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GIWA pleased to report island water passed all federal & state requirements

BY BONNIE PRINGLE, GASPARILLA ISLAND WATER ASSOCIATION – Gasparilla Island Water Association, Inc. (GIWA) is pleased to present to you this year’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Report. This report is designed to inform you about the quality of water and services we deliver to you every day. We want you to understand the efforts we […]

Mote to research local sea turtles in quest for many answers

To the Editor: The official season for sea turtle nesting on the Gulf Coast of Florida begins May 1 and ends Oct. 31, but nesting turtles may be here sooner or hatch a little later. Mote Marine Laboratory has a few tips on how to help keep local waters and beaches safe for beach recreation […]

Profile: David O’Connell

BY SUSAN ERWIN – Orthopedic body worker and Therapist David O’Connell has been healing island residents at Park Avenue Massage and Bodyworks since November. And it’s an interesting story how his path led him to Boca Grande. David is originally from Brighton, Massachusetts. He excelled in track and field during high school. But after experiencing several […]

Rescue crews searching for missing boater

■ By Sue Erwin    A 62-year-old man who launched a boat at El Jobean ramp in Port Charlotte Thursday apparently became separated from the vessel sometime on Thursday evening. The boat was recovered between Jug Creek and Pine Island. Lt. Lee Cooper from Boca Grande took a call to assist in a search for […]

Historical Society updates supporters at annual meeting

■ BY SUE ERWIN      The Boca Grande Historical Society held its 21st annual meeting at the Boca Grande Community Center on Thursday, April 21. President Patricia Agles called the meeting to order. She announced that Jim Blaha recently joined the board. Co-treasurer Bob Vanden Bosch gave an update on the organization’s fiscal year. […]

Profile: Bob Vorel

■ BY SUE ERWIN      Bob Vorel managed several successful career endeavors before choosing to settle down in Boca Grande. He and his wife, Annie, came to the island by boat 10 years ago. They purchased a tug trawler in Milwaukee and navigated up through Canada and Lake Ontario, travelling on several canals that […]

Bad vibrations

Letter to the Editor,      To maintain safe and efficient traffic flow at all times through the toll booths, along the causeway and along the Intercoastal waterway. To make fair and balanced decisions which impact a diverse group of stakeholders including owners, travelers, local businesses and employees. That’s what was printed at the bottom […]

We came … we saw … we smacked some silver king bottomside!

■ STAFF REPORT The afternoon was perfect as several of us from the Boca Beacon crew set out from Whidden’s Marina in the Jill Marie with Capt. Dave Chatham and his worthy first mate, Jill Chatham. Editor Marcy Shortuse, writer Sue Erwin, graphic designer Christine Cunningham, ad representatives Julianne Greenberg and Caroline Clabaugh and office […]

‘Pandora’s Box’ opened at GIBA meeting

■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE      The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority announced at its quarterly board meeting on Wednesday, April 20 that it would be implementing a trial exception period for overweight trucks, which brought about a debate one board member likened to “opening Pandora’s box.” Several local businesses were represented at the meeting, including […]