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Mote research highlights potential Deepwater Horizon spill impacts

To the Editor: Mote Marine Laboratory scientists found that southern flounder exposed to oiled sediment for 30 days in the lab showed evidence of stress and DNA damage, one of the latest indicators of potential impacts of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill that continues to be studied today. The flounder study – presented at […]

Scarpa’s Coastal coming soon! Old Theatre Building to come back to life

■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE Boca Grande is abuzz with talk of the new restaurant that will tentatively be opening around May 1 in the Old Theatre Building, where PJ’s Seagrille used to be located. “We are super excited about this, and we hope everyone else is, too,” said Ashley Scarpa, co-owner of the new eatery that […]

Bach concert to be held tomorrow at Lighthouse Methodist Church

■ BY SUE ERWIN Are you a fan of classical music? If so, you won’t want to miss concert artist Dr. Wojciech Wojtasiewicz performing at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Lighthouse Methodist Church. Admission to the concert is free, and all ages are encouraged to attend. A native of Warsaw, Poland, Dr. Wojtasiewicz […]

Mercabo eco-restoration continues, tours offered to the public

■ SUBMITTED BY GICIA The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association (GICIA) is pleased to announce that the State permits for the Mercabo Cove Project have been issued. This project, which will transform the basin area of the Mercabo Preserve into a marine sanctuary, will provide long-term benefits, including improved water quality, enhanced fish and bird […]

Prominent prosecutor and author to speak at library foundation benefit

■ BY SUE ERWIN She worked at the first district attorney’s office in the country that introduced DNA evidence in a major homicide case in 1986, before the courts ever accepted it as reliable. She was also responsible for helping change the way laws treated domestic violence cases. Linda Fairstein will be the featured guest […]

The light has been relit!

Last Saturday evening, February 9, 2019, the Barrier Island Parks Society had a celebration to officially relight the historic Boca Grande Rear Entrance Range Light, now officially designated the Gasparilla Island Light. The ceremony was a “thank you” to the “miracle workers” who restored this island icon, and a tribute to the 650+ donors whose […]

Appreciation for a new look for Whidden’s, remembering Isabelle

■ On Tuesday, Feb. 12 the members of the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum gathered together to honor those who have contributed to the ongoing dock restoration at Whidden’s Marina, and those who helped to fund the project. A new look for the interior historical rooms of the museum/marina was also presented. Michael Hayman came to […]

First Boca Grande Film Festival a smashing success

■ BY SUE ERWIN The inaugural Boca Grande Film Festival exceeded the expectations of organizers – ensuring that the 2020 event will be an even greater affair. “We felt it was a wonderful success,” said Steve Laughlin, who spearheaded the event, suggesting the concept to the Friends of Boca Grande last March. The Boca Beacon, […]

Island LEO Beat: Deputies respond to vehicle burglary call at state park

■ STAFF REPORT Two visitors were the victims of a vehicle burglary this past weekend at the south end of the island. According to Lee County Sheriff’s Office reports, an island deputy was notified by the complainant that she was visiting the island on Saturday, Feb. 9 with her friend. They arrived at Gasparilla Island […]