This date in the Boca Beacon: Manatees visit for mating season

FIVE YEARS AGO

Lee County Commissioners met and unanimously passed the ordinance prohibiting overnight parking in designated areas for buses and recreational vehicles within portions of Gasparilla Island.

TEN YEARS AGO

Manatees were spotted in the shallow water a few feet from the shore. They were coming in for mating season.

FIFTEEN YEARS AGO

The Island School children traveled to Cayo Costa. The kids learned about some of the wonders of nature, went trail riding and were shown different types of plant life.

TWENTY YEARS AGO

The state fire marshal’s office was investigating the cause of a fire that destroyed a car parked behind a residence on Luke Street. 

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO 

A continuance was given to a group of island developers who were seeking to convert the island’s sole gas station into a retail and office complex.

THIRTY YEARS AGO

Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association received a generous donation of 115 coconut palms to be planted in groves along the bike path.

THIRTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

The Hurst Tool, commonly known as the Jaws of Life had arrived in Boca Grande. The purchase was made possible by a generous donation from Italiano Insurance Services.

FORTY YEARS AGO

The State hearing officer recommended that Charlotte County’s bridgeless barrier islands be extended windstorm coverage. This would include the islands between Gasparilla and Stump Pass. 

FORTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

The First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Englewood had opened a location in The Depot.