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The man behind the sound system at Bonita's public meetings was introduced to Banner readers 30 years ago this week.

Tony Rocco was a Bonitan who was "always being heard," the paper revealed. That's because ever since his retirement here in 1961, he had been donating equipment, time and money to provide the best in audio systems for local meetings and functions.

"Tony designs and builds his own audio systems, including the amplifiers and microphones, many of his own invention," the paper reported. "And many of them are built in his garage workshop where he likes to follow his 'inventive leanings.'"

Born in Bari, Italy, he first visited the United States at the age of 6, returning at age 14 as an accomplished musician. He started his musical career as a violinist, working his way up to playing for the grand opera in the Petreuzzelli Theater. By saving his money, he was able to return to the United States, where he was invited to become a violinist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, but instead enlisted in the Army. Following the war, he became a concert master violinist in grand opera and movie theaters in New York City, and later worked as a musical director.

For 12 years, he served with the Meyer Davis Society Orchestra, and in the 1930, Rocco took up inventing, designing amplifiers and developing the Rocco Tonexpressor pedal.

In other news, Old 41 business owners met with transportation officials to discuss the designation of Old 41. With the opening of the U.S. 41 bypass, downtown business people were concerned about signs directing motorists to the business district. Bonitans were also concerned about the road's future because it was slated to be downgraded from a state to a county or regional thoroughfare.

"It is up to the Lee County Commission to request which road system they want designated," The Banner reported. "On the state secondary system, the state will maintain it under contract to the county. If it is a county road designation, then the maintenance responsibility is relegated to the county."

In the classifieds, lots on Pine Road in Estero were $4,200 each and lots in Estero River Heights were $5,000.

At the Trail Drive-In, George C. Scott was starring in "The Hindenburg," Shelley Winters had top billing in "Next Stop, Greenwich Village," and Burt Reynolds was appearing in "Hustle."

Contact Editor Cathy Cottrill at 213-6031 or cccottrill@bonitanews.com.