Portals of Paradise – A Boca Grande Timeline

This timeline is intended to aid docents and visitors to the Boca Grande History Center as they journey through the unique history of Gasparilla Island. Previously written timelines have been combined with the results of additional research in order to provide a more comprehensive timeline. Please note that this timeline is a “work in progress” and, also, different source materials often contain conflicting dates for specific events and developments which contributed to Boca Grande’s rich history. Your corrections, comments and suggestions are welcome and can be emailed to archives@bocagrandehistoricalsociety.com.

—Compiled by James J. Blaha, Boca Grande History Center

Revised May 2025 by James J. Blaha

Special thanks to Kim Kyle, BGHS Administrative Director, for devoting time to proofreading the initial drafts of Edition 2.

Jump To:

1900 1950 2000

~40 million Years Ago

Florida emerges from the sea.

Gasparilla Island in its present location is not more than 3500 years old.

~2000 Years Ago

People began utilizing the island’s resources.

Archaeological sites found here date from circa 300 to the Seminoles of the 1830s.

Early people later became known as Calusa.

~1500s

Over 12,000 years of indigenous Native American culture disappeared within 200 years after first contact with the Spanish explorers in the 1500s.

~1700s

English obtain Florida

By mid 1700s the Calusa had vanished from the area; other Indian groups fleeing from the north arrived and occupied the area formerly used by the Calusa.

1765

1765: Survey of the Area by George Gauld

historical map of Boca Gasparilla, Boca Grande, Boca Cautiva, Carlos Bay and Carlos Harbour — Map by Mr. Chas. Roberts and compared to the 1765 survey of George Gauld. (Source: https://www.raremaps.com)

1772

1772: Survey of the Area by Bernard Romans

Historical Map of Boca Gasparilla and Boca Captive — Bernard Romans 1774 Chart of Charlotte Harbor area (Source: Courtesy of the Geography and Map Division of the Library of Congress)

1783

1783: Survey of the Area by Jose Antonio de Evia

old map of port charlotte harbor (unreadable labels) — Jose Antonio de Evia 1783 Map (Source: Google search)

1821

United States Acquires “The Floridas” under the Treaty of 1821 with Spain

1842

Artificial Manure Manufacturing

English agriculturist, Sir John Bennet Lawes, patented artificial manure manufactured by combining mineral phosphate with sulphuric acid; served as catalyst for world wide development of fertilizer industry.

1845

Florida becomes a state

1849

Military Reserve

U.S. War department recommends that Gasparilla Island and part of Cayo Costa become a military reserve.

1878

Federal government releases reserve lands on Gasparilla Island for homesteading

1879

Peacons Cove Operated (East Shore Acre)

1881

Phosphate was discovered in the lower peace river valley

1884

Peace River Phosphate Mining Company buys phosphate-rich land along Peace River

1885

Phosphate was Transported Down the Peace River

Phosphate was transported down the Peace River to Charlotte Harbor in barges where it was transferred onto ocean-going ships near the deep water of Boca Grande Pass.

93-Pound Tarpon

Story told that changed Boca Grande; sportsman from New York caught a 93-pound tarpon at mouth of Caloosahatchee river; created tourism and had an immense economic impact on S.W. Florida, including Boca Grande.

1887

Discovery of Phosphate in Peace River

Fish Drying and Salting “Ranch”

Set up at north end of Gasparilla Island by captain Peacon from Key West (“peekin’s cove”).

Split Into Two Counties

Lee & Desoto counties carved out of Monroe (Lee) and Manatee (Desoto) counties, splitting Gasparilla Island into two separately governed areas, with Desoto County to the north and Lee County to the south.

1888

The First Pilots

Captain W.H. Johnson and Will Johnson sailed from Punta Gorda to Gasparilla Island and became the first pilots for the area.

Formation of Boca Grande Pilots Association

Boca Grande Lighthouse Authorized By Congress (South End Of Island)

1889

Hard Rock Phosphate Found in Marion County

1889-1891: Albert Gilchrist bought 618 acres on Gasparilla Island for $8500

No Less Than Twelve Companies Were Mining in the Peace River Bed

The American Agricultural Chemical Company

The American Agricultural Chemical Company incorporates in Connecticut; acquires controlling stock in Peace River Phosphate Mining Company.

1890

Phosphate Mining Begins in Bone Valley

Boca Grande Lighthouse Constructed

Florida Quarantine Service Builds House at South Boca Grande for Quarantine Officers

Quarantine House/Pilot Station Built on Boca Grande

1891

Florida Legislature Passes an Act Regulating the Removal of Phosphate From Navigable Streams

1893

1893-1894: Number of Mining Companies in Peace River Bed Dwindles to Four

W.M. Truax Employed to Teach at Boca Grande School

W.M. Truax employed to teach at Boca Grande School for $2.50 per pupil; no building provided by school board; building provided by citizens until 1908.

