Easter week will begin on the island on Good Friday, with the annual Way of the Cross. It will begin at noon at the Our Lady of Mercy Church, and all island churches will participate.

BY LIZA STROUT - At the final History Bytes of the season, island daughter Florence Jelks returned to share her story of growing up as a member of the various black communities that existed on the island from the time the railroad terminal opened until 1979, when the phosphate dock closed.

Lemon Bay Conservancy invites everyone to a free open house at Wildflower Preserve (off Placida Road) on Saturday, March 23 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Wildflower is an 80-acre former golf course that is being restored as a wildlife preserve.

BY LIZA STROUT - Father Jerome Carosella, who leads the flock at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, has a few things in common with the recently-inaugurated Pope Francis.

BY JACK SHORT - The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association presented photographer Dan Cox and scientist Dr. Steven Amstrup on Saturday, March 16 at the Boca Grande Community Center. They offered a glimpse into the lives and environment of the polar bear via award-winning photography, as well as data collected from Dr. Amstrup’s research.

Boca Grande Resort will be filled with white tents with a myriad of artwork, live music, food vendors and a multitude of colors during the 6th annual Boca Grande Art and Wine Festival being held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 23 and 24.