Tag: GICIA

Lee Plan deletes most mentions of Boca Grande

An update to The Lee Plan, which directs land use and development across the county, would eliminate the stand-alone community plans for Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island, along with other local...

State orchid project for the Bike Path

A group from the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami last week planted 767 orchids through Sam Murphy Park and the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association Bike Path as...

GICIA continues Bike Path restoration

BY THE GICIA The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association will begin a $25,000 Bike Path planting project during the second week of July. Native trees and grasses will be...

Bike Path gets asphalt gutter crossover pathways

This week, contractors were out on the GICIA Bike Path repaving cut-through paths up and down the island for golf carts, bicyclists and pedestrians. Photos by Garland

GICIA Bike Path irrigation allows Fairchild Garden orchid operation

Above, a native butterfly orchid on the path. A new irrigation system for the Bike Path downtown is part of enhancing the park-like setting of 3rd to 5th streets after the destruction caused...

Island School students study at Mercabo in marine partnership

Above, Dr. Jim Locascio talking to the students about the acoustic receivers and how they work. Photo submitted The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association, in partnership...

The GICIA looks back at 55 years of conservation efforts

BY THE GICIA As the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association celebrates its 55th anniversary, the organization is reflecting on the many successful initiatives that have...

OPINION: Managing acres, habitat and community assets like the Bike Path

BY THE GASPARILLA ISLAND CONSERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION Imagine Boca Grande today without the GICIA. There would be no Bike Path for residents and visitors to enjoy, no Land...

Sawfish spotting in Mercabo Cove

Since acquiring the Mercabo Cove property in 2016, the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association has been restoring critical coastal habitat and improving water quality within...

Tree work on Bike Path follows hurricane damage assessment

BY THE GICIA The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association has completed a professional tree assessment along the GICIA Bike Path. The assessment, conducted on Jan. 20, 2026,...