Florida Events & Happenings
™
Cities and counties throughout the state will host numerous events to celebrate Florida’s
500th anniversary in 2013.
The Curious Archaeology of Spanish
Explorers in Florida
Melissa Timo of the Florida Public Archaeology Network will present what previous fieldwork has told us about the first Spanish visitors to Florida and how current, cutting edge
archaeology is changing the story on May 11
from 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM. Tales include
Ponce de Leon’s ingenious discovery, Navaez’s
tragic expedition, De Soto’s monumental trek
across the southeast. Located in the meeting
room of the East County Regional Library, 881
Gunnery Road, Lehigh Acres. For more information, call (239) 533-4212.
Obscured by Time: The Magic of Florida
Join artist Hermann Trappman as he offers
a glimpse of early Florida, its unique geography, wildlife and native peoples, just prior to
and after the first contact with European explorers in 1513. Located at the Collier County
Museum, 3331 Tamiami Trail East in Naples.
Trappman’s work explores the everyday life of
Florida’s first inhabitants and is based on actual
artifacts, fossil remains and other archaeological evidence found in Florida. The exhibit is on
loan from the Neily Trappman Studio through
June 28. Admission is free. For more information, call (239) 252-8476.
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Spanish Pathways Historical Exhibit
The Charlotte County Historical Center will
host an exhibit showcasing the explorers that
claimed La Florida for Spain as part of Viva
Florida 500. Learn of the Spanish that came to
Florida and the cultural heritage they left behind at this special traveling exhibit from the
Museum of Florida History. Exhibit will be
located at the Historical Center, 22959 Bayshore Road in Port Charlotte, through August
24. Hours are 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Tuesdays
through Fridays. Open Saturdays, 10:00 AM –
3:00 PM and closed every Sunday and Monday.
Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children
under 12. Historical Center members can attend for free. For more information, email Linda Roberts at [email protected] or
visit www.charlottecountyfl.com.
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Long before any theme park ride was transformed
into a successful series of movies, Florida’s Gulf Coast
and the nearby Caribbean Sea were fertile waters for
the expansion of piracy. Pirates have preyed upon incautious merchants and military vessels practically
since the invention of the boat, but the predators of
western Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico waterways circa
1560 – 1820 seem to capture the most imagination.
From drawing attention to the otherwise uninhabited
islands surrounding south Florida, to naming cities
and islands that exist to this day, pirates are an undeniable part of the region’s history.
Piracy in the Caribbean and western Atlantic arose
soon after Spain began exporting silver and other
valuables from the New World to Europe. Privateering continued to spread until the late 17th and early
18th centuries, dubbed ‘the Golden Age of Piracy’.
England, France and the Netherlands had all risen
to power within the Caribbean, while Spain continued its long economic and political decline, but all
these countries were concentrating more on chaos
at home than on combating pirates off the coasts of
the New World. It wasn’t until the mid-1700’s that
military presence in the Caribbean grew to sufficient levels that piracy was no longer a worthwhile
career choice. And it wasn’t until the first half of the
19th century that the American navy put an end to
traditional piracy in the region.
As with any subject of above average inspiration,
there is a certain degree of hearsay involved with
these myths and legends. No two accounts will agree
on every point, and tales of adventurous buccaneers
have been made up or exaggerated ever since pirates
first started sailing the seven seas. So have fun with
these tales of treasure and the seafaring rogues who
color one of Florida’s richest eras.
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The Legend of Jose Gaspar, the Last Buccaneer
Few pirates have left a mark on Southwest Florida as ubiquitous as Jose Gaspar. A
smart and savage buccaneer who hated the Spanish, Gaspar pillaged the Caribbean
and Gulf coasts for 38 years, and remains recognized to this day as the namesake
behind many of the area’s locales. And while proof of this infamous pirate seems
relegated to myth and legend (no evidence or piece of writing on Jose Gaspar dating
prior to the 20th Century has ever been found), there can be no doubt in the influence of the pirate ‘Gasparilla’ over this region.
According to most tales, Jose Gaspar was born near Seville, Spain in 1756. His parents
were of minor aristocratic standing, equivalent to today’s middle class, and the future
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pirate was educated to a moderate degree. As the legends tell,
at the age of twelve Gaspar kidnapped his neighbor’s daughter and attempted to hold her for ransom. Once caught, the
boy was given the choice of going to prison or joining the
Spanish naval academy, of which he chose the latter.
other permanent residents. Gaspar named the island Gasparilla, after himself, and he named the town Boca Grande after
a deep water pass at the southern end of the island. The pirate
is also credited with giving names to the surrounding islands
of Captiva, Sanibel, Cayo Costa and Useppa.
Gaspar’s experiences in the navy were varied; he helped recapture a merchant ship in the harbor at Tripoli, rose rapidly to the rank of almirante (admiral) of Spain’s Middle Atlantic Squadron, and even attacked (and captured) a pirate
stronghold in the Caribbean. For all intents and purposes,
Jose Gaspar seemed destined for an illustrious career in the
Spanish navy. But Gaspar spurned the advances of Maria
Louisa, the Sicilian wife of the Crown Prince, who proceeded to form an alliance with the Prime Minister, Manuel de
Godoy, to bring ruin to the rising naval star. Following his
framing for theft and a narrow escape, Gaspar and his crew
vowed to forever live as pirates, and sailed west to prey
upon Spanish ships and towns in the Caribbean.
There are many stories of Jose Gaspar’s desire for women, and
many more tales of his bloodlust. One in particular concerns
a woman by the name of Josefa de Mayorga, the daughter of
a former Spanish Viceroy of Mexico. Josefa was captured in
1801, upon a Spanish ship forty miles from Boca Grande.
Gaspar fell in love with the woman, and spared no pirate expense in trying to win her heart. But Josefa was a rich and
spoiled girl, and wanted nothing to do with the buccaneer.
After several months, Gaspar grew tired of such one-sided
courting, and in a fit of rage took his sword and beheaded Josefa. The incident happened on an island now in Lee County,
which bares the name Useppa (Josefa’s) Island to this day.
Despite his seemingly civilized upbringing, legends tell that
Gaspar was not a kind pirate. When he captured ships, the
majority of passengers were killed and thrown overboard,
including women and children. Only a select few men were
offered a chance at life, in exchange for service in Gaspar’s
crew. Female members of wealthy families were kept alive
and treated well, however, until such a point as they could
be ransomed back to their loved ones. But Gaspar’s name
spread fear in its wake, and he soon became one of the most
successful pirates of his time.
Jose Gaspar is credited with having captured over 400 ships.
Eventually, Gaspar flourished enough in his piracy that he
found need of a permanent stronghold, somewhere to store
accumulated booty and to relax between the raids. The
Spanish expatriate settled on a small island at the mouth of
Charlotte Harbor, establishing a town there for his slaves and
Pirates had full reign over the waters of the Caribbean until
shortly after the war of 1812, when the United States navy
began to patrol those waters more avidly. Many established
pirates began to move their operations south, into Central
American and South American territories. Gaspar was one of
the last to consider relocation, earning the nickname “The Last
Buccaneer,” and waited until the United States formally took
control of Florida in 1821. Soon before leaving Boca Grande,
however, Gaspar and his crew fell prey to an American ship,
the Enterprise, masquerading as a British merchant vessel.
Gaspar fought bravely, but his ship was ultimately destroyed,
and the pirate himself tied an anchor chain around his waist
and leapt into the Gulf of Mexico, rather than be captured.
“Gasparilla dies by his own hand, not the enemy’s!” is purported to be the infamous pirate’s last words. His tale was
told thereafter by one of the few surviving members of Gaspar’s crew, the pirate Juan Gomez.
