THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

FIVE YEARS AGO

At a public hearing, Charlotte County Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance to adopt a small-scale plan amendment – which included a change from resource conservation to commercial zoning and building heights to 39.9 feet –  at The Fishery property. 

TEN YEARS AGO

We got 7.5 inches of rain in one week, leaving the south end by the state park completely flooded. Bob Melvin’s Gasparilla Properties was no more, as he signed on with Gulf Coast International Properties.

FIFTEEN YEARS AGO

Melissa and Sam had Isabella. 

TWENTY YEARS AGO

The Boca Bargains building was sealed up after county officials found lead paint, animal carcasses and feces. No asbestos, though. 

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

Hoping for the best, ready for the worst. That was the headline as Hurricane Georges bore down on the island. 

THIRTY YEARS AGO

The Land’s End catalog crew came to do a shot and more than 90 people participated in the bi-annual island cleanup.

THIRTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

 The last piece of the superstructure from the old phosphate dock was taken out.

FORTY YEARS AGO

A going-away party for Patti Futch was held, as she headed off the island to live at the Brown Group Home in Fort Myers. Patti was known for always keeping the island clean and being a bright light in the darkness.