News
Analysis: Marine heritage, Little Gasparilla access important for Eldred’s
July 18, 2024
The big story on our local waterfront currently is the pending Eldred’s Marina sale. Whether this deal goes through or not, the property will change ownership soon. The next generation has a dozen v…
The Grand Old Lady: Remembering the Boca Grande Hotel, 1930-72
July 18, 2024
BY JAMES BLAHA, BOCA GRANDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
On February 10, 1930, the following article appeared in the Fort Myers News-Press: “Plans for a three-story resort hotel at Boca Grande to cost appr…
Truly a ‘wrap up’ of 110th season
July 18, 2024
Wood eaters BEWARE! Thus read the sign on Sunday, July 14, as The Gasparilla Inn was wrapped for termites, in black, by Truly Nolen. The wrap echoed the work of the artist Christo (except for the p…
Oliver Carr rebrands development and property companies into CarrAmerica
July 18, 2024
In a move to honor its legacy and mark a new chapter in its storied history, Carr Companies has announced that it is rebranding to CarrAmerica.
“As we transition to CarrAmerica, we are more comm…
Sheriff’s Deputy Garber wins cheers for quieting noisy party boat
July 18, 2024
A Lee County Sheriff deputy shut down a noisy party boat anchored off the Gasparilla Island State Park beaches over the Fourth of July weekend. The boat was offshore, but it was so loud it ruined th…
Q&A: History professor at UVA on public beach access
July 18, 2024
The issue of parking and beach access in Boca Grande is not unique to Gasparilla Island, or even Southwest Florida. University of Virginia historian Prof. Andrew Kahrl studies the social and environ…
Cane toads hanging by dam streets?
July 18, 2024
Cane toads have been spotted around the island recently. Be sure to differentiate these invasive species from native Florida toads.
George Cera, who was the primary iguana hunter in Boca Grande…
Marine rescue system MERT assists with boaters in distress
July 18, 2024
When marine emergencies require a multi-agency approach, Lee County’s Marine Emergency Response Team, or MERT, provides vital communication among agencies.
On June 22, there were multiple marine…
EcoWatch: A special movie to inspire and make one smile
July 18, 2024
“Sometimes we feel lost. We push and we suffer, we keep going and that makes all the difference”
Arthur the King movie
This week, Eco Watch will share a happy occasion when hubby and I went to…
SW Florida Fishing: Water temps up and so is fishin’
July 18, 2024
BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE
The summer heat has started to really bring water temperatures up making the inshore shallow water fishing a little finicky. Lots of snook are still being caught but look…