2012 will be remembered for the successful revival of the World's Richest Tarpon Tourney on Boca Grande, a Kids Fishing Tourney title for a 3-year-old, slews of turtle nests unfortunately swamped by Tropical Storm Debby and, of course, ongoing work on the new bridges. The many highlights among the nearly 2,000 stories brought to you by the Gasparilla Gazette and Gasparilla Magazine have been refined to a Top 10 by our readers and editorial staff.
Here's a look back at the Top 10 stories of 2012:
No. 1: Boca bridge costs
Article Photos
Capt. Willie Mills, second from right, won the 30th anniversary World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament Friday in Boca Grande and celebrates assisted by, from left: Scott Adams, team leader Bruce Aikens, country singer Colton James and Ken Fry.
The story dominated Gasparilla Island headlines for a second straight year. It might do so again in 2013. The GIBA Board voted 4-0 Nov. 2 to reject all five bids received ranging from $17.9 million to $24.2 million and rebid the project when designs are completed. A strongly worded GLF letter asking for GIBA to award it the contract as low bidder concluded with a litigation threat.
"Should GIBA not reverse its decision, GLF would be left with no other option other than to consider all of its available legal remedies including a suit for damages, bid preparation costs and attorney fees," read a letter sent by the law firm Ferencik Libanoff Brandt Bustamante and Williams of Fort Lauderdale.
GIBA Commissioners Ginger Watkins, George Baker and Chairman David Hayes voted to invite GLF to Boca Grande while Commissioners Gay Darsie and Lee Major dissented saying there was little to be gained and some risk involved in such a meeting.
Fact Box
2012 in Review
The top 10 Boca Grande stories
With input from readers, polling at bocagrandetalk.com and input from Editor Terry O'Connor, the following top 10 list was chosen for its importance to Gasparilla Island residents and expressed interest by Gasparilla Gazette readers. The top 10 story list for 2012 includes:
Rank, StoryWhy chosen
1, Boca bridge costsA failed property tax referendum and the second $1 increase in toll costs in three years to an all-time high of $6 did not deter daytrippers who continued to come on island in healthy numbers. 2013 outlook: All the guesswork will be removed from the financing equation this year.
2, Property valuesBoca Grande property value gains lead the nation. 2013 outlook: It's hard to do any better for our little slice of paradise. Sales and property values should continue to rise barring a tumble off the fiscal cliff.
3, We're No. 2For the second year in a row, the state ranked the Gasparilla Island State Park as the No. 2 tourist attraction of all its parks. 2013 outlook: If you love beaches, wildlife, spectacular sunsets and great fishing, this continues to be the place to be.
4, You're hired!2011-12 repaired about half of five years of a collapsing job market. 2013 outlook: Fragile job recovery threatened by partisan wrangling on the federal and state levels.
5, Nesting pinnacleThe Gasparilla Island turtle nesting season was the best in 25 years. 2013 outlook: Hurricane Debby swamped 90 percent of this year's record nesting. How that affects future nesting remains to be seen as does fallout from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster. Still, those plucky little sea turtles seem to overcome all obstacles.
6, Hurricane voidTropical storms Debby and Isaac did some damage but nothing like a real hurricane can. 2013 outlook: Florida has been fortunate in recent years to miss hurricane arcs. This string of luck has to end sometime. How about 2050?
7, Young championThree-year-old Therin McDowall of Port Charlotte won the youth Fishing Tournament over a field that included ages 15-under. 2013 outlook: The daughter of a charter-fishing captain might dominate future tourneys if she wins again at age 4.
8, Rejected bidAfter GIBA Chairman David Hayes spearheaded a move to reject the apparent low bid to build the Swing Bridge by a Miami firm, the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority Board found itself facing a possible lawsuit. 2013 outlook: The early front-runner for Top Story of 2013 if this is not resolved through negotiations and moves into a courtroom.
9, World's RichestThe World's Richest Tarpon tourney returned to much fanfare and a nearly full field. 2013 outlook: Momentum should continue to build for this signature Boca Grande event.
10, $110M studyThe $110 million tarpon study will answer some fishery questions and raise others. The partnership with Mote Marine will certainly bear dividends. 2013 outlook: Boca Grande will benefit big time from this investment.
