Tag: NoPaywall

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...

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Anne Smith

New at The Island School this year Anne Smith may be new to The Island School, but she’s no stranger to the classroom – with 20 years of teaching experience, she’ll begin her first week on...

Dog Life: When training your dog, you reap what you sow

Let’s make a few things clear about training your dog. All unwanted behavior is caused by the owner. Either it was never corrected or guided when your dog was young and you brought it home. If...

Lee County releases parking ordinance draft in advance of Aug. 5 meeting

Today, Lee County formally put the new parking ordinance for Boca Grande on the agenda for their August 5, 2025 meeting. It appears in the agenda as “Conduct Public Hearing to Adopt...

Gasparilla Island State Park south area closed for beach renourishment project

For safety reasons, Gasparilla Island State Park at the south end of the island will be temporarily closed at the southernmost entrance to the park due to the beach renourishment project, the...