Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Opinion, Sports & Outdoors.
BY THE GASPARILLA ISLAND CONSERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION Imagine Boca Grande today without the GICIA. There would be no Bike Path for residents and visitors to enjoy, no Land Conservancy protecting wildlife habitat and green space, no Gasparilla Island Conservation District Act limiting development, no Historic District preserving the charm of the downtown village, no […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Community History, News.
The Mediterranean Revival La Hacienda in Boca Grande is the most recognizable and historic house in Boca Grande. A minor motor court enclosure will go in front of the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board on Wednesday, April 8 as part of its regular agenda. “The recent storms (Ian, Milton and Helene) caused serious damage to […]
Written by Arlene Hall on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
At last week’s “Coffee with a Scientist” event at the Boca Grande Community Center, Dr. Michael Crosby, president and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, shared with the audience the history of the laboratory which started in the Cape Haze area and how it has expanded its services and research over its 70-year history. […]
Written by Arlene Hall on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News.
Packed commission At the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners Land Use meeting on Wednesday, March 25, commissioners voted 3-2 to deny a petition for a Cape Haze apartment complex that would impact wetlands. During the Land Use meeting, nearly two hours was spent on the public hearing for adoption of the ordinance to amend […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Community History.
Above, The Charlotte Harbor & Northern Railway used a bloody pirate as their main brochure for the island in its early days. Boca Grande Historical Society Archives BY JIM BLAHA, BOCA GRANDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY In an earlier article on the sale and development of Boca Grande, I focused on the early promotional efforts of land […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
The Boca Grande Fire Department responded to 58 calls for assistance in February 2026, reported Chief C.W. Blosser during the Board of Fire Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, March 18. At the meeting, the board voted to order a new ladder truck, which has delivery years out. The department is now up to 113 calls for […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History, Featured News, News.
The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board will meet on Wednesday, April 8 at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Chapter house to review two projects at their monthly meeting. The first is a request to replace the open courtyard motor court area at La Hacienda, at 801 Gasparilla Road, with a roofed garage. The […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
Dear Editor: The Boca Grande Woman’s Club thanks the entire Boca community for the fun and spirit of the March 14th events. It was truly a community-wide celebration, from the bake sale and creative cart parade, to the entertaining dog-show, all accomplished with enthusiastic crowd support. We are grateful to all who participated – local […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO Lee County announced that the Wheeler Road Dog Park would be completed by Spring 2022. TEN YEARS AGO Barrier Island Parks Society announced the signing of the final license to acquire the Gasparilla Island Light was on track for April 1. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO Lee County Parks & Recreation Department met their […]
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
When all the world appears to be in tumult, and nature itself is feeling the assault of climate change, the seasons retain their essential rhythm. Yes, fall gives us a premonition of winter, but then winter will be forced to relent, once again, to the new beginning of soft greens, longer light and the sweet […]