Close infobox
2011 Year in Review revisited
Rank, StoryWhy chosen
1, Boca bridge costsShocking swing from $40 million to $32 million to $38.5 million has Gasparilla Island taxpayers leery about what's to come next - especially if it involves a property tax referendum. 2012 result: The GIBA Board, which rejected a $17.9 million offer to build the Swing Bridge, must answer a protest by the Miami firm that came in $2.1 million under projected $20 million cost.
2, Chamber execLew Hastings has added stability in his two years at the helm of the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce. 2012 result: Hastings' Business to Business series failed to ignite the business crowd's interest but the return of the World's Richest Tarpon Tournament was a crowd-pleaser.
3, Boca Grande heroRyan Boyette, formerly of Boca Grande, returned to Gasparilla Island to speak movingly of the struggle for peace in Sudan. His sacrifices made every other story seem small. 2012 result: As the Sudanese Army atrocities escalated Boyette's heroic reporting did, too.
4, Cleared residentHesam Mirani, a Boca Grande homeowner, won his case of alleged gopher tortoise abuse that could have placed him in jail for 60 years. 2012 result: No more courtroom action.
5, Horny shellbacksThe Gasparilla Island turtle nesting season was the best in a decade. 2012 result: Nesting was even better with a 25-year high point
6, Jobless employedIn a development economists are hailing as signal the end of The Great Recession is here, employment picked up with Lee County leading the nation by shaving nearly 3 percentage points from its unemployment rate. 2012 result: Lee and Charlotte counties posted marked job market improvement.
7, Silver AnniesThe Friends of Boca Grande and the Boca Grande Art Alliance celebrated 25-year anniversaries this season. 2012 result: Leadership turnover strengthened the Friends and the BGAA.
8, Boca trafficMundane traffic year was highlighted by a spectacular March when more vehicles arrived on island than all but three months in recorded traffic history. 2012 result: Traffic continues to increase despite rising tolls.
9, Banyan StreetA good book promised to turn into a movie set in Boca Grande for former Englewood residents and boyhood buddies author Jon Herbert and Michael Kinney. A fired producer, two delayed shooting dates and a missed $500,000 fund-raising goal later, and this movie might be done in 2012 - or it might not. 2012 result: No movement.
10, Redbone TourneyCystic Fibrosis benefit out of Gasparilla Inn & Club raises nearly $100,000 in one of the most successful fishing tourneys on island in a generally down season. 2012 result: This continues to be one of the best-run tourneys on an island full of them.
Close infobox
2010 Year in Review revisited
Rank, StoryWhy chosen
1, Black TideBP oil spill threatened yet ultimately missed Boca Grande and all of Southwest Florida. Tourists believed otherwise in a miscalculation that cost the state millions. 2012 result: BP reparations are estimated to top $51 billion when case is closed.
2, GIBA bridgesThe Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority had to convince some skeptics the failing spans needed to be replaced. Now it must convince them to pay for them. 2012 result: Tolls are at $6 and the bridge costs are expected to top $30 million.
3, Hesam MiraniThe Boca Grande homeowner accused of killing endangered gopher tortoises. The state dropped all charges. 2012 result: Mirani did not file a counter-suit.
4, GIBA electionsHotly contested elections sent 15 candidates originally chasing four seats. It was a measure of how important the $40 million bridge replacement project is to islanders. 2012 result: Chairman David Hayes has challenged GIBA exec director Jim Cooper who has come out squeaky clean in all instances.
5, 'hearts of palm'Charming Boca Grande book from the Woman's Club became the hottest gift last holiday season. A cookbook and fascinating keepsake. 2012 result: Still a holiday favorite.
6, Island trafficA story that cuts two ways: 2010 island traffic was the sixth-highest in Gasparilla Island history yet the lowest total in six years. Fewer vehicles delighted some residents while hurting retailers. 2012 result: Traffic is up, which is critical given the reliance on toll revenues to build the new bridges.
7, Winter chillThe coldest January in 50 years of recorded Boca Grande history killed iguanas, fish and manatees in record numbers with a repeat performance in December. 2012 result: Decimated snook fishery is still recovering and may need another five years protection.
8, BGFD clearedA sex discrimination lawsuit filed by a former female firefighter against the Boca Grande Fire Department ends in exoneration for the BGFD. 2012 result: Chief C.W. Blosser continues to train up his top-notch force.