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In Search of
Pirate Treasure
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In the latter decades of the 19th Century, a man of German
descent by the name of Homer Ludwig lived on Key West.
The man’s exact origins are unclear, save that he had spent
much of his early life on the sea, but had ‘jumped ship’ and
become a handyman on the small Florida island. He lived
on Key West until the early 1890’s, when Ludwig renovated
a small boat and began exploring nearby islands, claiming
to have found the location of a lost pirate treasure. He disappeared from Key West, but was found a year later living
in small shack on Key Largo. Despite possessing no visible
job and living under meager circumstances, Ludwig always
seemed to have money on hand, and had a habit of purchasing large amounts of imported sardines, which were
far from cheap. No attempt at searching the German man’s
home while he was away turned up anything suspicious.
When Homer Ludwig disappeared at sea in September of
1909, a shop owner in Miami stepped forward to claim that
Ludwig had found the treasure, and would sell a handful of
coins at a time to a nearby coin dealer. But Ludwig took the
location of this purported treasure with him to his death,
and other than the likelihood of the treasure being hidden
somewhere on Key Largo, no one has ever discovered the
source of Homer Ludwig’s income.
According to some accounts, for many years during the mid1800’s an elderly man by the name of Juan Gonzalez lived in
a cabin on Shell Creek, near Lettuce Lake in Arcadia. Gonzalez was never a rich man, but he always seemed to have
a few silver or gold coins on him, and no matter what the
economic climate was able to pay for his outwardly simple
needs. One day, a few years after the end of the Civil War,
Gonzalez made a deal with a pair of cattlemen to reveal the
location of a copper cask hidden by the pirate Jose Gaspar
himself. Gonzalez would show the men where to find the
treasure so that it could be put somewhere safer until the
old man’s death, when the two cattlemen could split the remains. When the duo showed up to get the treasure, however, Juan Gonzalez was ill, and asked that they come back in a
few days, when he was feeling better. Upon their return, the
cattlemen found Gonzalez to be dead. And despite searching the old man’s shack and uncovering several crude charts,
the so-called treasure of Lettuce Lake was never found.
Cayo Pelau is a small island at the entrance to Charlotte
Harbor, several miles west of Boca Grande and Gasparilla
Island. According to pirate lore, Jose Gaspar enjoyed the
finer benefits of a buccaneer’s life, and despite his profession’s inherent coarseness encouraged his crew to hold their
rowdier parties on a separate island. Boca Grande became
known as the pirate village’s “High Town,” and Cayo Pelau
became known as “Low Town,” the site of Gaspar’s crew’s
more boisterous and belligerent revelries. During this time,
it was typical pirate behavior to take his share of treasure
and hide it somewhere safe and secret. So there is a great
likelihood of small caches of treasure remaining hidden on
Cayo Pelau. But many visitors to the island have claimed
it is haunted, and numerous treasure-hunting attempts on
the island have ended disastrously.
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Snapshots of Boca
Grande’s Historic Past
The historic village of
Boca Grande has always
had a certain nostalgia
about it. From movie
stars to Presidents, they
all long to visit one of
the most pristine coastal
ecosystems in the world.
Theodore Roosevelt with
guide
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Above: Charlotte Harbor and Northern passenger depot - Boca Grande,
Florida. Photographed circa 1913.
Left: C.H. & N. Railroad Company train - Boca Grande, Florida.
Photographed circa early 1900’s.
Photos provided by State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory & Boca Grande Historical Society & Museum
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Jeff Gaines on train engine
Railroad & Phosphate
The American Agricultural Chemical Company (Agrico) and
the Charlotte Harbor Northern Railroad Company were beginning work on plans that would be the hub and life of the
Boca Grande Island for the next few decades. In 1907 the
Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railroad had been completed from South Boca Grande to Arcadia. The construction of
the tracks began in 1905 – taking only two years to complete.
Also in 1907 the president of Agrico, James Gifford and the
president of Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railroad Albert
Gilchrist had established the Boca Grande Land Company
so they could buy, sell and develop land. This would become
what is known as the village today. The wooden railroad
depot was built on Fourth Street in 1908. The railroad staff
and workmen lived near the Railroad Depot. The Port Boca
Grande was being built at the south end of the island and a
few fishing families lived on the north end of the island, better known as Gasparilla Island. This set the stage and layout
of the island for future years.
Loading docks at Boca Grande Pass, where phosphate was
brought by train for loading into foreign freighters.
Photographed in May 1947.
By 1912 its phosphate shipping plant at the south end of the
island was operational. Trains arrived daily with loads of
phosphate rock. The phosphate was unloaded by dropping
the bottom out of the railroad cars. This task required seven
men to do the job. In the 1920s the railroad was used at its
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Aerial view of phosphate docks. Photographed circa 1940s
peak of use. Some of the trains during this time, had up
to 100 cars. Up to 1,000 tons of phosphate rock per hour
were loaded onto a conveyor belt system and transferred
the length of the docks to waiting ships. The conveyor
system could move 16 tons of phosphate per minute. This
would be the first fully automated phosphate loading facility of its kind in the United States in 1911.
In the early days of Port Boca Grande many of the vessels
arriving would be four or five-masted schooners. These
were known as “Yankee” ships and transported the phosphate back to other states from Delaware to Maine. During WWII Port Boca Grande played an important role
as a deep-water port. It was used to ship supplies to the
European Allies. The deepest ship the port accommodated, the Buntentor, had a draft of 31 feet, ten inches.
This ship was 750 feet long and could hold 18,000 tons
of phosphate.
The end of the phosphate trains era came to an end in the
1970s when phosphate companies increasingly switched
their attention to ports in Tampa and Manatee County,
where larger amounts of phosphate could be handled
A tanker unloads or loads its cargo. Just beyond are the loading
docks where trains deliver phosphates to the ships that will
carry them to the far corners of the world. Photograph of a
postcard. circa 1950.
more efficiently than at the aging Port Boca Grande.
Businesses at the port dwindled and in 1979 the rail
line was abandoned and this industry on Gasparilla Island came to an end.
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Lighting the Way
In 1888 the U.S. Congress appropriated $35,000 to the
United States Lighthouse Service to begin building
the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse at the south end of
the Gasparilla Island. The location served as the main
entry into Charlotte Harbor from the Gulf of Mexico.
The lighthouse began to light the night sky for incoming and bypassing ships December 31, 1890. The first
keeper was Francis McNutty. One the first harbor pilots of Port Boca Grande was Captain Peter Nelson. In
1910 a long wooden wharf or pier was built out into the
water between the lighthouse and the assistant keeper’s house. The station boat was docked at this wharf.
A washhouse was built between the lighthouse and the
assistant keeper’s quarters in 1935. An unfortunate accident occurred when the keeper’s daughter started a
fire and the washhouse burned down in 1945. You can
still see the water cisterns between the two buildings to
this day. The wharf was removed in 1960 after the U.S.
Coast Guard deemed it unsafe.
Erosion of the beaches had begun to take its toll on
the lighthouse station buildings causing maintenance
and safety issues with the buildings and the foundations beneath them. The lighthouse was not a necessity
Gasparilla light station - Boca Grande, Florida. Photographed circa 1912.
Coast Guard Archive Photo of Gasparilla Light - Boca Grande, Florida
by 1966 and the U.S. Coast Guard closed the station and
turned the property over to the Federal Services Administration for disposal. By the late 1960s the beach erosion
had taken an excessive toll causing the buildings to become
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Boca Grande Lighthouse was built
in 1927 to serve as an additional aid
to large ships coming into Port Charlotte’s harbor. An iron pile structure,
the lighthouse and its fourth-order
lens, lighted in 1932, were built to
withstand storm forces from the
Gulf of Mexico but constant erosion
of Gasparilla Island may be its undoing. Restoration was completed in
1986, including the reinstallation of
its original Fresnel lens.