1894

Four Surviving River Mining Companies Consolidated Into the Peace River Phosphate Mining Company

Bradley Fertilizer Works of Massachusetts

Bradley Fertilizer Works of Massachusetts buys a controlling interest in Peace River Phosphate Company.

1895

First Quarantine Station Built at Gasparilla Island South End Near Boca Grande Pass

1897

Albert Gilchrist Filed First of Four Plats in Town of Boca Grande

The “Alfafia, Manatee, & Gulf Coast Railway” Company Was Incorporated Under Florida Law

1899

Bradley Family Organizes the A.A.C.Co

Bradley family organizes the A.A.C.Co, America’s first fertilizer conglomerate; high grade phosphate rock discovered near the town of Mulberry in Polk County.

Ice House Built in Punta Gorda

1904

Captain I.W. Johnson

Captain I.W. Johnson, a Harbor Pilot and his brother W.H. Johnson take up residence in South Boca Grande.

Quarantine Station Abandoned; New Quarantine Station Built

The U.S. Quarantine Station on Gasparilla Island is abandoned; new quarantine station built at north end of Cayo Costa.

1905

L.M. Fouts Made Second Vice President and Manager of Peace River Phosphate Mining Company

Steamboat “Mistletoe” from Tampa Lands on Boca Grande

Steamboat “Mistletoe” from Tampa lands on Boca Grande with engineers and laborers to start work of surveying and constructing the CH & N Railroad Line.

A.A.C.Co Begins Construction of New Railroad (CH&N)

1906

1906-1907: Jones Fishery Moves from Placida to Gasp. Village

1906-1913 A.A.C.Co. Purchase Several Fertilizer Plants

1906-1913 A.A.C.Co. increase their holding in the south by purchasing several well-established fertilizer plants.

Peter B. Bradley Became President of the AACC (A.A.C.Co)

Knight Family Comes to Boca Grande

Alafaia, Manatee & Gulf Railroad Company

Alafaia, Manatee & Gulf Railroad Company applied to State of Florida for right of way over northern Desoto County (now Charlotte County) Portion of Gasparilla Island; Later will forfeit all rights to railroad grants from State of Florida.

1907

A.A.C.Co Establishes the American Phosphate Mining Company; Incorporates the Boca Grande Land Company

Railroad Completed from Boca Grande to Arcadia

Wooden Frame R.R. Depot Erected (Park & Fourth Streets)

Boca Grande Land Company & Charlotte Harbor & Northern Railway Company

Boca Grande Land Company’s first conveyances of property granted to the Charlotte Harbor & Northern Railway Company.

1908

Plat Document Reserves a Gulf-To-Bayou Strip In The Current Location Of The Gasparilla Inn, Confirming Plans To Build A Luxury Hotel

River Phosphate Mining Operations All but Cease in Favor of Land Mining

Gus Cole Builds Home for Family (Cole Island)

Second of Four Plats of Boca Grande Was Recorded by the Boca Grande Land Company

LBPI (Lee County) Rented School Space from 1908-1911

Black White Photo of Man sitting next to building

1909

Boca Grande Land Company Leased Part of Military Reserve

Boca Grande Land Company leased part of military reserve for a rental of $10 per year; Designated for “park purposes” to protect the island from lease-out to “undesirable elements”.

New Plat for Boca Grande Filed in Lee County

New plat for Boca Grande filed in Lee County revising the street layout of the town site and adding a wide street named Gulf Boulevard.

Officers of the Boca Grande Land Company Decide to Build a Resort Hotel

Depot Replaced by Larger Brick Structure at New Location

Powerhouse Constructed by A.A.C.Co.

Red Gill Fish House Built

Red Gill Fish House built on a long dock at the end of First Street (1926 became part of Whidden’s Seafood Market).

1910

Post Office Established (Gasparilla Village)

Construction of Hotel Boca Grande Begins (Later Becomes Gasparilla Inn)

Methodist Church Chartered and Organized

Black Workers Begin Moving into Area

Black workers begin moving into area to work in shipyard, train yard, and fishing and building industries as well as serving as maids, gardeners, and caretakers for wealthy families.

