Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
BY MARCY SHORTUSE Gasparilla Island is scheduled for a Lee County and federal beach renourishment this fall. It is unclear, however, how much a potential change in parking or public access for the beach due to a possible new Lee County parking ordinance will affect the federal funds for the project. Gasparilla Island, like beaches […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, News.
On Wednesday, the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority voted to harden the islands around its bridges and roadway to prevent further deterioration in the event of a future hurricane. “One thing the board takes very seriously is maintaining access to the island,” said George Milne, engineering chair for the authority. “We know where a lot of […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Opinion.
BY ALICE GORMAN One of the results of living and caring about a small community for many years is the awareness that certain complicated and difficult issues seem to never be permanently resolved. As a visitor to Boca Grande when my parents settled here in 1971 and a winter resident myself for the past 25 […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
It is time we had some good news here on Gasparilla Island. This summer, the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority (GIBA) will embark on two major infrastructure projects – referred to as “hardening” efforts. The first will focus on fortifying their headquarters, and the second will enhance resilience on the islands of the Causeway itself. The […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Entertainment, Profiles.
Bailey Seybolt Author Bailey Seybolt was in Boca Grande with her kids just this past February on vacation; now she is in New York for the release of her debut novel with Simon and Schuster, “Coram House.” “Coram House,” which came out in hardback on April 15, follows a crime writer investigating mysterious deaths at […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Featured News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Gasparilla Island State Park reopened its Dune parking area near the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse on Wednesday, April 23. Previously, the Range Light, Sea Grape and Sea Wall beach access areas had been open. The park is in the process of beach renourishment; much of the park remains blocked off. Port Boca Grande Lighthouse at […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO COVID-19 was in full swing and the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament for 2020 had been canceled. TEN YEARS AGO The Downtown Beautification Project continued with three benches with palms and bamboo plantings alongside them on both sides of the Post Office. sFIFTEEN YEARS AGO The pain was felt by anyone trying to […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
Bridge meeting The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority Board of Supervisors will be conducting a Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 1 p.m. in the GIBA administration building. Agenda topics include long-term cash flow projections. The board will also be conducting a Quarterly Board Meeting on Wednesday April 23, 2025, at 1 p.m. […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
Island Vet Sarah Babcock was selected for the Michigan State University 2025 College of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Veterinary Alumni Award. “This award is exceptionally humbling,” Babcock said. “It is truly a great honor.” Babcock focuses on the human animal bond, through clinical and non-clinical work. She provides in-home veterinary care for Gasparilla Island residents through […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
BY THE GICIA The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association (GICIA) will start restoring the Town Park between 3rd and 5th Streets, beginning on Monday. Stormwater intrusion from both Helene and Milton damaged and killed much of the vegetation along the five miles of Bike Path. The Town Park is a highly visible and extensively […]