Photographed in June 1956
dilapidated. All of the sand had been washed out to sea,
leaving the buildings with nothing but water underneath
them, and the lighthouse was actually sinking and leaning
at a 45 degree angle.
Residents wanted to keep these building that represented
their history of how their community was created. So in
great Boca Grande style, residents, Lee County and FPL
rallied together and saved the buildings. Ownership was
transferred to Lee County in 1972. President Richard Nixon
signed the deed and his daughter, Julie Nixon Eisenhower,
presented the deed to Lee County during a special ceremony. The community went to work immediately, FPL begin
dredging the basin of the oil dock and places 35,000 cubic yards of sand around the building. In the 80’s two rock
groins (jetties) were placed along the new shoreline to hold
the sand in place. Maintenance is ongoing to protect the
beloved landmark.
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S.D. Whidden with devil fish. Photographed circa 1930s
Fishing Brought Tourism
In 1885 a story was told that changed Boca Grande and
southwest Florida and our way of life. A sportsman from
New York, W.H. Wood, caught a 93-pound tarpon on rod
and reel at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River to the
south of Boca Grande. His achievement was given nationwide publicity. In turn creating the industry of sport fishing. This created tourism and had an immense economic
impact on southwest Florida. Boca Grande and the barrier islands would become the world-wide hub of this new
found activity, the sport of tarpon fishing. Boca Grande
quickly became known as the home of thousands of tarpon that would migrate into Boca Grande Pass and stay for
about three months.
Picnicking on the beach at Boca Grande. Photographed on May 7, 1926
Timing could not be better for Boca Grande Island, as the
railroad was completed within a year of Wood’s big catch.
Now wealthy anglers could have easy access to Boca Grande
and the pass. The idea of participating in a sport with this
level of excitement attracted anglers from all over the world.
It only took a few short decades of the new fishing industry
to kill thousands of fish for entertainment and sport. Many
tarpon were killed just to be lined up for photograph opportunities. There are ongoing conservation efforts to protect these beautiful fish so that future generations can enjoy
the thrill of catching one of the world’s greatest gamefish.
Fishermen pull in a large tarpon at Boca Grande Pass. Photographed on
May 14, 1948.
Photos provided by State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory & Boca
Grande Historical Society & Museum
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Photo by Lynda Venditti
The Barrier Island Parks Society
The Barrier Island Parks Society is a highly focused,
compassionate group who feel strongly about history and the
environment. The Society’s mission is to preserve, conserve
and support the natural assets, lighthouses, and history of
the island state parks through education and collaboration.
Their affiliated state parks are: Cayo Costa, Don Pedro,
Gasparilla and Stump Pass.
Barrier Island Parks Society, Inc.
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum
Office: (941) 964-0060
880 Belcher Road
Boca Grande, FL 33921
www.barrierislandparkssociety.org
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Discover
Historic Boca Grande
Photo provided by State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory
The Boca Grande Historical Society & Museum
is committed to enhancing our understanding of
the history of Gasparilla Island and its surrounding area. Their goal is to provide personally rewarding opportunities to learn about the remarkable people and events that shaped the past.
Through their various educational activities, the
society seeks to put the present into better perspective by improving our sense of identity and
continuity with history’s unfolding panorama.
Dedicated to the collection and preservation of
memorabilia, BGHS&M offers its members and
the public numerous ways to become involved
in researching our local history. Using the resources of grants from the Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Society has obtained oral
histories from long time Boca Grande residents
to add to their permanent archival collection,
along with a soon to be published coffee table
pictorial featuring the best of their image oriented oral histories. A collectible reference volume dedicated to historical vignettes of the past
seven editions of the scholarly journal Connections is now available for sale in the museum,
titled Boca Grande: Lives of an Island.
They are located in the Lee County historic
Teacherage House on the corner of Park Avenue
and Banyan Street on beautiful Gasparilla Island.
Open Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM – 3:00
PM. For more information call (941) 964-1600 or
visit www.bocagrandehistoricalsociety.com.
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Meet Bob Melvin
The passion in
this man
is evident
in everything
he does.
Photo by Photographic Imges by Heidemarie
Bob Melvin will say Boca Grande has not changed much
since he first laid eyes on the village in the late 1970s. “That’s
why it’s so special,” he said. “It hasn’t had the development
of Siesta Key, Marco Island, even Sanibel/Captiva. There are
less than 2,500 properties. It’s more laid back, and that’s the
beauty of it.”
In 1983, Bob decided to make Boca Grande his home and
has never looked back. He moved from Ocean Reef Club in
Key Largo to the Boca Grande Club, where he excelled at
selling condominiums, homes and lots on and around Boca
Grande. Within five years, his reputation was as the “Go
To” Realtor of the island. With his rapid success and hard
work, the only path foreseeable was to establish Gasparilla
Properties in 1999. This state of the art traditional office
located on the prominent corner of Fourth Street and Park
Avenue houses the island’s premier real estate company.
Always wanting things done the right way, the research
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was done in order to build a waterproof building that would
stay on the ground level and preserve the historic nature of
Boca Grande. Shortly after opening Gasparilla Properties,
Bob became the top realtor for the Englewood Area Board
of Realtors and at or near the top for all of southwest Florida
and has stayed there ever since. In order to provide worldwide reach and stay on top of new technology, Bob and Gasparilla Properties became a Regent for Luxury Real Estate
(the most searched LuxuryRealEstate.com website in the
world) and travels to their semi-annual conferences all over
the country and world in order to connect with other brokers and build a strong working relationship. In 2008 Luxury
Real Estate recognized Bob with the prestigious award: The
“Billionaires Club,” which recognizes Realtors that have sold
over a billion dollars in real estate! Since then, Bob is already
on his way to another with $250,000,000 sold to date! In order to continue providing the very best of service, Bob is
creating the Gasparilla Real Estate Team and has opened
another private office with excellent exposure for his clients
at 471 Park Avenue, next to Pink Pony.
Bob Melvin with his grandson, Logan, at the Meadowlands
this fall on a “Boys” trip for the Bucs and Giants NFL game.
“Good communication is
the cornerstone of any
successful relationship.
You can count on me to
provide you with the
information you need on a
schedule and in a manner
that suits you best...”
– Bob Melvin
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Bob has brokered many very complex and demanding multimillion dollar deals and has the experience and tools to see
them through to closing. Bob is especially proud of playing
the instrumental role in the development of the Coral Creek
Club’s private golf course, and initially the Coral Creek Airport. The Tom Fazio designed course is currently ranked 17th
in the state and number one in southwest Florida. “There are
very few places where you can fly into a private jetport, play
at a spectacular private, world-class golf course and live on
the beach 10 minutes away, and all of this centered around
the captivating historic village of Boca Grande,” Bob stated.
“None of us on Boca Grande should ever underestimate the
economic engine of our community which is the Gasparilla
Inn. We are so very fortunate to have this historic, worldclass operation,” he added.
Personally, Bob is very grateful to have an extended family. He and his wife Addy have four children: Michael who
with Kerri have two children Logan and Ashton and assists
in running the office; Shawn, a Sergeant in the U.S. Army
and spent a tour in Iraq; Erika, graduating this year from
Foxcroft School in Middleburg, VA and is looking at going
to Western Washington University or Colorado State in the
fall; and Kristina, an aspiring artist, just like so many Boca
Grande artists we all currently enjoy.
