EDITOR’S
LETTER
Thank goodness for the many personalities of Boca
Grande. Eclectic, traditional, modern, understated – you’ll
find almost every type of person, every type of
architecture, every type of golf cart ... the list goes on. That is
part of what makes this island so special. It has been said by
many old-timers that it wasn’t unusual at all to see one of the
crustiest fishing captains having drinks at The Temptation
restaurant with celebrities and famous politicians.
But no matter. Those of us who know where to look will find
our treasures. From the sidewalk in front of The Temp to tucked
away spots where no one else goes along the beach, the locals
and the long-timers know where to go to get some air ... to
take a moment of peace and make it their own ... and to keep
those places close to our heart.
The photo of the fabulous gargoyle above was taken in a
particular alleyway right downtown, behind the house of a
rather well-known loveable curmudgeon. I will keep the
particular location to myself, if that’s all right with you.
I hope you enjoy this May and June, when the streets empty
out just a bit, the tarpon are rolling and the endless tropical
nights begin in earnest.
Be good to yourselves, be good to those around you ...
14 GASPARILLA ISLAND May/June 2019
~ God Bless The Gargoyles ~
In a long-ago time, when long ago peoples were
building cathedrals and raising up steeples,
they crafted stone creatures and set them on perches
to guard and protect and watch over the churches.
So Gargoyles were born, and they stood night and
day,keeping evil and terrible spirits away.
And ne'er was a creature so true and so loyal
as the watchful, courageous, and fearless Gargoyle.
So if you see shapes in the night sky, don't fear --
it simply means Angels and Gargoyles are near,
easing the earth with their gentle night call:
“God bless the Gargoyles. God bless us all."
– Excerpt from the poem by Dav Pilkey
Marcy Shortuse
Editor-in-Chief