TIMELINE FOR AUGUST 25: THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

FIVE YEARS AGO

The Beacon swept the Florida Press Association awards presentation, and Hopkins & Daughter celebrated 30 years of ownership of the Boca Beacon.

TEN YEARS AGO

Fire destroyed a Pilot Point Lane home, and Capt. Phil O’Bannon was in Lee County trying to make a difference in tarpon fishing gear regulations. Also, our sea grapes were puny. 

FIFTEEN YEARS AGO

Tropical Storm Fay was just another day in Paradise. Prior to it, though, the Temp sign had come down and islanders lined up for hang tags. 

TWENTY YEARS AGO

The Friendship Club was putting out Zine and only those in the know, knew. Mila, Sarah and Kalee sure did.

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

Billowing smoke came from the acres burning at the south end, as the village that stood there for decades became no more. They were making way for “South Bay,” now known as Boca Bay.

THIRTY-FIVE YEARS AGO

 Funds were being requested to save Koreshan, a utopian colony located along the banks of the Estero River. Many buildings had already fallen into complete disrepair and could not be saved.