9, Sea turtles Sea turtles top 10-year nesting average despite the specter of the massive Black Tide from the BP oil disaster, which experts said could have hampered it. The danger will persist at least another decade. 2012 result: Best nesting season in 25 years.
10, Condemned pierAn overzealous Charlotte County inspector closed the Boca Grande fishing pier, which was quickly reopened when he was overruled. One kids fishing tourney was ruined as a result. 2012 result: Kids tourneys drew more interest than any in the past five years.
2012 Year in Review headlines
The exclusive banner page-one headline stories for each week of the 2012 Gasparilla Gazette includes:
January - Jan. 12: "GIBA financing options none too tempting," Jan. 19: "GIBA forces 2 to resign, accepts rebate" Jan. 26:"Boca leads nation in property value gains."
February - Feb. 2:"Gasparilla Island properties display sturdy values," Feb. 9: "4110M tarpon fishery requires saving investment," Feb. 16: "Gasparilla Inn job open house attracts crowd," Feb. 23: "Anticipation high for Guyer return to Boca stage."
March - March 1: "FWC slow to grasp Boca's tarpon dilemma," March 8: "GIWA funding shortfall requires assessment hike." March 15: "After-school programs will not be cut," March 22: "Chamber promotes Hastings after big year," March 29: "GIBA asks islanders: How do you want to pay?"
April - April 5: "Naming rights deal could cut bridge costs," April 12: "March falls short of all-time traffic count," April 19: "Hot March warms gulf; roils hurricane worries," April 26: "Lee County job picture punctures 9 percent."
May - May 3: "Police investigate Mirani home beak-in," May 10: "world's richest tension builds in return," May 17: "Crews ready to chase World's Richest purse," May 24: "Chamber" Tarpon Fest a 'perfect storm' " May 31: 'Gasparilla Road widening project funded."
June - June 7: "Property values stabilize after five-year slide," June 14: "GIBA trio unopposed in Nov. 6 election," June 21: "Lee County job creation should continue," June 23: "Drought emergency: Boca Grande 'abnormally dry' " June 26: "Debby soaks Gasparilla Island."
July - July 5: "More than 200 joust for Lee, state seats," July 12: "Sea turtle washouts top 90 percent," July 19: "Boca Grande property values on upswing," July 26: "Mosquitoes are back with a vengeance."
August - Aug 2: "BGFD freezes millage; raises firefighter pay," Aug. 9: "Island School enrollment off 30 percent," Aug. 16: "Gasparilla State Park ranks No. 2 in Florida," Aug. 23: "Increase in job demand reported" Aug. 30: "Tarpon fishery on FWC agenda in Tampa."
September - Sept. 6: "Boca Grande gives speeders a break," Sept. 13: "FWC to unveil new tarpon protection," Sept. 20: "Bridge competition pleases GIBA boss," Sept. 27: "Historic tarpon tagging research revealed."
October - Oct. 4: "Critical state loan could affect Boca voters," Oct. 11: "Gasparilla remains hot tourist attraction," Oct. 18: "Harbor bay scallop population dwindles," Oct. 25: "Hams to broadcast nationwide from Boca."
November - Nov. 1: "$2M South Beach Bar & Grille deal closes," Nov. 8: "Gasparilla rejects proposed property tax," Nov. 15: "Boca experts try to rappel fiscal cliff," Nov. 22: "Swing Birdge bidder to appeal GIBA veto" Nov. 29: "Lee, Charlotte get down to business."
December - Dec. 6: "Gasparilla traffic maintains momentum," Dec. 13: "GIBA bid rejection sparks lawsuit threats," Dec. 20: "Mote research center revitalizes BG ties," Dec. 27: "Rare razorbill seal surfaces at Stump Pass."
If GIBA had taken the apparent low bid of $17.9 million by GLF Construction, overall construction costs for the three bridges would have totaled a projected $32.2 million, well under the initial estimate of $40 million. Now, there's a question of whether the rebid will cost Gasparilla Island taxpayers.
Next in 2013: A split Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority voted 3-2 Dec. 6 at a special meeting in January to try to repair a frayed business relationship face-to-face rather than face a possible lawsuit. The public hearing for GLF to air its concerns face-to-face to GIBA was set at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Power House on Boca Grande. GLF was to be notified of the opportunity by letter from GIBA.
Also, the hiring of the new construction manager has not been discussed in about a year. The issue may resurface.
