News

Some good news for a change…..

The Vertical Oyster Garden workshop that was hosted on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at the BBQ pit was a great success. 46 people including 15 HBBC owners showed up to make the VOG’s. About 150 VOGs were created to be distributed throughout the bay side of the island. We couldn’t have asked for a better turn out or a more beautiful day. It was a simple & positive way to help to the environment. Once these VOG’s start growing, the water quality around our dock should improve.

Thank you for allowing the LGIPA to host this event at HBBC. The following photos show the VOG’S on the HBBC dock.

Barb Dwyer
HBBC G8

On behalf of LGIPA President Michele Barnes and our Board, we want to thank you and your members for the outstanding event on April 11th that you permitted to be held on Hideaway Bay property. It was extremely well-attended, and part of that is due to your convenient, well known location and facilities. The Ferry Captain was instrumental in bringing Coastal Conservation Association leaders and their supplies across. The tables functioned beautifully for the set-up and various tasks that went into forming each VOG rope.

We were grateful as well for Board members who participated in this effort, and for me personally, it was a pleasure to work alongside several HBBC owners. The day itself was gorgeous, and we are excited to see the results as VOGs begin to produce oysters. Barb Dwyer’s input on the Environmental Committee has enriched each step.The process takes about 6 months for the first oyster to implant, and after that, others come to join the “party” as well. Each oyster can then filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, further cleansing our beautiful Bay. Think of the effect, with ultimately all 150 strings covered with fantastic filtering oysters! Thank you again for your leadership in this effort.

For the love of LGI and its inhabitants,

Terrie Weibley
VP, Little Gasparilla Island Preservation Alliance