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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 […]

Pancake check for Myakka River

Lighthouse United Methodist Church has given a local school $3,100 from their Pancake Breakfast. The money will support the in-house food bank at Myakka River Elementary School. This school is only 6 miles from the Boca Grande bridge and currently has 32 homeless families. They are the most needy of all the schools we represent, […]

Seeing the water clearly this week on Gasparilla Sound

Particularly during the spring and early summer, the Gasparilla Sound is one of the most beautiful and special bodies of water in Florida. I’m very fortunate to be able to paddle this body of water nearly every day. There are many native Floridians and families who have been exploring and fishing the Sound for much […]

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 […]

Oversized boat cooks toll house center lane sign

A driver towing an oversized boat hit and broke the electronic toll gate sign on the middle toll lane of the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority plaza at 12:14 a.m. on April 18, causing an estimated $11,000 in damage. “The person driving the vehicle did not stop,” said Kathy Banson, GIBA executive director, at the quarterly […]

Hilarium welcomed back at Miller’s Thursday

The Hilarium received a warm welcome as she pulled into the Boca Grande Marina on Thursday afternoon, May 2. Hilarium is a motor yacht built by Royal Hakvoort Shipyard from The Netherlands and owned by the Nicholas family of Boca Grande.  She has been in Fort Lauderdale for the season undergoing repairs, but this week […]

UPDATED: Keylime Bistro closed temporarily

Editors note: Keylime Bistro reopened on Friday, May 3 after a follow-up inspection on Thursday, May 2 during which the restaurant met all inspection standards. The Keylime Bistro and the companion Loose Caboose Ice Cream Shoppe were temporarily closed by the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation for several high priority violations on Monday, […]

Reecher retires after 16 years with The Gasparilla Inn

Jon Reecher, who has led The Gasparilla Inn & Club as general manager for the last 11 years, announced his retirement last week. Reecher joined The Gasparilla Inn 16 years ago from The Greenbrier in West Virginia. At The Gasparilla, he served first as director of food and beverage, and later as general manager. “It’s […]

Help with drains

The Boca Grande Street & Drainage Unit is seeking three members to fill positions with terms through Oct. 31, 2025, Oct. 31, 2026 and Oct. 31, 2027.  Submit applications to Public Works Department, 7000 Florida St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950; call (941) 575-3600 or e-mail MSBU-TU@CharlotteCountyFL.gov.