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Why we need to talk about non-communicable diseases

BY DR LAUREN HANA MD, BOCA GRANDE HEALTH CLINIC – With so much attention over the past year-plus focused on COVID-19, there was little time to discuss one of the largest killers: non-communicable or chronic diseases. Unlike diseases that can spread, non-communicable diseases can be controlled and often prevented. That was the key message of […]

Mote scientist talks about future of our sea turtles

BY TONYA BRAMLAGE   Mote Marine Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program, Dr. Jake Lasala shared the findings of his research on “Exploring the Mysteries of Sex Ratios in Sea Turtles to Better Predict Their Future” during the final virtual presentation of Coffee with a Scientist on Wednesday, April 14. […]

What to do with a 300-pound deceased sea turtle

BY TONYA BRAMLAGE – One of the most amazing aspects of living on the beach on Gasparilla Island is to see sea turtles coming up to nest on our beaches. While only a few people have been lucky enough to witness that, or a clutch of sea turtles emerging from their sandy nests, many more […]

Shorebird nesting season has begun; please do your part to help keep them safe

BY T MICHELE WALKER – The beaches of Boca Grande are home to many species of shorebirds and seabirds. Charlotte County hosts three species of shorebirds, the Wilson’s plover, Snowy plover and American oystercatcher, and two species of seabirds, Least tern and Black skimmer. Boca Grande’s pristine and undeveloped stretches of beach provide a place […]

What women need to know about heart disease

BY LAUREN HANA MD –  In honor of American Heart Month, in our continuing series on heart health, today I want to focus on women and heart disease. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  More women die […]

GICIA Mercabo Cove seagrass planting effort brought to light

SUBMITTED BY THE GICIA – In January 2016, the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association successfully acquired the Mercabo property located at the entrance to Gasparilla Island. It was in late 2015 that a rumor began to circulate that an offer had been made by a resort developer to purchase the 30 acres, armored by […]

Organizations turn to creativity in unusual season

BY SUSAN HANAFEE – Virtual speakers, open air musicals, art shows without the usual wine and cheese receptions, pop-up history tours in parking lots – all have been part of the creativity local not-for-profit organizations have exhibited in dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic. And the results have been gratifying for most organizations, as support and […]

BIPS features the Witheringtons in ‘Our Sea Turtles’: Part IV of their lecture series

STAFF REPORT – Join BIPS to welcome back renowned authors and professional naturalists, Blair and Dawn Witherington, for another fascinating program titled Our Sea Turtles. Blair is a Senior Sea Turtle Conservation Biologist at the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, and professor at University of Florida. He earned BA and MA degrees in […]

Charlotte County seeks north end residents to fill vacant ‘iguana board’ seats through October

STAFF REPORT – Charlotte County is looking for two Gasparilla Island residents to fill vacancies on the MSBU/TU Boca Grande Street & Drainage (and iguanas) Unit, to fill vacant unexpired terms through October 31. Volunteers for these positions must be both a property owner within and reside within the Unit (Charlotte County portion of Gasparilla […]