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Five releases for the win! Capt. Travis Joiner team on ‘Family Tradition’ wins GIKCTT 2023

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.

As they headed home on the waters of Boca Grande Pass last Saturday night, Hugh Potter and his friends Braden Dolphin, Grady Abbott and Brandt Cataldo were pretty sure they had won the Gasparilla Island Kids Classic with their five releases. There’s always that bit of trepidation that stops one from completely believing it’s true until you’re standing on stage receiving the awards. Not to mention, Grady caught that fifth fish just minutes before the tournament ended, when radio traffic in the Pass was pretty crazy. 
Eventually, of course, they were on that stage. Out of 21 boats and 78 anglers, they were the four who made it to the big time … maybe with a little help from Capt. Travis Joiner on their boat, “Family Tradition.”

Repairs at Port Boca Grande Lighthouse will take some time, according to BIPS

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.

There’s a lot of work to be done at the south end of the island, specifically at the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, the Amory Chapel and even on Cayo Costa. As many of our readers are probably well aware, trying to set things right after a storm of the magnitude of Hurricane Ian is a game of “Hurry-Up-and-Wait,” which can be tedious and frustrating. It is no different for our historic landmarks at the south end that we love so well.
According to Sharon McKenzie, the executive director of the Barrier Island Parks Society (BIPS), the laundry list of repairs that need to be done is long. Knowing it is important to keep residents of the island abreast of what’s going on, she gave us a peek into what they are going through right now. They cannot lobby, only inform when it comes to these matters.

‘Octopus tree’ to be discussed by Historic Preservation Board

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community History, News.

The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board has just one item on the agenda this month for their meeting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14 in the Community Center auditorium, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be brief. The saga of the property at 161/181 Gilchrist Avenue, owned by the Adam family of Texas, continues with a discussion about the validity of attempting to name a tree there as historic.

At the Board’s last meeting, one of their members, Becky Paterson, expressed concern for the banyan tree on the east side of the property by the sidewalk known to some as “The Octopus Tree.” It was named as such back in the 1920s and ’30s by the island children who used to climb it.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Paul and Renata Rozmus

Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.

If you happen to be in Boca Grande in the daytime on a Monday or Wednesday, you may be intrigued by the playful or plaintive sound of a lone flute wafting on the air currents. It is not your imagination. It is Paul Rozmus, entertaining guests at the Key Lime Bistro at the south end of the Railroad Depot building.
Paul and his wife Renata are both classically trained musicians who play at the Bistro several days and nights for the enjoyment of Bistro patrons and anyone else in the vicinity. Although their training is classical, their repertoire for the Bistro is fun and eclectic. It includes smooth jazz, rock, soca, contemporary and up-tempo jazz, R and B – and a rendition of “Happy Birthday,” if the occasion fits.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: If you’re out boating, use caution around Caloosahatchee River, blue-green algal toxins found

Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.

To the Editor: The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a Health Alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Caloosahatchee River – Fort Myers Shores. Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions: Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters […]

‘Hey, Moma!’ wins Howl, 59 tarpon released

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.

The Pass was rocking on Sunday night, May 28 as the boats that fished the Howl at the Moon Tarpon Tournament had hook-up after hook-up after hook-up. In all, 59 tarpon were released.
Capt. Wayne Joiner on “Hey, Moma!” and his team – including anglers Dixie Hollins, Alex Shouppe, Mike Moorefield and Trey Starling –caught seven of those 59. Capt. Charlie Coleman’s team on “Had ‘em” took second place with six tarpon released.

Don the cap and gown, TIS Class of 2023

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Education, News.

There are many defining moments in a parent’s life when it comes to their children. Their first steps, their first words, their first day of school and their last day of elementary school. It’s at that time one realizes their children are coming of age and will soon stop playing on the playground and start […]

GIWA releases information regarding island’s annual water quality report

Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in News.

Submitted by the Gasparilla Island Water Association Gasparilla Island Water Association, Inc. (GIWA) is pleased to present to you this year’s Drinking Water Quality Report. This report is designed to inform you about the quality of water and related services we deliver to you every day. As always, we are committed to ensuring the quality […]