With such demanding shoes to fill it’s hard to believe that
he has time for anything other than business. Yet he is also
well known in the area for helping others. He gives generously of his time and resources to many local organizations,
including the Boca Grande Health Clinic, the Island School,
Boca Grande Child Care Center, Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association, Placida Rotary Club,
Englewood Area Y.M.C.A. and the Lemon Bay Conservancy. Bob is currently a board member of Englewood Commu-
The “Boca Blue”
Photo by Merry Beth Ryan
nity Hospital and is sponsoring L.A. Ainger and the Island
School to come see this year’s Civil War Reenactment being put on by Friends of Boca Grande. “I love to give back
to the community, and I enjoy helping people - you have
to remember the community that helped you become successful,” he said.
Though he rarely is able to make it out, Bob has a long history of traditionally fishing the tarpon of Boca Grande Pass.
For many years he fished the tournaments from his boat, the
Sundown, but now fishes with his brother Sandy Melvin on
a classic Morgan, the Boca Blue. Bob believes the historic
boats drifting the pass at sunrise and sunset are something
that should never be changed and is a very special part of this
wonderful island. This year he is proud to be the Platinum
Sponsor of the Gasparilla Island Kids Classic, with half of the
proceeds going to All Children’s Hospital of Tampa where his
grandson Ashton has had two heart surgeries and spent much
time in his first three years. Bob and his wife Addy are also in-
volved each year in the Raymond James Boca Grande Classic
event. They sponsor the awards dinner and Bob participates
in the fishing tournament with his brother Sandy. This year’s
event will take place May 1 – 3 at the Gasparilla Inn & Club.
Participants can enjoy two days of fishing with local professional captains as well as a welcome reception, dinner, silent
and live auctions and an awards ceremony. The event brought
in more than $97,000 for Cystic Fibrosis in 2012.
While real estate may be his life as shown by his dedication
to every listing and client, the community is his passion. He
most recently helped start the Englewood Community Care
Clinic, which in its first year provided an impressive $195,000
in health care services to more than 850 people. He serves on
the board as well as volunteering at the clinic. He always tries
his best to give help whenever he can, and if someone calls
needing something he will not give up until it gets done. The
passion in this man is evident in everything he does.
The “Sundown”
Noted island angler Peggy Denby owns the 31-foot Morgan, “Sundown”,
operated by Captain Timmy Smith. The “Sundown” name has a long history in the Pass. The original was a 28-foot Enterprise named by Captain
Smith after the Gordan Lightfoot 70’s song of the same name and was a
familiar sight in the Pass for two decades. In 1990 Captain Smith sold the
original “Sundown” to islander Bob Melvin. The ”Sundown” name was
kept and the boat was operated for several years by Captain Sandy Melvin before he purchased the “Boca Blue”. The boat along with the name
“Sundown” was then retired. When Peggy Denby sold her Knight Brothers built boat, “Snafu,” to acquire a new 31 Morgan, Timmy and Peggy
resurrected the name and dubbed the new boat “Sundown” as well, keeping one of the most recognizeable names in the Pass alive.
Bob’s sister, Jan Melvin Berry, with his Niece, Kathryn Ann Berry, who is graduating this spring from North Carolina State University
with a degree in engineering.
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Gasparilla Real Estate Team
Contact
Bob Melvin
(941) 380-8891
Owner / Broker / Realtor®
[email protected]
Blog: bobmelvin.wordpress.com
Gasparilla Properties, Inc.
Bob Melvin has a private office with excellent exposure for
his clients at 471 Park Ave and has gathered agents with a
long-standing history on Boca Grande to ensure complete
knowledge of the island and its real estate. Clients receive
the utmost in knowledge, service and care.
Bob’s Gasparilla Real Estate Team includes:
Pat Smith, who brings nearly 20 years of local real estate
experience and a smile to every encounter.
Bobby Jewett has a marketing background and local real
estate experience. His family has been a part of Boca
Grande for generations, having first hand experience and
understanding of how the culture and beauty co-exists.
Nicole Coleman is a familiar face to many - recently licensed and will be assisting the team while learning the local market. Nicole’s family has generational roots in Boca
Grande going back a century.
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Boca Grande Health Clinic
Serving the Wellbeing
of the Island
For the last 66 years, the Boca Grande Health
Clinic (BGHC), a non-profit organization, has
been offering medical, wellness and specialized
services to the island’s residents and visitors,
with physicians on staff all year. The clinic also
includes the Boca Grande Health Clinic Annex
that supports visiting physicians and additional
services. It wasn’t always this way though, as
Boca Grande was in need of a regular clinic
and permanent doctor for a long time. Dedicated community members created the clinic
and over the years worked tirelessly to keep it
running in hard times, with their own time and
funds. “Many people could not be here without the clinic and would otherwise have to be
in a more metropolitan area,” explained Mary
Anne Hastings, managing director for the Boca
Grande Health Clinic Foundation. None of
these amenities would be possible without the
help of the clinic’s supporters who have strived
to improve the clinic and its operations so that
residents have quality healthcare available that
they can depend on.
The Boca Grande Health Clinic first opened its
doors on March 15, 1947. Before this time, sick
residents would have to wait for a visiting doctor who came to the island once a week for a few
hours. It was extremely inconvenient to try to
transport patients to the mainland for treatment
of illnesses and even worse for someone with a
real medical emergency. These issues expedited
the necessity for a clinic and full-time doctor on
island. Louise Du Pont Crowninshield is credited
with establishing the clinic from the beginning.
She recruited the help of other devoted community members. This team included Wiley Crews,
Jeffrey Gaines, Pershing Thompson, Jerome
Fugate, Sr., Hugh Rodney Sharp and Roger
Amory. The clinic was originally located on the
west side of the Fugate building, where the Loose
Caboose is currently located, until 1964 when
the new clinic building was completed at the
corner of 3rd Street and Park Avenue, which is
today the Clinic Annex. Around 1985, the small
island community had grown and more seasonal residents were spending their winters here.
There was a need to expand the clinic. With the
backing of then clinic board president Admiral
Chester Nimitz, the new clinic was built in 1990.
The Boca Grande
Health Clinic first
opened its doors on
March 15, 1947.
Before this time, sick
residents would have
to wait for a visiting doctor who came
to the island once a
week for a few hours.
The current clinic has had a considerable remodel over the years, but it now includes four
patient rooms, a radiology room and doctors’
offices. The clinic can also accommodate such
injuries as stingray and scorpion stings with
a floor level sink in the treatment room, able
to flush affected feet and leg wounds. Patients
can be ambulanced out to a nearby hospital or
critical care center if necessary.
Photo by Adam Bartolotta
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Photo by Danette Bartolotta
The Boca Grande
Health Clinic
Annex now offers
such services
as acupuncture,
physical therapy,
cardiology, dermatology and
counseling.
In 2003, the Boca Grande Health Clinic Foundation, Inc. was founded. The non-profit organization helps provide financial support to
the Boca Grande Health Clinic. The foundation is governed by an independent Board of
Trustees and guided with a small staff of committed individuals. Its mission is to “raise and
manage capital to subsidize the operating and
capital needs to the Clinic.” This, along with
assistance from community donors and fundraising events throughout the year, allows the
foundation to continue the successful character of the clinic.
main doctor or healthcare provider. The clinic
is able to do basic x-ray and lab services as well
and physical exams, treatment and management of some chronic health issues, pediatric
illness diagnosis, wound management and immunizations. The Boca Grande Health Clinic
Annex now offers such services as acupuncture, physical therapy, cardiology, dermatology and counseling to name a few. The Boca
Grande Health Clinic and the Boca Grande
Health Clinic Foundation also offer a physician lecture series throughout the season at the
Community Center Auditorium.
