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EDITORIAL: The parking-challenged ghosts of Boca Grande

To be exact, taxpayers spent $11.8 million in 2007 and $7.3 million in 2013. Florida taxpayer dollars spent on Boca Grande beaches mean that Florida taxpayers get to use the beach, and use of the beach includes a reasonable number of places to park to access the beach. Insidious, isn’t it? It’s crazy talk. I don’t mean to belittle the plight of the beach access street homeowners.
I understand that they want privacy, they want clean streets, and they want to be able to leave their house by using their driveway any time they want. The flip side of that coin is something I have preached time and time again: When you buy beachfront property in paradise, understand exactly what you’re getting into prior to your purchase.
Don’t expect the world to change just because it inconveniences you. That’s not how it works.

BIPS earns grant for $30,000 – Funds still sought for Gasparilla Island Light project

■ STAFF REPORT The Barrier Islands Parks Society (BIPS) has obtained a commercial building permit from Lee County for the Gasparilla Island Light, and now the last step will be a final NEPA (National Environmental Protection Act) review. This can take up to two weeks, but according to BIPS Executive Director Sharon McKenzie, “The Coast […]

A world away from Boca Grande … Charlotte County Jail media tour

■ BY SUE ERWIN The slamming of thick steel doors, locking them shut behind armed officers in green uniforms, is enough to ensure cooperation from most visitors who enter the halls of the Charlotte County Jail. “Welcome to the rock,” said Captain Norm Wilson to a group of local media representatives during a tour of […]

Obituary: Robert Alexander Melvin III

Capt. Robert Alexander Melvin III (retired USCG), 78, of Elizabeth City, N.C. died at home Wednesday, June 15, 2016. He was born in Fayetteville, N.C. in 1938 to the late Robert A. Melvin and Eunice Goff Melvin. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carolyn Johnson Melvin; daughter Janet Melvin Berry and husband […]

Englewood man dead after boat accident north of Gasparilla Island

■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE In the early morning hours of Sunday, June 19, Dylan Gonzalez texted a photo of a juvenile tarpon to his girlfriend, Linsey Peyton. It was the first ever tarpon he had caught on fly, and he was about as happy as he could be. Dylan lived to fish, and according to […]

Family earns scuba certification through island employee

■ BY SUE ERWIN Stephanie Taylor and her husband Rodney have spent countless hours exploring the waters around Boca Grande aboard a boat owned by her father, Capt. Dumplin’ Wheeler. The Taylors and their six children are all avid snorkelers who enjoy traveling to different locations and discovering new ways to enjoy the outdoors.