THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON …

FIVE YEARS AGO

The newly-replanted Gilchrist median was thriving. Red tide was still a problem along island beaches.

TEN YEARS AGO

The mere mention of the Gilchrist median at the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board set off an hour-long conversation that ended, once again, with no results other than to show how divided island residents were about the parking issue. 

FIFTEEN YEARS AGO

Women were freeing their ta-tas in the name of cancer, a spam queen was still being sought and Hurricane Ike brought some flooding, but little more.

TWENTY YEARS AGO

Perry Padilla passed away, Debbi Ricci announced she was leaving the Chamber of Commerce, and Uncle Henry’s Marina was scheduled to convert to private “dockominiums,” according to the word on the street.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association voted 4-2 against the island’s incorporation. A pygmy whale washed up at the south end, but rescue attempts failed and he became deceased.

THIRTY YEARS AGO

The Boca Grande Causeway got a brand new big sign at the entrance. Friends of Boca Grande were holding a fundraiser for rehabilitation efforts.

FORTY YEARS AGO

 Customs agents seized 700 pounds of cocaine stashed on a fishing trawler in Boca Grande Pass. Estimated street value back then was $200 million. Yowza.