Over the years a number of doctors have
worked at the clinic, many in short stints lasting just a few years and others who stayed on
more permanently for stretches of time. Some
of these notable doctors included Dr. George
Fritz, Dr. Richard Henry, Dr. Hank Wright
and Dr. Richard Morrison, to name a few. The
clinic now has a staff of three doctors, which
includes Dr. Gordon Nidiffer, Dr. Michael
Steffan and Dr. Jeffrey Humbarger as well as a
friendly and helpful staff.
The clinic’s upcoming fundraiser is the 21st
Annual Hank Wright Cocktail Party and Auction and will take place April 4 at 6:00 PM at
the Gasparilla Inn Beach Club. The event supports the Boca Grande Health Clinic. On April
5, the Hank Wright Golf Tournament will follow the party. To purchase cocktail party tickets or to register for the golf tournament, call
the BGHCF at (941) 964-0099.
The Boca Grande Health Clinic is now a thriving location for anyone on the island with a
health issue, problem or question. It has seen
recent changes, improvements and acquired
new medical equipment, and most recently
fully updated to an electronic medical record
system. This benefits patients who need to
transfer records between the clinic and their
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The clinic is open Monday through Friday from
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM except holidays and can
be reached at (941) 964-2276. An on-call physician is available after hours by calling (941)
270-2393. The clinic building is located at 320
Park Avenue, Boca Grande. For more information on the Boca Grande Health Clinic visit
www.bghc.org. For more information on the
Boca Grande Health Clinic Foundation, visit
www.bghcfoundation.com.
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The resale store,
Boca Bargains, along
with the annual
gala held in January,
are the largest
fundraisers for the
Woman’s Club.
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The Heartbeat of the Boca Island Community
Boca Grande Woman’s Club
Written by Danette Bartolotta
As I was listening to recent stories on the island about the history and how things have
come about I kept hearing, “the Boca Grande Woman’s Club.” So after a little research it only
seemed natural to have a story on this woman’s club that has such a vast history on the
island of Boca Grande. As I was compiling the many accomplishments of the group, a specific
quote was prominent in my mind.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world;
indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has,” - Margaret Mead.
The story began with Mrs. Cannon, her cousin
from Arcadia and a group of 24 friends. They
learned of the Federation of Woman’s Clubs
and were more than intrigued. Beginning with
weekly lunches and monthly meetings the ladies would gather wearing high heels, hats and
dresses. They would discuss the needs of community members.
Over the years not much has happened on the
island that has not involved one of the BGWC
members. When there is a need, they find the
right connections, raise the money or volunteer their time to make it happen. The group
has grown to 310 of Boca Grande’s most impressive ladies. And the high heels and hats are
only for special occasions.
Many accomplishments and opportunities
have turned into successes for the island community and its way of life since the Woman’s
Club applied for its National Federation membership in 1949. The mission is short and simple when you read the words: “For the enlightenment and improvement of our community.”
There is more to this than meets the eye. These
women have touched the lives of nearly every
person that lives on or visits the island through
their philanthropic work. Many years ago the
members were much more “hands on;” they
would volunteer time meeting basic needs of
the community by babysitting, caretaking and
teaching at the local school or working a food
drive. One of first large accomplishments was
being able to play a role in making sure that
the island had suitable clean running water by
helping form the Gasperilla Island Water Association in 1966. Now the club mostly focuses its
efforts on fundraising, scholarships and grants.
Beginning with the inception of the BGWC
they began to donate funds to the Boca Grande
Health Clinic. Nearly every year, members of
the woman’s club have supported the clinic
through charitable gifts, members volunteering time as individuals, or purchasing medical
equipment, such as life saving devices and a radiology machine. They even helped when the
clinic relocated from above the Train Depot to
the Fugate Building, where Parlsey-Baldwin is
currently located.
These women have
touched the lives
of nearly every
person that lives on
or visits the island
through their philanthropic work.
In order to preserve and educate visitors on
the history of the lighthouse and Boca Grande
Pass, charitable gifts were given to start the
Barrier Island Park Society (BIPS). Just a few
short years later, in the early 1990s, the group
offered a gift for the creation of the Royal Palm
Players to bring top-notch entertainment to
residents and visitors alike.
SPRING 2013
53
Fundraising is the
main focus for the
current members.
In order to continue to give the
gifts that keep these
organizations running smoothly and
making it possible
to continue enjoying island life.
Many of the club’s members were involved
in the founding of the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association, Inc.
(GICIA), a non-profit corporation consisting
of property owners interested in promoting
the general welfare of the Boca Grande community by preserving island life.
Some of the most recent involvement has been
with pre-game meals for the Lemon Bay varsity football team, providing L.A. Ainger Middle
School band reams of sheet music and a refurbished French horn. They provide regular gifts
in support of The Island School, Fust Library
and ongoing scholarship programs for the
Child Care Center and college fund program,
a program anyone looking to further their
education can apply to. This year the group is
providing funding for 33 college students. The
Community Center also receives gifts from the
BGWC in order to hold a six-week summer
program providing field trips and swimming
lessons at the Inn’s pool. The BGWC is also responsible for the Community Center to be able
to continue hosting movie night by purchasing
a new movie projector for the center.
Fundraising is the main focus for the current
members, in order to continue to give the gifts
that keep these organizations running smoothly
and making it possible to continue enjoying island life. The resale store, Boca Bargains, along
with the annual gala held in January, are the largest fundraisers for the Woman’s Club. The Boca
Bargains retail store has rapid turnover at times.
Items that are requested for donation include
household decorative items, kitchen items and
furniture - especially pieces that can be easily
moved in and out of the Annex. Blouses, jewelry and men’s casual and dress shirts are very
popular and are always in high demand.
The group proudly produced the hearts of
palm cookbook two years ago. The ladies gathered and created recipes of favorite island delectables. Many of the ingredients consist of
native plants grown in their own gardens.
In order to make sure the best decisions are
made with contributions from the fundraising,
the BGWC sends grant request forms to the
island non-profit organizations. Then a team
evaluates the requests and allocates the funds
accordingly. Afterwards all the club members
vote on the final allocations before funds are dispersed. It is also required that each of the members volunteers 10 hours each year for BGWC
activities, helping to divvying up the work-load.
Many of the ladies volunteer their time for the
annual fair and bike parade, festivities kickoff with the bike parade and families decorate
golf carts in the fair’s theme. This year’s theme
was Makin’ Waves. Following the parade is
complete the fair begins, featuring a bake sale,
children’s games, a performance by the L.A.
Ainger Cougar Band, a plant sale, cake walk
and all the grilled food you can eat. There is
also a bi-annual dog show.
For 65 years the Boca Grande Woman’s Club
continues to be the backbone of the island community. For more information on the BGWC,
visit the websitewww.bocagrandecookbook.com
hearts of palm cookbook
The tropical paradise of Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island, Florida is a food lover’s
delight. Fresh seafood is always available from our local markets. Native citrus,
avocados, mangoes and papayas grow in our gardens, and the pungent aroma of
rosemary rises from the sand dunes on our spectacular beaches.
A cookbook to cherish, hearts of palm introduces the reader to the best of Boca
Grande: stunning examples of local art, vignettes of Gasparilla Island history, and
a collection of recipes to stimulate the imagination. Over 250 eclectic, elegant and
easy-to-follow recipes reflect the diverse backgrounds of acclaimed Boca Grande
hostesses and local restaurant chefs.
All proceeds from the sale of hearts of palm benefit The Boca Grande Woman’s
Club charitable giving.