Formal Organization of Baptist Church Began

Hurricane

Deep Artesian Wells Are Dug in Boca Grande

(CH&N) R.R. Main Line Completed between Boca Grande and Town of Achan

1910-1911 Trolley Service Began

Ended 1920; ran from depot to south end; cost 20 cents round trip; recharged at power house overnight

1911

1911-1912: The Gasparilla Inn Opens

Sleeping Car Service

Sleeping car service is inaugurated between Jacksonville and Boca Grande (pullman cars).

A.A.C.Co. Completes Building of Phosphate Loading Facility

Original Boca Grande School Built

First & Gilchrist

Bank Building Opened

Fourth Street and East Railroad; L.M. Fouts & Sons Bankers

Boca Grande School Closed for a Smallpox Scare

1912

Thomas Lowe and Family Moves to Peacon’s Cove and Later to Gasparilla Village

Automated Phosphate Loader

Automated phosphate loader at Port Boca Grande in full operation

First Cargo Ship Loaded

Gasparilla Inn Enlarged

Enlargement designed by renowned architect Francis J. Kennard of Tampa

Boca Grande Mercantile Company Opens

1913

Fifth and Final Conveyance to the Ch & N in Boca Grande

Palmetto Inn Opens on Palm Avenue

Francis and Louise Crowninshield First Visited Gasparilla Island

Black Community Agrees to Provide Building for Black School

Space first rented from churches on the island

The Ch & N Completes All Track Construction and Enlarges the Boca Grande Passenger Station/Office

“Journey’s End” Built at W. 18th Street

1914

1914-1915: Gasparilla Village Flourishes

Ch & N Builds Two Ice Houses

in Gasparilla Village

Second Story Added to School Building

so that the school could qualify to be a junior high school

Shallow Wells Yielding Potable Water Dug

Pelican Club (Fishing) Formed at the Gasparilla Inn

1915

Baptist Church Sanctuary Was Constructed

First Black School Opened at South Boca Grande

Mercantile Building Partially Damaged by Fire

Jefferson Gaines (Senior) Comes to Boca Grande

Worked for Ch & N as a laborer

1916

1916-1917: Gasparilla Inn Enlarged

Peacon Fish Ranch Closed

First Fugates Drug Store Opens

in Thompson building

Gulf Boulevard, South of First Street, Built by Lee County

1917

“Gasparilla Outfitters & Special Effects” Building Built on Park Avenue

(Circa) Quick Hotel Opens for Business on Palm Avenue

1920

Boca Grande Methodist Church Hosts Major Florida Revival Meeting

Joseph Spadaro, Construction Contractor From Bronx NY, Visits Boca Grande

Island’s Bowling Alley Opens

1921

Severe Hurricane

Charlotte County Carved out of Desoto County

Peter Bradley Removed as President of AACC

1923

“Journey’s End” Purchased by George Knight

1924

Corporate Name “Boca Grande Land Company” Changed to “Boca Grande Corporation”

Bayard Sharp First Comes to Gasparilla Island

Boca Grande Clarion Published (1 Issue)

Another Newspaper Page from October 1924

Hurricane

Phosphate elevator badly damaged

1925

First Telephone Line Linking Gasparilla Island with Mainland

Boca Grande Land Company Purchases A $10,000 State of the Art “Sea Sled” to Rapidly Transport Prospective Buyers From Tampa and Fort Myers

“Boca Grande Outfitters” Building Built (Wilhelm House) on Park Avenue

Anchor Inn Built on Fourth Street

School for Blacks Housed in Rented Church Building

Building rented from seaboard airline R.R. for $25 per year.

Boca Grande Baking Company (Bakery) Opens

Charlotte Harbor & Northern Railroad Along The Beach Moved Back 300 Yards

1926

(circa) Guerard Diary Established (South End)

Public Auction in Tampa of B.G. Lots by Boca Grande Land Company

poster advertising for public auction of Boca Grande land

Less than 6 interior lots sold

Bell Family Moves to Boca Grande

Hurricane

Narrows Pass “Dredged in” Converting Gasparilla Into One Island

Joseph Spadaro Purchases Military Reserve (40%)

Seaboard RR Leases Ch & N

Whidden’s Marina Established at E. First Street on Bayou

Gasparilla Inn Golf Course Constructed

1927

Hurricane

Boca Grande Ferry Company Begins Operations

Erection of Rear Range Light (“Green Hill Beacon”)

Julius Rosenwald School for Blacks Opens at South End

1928

Joseph Spadaro Purchases Rest of Military Reservation

Thus owning all of the reservation except the railroad right of way, terminal service tracts and the lighthouse services land.

