Tag: NoPaywall

Renourishment tax could await island property owners

Lee County will consider a new MSBU tax for Gasparilla Island if new parking restrictions impact beach renourishment funding. The recently passed parking ordinance will possibly involve the...

It used to be her town. But we must work this out.

The last real top 40 hit from James Taylor was a duet with J.D. Souther. The song “Her Town Too” did not reach that high on the Billboard list in 1981, but many will remember it as a lament about...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Martina Long

August 7, 2025
Anna Ridilla
Profiles

Her ship sailed to Boca Grande Friends Martina Long is stepping into her new role as program director for Friends of Boca Grande, overseeing event planning and talent booking for the upcoming...

Lee County passes island beach parking restrictions

Above, Chamber director Gary Cross addresses the board. Photo by Matt The Gasparilla Island parking ordinance passed unanimously at Tuesday’s Lee County Commissioners meeting with...

Address for Aug. 5 Lee County parking meeting; link to watch on YouTube

The Public Hearing on Gasparilla Island parking is Tuesday, August 5 at 9:30 a.m. at the Old Lee County Courthouse, where all Lee County Commission meetings are held. The address is: Old Lee...

Renourishment shortfall with parking rule

$4.2 million example BY MARCY SHORTUSE A proposed parking plan for Gasparilla Island will affect the island’s future beach renourishment funding and could include a tax for renourishment,...

Capt. David McCown is new commanding officer of Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater

The crew of Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, which supervises rescue operations along the Gulf Coast, held a change of command ceremony on July 24, 2025. Capt. David McCown relieved Capt....

Mote Marine tests shark-repellent devices

Electromagnetic technology could reduce fishing depredation Scientists at Mote Marine Laboratory’s research facility in Sarasota are testing devices that send electric pulses intended to repel...

Beacon wins First Amendment Defense award

Above, newspaper and magazine awards from last year’s convention. Boca Beacon archives The Boca Beacon and Gasparilla Island Magazine received word that has been nominated for 39 awards...

All-time shark week legend: Giant ‘Old Hitler’

As a young high school fisherman, I enjoyed fish legends. Big shark stories just enhanced the adventure and thrills. Everyone from Tampa Bay to Boca Grande Pass had huge hammerhead sharks Old...