Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
More than 50 beach wheelchairs are now available at Florida state parks thanks to the continuing partnership between the Florida State Parks Foundation and the Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation, and Cayo Costa is included in the list of parks that received them. The beach wheelchairs can be used in areas with soft sand where […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial.
BY MARCY SHORTUSE – I realize a lot of you have questions about who owns what land and beach down by Hill Tide Estates. Our story from last week that talked about security cameras and guards saying “none shall pass” along the beach that so many have walked for so long stirred up a lot […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY SUSAN HANAFEE – A walk on the beach didn’t have the same meaning that it used to for some island residents and visitors this past season, as developers and homeowners took steps to keep the public away from their waterfront properties. The addition of “private beach” signs, plus cameras and the posting of a […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ STAFF REPORT As another red tide bloom lurks off the coast, the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association recognizes the negative impact these blooms have on our community. After looking at the current protocol for dealing with red tide-related fish kills on Boca Grande beaches, the GICIA donated the $60,000 necessary for Lee County […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News.
■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE House Bill 631, signed into law last month but just recently making headlines, has some Gasparilla Island homeowners and beachgoers puzzled about their rights to access local beaches. While the answer is – of course – clear as mud when you ask a lawmaker, be assured it isn’t as impactful as […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Letters to the Editor, News.
SUBMITTED BY THE GASPARILLA ISLAND CONSERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION As we begin to feel the changes that fall brings to the island, we eagerly anticipate the return of our winter residents and yet another busy season in Boca Grande. Throughout the summer months Lee County staff and a small group of dedicated island residents have […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Opinion, Sports & Outdoors.
Plan an appropriate tool to find balance while managing growth BY THE GICIA The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association has been working to preserve island life since 1971. Since 2020, the growth of neighboring communities has been significant, and planned future development will apply additional pressure to Boca Grande. These growing development trends will […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Profiles.
Boca Grande residents and officials came out to attend and speak at a joint meeting of Charlotte and Lee counties held in Punta Gorda. “I think this is something we need to do more often,” said Charlotte Commissioner Chris Constance. The Tuesday meeting was the first in over five years; the last was in Lee […]
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
“The wildlife habitat cannot speak so we must and we will.” Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States. Conserved natural resources and extended federal protection to land and water. Many Florida animals are beginning to welcome the warmer weather. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) has issued a report in preparation for increased […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Opinion.
BY PETER SODERBERG Many of those of us deeply engaged with the three churches on Gilchrist Avenue are aghast by our reading of the draft of your parking ordinance to be signed by Commissioner Kevin Ruane that is circulating out here on far-distant Boca Grande. Apparently, we are a remote outpost too far from Fort […]