ABOUT US / HISTORY

HISTORY OF THE GICIA

In 1971, concerned citizens and leaders of the Boca Grande community recognized that the tranquility and quality of life on the island would be challenged by increasing population and external forces. With great foresight, they established the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association, Inc. (GICIA) for the purpose of being a significant influence for conservation, orderly development, and the preservation of the very qualities that have attracted those of us who are here today. Because there was no island based “formal government,” the GICIA recognized the need for constructively working with the county, state and federal governments on matters that affect our island.

In those early years, the GICIA was concerned with zoning and the potential for overbuilding, beach erosion, protection of the island’s ecology, preservation of the bird habitat, prevention of the destruction of mangroves, law enforcement, condition of the streets, and improvement of the Community Center.

GICIA has undertaken numerous activities for the betterment of the island. The former Boca Grande School, which closed in 1964, became the Community Center in 1975 as the result of a joint project between the GICIA and the Woman’s Club. The GICIA rescued and rehabilitated the old lighthouse from the waters of the Pass before turning it over to the Florida State Park Service. It played a role in the designation of Charlotte Harbor and Lemon Bay as Aquatic Preserves. It was a prime mover in the establishment of the Boca Grande Historic District. The GICIA assisted in contributing nearly 1 mile of Gulf beach to the State Park and over 111 acres of upland for preservation, effectively eliminating 331 potential building sites. Of critical importance, our organization played an active role with the Boca Grande Health Clinic in bringing the EMS unit and ambulance to the island. And to address a shortage in the town, the GICIA created 80 parking spaces along East and West Railroad Avenue, using GICIA-owned land.   Here is a link to The GICIA’s First Twenty Five Years.