New testing methods for schools proposed by governor, appeals court rules in favor of mask mandate ban
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is making waves at the state’s schools once again with an announcement in the last few days, but this time it isn’t just about mask mandates. Just this week DeSantis prop…
The ‘do’s’ and ‘don’t’ of spearfishing around Gasparilla Island
Just before our most recent bout of red tide the Boca Beacon received reports of several individuals spearfishing at the end of Belcher Road and in other locations around the south end, and two of…
PROFILE: Peter Powell
Buzz Aldrin said, “Timing has always been a key element in my life. I have been blessed to have been in the right place at the right time.”
Some people have been blessed with the gift of good t…
Memories of September 11, 2001: 20 years has proved that our lives will never be the same…
On the evening of September 11, 2001, there were many types of reactions taking place in homes across the country, and around the world. Whether you were in New York City, in the middle of Iowa or…
Power lines down, a fight that really wasn’t, boating issues and a bug in the ear
On Thursday, Sept. 2 firefighters responded to the area of 14th Street and Gasparilla Road at approximately 3 p.m. for downed power lines. When they arrived, they found that a truck had become ent…
PROFILE: Sarah McDonald
Sitting in the middle of Sarah McDonald’s coffee table is a fascinating turtle sculpture, carved to look as if it was emerging from the water. One cheerio was also sitting on the table, placed car…
As faculty, directors decide to allow ‘opt-out’ masking to continue, first case of COVID reported at TIS
Two new updates developed over the Labor Day weekend for Island School students, parents and faculty, after a somewhat controversial week preceding. Not only did the faculty and board of directors…
COVID positive patients welcome at new Regeneron clinic in East Englewood
Gov. Ron DeSantis was in Englewood on Monday, Aug. 23 to announce the opening of a new monoclonal antibody treatment at the Tringali Community Center, 3460 N. Access Road off McCall Road (State Ro…
Is it red tide … or something else?
Submitted by the Boca Grande Health Clinic
Like allergies or the flu, red tide ebbs and flows with the season. And when it’s present along the coast and blown onshore, it can cause a variety of…
PROFILE: Capt. Tater Spinks
Mary calls him “My Salty Dog Redneck Fisherman.” It’s an affectionate nickname that only a wife could get away with calling a husband of 40 years. That fisherman is John “Tater Spinks, better know…