Seaboard RR Purchases CH & N

War Department Sells off Large Portion of Military Reservation to Joseph Spadaro

Spadaro Holding Company Is Incorporated in Florida

Construction of San Marco Theatre

1928-1929: Boca Grande Yacht Club Formed

“the big mouth yacht club”

1929

Boca Grande Hotel Construction

Opens for 1929-1930 Season

New Boca Grande School Built

Now Community Center

Ferry Service Developed On Gasparilla Island (Sprott Family)

1930

Circa 1930’s

Spadaro Incorporates the Boca Grande Inn, Inc. to Manage the Boca Grande Hotel

Gasparilla Inn Sold to Barron Collier

Gasparilla Inn Builds New Golf Course

1931

“Fouts” Bank Name Changed to “Florida Bank of Boca Grande”

Building demolished in early 1980s

1932

First Tarpon Tournament

1932-1934 Spadaro Consolidates the Titles of All His Properties

Spadaro consolidates the titles of all his properties on Gasparilla Island military reservation under “Boca Grande Inn, Inc.”

1934

Joseph Spadaro Hosts Group of U.S. Engineers at Boca Grande Hotel

1935

Girl Scout Camp Built (South End on the Beach)

Labor Day Hurricane

Homer Addison Leaves Punta Gorda to Work in Boca Grande at Fugates

Barber & part time at soda fountain

Boy Scout Jamboree

Wing Addition Added on N.W. Corner of School Building

Gaines Chevrolet Dealership Opens

1937

The “New” Fugate Store Is Opened (Fourth & Park Streets)

Nurse And Health Clinic Given To Boca Grande By Mrs. F.B. Crownshield (Sponsor)

1939

“Temptation Bar & Grille” Building Construction Started

Barron Collier Died

1941

December 17: Enlistment in the Service as Fireman

Group of Island residents signed a State of Florida document stating “We the undersigned citizens of Boca Grande, Florida, do hereby enlist in the Service as Fireman under the authority of the Local Defense Council of Lee County…”

1942

August: First “Proper” Year of Firefighting on the Island

Budget $1600

1943

Little Inn Burns to the Ground

Spadaro Holding Company Is Merged Into Boca Grande Inn, Inc.

Boca Grande Fire Control Board Appointments

Effective Date: May 24, 1943 – Florida Governor Holland appoints B.O. Bylaska, Jefferson Gaines, and D. O. Fugate as members of the Boca Grande Fire Control Board

June 28: First meeting of the Boca Grande Fire Control Board

Chief Wiley Crew

1944

Hurricane

San Marco Theatre Damaged by Hurricane

1945

Walter Gault Moved Fishery to Placida

Fishery

Walter Gault built The Gasparilla Fishery and Ice Plant, located on the mainland at Placida, FL in 1945 (he began shipping fish overland by truck).

A.A.C.Co. Sold Remaining Land (Including Gasp. Village) to Sunset Realty

Temptation Bar & Grille Opens (Homer Addison)

Boca Grande Clarion Published (1 Issue)

Hurricane

1946

1946-1947: Knight Brothers Boat Builders Opens (E. 8th Street)

Two Lots Purchased from Troy Speer for $1000

Hurricane

1947

Louise Crowninshield Founded the Boca Grande Health Clinic in Small Room Above Railroad Depot

“Pink Elephant” Opens as a Lounge on Bayou Avenue

Construction of Fire Station Begins in the Middle of Town

Lee County Port Renamed “Port Boca Grande”

1948

Roger Amory Gift to Benefit Health Clinic

Middle aged couple sitting on stairs — Mr. & Mrs. Amory

Roger Amory purchases theatre building, and as Health Clinic Secretary, he made a gift of full stock in the “San Marco Movie Theatre” on Park Ave. to benefit the Health Clinic.

1949

Boca Grande Ferry Company Operated by W.C. Sprott Transferred to Gasparilla Ferry Corp.

Temptation Bar Finally Granted Liquor License

Gasparilla Village Post Office Moves to Placida

Sunset Realty Sells Two Lots to Catholic Church

Publication of “Boca Grande Journal”

Mercantile Building Completed

Henry Lanier Buys Mercantile Company; Lanier Sells Grocery Department to William Presley

Presley Buys Mercantile Building

Medical Center Proposed for Boca Grande

1949-1963: Boca Grande Health Center Occupies a Space on West Side of Fugate Building

Boca Grande Hotel Plans Expansion (Not Realized)

Hotel Sprott Remodeled and Renovated

Work/Repairs on L-Dock Scheduled

Boca Grande Journal Suspends Publication (November 12)

George Wickman (Wickman’s Curios) Died (Mackinac Island)

Bumps Bar Opens

1950

John Fust Community Library Dedicated

Authorized Depth of Channel Increased to 32 Feet

channel; over sand bar in Gulf just west of Boca Grande Pass

Frank Crowninshield Passes Away

Hurricane (Cat. 2)

1951

Jefferson Gaines (Senior) Dies

1952

Bulk of Spadaro Estate (66%), including Boca Grande Hotel, Willed To Brother (Anthony)

Miller’s Marina Built by Mac Miller

Purchased from Roger Amory

Guerard Diary Moves to Tampa Area

Florida Power & Light Extends Service to Gasparilla Island

Boca Grande Light & Power company is terminated.

