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Letter to the Editor: Island native says sailboats part of Boca Grande’s charm

23 December 2011 Last Updated on 23 December 2011 Marcy Shortuse

To the Editor:

Thanks, Marcy, for trying to straighten out a conundrum, which you set forth in your down on the bayou column in the December 16 issue of the Beacon. As a former Boca Grande harbor master and present Boca Grande Historical Society “historian” I may be able to shed some light on this very murky subject.

According to Charles Dana Gibson in his book “Boca Grande; a series of Essays,” the bayou was dredged about 100 years ago by the Boca Grande Land Co. I can testify that this waterway has been used by the public for the purpose of navigation, and anchoring, since that time. Any testimony that I would give would be based on the Johnson family oral history going back to before 1911.

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Bottomland on the bayou: A rather sticky situation

16 December 2011 Marcy Shortuse

It’s easy to forget property lines when you’re spending time on a boat, and one of the joys of having one is that you can simply “be” where you are at the moment. What happens, though, if you drop anchor and are told that it’s private property?

An ongoing dispute as to whether or not the bottom lands of the Boca Grande Bayou across from the Pink Elephant are private or public use has come to light again. The waterway is popular with boaters, and many come to drop anchor, spend a night or two in a sheltered place and have close proximity to the island.

( 1 Vote )

Abuse charges never filed on Wyoming representative

16 December 2011 Marcy Shortuse

The Wyoming representative who was arrested on charges of abusing a disabled adult at the Gasparilla Inn Beach Club on November 23 will not be convicted of the crime.

In fact, charges were never even filed by the State Attorney’s office.

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Church services announced

16 December 2011 Marcy Shortuse

Island churches have announced services for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

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The Island School entertains

16 December 2011 Marcy Shortuse

It was a winter recital to remember at The Island School on Friday, Dec. 9. Music teacher Diana Donlon had the kids show their parents how they warmed up their voices, their minds and their bodies with a little yoga (top left). The little ones also did the “Round and Round” dance (top right).

Charlotte Chatham, one of the school’s youngest students, showed she had some of the biggest talent (top left). Theresa Caccavale’s kindergarten class sang “Up on the Housetop” (top right).