THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON:

FIVE YEARS AGO

A truly handsome alligator was just chillin’ on the beach near Sundown Colony, catchin’ some rays. Waylon took the buckle.

TEN YEARS AGO

The Boca Grande Marina was closing down for repairs and dredging. The Vacation Bible School kids from the Methodist Church came back from their trip to the Eleuthera Islands.

FIFTEEN YEARS AGO

Operation ‘Able Patriot’ came to town as part of an operation to crack down on smuggling. 

TWENTY YEARS AGO

A new defense mechanism called a “taser” was all the rage with island deputies. The family of Sammy Steyer rented a golf cart train for his fifth birthday.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

“Poonwalker” pulled a hat trick in the World’s Richest, winning first, second and a share of third place.

THIRTY YEARS AGO

Raymond Rodriguez and Ann Hollins took first in the World’s Richest on the “Chris Rip.” Buster Herzog and his team took second on “Had ‘em.” 

THIRTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

A 46-foot Viking sportfisherman named “Crazy Bob” was consumed by flames. 

FORTY YEARS AGO

 A mile of beachfront, as well as 113 acres of prime property on the southern portion of Gasparilla Island, were officially deeded to the state by Mary and Bayard Sharp.