Joseph Spadaro Dies

Griffin Builders Sells 1/3 Ownership To T.R. Hargis And 1/3 To R.V. Kuhl

1953

Claimants to Spadaro Estate File Suit Seeking $102,895 Or One Half Of Spadaro’s Estate

1954

Claimants (See Above) Settle For $15,000

First Publication of Gasparilla Gazette (Frank Oliver)

Published six days a week

1954-1960’s: Library “Book Boat” in Use

1955

Spadaro’s Will Is Probated

Anthony Spadaro inherits all properties deeded to Boca Grande Inn, Inc. and is elected president of the corporation.

Boca Grande, Inc. Is Incorporated in Florida by Lester Baynard, Issac Anolic, and Sam Shuckman

Boca Grande Hotel, Inc. Acquires All Properties Owned by the Boca Grande Inn, Inc.

hotel bar — Bar at Boca Boca Grande Hotel

1956

Boca Grande Inn Inc. Is Dissolved

1957

FPL Oil Terminal Begins Operations

1958

Bridges and Causeway Completed

Railroad Passenger Service Ended

Berth for Ships at Port Boca Grande and Storage Facility

FPL builds a berth for ships at Port Boca Grande and storage facility for incoming oil.

1959

Demolition by Sunset Realty of African American Community in Downtown Boca Grande (East of Town)

Tarpon Pass Estates, Including Shiloh Baptist Church Erected to House Relocating Black Workers

1960

Homer Addison Temptation Bar & Grill Sold to Frank & Marty Smith

Hurricane (Donna)

1961

A Syndicate Led by Bayard Sharp Purchases Gasparilla Inn From Collier Enterprises

1962

Pine Trees Killed In Severe Freeze

1963

Bayard Sharp Buys out Syndicate; Becomes Gasparilla Inn Inc.

1963-1964: Public School Closed

Remaining children bussed to public schools off-island.

A.A.C.Co. Corporate Name Changed to Agrico Chemical Company

1964

Construction of New Health Center Completed

Boca Grande Health Clinic Opens

1965

Hurricane (Betsy)

1966

Hurricane (Alma)

Four Masted Spanish Naval Training Vessel Anchors at Oil Dock to Take on Fresh Water

GIWA Organized

1967

Margaret and Darrell Polk Open Barnichol Hardware Store

San Marco Theatre Closed

Closed in 1967 and the movies were transferred to the Community Center.

Health Clinic Board Transfers Operation of Movies to Community Center

New Island Water System Completed

1969

Boca Grande Hotel Closes

Sunset Realty Develops Harbor Drive Waterways Sub-Division Behind Millers Marina

1970

1970’s: Development of Boca Grande Club and Sea Oats Condos

Bayard Sharp Buys out His Partners and Becomes Sole Owner of Gasparilla Inn

All Properties That Were Owned by Boca Grande Inn, Inc. Are Acquired by Bayard Sharp and Hugh R. Sharp Jr.

Rodney and Hugh Sharp Jr. Purchases Boca Grande Hotel Property for $1,700,000

Waterfront Motel Opens

Becomes Outlet at Innlet in 2001

1971

Tarpon Inn Sold

(Open circa 1950’s by Terry and Doris Hargis) Sold to Jane Englehard; sold to Gasparilla Inn around 1984/1985

Brunswick Corporation Purchases off Island Property

Later known as Mercabo Property

Creation of the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association (GICIA)

1972

Investigation into Hotel Boca Grande Fire

Lee County Fire Marshal George Detar opens investigation into Hotel Boca Grande fire. No charges filed.

Demolition of Boca Grande Hotel

Lee County Acquires Light Station Property for the Purpose of Establishing a Park (South End of Island)

Boca Grande School Deeded to Community as Community Center

Under a special bill passed by Florida legislature, Boca Grande school deeded to community as Community Center; Women’s Club and GICIA enters into agreement with Lee County Board of Commissioners to jointly fund the restoration and development of the property.

