To the Editor:

The Island School has gotten a great response to our “pop top” campaign that helps to raise donations for the Ronald McDonald Houses across the country. We have had coffee cans and bags full of soda pop tops brought in recently, and we hope we continue to see them until the end of the school year.

To the Editor:

This past Saturday the Boca Grande Historical Society hosted its fundraiser, the Boca Bayou Blast, at the Louise duPont Crowninshield Community House.

BY LEW HASTINGS - Making its historic return in 2012, on its 30th anniversary, the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament and festival was back in a big way with a renewed mission of conservation, education and sportsmanship. By combining the high-stakes allure of competitive, big-game sport fishing with practical conservation principles and informative entertainment, this trend-setting event is pioneering its way as a model for tarpon tournaments around the world.

BY MARCY SHORTUSE - Parking on the Gilchrist Avenue has been a mixed blessing for the Boca Grande Community. While it is necessary to accommodate the large gatherings that are held at the Gasparilla Inn Beach Club, at the churches and even at downtown events, it has been a bone of contention for those that live on the street. Now, a group of residents have formed a committee to try and see if changes can be made.

BY LIZA STROUT - The topic most discussed at the Boca Grande Historic Board meeting on Thursday, Jan. 31, wasn’t zoning or new construction. It was the disbanded Boca Grande Community Planning Panel and another group, the “Gilchrist planning group,” and what influence they would have on proposed signs to be placed on private property.

The Taste of Boca Grande will be taking place in all its tented glory on Monday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. at the Boca Bay Pass Club.