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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 which 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 activities for the betterment of the island have been numerous. 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 having Charlotte Harbor and Lemon Bay designated as Aquatic Preserves. It was a prime mover in the establishment of the Boca Grande Historic District. The GICIA was able to assist in the contribution of nearly one 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 places along East and West Railroad Avenue utilizing GICIA owned land.

THE GASPARILLA ISLAND CONSERVATION DISTRICT ACT OF 1980

Preservation of the beauty, ambiance and character of Boca Grande is a direct result of the GICIA inspired legislation. The importance of the Act can not be overstated. It calls for the following restrictions:

  1. No building may exceed a height of 38 feet from the grade of the lot to the peak of the roof (or 42 feet above mean sea level, whichever is lower). This provision protects Gasparilla Island from the worst of the high-rise beachfront developments which have been so devastating to other barrier islands.
  2. Density is limited to five dwelling units per acre.
  3. No land can be used for commercial, industrial or multi-family purposes unless it was zoned for such use before passage of the Act.
  4. Exterior advertising signs are prohibited if they are not on-site and related to the use of the premises. Exterior signs which are banners, beacons, neon, rotating, flashing or animated are altogether prohibited.
  5. No local governing body can grant variances to the Act.

Click below to view the Gasparilla Island Conservation District Act of 1980

GIConservationDistrictActof1980_Page_01