Library Board Decides to Sell Book Boat

Lake Gasparilla Dredged

1973

Dr. “Hank” Wright Arrives on Boca Grande

1974

Crownshields And DuPonts Form The Gasparilla Island Association

1975

Boca Grande Community Center Officially Dedicated

Miller’s Marina Fire

On Island Dump Closed

1977

Jack R. Harper Purchases Miller’s Marina

1978

Ramar Group Companies, Inc. Bought Railroad Depot

Ramar Group Companies, Inc. (Robert a. Morris) bought railroad depot as part of a corporate program of purchasing and restoring historic buildings in S.W. Florida.

“Pink Elephant” Purchased by Bayard Sharp

Boca Grande Club Resort Opens (North End of Island)

Village of Gasparilla on the Railroad Tracks

old photo showing a houses boat and shrubbery

1979

Abandonment of Railroad

Interstate Commerce Commission rules in favor of abandonment of railroad.

Last Shipment of Phosphate from Port Boca Grande

1979-1980’s: Phosphate Dock Closed and Dismantled

Gasparilla Island and Historic and Conservation District Adopted (Gasparilla Island Act)

Sea Oats Development Built (Hollingsworth Investment Corporation)

1980

Boca Grande Light House & Railroad Depot Placed on List of National Register of Historic Places

Boca Grande Club Restaurant Opens

Samuel Shuckman Dies (Causeway Owner)

Methodist Church Celebrates 70th Anniversary

Van Buren Home Sold for $550,000

Plans Announced for “Park Place” Townhomes

Petition Submitted to Oppose 3 Sisters Island Project

Plans Are Announced for Real Estate Development on Cole Island

Boca Grande North First Bank Opens (Fourth & Park Streets)

Raphel P. Padilla Dies

Nicknamed the “Little Colonel”, last surviving member of family of 8. Came to Boca Grande in 1921. Well known charter boat captain and guide.

“Sea Oats” Condominiums Become Available

“Silver King” Condominiums Grand Opening

Lee County Outlines Plans for Expanded Port

Florida Supreme Court Declares Newly Adopted Gasparilla Island Historic and Conservation District Act to Be Unconstitutional

Revised Island Act Approved by Florida Legislature

Revised Gasparilla Island Act Filed With Florida Secretary of State

Referendum Approves Gasparilla Island Act

1980’s Sunset Realty Develops Gulf Shores North & East Shore Acres

Theatre Building Purchased by Paul J. Kruder

Pink Elephant Reopens After Remodeling Project

GICIA Instrumental in Placing the Lighthouse on the National Registry of Historic Places

Marnie Banks Publishes the “Boca Beacon”

Passage of Gasparilla Island Conservation Act

Formal Dedication of the Shuckman Causeway

State Denies Three Sisters Fill Permit

3 Sisters Bridge Approved

Boca Grande Islander Published (1 Year)

BG Chamber of Commerce Formed

Old Palmetto Inn Sells for $65,000

1981

Barnichol Heist Nets Thousands

New Owners for Hudson’s (Haber)

Boca Pass Marina Doubles Size

Engelhard Estate Listed For Sale at 3.65 Million

Remaining Railroad Tracks Removed

CSX Signs Agreement With Sharp

CSX acquires tract (Boca Grande Hotel Properties) from sharp; Sharp received the railroad right of way north of First Street

Wini Smart Opens “Smart on West Railroad Avenue”

1982

“Loons on a Limb” Opens (Jay & Sue Spurgeon)

Tracks Removed From Island

1983

Bayard Sharp and Brother Hugh in Land Presentation Ceremony, Donate Railroad Right-Of-Way for Creation of Boca Grande Bike Path

Removal of Tarpon Pass Estates (South End of Island)

Hotel H Fire

1984

Bike Path Available

BG Child Care Center Opens

1985

Journey’s End Added to List of National Register of Historic Places

Former Railroad Right-Of-Way Dedicated by the Sharp Families to the GICIA for Boca Grande Bike Path

Former Tarpon Pass Estates Property Given to GICIA

1985-1986: Boca Grande North Complex Built (Heritage Investors Limited)

1986

Friends of Boca Grande Community Center Volunteers Formed

Fust Library Gives Amory Chapel (Shiloh Baptist Church) to GICIA

Gasparilla Inn Beach Club Completely Rebuilt

1986-1987: Dunes of Boca Townhouse Development (Dunes of Boca Inc.)

1987

Ground Breaking Occurs for the New CSX Real Estate Development (Boca Bay)

Art Alliance Formed

1987-1995: Sea Watch Complex Built (Sans Ridge Inc.)

