Sports & Outdoors

Guide questions effect of possible Gasparilla parking ordinance
A new parking ordinance restricting off island visits will challenge day fishing and guides here on the island, particularly with a two-hour limit downtown and new restrictions across the island. “The Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association was founded to improve the facilities and natural environment available to fishermen,” said Capt. Christopher Taylor, the group’s president. […]

Light Keeper’s Open, charity golf at the Coral Creek Club Nov. 3
July 10, 2025
Barrier Island Parks Society has set the date for the return of the Light Keeper’s Open, a charity golf tournament taking place at the Coral Creek Club on November 3. Proceeds wi…

First loggerheads, and an update on our nest adoption
July 2, 2025
BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY
Since my last article, we have started seeing hatches of our first loggerhead nests! Our first nests were documented on May 1, and with an appr…

Derelict vesssels get harsher state review
July 2, 2025
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is preparing to implement a new law aimed at strengthening vessel accountability and enhancing protections for Florida…

Canoe and kayak access now open
July 2, 2025
The canoe/kayak launch and parking area at the Boca Grande Fishing Pier located at 5810 Gasparilla Road on Gasparilla Island has officially reopened.
Portable toilets are avai…

Frequent island visitor challenges beachgoer on conch harvesting
July 2, 2025
In Florida, possession of live queen conch at any time is prohibited, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. All harvest of the Bahama starfish is also i…

GIBA to begin causeway armoring this month
July 2, 2025
Above, the causeway from the days following Hurricane Milton. GIBA Photo
The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority will begin its causeway armoring project in July, and is expect…