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New plan for Gasparilla Island State Park includes new seawall and entrance road

Draft plans released for comment for all local Florida State Parks The state of Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Park Planning on Friday, March 6 released new management plans for Gasparilla Island State Park, Cayo Costa…

1776: Freedom Takes Center Stage

Cast members Kimberly Whipple and Jim Grant in Royal Palm Players’ production of this year’s musical “1776,” which highlights the men behind the founding of our nation. More photos by Dus…

Nature calls, but Sea Grape bathroom isn’t answering yet

Construction is still underway on the restroom facilities at the Sea Grape parking area of Gasparilla Island State Park and on track to be completed in 2026. Sea Grape is a public beach area located north of South Beach Bar & Grille and south of t…

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Featured News

Bridge Authority traffic up, but revenue down so far this year

At the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority’s quarterly board meeting on Thursday, March 5, Drew Tucker was re-elected as chairman and George Milne was re-elected as vice chairman. The members, mee…

New Recovery Oasis will give home to local 12-step meetings, programs

Above, the new space along Placida Road. BY DEBORAH BLAIR & DAVID SPARKS For the past 10 years, the Englewood Recovery Oasis has provided a central location for 12-step meetings and a sob…

License to Speak: Former MI6 chief brings spy stories to Boca Grande

Above, Sir John Scarlett with his wife, Gwenda, after the talk at the Boca Grande Community Center. Photo by Garland Sir John Scarlett ran Britain’s MI6. On Friday, he came to the Boca Gr…

Standoff over old chicken tenders, with crowbar, for checked out guest

Just after 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Boca Grande Hotel at 5800 Gasparilla Road due to a report of a man causing a disturbance and holding a c…

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Recent Posts

Preservation Board reappointment

Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane reappointed Robert W. Caldwell III to the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board…

Boca Grande Egg Hunt set April 4

The Boca Grande Egg Hunt will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, at The Boca Grande Community Center, 131 1st St…

OPINION: GICIA encourages courtesy on the Bike Path during peak season use

BY THE GICIA As spring brings an increase in seasonal residents, visitors and daily activity, the Gasparilla Island…

Remembering Capt. John ‘Tater’ Spinks as a mentor and friend

I’ve been blessed to share time with many amazing people in my life. Several of them are legends in our fishing world…

Let us all live in a park-land together

Just last week, Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection released plans for all of the region’s state parks, i…

Anton ‘Tony’ Wottreng 1932-2026

Anton “Tony” Wottreng beloved husband of the late Marianne Wottreng (nee Lesch). Loving father of Anton “Tony” Wottren…

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Boca Grande Webcam

See the blue-green water of the Gulf of Mexico at Gasparilla Island State Park for yourself. You’ll be right next to the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum built in 1890.

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March 2026 Englewood Chamber

Coral Creek Ladies Gator Cup 2026

2026 Boca Grande Woman's Club Dog Show

Lemon Bay Men's Talon Cup 2026

2026 Bike Path Parade

Friday Night Frondezvous Spring 2026

2026 Art of Photography Show

Strawberry Festival 2026

RPP "1776 The Musical" 2026

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