“Necessities” Opens at North End of Island (Later Named “Gills”, and Then Kappy’s)

1988

Establishment of Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association

Amory Chapel Deeded to the State of Florida by GICIA

Boca Grande Child Care Center Open

Hurricane (George)

Dusty Hopkins Purchases “Boca Beacon”

Uncle Henry’s Resort/Mall Built (Sunset Realty-North End)

CSX Pays $2.3 Million for Pass Marina (South End)

Drawbridge at Placida (Seaboard RR) Moved by Barge to Long Island

1989

Sunset Realty Threatens to Challenge Island Act

Port Residents Raise Stink Over Oil Tanks

Waterfront Motel Applies to Build 78 foot dock

Operation Coconut on Gasparilla Island

New and Improved S Curve at South End of Gasparilla Island Completed

Bancflorida of Naples Seeks Foreclosure on the Boca Grande Causeway

Bancflorida of Naples files lawsuit seeking foreclosure on the Boca Grande Causeway toll bridge owned by Gaspar, Inc.

David Futch & Robert Galloway Name New Newspaper the “Gasparilla Gazette”

David Futch & Robert Galloway receive permission from Frank Oliver to name new newspaper the “Gasparilla Gazette”; (slogan: “More Stuff; Less Fluff”)

Knight Brothers Boat Builders Sold to Gasparilla Inn

Sunset Realty Applies for Courtyard Extension to Build a 20 Unit Resort (North End)

University of Florida Conducts Study to Examine the “Carrying Capacity” of Boca Grande

University of Florida conducts study to examine the “carrying capacity” of Boca Grande in an effort to determine present and future needs of Gasparilla Island.

Boca Grande Health Clinic Board of Directors Decide to Build New Health Clinic

Bayard Sharp buys Knight Brothers Boatyard

Boca Bargains Opens (Woman’s Club)

Construction of New Health Center Begins

1990

GICIA Drops Suit Against Sunset Realty

Lee County Offers to Buy Moroccan House For Fishing Guide Docks

Boca Grande Historic District Created

Temptation Bar & Grill Building and Restaurant Sold to Jim and Karen Grace

New Health Clinic Completed

More Than 100 Island Racoons Trapped and Moved to Pinellas County

Fishing Guides Association Rejects County Offer for Docks

BG Marina Village Begins

1991

David Futch & Robert Galloway Sell Gasparilla Gazette to Breeze Corporation of Cape Coral

1993

Fire Department Obtains its First Boat

1994

Power House Renovation Begins (South End)

Lee County Approves Platting of Beach View Phase of South Village Project (Boca Bay)

Galleria Opens for Business (Downtown)

Net Ban Approved by Florida Voters

1995

Formation of Boca Grande Historical Society

Boca Bay Redevelopment

Net Ban

Hurricane Opal

1996

Boca Grand Quarantine Station & Whidden’s Marina Added to List of National Register of Historic Places

Community Church (Amory Chapel) Restored (South End)

Power House Rebuilt by CSX Corporation

Power House rebuilt by CSX Corporation and turned into community center for residents of Boca Bay.

State of Florida Agreed to Create an Enabling Act, the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority

1997

GIBA Purchases the Bridges and Causeway System

1998

Fire Department Has 3 Full Time Firefighters

Currently 18 Full Time Firefighters

1999

Placida Fishery Closes (Due to Net Ban)

2000

The Island School (Charter) Begins Operations

2001

Brunswick Sells Mercabo Property to Boca Norte L.L.C.

FPL Removes Oil Storage Facility at South End

Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum Opens (Whiddens)

Begin Plans for Fire Department Renovation

2002

Nabers Gas Station Razed (Park & Fourth Street)

Bayard Sharp Dies; Ownership of Gasparilla Inn Passes to Farish Family

Miller’s Marina Sold

Last Oil Shipments From Boca Grande

Pirate’s Coast Magazine Begins Publishing

2003

Brunswick (Mercabo Center) Closes

2004

Hurricane (Charley)

New Fire Department Completed and Becomes Operational

2005

Hurricane (Wilma)

Galleria Closes

2006

Boca Grande Historical Society and History Center Move

Boca Grande Historical Society and History Center move into former Teacherage Building (located next to Boca Bargains).

Barnichol Hardware Sold to Aaron Diaz

2008

Gasparilla Inn Added to List of National Register of Historic Places

“Loons on a Limb” Closes

2009

First Baptist Church Added to List of National Register of Historic Places

2011

Downtown Boca Grande Historic District & Halstead and Emily Lindsley House Added to List of National Register of Historic Places

First Gasparilla Island Kids’ Tarpon Tournament

First Gasparilla Island Kids’ Tarpon Tournament; Captain Sandy Melvin; Boca Grande Charities, Inc.

