Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News.
BY KATHY BANSON-VERRICO – The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority (GIBA) is pleased to announce its newest customer service feature – online access for standard toll pass accounts. The site can be used to update contact information, set up notification preferences, request additional passes, edit payment information, add funds, view pass usage, print receipts and monthly […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Profiles.
He’s not afraid of a challenge…BY OLIVIA CAMERON – Engineer Peter Strong recently announced his retirement from the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority as chairman of the engineering committee, and he will be sorely missed. He passed his role as engineering chairman to board member Randy Hicks, but he plans to remain a mentor. “I enjoy […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Obituaries.
Virginia (Gina) Riddiford (nee Rankin), most recently of Boca Grande, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2020 of complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. In addition to being a loving wife, mother and Grandmother to her 5 grandchildren, she was strong, energetic, creative and fun-loving. Because of her gregarious nature and great sense of humor, she always […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
To the Editor: Several recreational and commercial stone crab regulation changes went into effect recently, just in time for the Oct. 15 season start date.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
STAFF REPORT – The FWC is hosting online stakeholder workshops to present proposed rule changes and collect public comment. These proposed rules address the importation, breeding and possession of high-risk invasive reptiles including pythons, tegus and iguanas. There will be 10 total workshops covering two different topics. Sign up for any of these virtual events on […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
Colonies of coral have spawned in breakthrough restoration STAFF REPORT- For the first time in Florida or Caribbean waters, restored massive corals were observed spawning – part of sexual reproduction that could result in the next generation of coral offspring – thanks to Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s innovative efforts to restore Florida’s Coral Reef.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY OLIVIA CAMERON- Lee County established an 80 percent recycling rate in 2019, 5 percent higher than the original goal set for 2020. And now Lee County’s recycling participation has increased from the previous recorded rate of 77 percent. The County has recycled approximately 1.8 million tons of the 2.27 million tons of recycled material […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Sports & Outdoors.
BY MARCY SHORTUSE- One lone tarpon made it to the boat in the 5th annual Red Gill Invitational Tarpon Tournament held on Saturday, June 20, and one has to wonder if the team on the winning boat didn’t have a little help from a higher power. Capt. Chase McBride took his team of anglers that […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Health & Wellness, News.
STAFF REPORT- Social distancing is more important than ever now, as the state of Florida saw its highest day of reported cases – coming in at 5,508 new positive COVID-19 cases and 44 new reported deaths – on Wednesday, June 24. That number breaks the old record, which was also reported last week. While it […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
STAFF REPORT- The Boca Grande Swing Bridge suffered a malfunction at 3 p.m. on Friday June 12, and was closed to boat traffic. Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority staff worked to resolve the problem, and the bridge reopened to boat traffic Sunday, June 14 at 9 a.m. GIBA Executive Director Kathy Banson-Verrico described the situation.