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Search Results for “gasparilla

False mayday on sea triggers Coast Guard

Multiple local marine units, including the U.S. Coast Guard, responded to a false mayday call last Saturday, May 4 at 5 p.m. The call was reported from five miles west of Gasparilla Island, described as a “verbal mayday call w/o response.” A male voice called for help, and it was reported as a watercraft in […]

Lit driver likely causes Causeway fire

A small fire on the Boca Grande Causeway’s center island was the road’s second land fire in a year. “This is not normally a problem, but the same thing did happen back in October,” said Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority Executive Director Kathy Banson.  The fire was only in a small area by the roadside and […]

Hooks are baited, lets go fishin’

BY CAPT. SANDY MELVIN  Tarpon season is now in full swing – with lots of fish throughout the area. Late afternoon and early evening Pass trips have been most productive. Despite some continued heavy winds last week, fishing has overall been very good, but challenging with the rough conditions. We look for more stable weather […]

Ask a Doc: Overcoming life’s predictable and unpredictable challenges

Editor’s Note: Earlier this season, the Boca Grande Health Clinic and Foundation hosted a Grande Rounds lecture on resiliency, featuring Yale-trained and board-certified psychiatry specialist Alexander P. Miano, M.D. at The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re pleased to offer a recap of Dr. Miano’s insightful discussion for those […]

Englewood Chamber Tourism Day

The Englewood Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2024 spent the morning on the island for their Tourism Day. They spent time driving around on golf carts, learning helpful information about Sea Turtles and getting some history on Gasparilla Island and the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse. Photo by Matt

Bridge approves Lee camera reader; traffic up 19 percent

In news from the most recent meeting of the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority, members approved allowing Lee County to install a license tag reader on the bridge, as well as noting a 19 percent increase in traffic in the first half of the fiscal year.  Currently, GIBA keeps the tag information of drivers crossing the […]

Sea turtle talk

BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY The 2024 sea turtle nesting season for Gasparilla Island officially kicked off on May 1, and runs through October 31. Trained Turtle Patrol volunteers with the Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association will be out during early morning hours throughout the nesting season, surveying the beach for sea turtle nests, marking […]