2013

Construction on Replacing South and Center Causeway Bridges Completed

Gasparilla Gazette (Breeze Corporation) Purchased by Boca Beacon

2014

Temptation Restaurant Sold

Temptation Restaurant sold to Jeff Simmons, Andy Duncan and Kevin Stockdale (Temptation Restaurant of Boca Grande LLC).

2015

GICIA Raises Funds to Purchase 30 Acre Mercabo Property

GICIA embarks on fundraising campaign to raise funds to purchase 30 acre Mercabo property (next to causeway entry).

2016

Boca Grande History Center Begins Major Renovation of Archival Center and Exhibit Space

New exhibit “Boca Grande: Once A Railroad and Industrial Town” opens.

Dr. Wright Dies at Age 92

Mercabo Property Purchased by GICIA ($20.6 Million) from Contributions

Construction on Replacing the Swing Bridge Was Completed

2017

Construction of Hill Tide Estates Begins on Former Site of FPL Oil Tanks

Hurricane (Irma)

Maritime Location Grid System

Chief Blosser and firefighter Jeff Knowles proposes to Lee County emergency personnel a grid system in order to pinpoint exact maritime locations; currently in use throughout the State of Florida.

2018

Theatre Building Closed (P.J.’s Seagrille)

Small Scale Plan Amendment to the Development of the Fishery Property

Charlotte County approves ordinance to adopt a small scale plan amendment to the development of the Fishery property (13000 Fishery Road).

Cookie Potter-Feinberg and Jay Feinberg Purchase Fishery Property

Cookie Potter-Feinberg and Jay Feinberg purchase 18 acre Fishery property; proposes marina oriented village and marina.

Isabell Whidden Joiner (Whidden’s Marina) Passes Away

2019

Theatre Building Reopened (Scarpa’s Restaurant & Shops)

2020

Boca Grande Historical Society Celebrates 25th Anniversary

COVID-19 Impacts Boca Grande

2021

Boca Grande History Center Deeded Ownership of Rare Documents Relating to the Commercial Development of Gasparilla Island

Patti Middleton (Famous Local Artist) Died

2022

Health Clinic Celebrates 75th Anniversary

New Mini Exhibits “Boca Grande: The Black Experience” and “Joseph Spadaro and the Boca Grande Hotel” Opens at the Boca Grande History Center

Local Favorite and Iconic Restaurant (Loose Caboose) Sold and Renamed “Key Lime Bistro”

Railroad Plaza, Fugates Buildings Sold to Will and Sarah Farish

Gulf Coast International Properties Sold to Will and Sarah Farish

Hurricane Ian

Popular and Iconic Restaurant (“South Beach”) Destroyed by Fire (Hurricane Ian)

Iconic Restaurant (Loose Caboose) Sold; Renamed “Key Lime Bistro”

Lady Of Mercy Catholic Church Annex Completed

South Beach Restaurant Destroyed By Fire

2023

Combined Real Estate Value Of Island Is $3.3 Billion (Reported By Boca Beacon)

New Dog Park Opens

Boca Grande Health Clinic Unveils New Building Design

BG History Center Research Area Renamed James & Rose Marie Blaha Research Center

New Community Center Proposed Plans Approved By Lee County

Captain Robert Johnson (Boat Pilot And Boca Grande Historian) Dies

Father Carosella (Lady Of Mercy Catholic Church) Retires After 35 Years Of Service As Pastor

Whispering Bench Controversy

Hurricane Idalia

2024

Film On Hurricane Ian And Produced By Boca Grande Historical Society Is Premiered

Friends of Boca Grande Announces Renovation Plans for Community Center

Boca Grande Woman’s Club Celebrates 75th Anniversary

Hurricanes Debby, Helene, Milton

2025

Boca Grande Historical Society 30th Anniversary

Miscellaneous

Roads

Gasparilla Village to 35th Street was a dirt and sand road; Ferry Landing to 11th Street was shell; 11th Street going south was paved.

Ferry Boat

Landing on island was at 35th Street.

Fishing Guides

Docked at the foot of 5th Street West (between Fourth and Fifth)

Corporate Evolution of the Alafia, Manatee & Gulf Coast Railway

Ch & N: 1905-1925
Seaboard Air Line Railway: 1926-1946
Seaboard Air Line Railroad: 1946-1967
Seaboard Coast Line Railroad: 1967-1983

Late 1940s south Boca Grande referred to as “Port Boca Grande”.

In 1980 the SCL merged with the Chessie System to form the CSX Corporation. Between 1972-83 there was also a joint-venture with the Louisville & Nashville Railroad named the “Family Lines System”.

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