Where Time Stands Still: A Century of Family, Fishing & Memories
BY BETSY JOINER
Whidden’s Marina is the longest-running family-owned business on Gasparilla Island. Its story began with founder Sam Whidden in the early 1920s, his home and the marina building completed in 1926.
Following Sam Whidden’s death, his daughter, Isabelle Whidden Joiner, continued the family legacy when she moved to Whidden’s with her 3-year-old daughter Melissa. Today, the Marina is operated by Isabelle’s children, Wayne, Melissa, Donna and Leslie. You will also find many of Sam’s great-grandchildren assisting on the docks and in the marina daily.
The marina serves as a hub for charter captains, anglers, visitors and local families. The daily operations consist of maintaining the docks and building, selling gas, ice, shrimp, pinfish, crabs and frozen bait. There are T-shirts, hats, beer, soda and snacks for sale inside the Marina. Melissa may also have beautiful orchids for sale. It also serves as a spot for local information to many visitors daily. It’s always fun for some visitors to share their own history of Whidden’s, as so many family generations call it home.
The dock is a home for charter boats to pick up their clients. You can check with a captain about a charter for Backbay fishing, off shore and sightseeing trips all in season. In tarpon season you will find 16 full-time charter boats docked there, as well as many more coming to pick up their clients at the front dock. Tournament days are buzzing with excitement and it’s a great spot to catch up on what’s happening in the Pass.
The front dock is a favorite spot to come visit and relax. You can watch dolphins cruising the Bayou chasing mullet, many herons and pelicans, ducks, manatees and maybe even a shark or two. Great fishing stories are shared while the captain cleans the catch of the day. You can see the big snook in the shallows, but NO fishing for them. They are family! There is usually a cool breeze blowing in the afternoon and always a story being told. Multiple young children play and fish on the dock after dipping their shrimp out of the tank.
The Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum (GIMM) is located inside the Red Gill Fish House on the front dock and the family opens it up daily for visitors to explore.
Whidden’s has always been known for its pets: “Cooter” the cat; June and Whidden, the two dogs; “Pinky Pie” the pig; plus chickens and ducks are the current full-time residents.
Many special events through the years have been held at the marina with family and friends: potluck dinners, fish fries, wild game cookouts, holidays, birthday celebrations and more. The most memorable event in the past few years was the wedding of June and Finch (dogs) on the dock and a surprise marriage proposal to a favorite lady.
Some favorite memories of past days: Ziggy the pig; shrimp boat coming in (people lined all down the dock) and all ages of kids jumping off the dock and the shrimp boat; and watching multiple island generations grow up while learning to walk, then ride bicycles, throw a castnet, bait a hook, dipping bait and playing games. Now some of those boys and girls are captains themselves or soon-to-be captains, teachers, health care workers, firemen and very much a part of our island community and spirit.
It is the favorite place to be in a great summer rain storm, to watch the full moon rise and to share laughter with a huge group of family with love and community pride. We need to continue to preserve this community icon for future generations.
Whidden’s Centennial Celebration will be held this fall in partnership with the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum, Boca Grande Guides Association and the community to recognize the legacy of Sam Whidden, Isabelle and her family, whose dedication, hard work and love of family help to preserve the Marina for future generations. Their legacy continues to thrive today through the family members carrying on the traditions of the Boca Grande maritime community. It will be a time to honor the past, celebrate the present and create new memories for generations to come.
