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The Island School earns A, and 100 in math

January 19, 2024
The Island School has earned an A for the sixth time in a row in the annual Florida Department of Education ranking.  These scores are purely informational and meant to serve as a baseline for …

We’re in a pickleball here on Gasparilla Island

January 18, 2024
This week, Lee County voted to turn one of the two tennis courts on Wheeler Road into four pickleball courts. The case should not be viewed as simply that pickleball is winning over tennis (which …

Community sees returns from its investment in Boca Grande’s young scholars

January 18, 2024
The Boca Grande Woman’s Club has discovered a way to develop new talent on and for the island, help young people achieve personal success, encourage investment in the community and feel rewarded w…

446 4th Street East now officially historic

January 11, 2024
A frame storefront in Boca Grande, 446 4th Street East, is now officially a contributing building in the historic district. The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board approved the designation….

Bayou Bridge removed, for (almost) the last time

January 11, 2024
The temporary Bayou Bridge is mostly gone, at least temporarily. Wednesday, crews from Kelly Brothers Inc. were dismantling the center of the galvanized steel bridge, which partially sat on 7th…

Welcoming Lt. Mike Sawicki to Boca Grande

January 11, 2024
Lieutenant Mike Sawicki was not looking to change jobs when Capt. Jeff Corkhill told him about an opening for his position in Boca Grande. Mike (he is cool with being called “Mike” without the for…

Island Auxiliary Communications system goes live

January 5, 2024
Wednesday, the Auxiliary Emergency Radio Communications System, or AUXCOMM system went live. The system was successfully tested by members of the Island EOC Emergency Communications & Interope…

4-Digit Phone Book update time

January 5, 2024
The four digit … It’s the time of year to check on and update your listing in the 4-Digit Phone Book. Since 1991, the Boca Beacon has published this reference text, one of the last remaining res…

New New Zealand mallets a hit for Gasparilla Inn’s croquet program

January 4, 2024
Croquet is a game for the ages, and this current age is seeing a surge of interest. The Croquet Club at The Gasparilla Inn is a major player in the sport, so to speak, and recently upped its game …

Resolutions: Half made ‘em, some already broke them, but all resolve to return

January 4, 2024
As crowds thronged through Boca Grande on New Year’s Day, there was a festive tone, as the weather had broken and hit somewhere around 72, depending on where you were. While optimism for the Ne…