54
SPRING 2013
SPRING 2013
55
Island Must-Haves
Lilly Pulitzer Tabitha Dress
Above: Shown in pansy purple batt it up. ($378) at The
Palm on Park, 444 4th Street, Boca Grande, (866) 964-4448.
www.thepalmonpark.com
Lilly Pulitzer Worth Skinny Mini Zip
Left: Shown in multi spicy stripe. ($158)
Lilly Pulitzer Shay Top
Left: Shown in resort white. ($64) at The Palm on
Park, 444 4th Street, Boca Grande, (866) 964-4448.
56
SPRING 2013
Island Must-Haves
Manasota Chino Short
It’s fair to say that shorts have become, at long
last, respectable. Having outgrown their school
boy stigma, it’s A-OK to sport a pair at all but the
stodgiest occasions. Shorts like these are one
reason why. Outwardly casual, yet eminently
stylish and loaded with details that make them
at all times a proper pair of pants that just
happen to terminate above the knee. ($59.99)
at True Flies, www.trueflies.com.
58
SPRING 2013
Electric Bicycles
Experience the luxury of the outdoors
with five new models for 2013. You
will find the right E Bike to get you
around the island during your electric
bicycling adventure. Feel the freedom
of power. ($2,299) at Caddy Carts,
12691 Tamiami Trail, North Port, (941)
474-4747, www.caddy-carts.com.
Designer Plushes
Make no bones about it, your dog deserves the best!
From Chewy Vuiton bones to Alexander MuttQueen
shoes, Woof Gang Bakery has plenty of choices for
your furry friends. Woof Gang Bakery, 480 E. Railroad
Ave. Suite 6, Boca Grande, 941-964-woof (9663).
Guy Harvey and Up Country Leashes
Choices for every dog on the sea! Leashes
from Up Country and Guy Harvey offer
distinctive styles to match any dog or
owner’s personalty and style. Woof Gang
Bakery, 480 E. Railroad Ave. Suite 6, Boca
Grande, 941-964-woof (9663).
SPRING 2013
59
Island Must-Haves
Pretty in Pink
Pink tourmaline and pink coral set in sterling silver
accented with 22kt. Yellow gold beaded bezels. One of a kind. (Necklace $300, Earrings $175 and
Ring $105). Available at Barbara Anne’s, 410 Park
Ave, Suite 1, Boca Grande, (941) 964 -1776
Cool Island Style
Is it a skirt? No it’s a split skirt, perfect for those
warm breezy island days of spring. Our breathable, lightweight and unbelievably comfortable
split skirts are easy to wear, effortless to care
for and available in the season’s freshest color
palette. 100% silk! ($89 each) Now available at
the Antique Boutique.
60
SPRING 2013
SPRING 2013
61
Island Must-Haves
Unique Bath Accoutrements
Unique mirrors set the design tone for a contemporary
master bath. This brushed nickel circle within a square
design lends clean lines and a symmetrical appeal to this
vanity ($399). Custom window treatments provide simple
luxury ($499). Special order through Z Interior Decorations,
941-575-9891, or at www.zinteriordecorations.com.
Cordo Bags
Each piece is one of a kind, made of braided palm leaves with vegetable dyes. These
braids have been passed down generation to generation to preserve the past, present
and future of the Zenu tribe. Prices range
from $90 to $165 (pictured $155). Available at Barbara Anne’s, 410 Park Ave, Suite 1,
Boca Grande, (941) 964 -1776
62
SPRING 2013
Sea Life Pillows
Inspired by everything the sea and coast has to offer, these designer
pillows will enhance your island home. Antique Boutique has a fresh assortment of sea life pillows made of indoor/outdoor canvas in a variety
of fun island colors. (Starting at just $69) at the Antique Boutique.
Ice Cream at the Loose Caboose
Compass Rose Boca
Grande Enamel bracelet
Compass Rose Boca Grande
enamel bracelet in sterling
silver with a tarpon clasp.
Handmade. ($285) at Cruisin
Coastlines (941) 780-5786,
www.cruisincoastlines.com.
Delicious, rich, and creamy ice
cream that is homemade just for
you! Indulge in flavors like mint
chocolate chip, rum raisin, toasted
coconut, and Butterfinger that
are available in a cone or as a sundae. Grab a pint or quart of ice
cream to-go so you can enjoy
it at home or for a special occasion. (Kiddie cones $3.18, Cones
and sundaes starting at $3.97.
Pint $7.41 & quart $11.93.) At The
Loose Caboose 433 4th St, Boca
Grande (941) 964-0440
www.loosecaboose.biz
Boca Grande Pass Yellow Gold Ring with Tarpon
Boca Grande Pass ring with black enamel and diamond. The finish
is a process of hand workmanship to achieve a one of a kind look.
Great for everyday wear from fishing to cruisin’. Custom add ons
like a boat name or a diamond in a special location, are accepted.
($1,100) at Cruisin Coastlines, (941) 780-5786,
www.cruisincoastlines.com.
SPRING 2013
63
64
SPRING 2013
3rd Street Café
310 East Railroad Avenue
(941) 964-0155
www.thirdstcafe.com
Open: Monday - Sunday
breakfast: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM
lunch: 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
dinner: 6:00 PM
A Taste of the Island
3rd Street Café
3rd Street Café, owned by Alex Herrmann, is now in its fourth
season serving Boca Grande. Behind the façade of an old Florida
style building, the restaurant’s interior is a clean and casual space
with a small bar seating area. The building was previously a breakfast spot and local hangout called Loons on a Limb. When Alex
happened upon it for sale in 2008, he saw potential. The restaurant
had unused outdoor space that he turned into a garden, which is
now a popular dining setting for guests to enjoy the great Florida
weather. The dog-friendly terrace is shaded by palmettos and luxuriant tropical vegetation.
SPRING 2013
65
66
SPRING 2013
or Mangalore shrimp. Indulge in the ever
popular sticky toffee pudding for dessert.
The homemade Key Lime pie is another delicious option. The restaurant serves beer on
tap and an abundant selection of wines.
3rd Street Café, owned by Alex Herrmann, is now in its
fourth season serving Boca Grande. Behind the façade of
an old Florida style building, the restaurant’s interior is a
clean and casual space with a small bar seating area. The
building was previously a breakfast spot and local hangout
called Loons on a Limb. When Alex happened upon it for
sale in 2008, he saw potential. The restaurant had unused
outdoor space that he turned into a garden, which is now a
popular dining setting for guests to enjoy the great Florida
weather. The dog-friendly terrace is shaded by palmettos
and luxuriant tropical vegetation.
As well as serving delicious Mediterranean food for lunch
and dinner, something a little beyond the usual Florida seafood fare, with healthy, fresh flavors and ingredients, Alex
decided to continue the tradition of a local breakfast spot
as well. To preserve a sense of the old restaurant that it was,
he retained the original decorative stained glass ‘loons on a
limb’ windowpane that can be seen at the front by the door.
3rd Street Café features a widely varied menu according to
the time of day. For breakfast, classic American fare is available, including eggs Benedict and their delicious homemade
corned beef hash. Fresh baked muffins and cinnamon rolls
are also great choices. Lunch items feature their famous salads, such as the chicken tikka salad with tikka marsala chicken breast and grilled pineapple and bananas, the Boca Grande
salad with fresh grilled shrimp and a middle eastern platter
with home-made dolmades, tzatziki, hummus and tabouleh.
The lunch menu also includes delicious sandwiches like the
open faced Reuben, Croque Monsieur, local catch fish sandwich or enjoy a veggie pita. Or try the 3rd Street Burger.