2012 impact prediction come true from 2011: This is a critical year for determining designs and costs. This is likely to be the No. 1 story in the 2012 Year in Review.
No. 2: Boca Grande property value gains lead nation
In January it was reported the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metropolitan statistical area, which includes Boca Grande, led the nation in home price increases for areas with at least 200,000 residents.
John Harms, broker associate for Parsley-Baldwin on Boca Grande, said he'd describe home price movement as stabilizing with modest strengthening.
The price point strengthening snaps a five-year property value decline for Boca Grande and nearby surrounding areas such as Cape Haze, South Gulf Cove, Englewood and Placida.
The report from Kiplinger, a Washington, D.C.-based business and economic forecaster, is a stark turnaround for an area that was the poster child for the U.S. housing bust during the Great Recession from 2008-11. Boca Grande property values held fairly steady but Cape Coral and Fort Myers have long been among the nation leaders in foreclosures and property value declines.
2013 impact: It appears as if 2013 will continue to feature rising home values and sales - as long as the U.S. economy doesn't plunge down a fiscal cliff.
No. 3: Gasparilla Island State Park No. 2 again
Gasparilla Island State Park attendance ranks No. 2 among all Florida parks for the second year in a row, according to the Florida Park Service, Department of Environmental Protection.
Gasparilla Island State Park attendance rose 6 percent from 823,526 a year ago to 872,917 or an additional 49,391 visitors. The tourist rush, coupled with last year's 12 percent attendance increase, continues a two-year rediscovery of the slice of paradise accented by the big-game fishing in Boca Grande Pass.
Gasparilla Island Park manager Chad Lach reported the attendance. The only Florida state park to top Gasparilla Island's attendance is Honeymoon Island in Dunedin, which led all state parks for the sixth year in a row with 1,089,588.
Stump Pass of Englewood, one of four parks run with help from the Barrier Island Parks Society of Boca Grande, cracked the top 10 with 588,300 in attendance. Stump Pass jumped up from No. 11 a year ago by drawing 72,348 more visitors - a 14 percent boost.
All four BIPS interests combined - Gasparilla Island, Stump Pass, Cayo Costa and Don Pedro - drew an estimated 1,573,549 visitors, according to Lach.
Each state park without a ranger station uses the same formula to determine their number of visitors, said Lach: Multiply the number of honor envelopes six times, then multiply the sum 2.5 times to come up with the estimated number of visitors.
2013 impact: Lach and the Barrier Island Parks Society have partnered to do a terrific jump of upgrading the prime Gasparilla Island-area parks. Only the difficulty of reaching Boca Grande could reduce its numerical allure.
No. 4: You're hired!
Lee County unemployment hit its former low point for the year at 8.5 percent in October when its jobless rate is 2.2 percentage points under the 10.7 percent rate in October 2011.
Florida's unemployment rate declined to 8.5 percent in October - the lowest rate since December 2008. The October rate was 1.7 percentage points lower than the year-ago rate of 10.2 percent.
2013 impact: The economy remains shaky but 8.5 percent is still a historically high number. Expect 2013 employment to improve at least 1 percentage point - unless the fiscal cliff is breached.
No. 5: Horny shellbacks continue island frolick
The sea turtles that make Gasparilla Island beaches their nesting spot have been in decline for two decades. 2012 numbers were the best in 25 years.
Sea turtle nesting numbers in Southwest Florida posted a record 3,547 identified by monitors in 2012. About 3,000 volunteers monitor 800 miles of Florida's nesting beaches, including more than 140 volunteers covering sandy stretches from South Venice to Boca Grande Pass.
The record number of clutches laid comes to 391 more than the previous 1998 record of 3,156.
2013 impact: Environmentalists are still waiting for the fallout from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster but the first two mating seasons were encouraging. The impact on sea turtles from the oil and dispersants won't be fully known until 2020 and beyond, environmentalists say. Result are encouraging in the meantime.
No. 6: Florida evades hurricane blast again
Gasparilla Island and surrounding areas were spared the worst of Tropical Storm Debby absorbing 8 inches of rain and some minor wind damage to trees and power lines.
Coastal erosion is likely the worst of the damage to Gasparilla Island.
"It's back to the seawall in a lot of places," Boca Grande Fire Chief C.W. Blosser said. "We're losing the beach."
