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Search Results for “gasparilla

Lee County Sheriff, Boca Grande Fire strengthen working relationship

■ STAFF REPORT On June 11, Sheriff Carmine Marceno met with Chief C.W. Blosser of the Boca Grande Fire Department to address joint department initiatives. The Boca Grande Fire Department serves a population of approximately 6,000 residents and responds to structural fires, vehicular accidents and hazardous material situations. It also serves as backup to Lee […]

We’ve got a whole lot of new sand on our beach!

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – Excavators were seen driving off island Thursday morning, June 20, as the beach renourishment program is wrapping up. The extra beach isn’t as obvious at the Historic District access points … but my, oh my, is it ever noticeable at the old fishing pier at the south end. The landmark that […]

Searene is on fire! 11 releases to win the Red Gill

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – It was a very eventful few hours on the evening of Saturday, June 15 as the anglers participating in the Red Gill Invitational Tarpon Tournament brought 67 releases to the boat. In first place was Capt. Lamar Joiner Jr. and his team that included Richy Edwards, Leslie Edwards, Tiki Seralles and […]

It’s hot, the iguanas are afoot: Here’s what you need to know

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – While we have been dealing with an iguana eradication program for many, many years, at Tuesday’s meeting it became apparent that either people haven’t been reading about the situation or just recently moved here. Because of this, and at the iguana panel’s request, we will attempt to break down the pertinent […]

Another terrific World’s Richest event has come and gone, thanks to the help of many

To the Editor: The 37th annual World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament was filled with Grande traditions, exciting tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass, expert captains, mates and anglers, generous sponsors, incredible judges, talented artists, hardworking volunteers and the love and spirit of the Boca Grande Community. The Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce was honored to […]

Red Gill up next in tournament season this Saturday

■ STAFF REPORT As of press time there were 20 boats registered to fish the Red Gill Invitational scheduled for this Saturday, June 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. The cost to participate is $750 per boat. A barbecue dinner and music will follow the tournament at Whidden’s Marina. Cash prizes will be awarded to […]

More details of GICIA v. Damfiwill made available

■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE More information has come to light regarding the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association’s lawsuit against Lee County, an individual and a Florida company regarding alleged violations of several acts and state statutes. The suit was filed on June 5 with Lee County courts, naming the GICIA as the plaintiff and […]

Hanafee resigns from Historic Preservation Board

■ BY SUE ERWIN The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board approved all four items on the agenda at the monthly meeting held on Wednesday, June 12. The first special certificate-of-appropriateness case was a request for an addition to the rear elevation, including a garage with vehicular access to the alley at 461 Palm Ave. Lee […]

Turtle nests relocated due to beach work

■ BY SUE ERWIN Due to the current beach renourishment project, Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association patrol members have relocated 15 nests – 12 between 2nd and 18th Street and three at the South End from Gasparilla Island State Park. “They have been moved to a safe location, and we’ll continue to monitor nests in […]

Profile: Ozzie Lessinger

■ BY SUE ERWIN Ozzie Lessinger learned to fish before he could walk. His father, an avid fisherman, put 6-month-old Ozzie in a backpack carrier and placed a fishing pole in his hand and taught him to fish. Ozzie was hooked, so to speak. Originally from Tuxedo, New York, Ozzie moved to Tallahassee with his family when he […]