Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Police & Fire.
The crew of Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, which supervises rescue operations along the Gulf Coast, held a change of command ceremony on July 24, 2025. Capt. David McCown relieved Capt. Scott Phy as commanding officer of Air Station Clearwater during the ceremony, presided over by Rear Adm. Adam Chamie, commander of Coast Guard Southeast District. […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
The Gasparilla Island State Park at Port Boca Grande is closed due to a planned state renourishment project. It had been scheduled for earlier but has had delays due to weather. The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum is also closed; other state beach areas are open on island. […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, News, Sports & Outdoors.
For safety reasons, Gasparilla Island State Park at the south end of the island will be temporarily closed at the southernmost entrance to the park due to the beach renourishment project, the Barrier Island Parks Society reports. Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum will be closed as well until the park reopens. You can follow […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community History, News.
BY MARCY SHORTUSE Since the early 1900s Boca Grande’s beach streets have been openly designated for public use. In 1925, these water access points were clearly marked on plat maps created by the railroad’s own land development company, and they were used as such for 100 years. In newspaper articles over the years it has […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Tree removal across the island, including on Gilchrist Avenue and at the location of the Clinic of the Future. The clinic has just begun laying foundations this week. Clinic construction photos here. Photos by Matt
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News, Police & Fire.
The island Emergency Operations group met at the Boca Grande Fire Department on Thursday morning, July 24 to go through updates and procedures for peak hurricane season. Since Hurricane Ian, and through last hurricane season, the BGFD has made significant changes to improve emergency communication and operations, including increasing staffing levels, Chief C.W. Blosser said […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
Charles Hake Alexander, born September 11, 1959, in Abilene, Texas to Robert and Frances Alexander, passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2025 in Sarasota, Florida. Charles, also known as Charlie, spent his formative years in Bexley, Ohio, with his beloved parents, brother Rob, sister Lisa, and a tight-knit group of friends. He grew […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
Don’t worry. This is not a sermon, but be warned that we will start with an analogy from a theologian. The late Welsh preacher and physician Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones had a way of thinking through thorny Biblical doctrines. As a member of the so-called “Calvinist” wing of the church, he would lean toward the traditional […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, News, Sports & Outdoors.
BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY The sea turtle nesting season is now in its 11th week on Gasparilla Island, nearly halfway through the 26-week season, which officially ends Oct. 31. Since May 1, BGSTA turtle patrol volunteers have been faithfully monitoring the beaches, documenting all nests and false crawls, and taking steps to protect the […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Community History.
What happened to Kiwanis on island? BY JAMES J. BLAHA, DIRECTORBOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER The Boca Grande Woman’s Club has been recognized for its many charitable and community-based contributions since its founding in 1948. Scholarships, monetary grants to non-profit organizations, community commemorations and celebrations are just a few of the many functions and activities of […]