Editor’s Letter
Happy spring, dear readers!
While March and April can occasionally bring unseasonably warm
temperatures, these two months are usually a magical time in Florida.
The fl owers are blossoming, the weather is temperate, baby animals
and birds are showing up, and social season is (usually) in full swing.
Of course, this year’s social season is a little different than most, but we have to have hope
that 2022 might bring us some of the elbow-rubbing and full-face contact that in most past
years we took for granted. On the island a lot of activities continue, they are just held virtually.
To attend the Strawberry Festival auction or Lent services at church in one’s bathrobe is
unprecedented and, for some, a pleasant diversion from the norm.
We are hanging in there, like a hair in a biscuit: It is all we can do.
It’s interesting to venture out on the major roadways during tourist season’s peak in Florida,
and during a pandemic, because you don’t often see people wearing masks in their car. If
you’re zipping down US 41 or I-75 – or should I say crawling down those roads this time of
year – you can pretend that life is back to normal for a minute. There seems to be about the
same number of cars on the road, that’s for sure, but where they’re all going, I don’t know.
Maybe the Costco, maybe to the beach … or maybe, like me, they’re just out to be out of the
house. My preferred time to leave the confi nes of home, though, is late at night. It is then I can
experience the enjoyment of getting some wind in my hair, some moonlight on my face, and
I can be queen of the open road without the stutter-step of daytime traffi c. I love to see the
occasional coyote or pig cross the road, or an armadillo meandering around. We all have our
little ways of stretching our legs, even when we’re supposed to be careful and modest with
our activities.
During one of your forays out, you might want to check out the Boca Grande Historical
Society’s new research tools. You do have to make an appointment, but that’s not hard. If you
have any interest in Boca Grande’s history at all I think you’ll fi nd yourself immersed in the 27
categorized binders for several hours. For our size, we are rich in history, there’s no doubt.
Perhaps you might want to schedule a day to visit the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
in Bradenton, another topic we cover in this edition. We are so lucky to have a wonderful
place like The Bishop in our midst, so don’t waste the opportunity. There is an entire building
dedicated to children, too, so bring them along as well.
Maybe your idea of a great day out is to hit the links. Coral Creek has completed their
renovations, so if you’re a member you need to stop by. That story can be found within our
pages, too.
We also give you something to look forward to in this edition. The island’s tarpon
tournaments are scheduled to be back on the water this year, including a few new ones and
a few old ones with new coordinators at the helm. Be sure to check out our schedule, so you
can make arrangements now with your favorite captain.
If your favorite way to escape the house is to enjoy the balmy weather in your own
backyard, make sure to take our magazine along with you so you can read our special feature
in this edition from local author Susan Hanafee. Not only are her books very popular, so is
her blog. She allowed us to run some of her entries and you’re sure to fi nd them not only
entertaining, but also very relatable.
I hope you are enjoying every day on earth to the best of your ability. I hope you’re seeking
perspective and fi nding compassion in the people around you, and if you’re not … fi nd new
people. Life is short, so count your blessings every day and value those around you who
make your time in this world enjoyable. Live every day like it’s your last, because one day you
are going to be right. Above all, take care of yourselves, and each other, now more than ever.
Marcy Shortuse
Editor-in-Chief, Gasparilla Magazine
14 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE • March/April • 2021