Author: Guest Columnist

Rip currents are by far the biggest beach hazard

BY DR. JOHN FLETEMEYER You would think that the TV weather reporter, being the professional that they report to be, would know the difference between a rip current and rip tide, but often they don’t. As...

What to do if you encounter baby turtles: Boca Grande Turtle Patrol

BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY Even though Debby disrupted most of the incubating nests on the island, many of those that survived her onslaught are going about their business as usual. As of...

Jamaica bobsledder inspires backpack donations by Gasparilla Inn staff

BY COREY ANGLIN,THE GASPARILLA INN During our annual Management Training last summer, we had the pleasure of connecting with Devon Harris, one of the founding members of the Jamaica National Bobsled...

History: A primer on the school buildings of Boca Grande

BY KIM KYLE From 1893 to 1908 there was a school located on 4th Street in a frame building. The building may have also been used as a church. The first school on Gasparilla at the north end of the...

Turtle Patrol: 235 of 313 nests gone after Debby, could have been worse

BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY On August 4 and 5, Debby was “only” a tropical storm when she scooted up the gulf more than 100 miles to our west; as we know, she became a Category 1 hurricane...

Letters: Public safety is top priority in Lee County

August 15, 2024
Guest Columnist
Columns, Opinion

By Mike Greenwell, Chairman, Board of Lee County Commissioners We are keeping you safe in Lee County, and here’s how. The public’s health, safety and welfare is of the upmost importance to the...

Turtle Patrol: Review of the season on the arrival of Hurricane Debby

BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY Editor’s Note: Arlene Hall filed this report before surveying damage from Hurricane Debby. An update on damage is on the front page; she will have a full report...

History: Boca Grande resident and actor, impeccably mannered Brian Aherne

BY KAREN GRACE Famous stars have been coming to Gasparilla Island for years, from Lana Turner to Robert Redford, Harrison Ford and Michael Keaton. The most famous was Katherine Hepburn, a relative...

Gasparilla economics experiment with the family

August 8, 2024
Guest Columnist
Columns, Society

BY MATTHEW HACKL There are few times in life you find the opportunity to upgrade from uncle to “the cool uncle.” My venture arrived in the form of a Gasparilla Island shopping spree. James, 11,...

SW Florida Fishing: A days catch…

Capt. Brad puts you on the fish, you catch the fish, you enjoy lots of fish dinners! Photos provided by Capt. Brad Capt. Brad Hickman can be reach at 941-716-3757 or OffshoreBocaGrande.com. ...