Dinner at 3rd Street Café takes on a life of its own. The pretty,
laid back dining room is transformed into a sophisticated
bistro with linen tablecloths and napkins where guests are
able to enjoy each other’s company over the glow of candlelight. The outdoor garden is lit up after dark for a charming al
fresco dining experience. Popular dinner items include grilled
swordfish, local red snapper, roasted half rack of lamb and the
restaurant’s homemade pastas and ravioli. You will also find
surprises on the menu, whether it be Moroccan couscous
Alex himself is no stranger to the food business. He has years of culinary experience
from all over the world. He attended the
French Culinary Institute in New York and
worked as a chef in the British Virgin Islands. He has also previously worked in the
south of France and in Italy near Naples. He has a wealth of
knowledge of Mediterranean food from his time spent traveling and living around the globe.
“I love to eat and I love to cook. While in different places I
always make it a point to explore the local cuisine, restaurants and markets. The same is true with chef Tom. We have
so many ideas between us and the hardest thing is keeping it
focused, because there are so many things that we would like
to do. It’s a great pleasure for me to bring in fresh ingredients and put it into something that surprises customers and
pleases them. That’s why I enjoy cooking,” explained Alex.
A hardworking team of staff members also complements
the restaurant. This includes restaurant manager Judy Garcia, the friendly face greeting customers and the person
keeping daily operations running smoothly, and chef Tom
O’Shields. Tom traveled all over the world as a career Marine, spending years in Asia and the Middle East until he
began cooking in Europe. He apprenticed with a French
pastry chef, then worked at the Savoy Hotel and for Marco
Pierre White at the Canteen in London as well as a culinary
instructor at Carlisle College. On returning to the U.S. he
has worked at the Hay-Adams in Washington, D.C., the Alpenhof Lodge in Jackson Hole and many other fine dining
establishments before settling in at 3rd Street Café.
Alex and staff of 3rd Street Café pride themselves on using
fresh and local food, such as local Amish eggs, hormonefree milk and local fish. The best and healthiest products
that can be bought are used for their dishes and recipes.
Due to this level of quality, menu items change frequently.
“Anyone can find something for themselves here, from a
simple breakfast to an exotic dinner,” said Alex. You can be
sure that you will find handmade food, cooked from scratch
with the best possible ingredients.
3rd Street Café is located at the corners of 3rd Street and
Railroad Avenue just past the Boca Grande Fire Station.
Reservations are strongly suggested for dinner by calling
(941) 964-0155. 3rd Street Café will be closed at the beginning of May and will open back up in October.
SPRING 2013
67
IN FOCUS
1
Toast to the Coast
to Benefit the Lemo Bay Conservacy 2013
1. Truus Dragland, Lucia Schattelyn, Eva Furner,
Pam Neer, Percy Angelo, Sondra Buchner
2. Olivia Murray, Robin & Sandy Melvin,
Kathy & Mick Aslin
3. Hilary Dahms, Lin Johnson
4. Tom & Jennifer McLaughlin
5. Jeanie Corbin, M. Weldon Rogers III, Vanessa Smith
6. Jim Cooper, Jamie & Dean Beckstead
7. David Dignam, Tom & Annette Dignam, Bill Truex
5
Photos by Photographic Imges by Heidemarie
68
SPRING 2013
3
2
4
6
7
SPRING 2013
69
IN FOCUS
1
Taste of Boca Grande
Supporting the Harry Chapin Food Bank
1. Patrick from Patrick’s Thai Bistro
2. Steve Chapmin’s son playing the guitar
3. Brain Corcoran & Peter Mason
4. Joyce Jacobs with the Harry Chapin Food Bank
5. Donna Hecker
6. Farlows
7. Patty Seidensticker with son Patrick Seidensticker
5
70
SPRING 2013
3
2
4
6
7
SPRING 2013
71
IN FOCUS
1
Boca Grande Magazine
Launch Party
Joint mixer with the North Port Area Chamber of
Commerce and the Boca Grande Area Chamber
of Commerce
1. ROI Media staff members, Matt Mativi, Jessica
Pilkins, Danette & Adam Bartolotta
2. Matt Mativi and Caroline Clark
3. Marla Young, Lew Hastings, Ralph Young and Kathleen Walcott
4. Frank Siebens
5. Maria Faustine, Bill Truex and Richard Faustine
6. Lew Hastings and Kevin Hyde
2
72
SPRING 2013
4
3
6
5
SPRING 2013
73
IN FOCUS
1
Swashbucklers Ball
Barrier Island Parks Society
1. Guests enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
2. Actors Stephen Sepulveda, Ashley Mojica as Jack Sparrow &
Evelyn Grey with Sharon McKenzie, Joan Ardrey, Pam Hannah
3. Mary Tucker, Tom & Jan Spero
4. Lisa Arundale, actor Jack Sparrow, Sandi Irvine, Jack Fisher,
actress Evelyn Grey, Betty Fisher
5. Rosalie & Marc Hetzner
6. Actor as Jack Sparrow, Phil & Natalie Stutzman, Chrys Hyde
7. Mary Lou Humphrey
8. Arnie & Ernie Rappaport, Susie Stringer
5
74
SPRING 2013
3
2
6
4
7
8
SPRING 2013
75
Pro v i d e d b y M o t e M a r i n e L a b o r a t o r y, B o c a G r a n d e O f f i c e
Red Tide Alert System and Research Initiative:
Providing an Early Warning System
for Red Tide Impacts on Boca Grande
Florida red tides are caused by a single-celled organism called a dinoflagellate. Its species
name is Karenia Brevis and it occurs naturally throughout the Gulf, but causes problems
when the population of cells increases dramatically — which is known as a red tide bloom. Red
tide blooms can produce potent toxins that affect humans and animals. These blooms have:
• Killed large numbers of fish. It has also been known to kill other marine animals,
including endangered sea turtles, manatees and marine birds. It has also been
implicated in several large-scale dolphin die-offs in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
• Caused millions of dollars in lost revenue to Florida communities, hotels, restaurants and water-based tourism attractions like fishing and boating.
• Made people sick. Breathing the toxins can cause people with asthma and other
chronic lung diseases to have an asthma attack or even trigger pneumonia. Ingesting the toxins by eating shellfish from unregulated shellfish beds can cause
neurotoxic shellfish poisoning (NSP).
• Been implicated as a possible cause of skin irritations.
Currently Boca Grande lacks a red tide early warning system and monitoring program like those that Mote has created in other areas of southwest Florida.
76
SPRING 2013
Red Tide Alert
Karenia Brevis blooms appear to originate ten
to 50 miles offshore along the continental shelf
in what have been termed “initiation zones.”
Some scientists think that the Loop Current,
which brings Caribbean seawater to Florida’s
west coast may initiate a bloom by causing
an upwelling of nutrients as the force of the
current surges against the shelf, thus creating
favorable growing conditions. The red tide is
then transported into nutrient-rich shallow
waters by winds and/or currents where it continues to multiply to harmful levels.
Mote has created the Sarasota Operations of
the Coastal Ocean Observation Laboratories
(SO COOL). This operation is part of a nationwide network of ocean observatories that
provide real-time information about coastal
marine conditions to a variety of stakeholders.
Bringing SO COOL to Boca Grande would
give local residents and tourists web-based
daily updates on environmental conditions,
including red tide and any respiratory irritation it is causing, as well as fish kills and other
impacts on the beaches.
