The Boca Banner is proud to introduce Carly Hart to the community as a new columnist.

"What’s Goin’ On" is a column dedicated to our local merchants. Every week Carly will spotlight a business with photos and run updates on what's going on with all our local merchants: menu changes; specials; new items in stock; charity events; contests; employee anniversaries; awards; and other items of interest in a breezy and personal style. Look for her first column on June 3. She'll be stopping by with a flyer on how to get information to her. And best of all there is NO COST for inclusion in this column. A prosperous merchant community IS building a better community for all of us.

Carly is well suited for the job. She is adept with a camera and has written for a number of area publications including "Venice Gulf Coast Living," and "Harbor Style," among others. She is moving to Placida in the next week, and has a love of the area.

"I’ve spent the past 16 years that I’ve been in Florida meandering south from St. Petersburg to here and I’ve lived in just about every town in between," says Carly. "For the past three years I’ve lived in Venice and it was nice, but I was about to change direction and head to North Carolina until I found this area." 

"I truly appreciate that Florida is such a splendid mix of all the different cultures this country has to offer; it makes life more interesting and teaches us tolerance," she says, adding, "Personally, I find this mix of people-cultures to be inspirational."

Carly's philosophy is one that we believe will mesh well here in Boca Grande. "My main mission now is to immerse myself into this wonderful community and help bridge communication between the business owners and our readers. I 

want to help you convey your message accurately and in a fun and neighborly way. I’m here to stay and I’m looking forward to diving in and getting to know you. Let’s have some fun with this!"

The Asolo Theatre Company is located across from the Ringling Museum in the Florida State University Center for the Performing Arts at 5555 North Tamiami Trail in Sarasota.