Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial, Featured News, Letters to the Editor, News, Opinion.
To the Editor: Mote Marine Laboratory received a report of five whale sharks — Earth’s largest fish species — about 40 miles off Anna Maria Island last weekend, and Mote scientists are asking members of the public to report new sightings off Florida’s Gulf Coast immediately. Whale sharks sporadically visit Southwest Florida’s coastal waters, most likely […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial, Letters to the Editor, News, Opinion.
To the Editor: Our community has proved time and again that we will stand together to face a challenge or fulfill a need. There is no more important need than the safety and security of our children and grandchildren. When the Florida Legislature mandated that school districts assign at least one “safe school officer” at […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY SUE ERWIN Several residents and visitors to the island were experiencing the cough and throat tickle indicative of red tide symptoms this week, and low concentrations of the wicked stuff have been confirmed. Dr. Tracy Fanara, manager of the environmental health program at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, said low concentrations of the […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE Never underestimate the power of children who love to fish. This was the eighth year that fact was proven, as 23 tarpon were released from 10 of the 35 boats that fished the 2018 Gasparilla Island Kids Classic. The ages of the children ranged from 5 to 15, with 131 children […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY SUE ERWIN Kris Boyden, manager at The Palm on Park Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store, had quite a scare when she was finishing her day up at the store on Monday, June 4. She was taking some recyclables out the back door at the store that leads to an alley where the communications tower […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial, News, Opinion.
■ SUBMITTED BY BONNIE PRINGLE Why does GIWA flush fire hydrants? We only flush hydrants to maintain the highest quality of drinking water for our members. When water remains in pipes too long, it may begin to pick up off-tastes, exhibit odors or discoloration, or most importantly, result in a gradual breakdown or loss of […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY SUE ERWIN Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association patrol volunteers didn’t experience the usual pleasant experience of patrolling their zones this week. Several suffered from coughing and sneezing, while seeing many different species of dead fish due to low concentrations of red tide detected around the island. As of press time, the association reported […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ STAFF REPORT The Gasparilla Island Water Association has announced it will be replacing aging clay gravity sewer and water lines on Third Street and on Palm Avenue this summer. Rusty Plumbing, Inc. has been contracted to complete to project along with GIWA staff. The clay gravity sewer lines have been in service since 1972 […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Profiles.
■ BY SUE ERWIN You may have heard him talk about fishing tips on the radio, caught a glimpse of him on Big Water Adventures television show or spotted him out fishing in Boca Grande Pass. No matter where he may be, he’s the guy known for one main thing – chasin’ tail. Capt. Chris […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ STAFF REPORT The Johann Fust Community Library is offering the following free programs for children in June: • Stories Alive with Windell Campbell – 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 20 at the Boca Grande Community Center. Windell Campbell takes the audience on an exciting journey using his voice and puppets to bring stories alive. For […]