The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority learned the old South Bridge was much shakier than though during its demolition, which means the temp bridge was installed just in time.
The South Bridge pilings were about 35 feet shorter than the old design plans had indicated, which was about 45 to 50 feet. Pilings were not embedded enough in the ground to safely support the bridge. The worst piling at the second pier was supported by a scant 38 inches of ground. The deepest piling was embedded roughly 9 feet in the ground.
"It's clear if we had a storm surge that took out much more material we would have had a major failure of that bridge," said Jim Cooper of the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority. "Scouring was worse than we thought it was."
2013 impact: One can only hope the seven-year hurricane string of misses continues. Florida will once again by wary as the sixth-month season opens June. 1
No. 7: 3-year-old fishing champion crowned
Three-year-old Therin McDowall of Port Charlotte, daughter of charter fishing Capt. Jesse McDowall, showed the right stuff in landing her first angling championship at the Boca Grande Fishing Pier.
McDowall won the first Boca Grande Community Center Youth Fishing Tournament of the season by landing the biggest fish among 35 young anglers.
2013 impact: Clearly, McDowall is an angler to watch.
No. 8: GIBA chairman faces bid rejection fallout
A split Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority voted 3-2 Dec. 6 at a special meeting to try to repair a frayed business relationship face-to-face rather than face a possible lawsuit.
GIBA Commissioners Ginger Watkins, George Baker and Chairman David Hayes voted to invite GLF to Boca Grande while Commissioners Gay Darsie and Lee Major dissented saying there was little to be gained and some risk involved in such a meeting.
"I don't have any problem allowing GLF to come before us to plead their case," said GIBA Board Chairman David Hayes.
GLF will have to prove GIBA acted arbitrarily, illegally, dishonestly or fraudulently to prevail in court case, attorney said.
"The Board has the right to reject all bids," Hayes said. "We didn't do it arbitrarily."
Hayes took criticism at the meeting from a number of Boca Grande residents unhappy the low bid was not accepted.
Swing Bridge design deadlines have been adjusted to March 14 for completion and April 18 for GIBA Board approval. The move will not affect construction completion dates.
2013 impact: Traffic wasn't affected much by the October 2012 toll bump of $1 to $6.The GIBA bridge project has remained ahead of schedule. But this bid rejection tiff could blow up into a major project impediment and Hayes would have to shoulder responsibility as board chairman if it does.
No. 9: World's Richest returns in fine form
In 1983, the World's Richest Tarpon Tournament was born. In 1991, the Boca Grande Club discontinued its sponsorship of the tournament and the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce took it over. The 8-year-old event than became the World's Richest Tarpon Tournament and entry was opened to the general public.
At its height, the purse of the World's Richest exceeded $175,000 and anglers from the world over traveled to Boca Grande to try to win it. In 2012, on the 30th anniversary of its inception, the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce was once again sponsored and directed the storied World's Richest Tarpon Tournament.
Capt. Willie Mills aboard the Tracy Lynn won the 30th anniversary World's Richest Tarpon Tournament Friday in Boca Grande. Mills, assisted by team leader Bruce Aikens and anglers Scott Adams and Ken Fry, collected $26,400 for first place with five tarpon caught and released.
"The prize money does not mean nearly as much as winning the Jay Joiner belt buckle means to me," Mills said. "I have been waiting a very long time to receive this very special award. This is all about Jay Joiner and remembering a great fisherman."
2013 impact: More boats and more registration money expected as the series moves forward.
No. 10: Boca Grande tarpon fishery valued at $110M
Boca Grande's tarpon fisheries are approaching a tipping point ecologically where the magnificent silver kings could be driven away permanently. It's also possible the fishery could remain as the finest tarpon nursery known to mankind.
The Charlotte Harbor estuary has been the envy of the world in terms of tarpon fisheries ever since Ding Darling landed the first tarpon in 1885. But boat traffic and habitat encroachment continues to pressure the game fish species, which ranks highly upon most fishing bucket lists.
Mote Marine biologist Aaron Adams pegged the annual value of the recreational tarpon fishery surrounding Gasparilla Island at $110 million annually. Adams has proposed an estimated $105,000 study to be conducted by graduate students over roughly three years. Tarpon habitat and populations have never truly been studied in such detail before, he said.
2013 impact: The tarpon study is under way and early results have been encouraging as far as participation, including the new Mote station in Boca Grande.
