BY NIKKI HEIMANN - Boaters, swimmers, surfers and paddle boarders need to steer clear of the water along the 7th Street beach.

From 10-20 yards offshore, there are several pieces of metal rebar sticking straight up, waiting to impale any inattentive passersby. This debris was left over from the barge that was beached on 14th Street for quite some time last year. Apparently, the barge was disassembled into chunks of metal to be taken elsewhere, but some pieces were left behind.

The Boca Grill Tiki Bar has Bandstand action planned for this Sunday, August 19, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.

There will be an acoustic open mic going from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

BY LIZA STROUT - Gasparilla Island State Park is one of the most popular in the state, according to numbers just released by the Department of Environmental Protection.

In 2011, 872,917 visitors enjoyed the white sand beaches and historic structures of the island gem.

BY LIZA STROUT - Heather Crosser always knew that she wanted to be a teacher. The Illinois native started on the path early.

“When I was a kid, I would babysit, and the younger kids would be my students,” she laughed. “I turned my closet into an education station, and we would have lessons in my room.”

It is with great sadness that the Boca Grande Historical Society learned of Henry “Smiley” Woodward’s passing. She was an honorary member of our society. Henry took part in a history program in 2005 reminiscing about growing up in Boca Grande as a young child.

She charmed the audience with her special memories and re-established herself as a member of a very special community for which she will be remembered in our archives. As a result, she and the black community will not be forgotten.

The students heading to the Kindergarten class weren’t the only new faces at The Island School this year.

Head of School Jean Thompson and Science, Math and Technology teacher Heather Crosser were also enjoying their first day alongside the students.