Boca Grande So Cool Is Built On Two Primary Components:
The Mote Beach Conditions Report™ System covers 26
beaches along Florida’s Gulf Coast from the Panhandle
south to Lee County. Mote recently added two sites on
Boca Grande to their network. Beach condition reports are
provided by specially trained and equipped volunteer observers and updated twice daily (at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.), 365
days a year. Each report is time stamped so that the public
knows when it was last updated. Volunteer observers use
Mote-supplied smart phones to send information directly
to the web via special software applications designed by
Mote. Beach conditions reports are displayed online at
www.mote.org/beaches; the public can register to receive
reports about specific beaches directly to their email inbox
or even call 941-BEACHES for an update over the phone.
Mote has also designed a special scientific instrument that
can continuously monitor water for red tide. These special
instruments are placed in underwater robots that are then
sent to patrol the Gulf for red tide. These red-tide detecting
robots can swim freely in the ocean for up to one month,
surfacing every few hours to send data back to the Mote SO
COOL Command Center in Sarasota. Mote scientists can
also remotely re-program the robots to follow a new mission if conditions warrant. At the command center, Mote
scientists interpret the data and share information with
stakeholders and forecasters. The underwater robots can
also be equipped with different scientific instruments that
can detect other anomalies like oil spills.
Similarly, Mote proposes bringing these SO COOL components to the Boca Grande community to create an earlywarning system for red tide affects — with a special emphasis on sharing information with all stakeholders and
interested members within the community.
Thanks to an anonymous donor, Mote recently added Beach
Conditions Reports from both the north and south ends
of Boca Grande. They would also propose five missions
of three weeks each for underwater robots to patrol Boca
Grande’s coastal waters. These missions would take place
from August through November, the months in which red
tides have historically occurred most frequently.
SPRING 2013
77
On the wild side
Juvenile American Bald Eagles
78
SPRING 2013
American
Bald Eagle
Photo by Jean Schuster
Our national bird, the American bald
eagle, is the only eagle unique to North
America. This bird of prey is found
throughout most of North America
from Alaska and Canada to northern
Mexico. Its diet consists mainly of
fish, especially salmon. The bald eagle
builds the largest nest of any North
American bird. Juvenile bald eagles
have dark heads and tails with brown
wings and bodies that are speckled
with white. It takes about five years
for the young eagles to gain their adult
plumage. Adult bald eagles are usually
brown with a white head and tail, with
females being larger than the males.
Bald eagles were officially declared
an endangered species in 1967 but as
of 2007 they were removed from the
list. The average lifespan in the wild
is around 20 years but they can live to
nearly 50 years in captivity.
SPRING 2013
79
Business Directory
Advertising
ROI Media
(941) 257-4352
2500 Bobcat Village
Center Road, Suite G
www.roimedia.us
Apparel & Gifts
The Palm on Park
(866) 964-4448
444 4th Street
True Flies
www.trueflies.com
Woof Gang Bakery
Located in the Train Depot
www.antiqueboutique.us
(941) 964-9663
480 E. Railroad Ave. Suite 6
www.woofgangbakery.com
Ariel Ltd.
Beds
Antique Boutique
(941) 964-0480
444 4th Street
www.arielltd.com
Boca Grande Outfitters, Inc.
(941) 964-2445
375 Park Avenue
www.bocagrandeoutfitters.com
80
Bed Masters
(941) 766-9122
4105 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
www.bedmasters.com
SPRING 2013
Blinds
Cleaning Services
Creative Window Treatments
Best Pro Team
Cleaning Services
(941) 828-0000
4880 Placida Road
Englewood, FL 34224
www.mycreativewindow.com
Boating
Beach Road Watersports
(941) 475-9099
1350 Beach Road
Englewood, FL 34223
www.beachroadwatersports.net
Cavana Classic Charters
(941) 875-4946
PO Box 357
www.cavanacharters.com
(941) 726-1216
1720 El Jobean Rd, Suite #101
www.bestproteam.com
Construction
EOK Construction
(863) 385-8649
Truex Preferred Construction
(941) 475-6680
579 S. Indiana Avenue, Suite A
Englewood, FL 34223
www.truexpreferredconstruction.com
MaryJo Shaffer
Interior Decorations
Z Interior Decorations
(941) 575-9891
www.zinteriordecorations.com
Jeweler
Barbara Anne’s Jewelry & Repair
(941) 964-1776
410 Park Ave, Suite #1
Cruisin Coastlines
(941) 780-5786
www. cruisincoastlines.com
BnT Liquors and Fine Wines
(941) 698-1011
8725 Placida Road
Placida, FL 33946
(941) 485-3351 (24hr)
842 Sunset Lake Blvd.
Suite 403
Venice, FL 34292
(941) 828-1472
8501 Placida Road
Cape Haze, FL
www.zydecogrille.com
Boca Grande Lighthouse
Museum
(941) 964-0060
Barrier Island Parks Society
880 Belcher Road
www.barrierislandparkssociety.org
Photography
Apple Video & Photography
(941) 426-0093
www.applevp.com
(941) 488-1075
1218 E. Venice Ave
Venice, FL 34285
www.venicedentist.com
Financial Planning
(941) 474-4747
12691 Tamiami Trail
Port Charlotte, Fl 34287
www.caddy-carts.com
Hair Salon & Spa
Kyle Kurtis Salon & Spa
(941) 961-6106
1819 Main Street, Suite 1300
Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 830-8344
13435 S. McCall Rd
www.kyle-kurtis.com
Flooring
Home Inspection
Friendly Floors
Second Opinion
Home Inspection
MetLife
(941) 624-0077
3785 Tamiami Trail
www.friendlyfloors.com
(800) 940-7114
www.secondopinionhomeinspection.com
(941) 697-2280
15001 Gasparilla Road
Placida, FL 33946
Zydeco Grille
Museums
Caddy Carts
Gasparilla Marina
& Waterside Grill
(941) 964-0440
433 W. Fourth Street
www.loosecaboose.biz
RTR Urology
Davis & Beyer Dental
Health Professionals
Kevin Hyde
Office: (941) 964-2000
Direct: (941) 628-4730
420 E Railroad Ave
www.bocagrandelistings.com
Loose Caboose
Medical
Golf Carts
Michael Saunders & Company
Restaurants & Hotels
Liquors
Dental
(941) 961-0630
380 E. Railroad Ave.
www.bocagrandehomes.net
Photographic Images
(941) 475-5148
7233 Summer Street
Englewood, FL 34224
www.heidemariephoto.com
Roofing
Mark Kaufman Roofing
(941) 473-3605
www.markkaufmanroofing.com
Security
Security Alarm Corporation
(941) 625-9700
17776 Toledo Blade Blvd.
www.securityalarmcorp.com
Surveying
Shremshock Surveying, Inc.
(941) 423-8875
www.shremshocksurveying.com
Printing
Tours
ROI Media
(941) 257-4352
2500 Bobcat Village
Center Road, Suite G
www.roimedia.us
Grande Tours
Real Estate
Travel Agency
Gasparilla Real Estate Team
Bob Melvin
Boca Grande Travel
(941) 697-8825
12575 Placida Road
Placida, FL 33946
www.grandetours.com
(941) 380-8891
471 Park Ave.
www.bobmelvin.wordpress.com
SPRING 2013
(941) 964-0200
5800 Gasparilla Road
www.bocagrandetravel.com
81
It’s five o’clock somewhere...
Hurricane
Brought to you by B&T Liquors
2 oz Light Rum
2 oz Dark Rum
1 oz Amaretto Liqueur
2 oz Pineapple Juice
2 oz Orange Juice
1 Tbsp Grenadine
Orange slice and
cherry for garnish
Pour the ingredients into the
a cocktail shaker over ice.
Shake well and strain into a
hurricane glass. Garnish with
a cherry and an orange slice.
82
SPRING 2013

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