Editorial: The only stranger in Boca Grande is snow

The following was written by young Boca Grande visitor Belle O’Keefe.

Boca Grande is a small island in Florida, with a population of about 650 people. Going there is like riding the most thrilling roller coaster in the world.

In Boca Grande, when you walk through the small town and bright, cute stores, everyone knows everyone. The only stranger in Boca Grande would be snow.

My grandfather built his own house after having a house in Boca Grande with some of his other friends. His house was a big, white house down on the water. This house wasn’t only for him, it was for the rest of his new, huge and fun family.

This family is my family.

The first time I ever went to Boca Grande, I was only six weeks old. Although this was so long ago, I feel like I will remember it forever. My family usually goes to Boca Grande for warm Spring Break, colorful Easter, cool Thanksgiving, and sometimes even chilly Christmas! We all wish we could live there and be there all the time.

One of my favorite memories was with all of my friends. We were at an ice cream store called the Pink Pony. The Pink Pony brings more than 50 percent of the fun to Boca Grande. After being on the sun-warmed beach, we rode to the Pink Pony with our sopping wet hair. We all went inside to the tiny, old and bright Pink Pony and ordered our ice cream. Everyone ordered a flavor called Trash Can, except for me. This flavor is rich, chocolate ice cream filled with every kind of candy you could ever imagine in it.

They all went outside to eat their frozen, mouth-watering delicacies. The next time that I came to the Pink Pony I would also go and order the luscious Trash Can.

Another memorable visit was during Easter. The island has an annual Easter egg hunt that I truly abhorred. I disliked the event because I could never find the prized golden egg ... except for that Easter. I still remember walking down to the magnificent banyan tree down by the turquoise water. I remember climbing up in it just for fun, when I saw the big golden egg with a huge chocolate bunny and $50 in it. My little heart pounded with joy.

Just thinking about how much fun Boca Grande is makes me feel like I am there. Sitting on the warming beach, with the wind blowing into your face, and the salt in your mouth tasting like a soft pretzel right out of the oven.

Something like that is special, more special than the first day with a new puppy. Just waking up there makes me feel like my puppy, I just can’t stop wagging my tail, and I can’t wait to run downstairs and jump onto everybody, ready to start a new day.

- Belle O’Keefe, 12