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THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

October 19, 2023
By Marcy Shortuse

FIVE YEARS AGO
We said a quiet goodbye to the folks at The Fishery who had been there for so many years, like the Albrittons and Hatch Gallery.

TEN YEARS AGO
Lee County Commissioners chucked a rock at a hornet’s nest, as they proposed a Gilchrist parking plan that set the island abuzz.

FIFTEEN YEARS AGO
It wasn’t quite a three-ring circus, but the plans for the upcoming celebrity wedding of Sara Blakely and Jesse Itzler (look ‘em up) on the island included trolley rides and Starbucks for all.

TWENTY YEARS AGO
Dixie Hollins announced he would not hold his live-bait tarpon tournaments in the upcoming year, stating a need to preserve the fishery.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
CSX announced it would not be renewing the lease on the Pass Marina, and that retail and charter operations would cease in March of 1999. It was located close to Boca Grande Pass.

THIRTY YEARS AGO
Kathleen Kruder (now Turner) celebrated her 30th birthday at the Theater Mall with a Mexican theme. A gorilla was there.

THIRTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
Rhoda’s Swimwear was open for business with the latest in 1989 swimwear and Ed and Connie Seale’s combined birthdays and anniversary party was HUGE.

FORTY YEARS AGO
The Halloween Carnival set for Saturday, Oct. 29 coincided with a “Spookghetti Dinner” at the Crowninshield.