BY LIZA STROUT - Among the topics discussed at the Gasparilla Island Water Association’s annual meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 17 were the relocation of GIWA's mains with the construction of the new bridges on the Boca Grande Causeway, improvements that the water association is making to equipment, the annual audit, and the election of new board members.

The improvements include both a new communication network and new water meters. The new network allows GIWA to inform individual account holders when there is a problem with the water system. Alerts are available by phone, email, or text. Sign up is at mygiwa.com.

The Boca Grande Garden Club is pleased to announce that Els Teunissen, an internationally-known Dutch floral designer, will be speaking at its Wednesday, Feb. 1 meeting in place of Nancy Clarke, who was recently hospitalized and had to cancel her presentation.   

Els was on our short list of speakers for next season, and is known for her warm, down-to-earth personality, as well as her love for flowers. She has spent nearly three decades perfecting her distinctive work, sharing “in” trends in European floral design, and demonstrating how flowers touch, amaze and rejuvenate people around the world.

As part of the Flower Council of Holland’s design team, she travels the world demonstrating design techniques and making appearances on television and at international exhibitions. Her artistic creations have been a part of many diverse groups, including the 61st Academy Awards, the United Nations, and the National Horse Show.  

BY JAMES LABINSKI - Island tennis enthusiasts will welcome four new players to the Boca Grande Club next month when the Professional Tennis Exhibition Series embarks on its fourteenth season. In week one of the competition on Wednesday, Feb. 1 at 4 p.m., David Siddons brings his game on island for all to see.  

Siddons is the director of tennis at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice. Siddons was a Southern Conference standout at Appalachian State University. Siddons directed several clubs in North Carolina and coached at his alma mater before settling in at the Plantation a few years ago.

It’s sad, 12 more gone, but SEPTICTANKER (Dave ‘Smitty’ Smith) survived another week. With four right picks this past weekend, it helped SCOTT I (Ittersagen), MR COHIBA (Steve Matson) and the BG COPS (our boys in green) climb the pigskin ladder.

On Sunday at 3 p.m. the Baltimore Ravens (13-4) will go to New England (14-3) and play the Patriots.