Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY Can you believe we are only at the halfway point of this sea turtle nesting season? The word “only” used here is as an option, in case you are not a sea turtle fan, although I have yet to meet any such fans. Only three more months to go, assuming […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community.
The Friends of Boca Grande team is gearing up for the 2025-26 season. Left to right: Kyle Rich, Judy Prestia, Melissa Richardson, Tammy Rigney, Marta Howell, Martina Long and D.J. Keisling. Photo by Matt
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY Last week, shortly after the start of one of our morning patrols, BGSTA volunteers received an urgent text message stating, “All, Denise has a major disorientation with turtles going into the road. She needs help asap. See if the senior walker can do without the help this morning and (come) […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Pipes, heavy equipment and two boats from Gator Dredging are now at Gasparilla Island State Park for a long-delayed renourishment project at the south end of the island. While big bulldozers and offshore barges have not arrived, a diesel fuel tank is in the parking area behind the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse. The news has […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, News, Sports & Outdoors.
BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY The sea turtle nesting season is now in its 11th week on Gasparilla Island, nearly halfway through the 26-week season, which officially ends Oct. 31. Since May 1, BGSTA turtle patrol volunteers have been faithfully monitoring the beaches, documenting all nests and false crawls, and taking steps to protect the […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News, Sports & Outdoors.
While construction has not commenced on the Sea Grape bathroom at Gasparilla Island State Park, there is progress. The bathroom area will be to the north end of the Sea Grape parking area at the park. Currently, it is marked and blocked off and the rest of the parking area is still in use. John […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
Charlotte County Natural Resources has launched the Sea Turtle Lighting Recognition Program, a pilot program designed to honor the outstanding efforts of our coastal community in protecting nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings. “Staff works hard every year to send out preseason material to all residents in Charlotte County’s sea turtle lighting zone to help […]
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, Health & Wellness, Sports & Outdoors.
The good news is that bad news can be turned into good news when you change your attitude. Robert H. Schuller, American television evangelist, author Sorry to say, this column will offer many bad news days with the possibility that action by many readers may help jumpstart more good news reports. Many reports will follow […]
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 Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
Charlotte County Parks & Natural Resources are accepting artwork beginning July 1 for “Lights Out for Sea Turtles,” a campaign designed to raise awareness around sea turtle education and conservation. The chosen artwork will be featured on educational materials for the 2026 sea turtle nesting season. Submissions can be dropped off at or mailed […]