Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles, Sports & Outdoors.
Sorting through water policy In our June 13, 2025, issue we ran a profile of the new Calusa Waterkeeper, Joe Cavanaugh. During that interview he noted in the interview a number of issues he felt strongly about regarding coordination and cooperation among environmental nongovernmental organizations, as well as changes the current administration is making regarding […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Police & Fire.
Lee County Emergency Medical Services has received a full three-year re-accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services. The services provided by the department also are accredited by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch for both fire and EMS communications. LeeFlight, the county’s air medical program, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in News, Police & Fire.
A new Boca Grande Fire Department engine that will replace the aging Silver King was brought into “service” on its way in to be delivered to Gasparilla Island on Tuesday, July 8. “It got in the middle of a car chase,” said Chief C.W. Blosser. “The darn thing got christened on the way.” A Florida Highway […]
Written by Arlene Hall on . Posted in Columns, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Here we are at the top of another month so it’s time to look at how this sea turtle nesting season is progressing. As I noted in a previous article, this year’s nesting turtles are facing some unique environmental challenges on our beaches, but it looks like they are managing to overcome most of them […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News, Real Estate.
At its February meeting, the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board reviewed the first case of the elevation of a historic island house to above-flood level. At the meeting, Lee County planner Peter Blackwell gave guidance on how to best encourage the preservation of historic structures in flood-prone areas. “With all of the damage caused by […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
A new parking ordinance restricting off island visits will challenge day fishing and guides here on the island, particularly with a two-hour limit downtown and new restrictions across the island. “The Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association was founded to improve the facilities and natural environment available to fishermen,” said Capt. Christopher Taylor, the group’s president. […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Featured News, News.
Storm restoration work continues at First Baptist Church of Boca Grande, which was flooded during the fall hurricanes. Construction crews this week were working inside, clearing where the floor was removed. “It did not have a plywood subfloor,” said Sam Lowman of Right Hand Construction Solutions, who was there with a team looking at the […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News, Uncategorized.
The Surfrider Foundation, which advocates for the public use and safety of beaches across the world, has spoken out about the potential closure of public Gasparilla Island beach parking by Lee County. “We urge the Lee County Commissioners to prioritize public parking solutions rather than restrictions in order to facilitate meaningful public access to beaches,” […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Featured News, News.
A Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce survey on visitors to Gasparilla Island is still gathering submissions. It now has over 2,200 responses and almost 900 written comments and ideas. “We wanted to show that day trippers, as everyone is calling them, do patronize the local shops,” said Gary Cross, executive director of the Boca Grande […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in News.
A petition survey by a local schoolteacher and longtime island resident to keep beach parking access open has grown to over 3,000 signatures in just over a week. “Truthfully, I didn’t want to hinder anybody, but I am very passionate about the beach,” said Mila Wyman, who grew up in Boca Grande and still has a […]