THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

FIVE YEARS AGO

Roads in town were being paved, and snook health was a hot topic after a severe red tide bloom in preceding years took its toll on the population.

TEN YEARS AGO

Gasparilla Island Magazine hit the stands for the first time, a dead Lithuanian man was found on a sailboat in the bayou, and an injunction filed by the PTTS against Save The Tarpon was, in part, dismissed by a judge. 

FIFTEEN YEARS AGO

A monitor lizard was believed to have been spotted on the island, and freedom of the press was severely questioned when an iguana researcher from the USDA refused to present at a meeting until all cameras were turned off. Beacon representatives were almost physically removed from the public meeting by Board Member Tony Ackerman.

TWENTY YEARS AGO

Residents at Seawatch said something fishy was going on at their lake. Many reported seeing what looked to be a lake monster, while others said it must have just been a dolphin. 

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority changed the toll from $3.20 to $3.25. They said it was easier to make change that way. Islanders started a soccer club. 

THIRTY YEARS AGO

Tuesday night softball at the Wheeler Road ballfield was in full swing with more than 20 players involved.

THIRTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

 Residents like Mark Spurgeon were outraged by announced tax increases. His home property taxes jumped up by $166,000.