THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

FIVE YEARS AGO

Don’t say you weren’t warned. The Beacon wrote to spring breakers, warning them that swimming at the south end had resulted in 18 drownings since 2001.

TEN YEARS AGO

The Gilchristian Crusaders were out in full force at the Boca Grande Historic Preservation meeting, fighting against parking on the median strip they call historic.

FIFTEEN YEARS AGO

Big John Bottjer’s fundraiser and memorial service raised $28,000.

TWENTY YEARS AGO

Islanders thought all was lost and they were cut off from the world as a utility company cut a fiber optic line, leaving us without long-distance service and 911 capability.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

The GICIA was considering secession from Lee County due to a “lack of understanding.” Peter Sholley, Kathy Futch and Anna Bowditch played in “The Case of the Disappearing Dining Room”

THIRTY YEARS AGO

A bill proposal that would have allowed land access to Three Sisters was quashed in a senate committee meeting. Sunset Realty – the company that owned the property – had the bill introduced.

THIRTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

Marnie’s cat Opus got hit and killed out on Placida Road, serving as a warning to motorists to slow down.

FORTY YEARS AGO

The Compass Rose, a 60 feet long and 20 feet wide grouper boat, was destroyed by fire. It was owned by Capt. Bud Jerauld.