Archives

  To the Editor: I fully support the mission of the churches on Gilchrist, but as a resident of Gilchrist I also want to protect the historical neighborhood I love. It is time for us to come together to provide ample church parking on the median for scheduled church services, weddings and funerals. If this […]

To the Editor: Thank you so very much for your continued support of the “Taste of Boca Grande.” Last year the event raised over $45,000, enough for the Harry Chapin Food Bank to supply over $270,000 in food value to families in need. We were again thrilled with this wonderful community event and so pleased […]

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – In just a scant few weeks, the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association has achieved something that is virtually unheard of in Boca Grande: solidarity. That word was used by Boca Grande Woman’s Club Parliamentarian Camille Williams when describing the outpouring of support for the GICIA’s pending purchase of the Mercabo Property, […]

As of Tuesday, Dec. 8 the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association has received more $18 million in pledges toward their $22 million goal of purchasing the 30-acre Mercabo property at the mouth of the Boca Grande Causeway. This goal includes the $20.6 million purchase price and $1.4 million to demolish the buildings and begin […]

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – When you go to leave the island next Tuesday, Dec. 15, you’ll be getting a whole new perspective from a lot higher up. That’s because you’ll be driving on our brand-new swing bridge. According to Kathy Banson-Verrico, executive director of the Gasparilla Island Bridge, that is the day they are shooting for […]

  The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse has been appropriately decorated and festooned for the season (thank you to the B shift from the Boca Grande Fire Department), and the official lighting will take place on Saturday, Dec. 12, beginning at 6 p.m. The actual lighting will take place at 6:15 p.m.

BY SUE ERWIN – Many people wouldn’t look twice if they saw a small, wounded dog in a crowded park all alone and looking desperate. But Blanche Vedette is not one of those people. Blanche Vedette and Jacques Boudreau are the owners of The Loose Caboose Restaurant and founders of the 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Tank’s […]

Plan for a fun-filled day at Whidden’s Marina on Saturday, Dec. 12 to benefit the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum. A giant tent sale starts at 9 a.m., featuring local artists, antiques, collectibles, furniture and the latest museum t-shirts and merchandise. The third annual Horseshoe Tournament kicks off at 3 p.m. All are welcome to participate. […]

  To the Editor: The Board of Directors of the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce want to extend many thanks to those who helped make our 2015 Boca Grande Christmas Walk a success. The Christmas Walk is a perfect example of how Boca Grande is a tight-knit, charming and fun community to be a […]

BY SUE ERWIN – The first match of the Pro Tennis Exhibition Series at the Boca Grande Club begins on Wednesday, Feb. 3, and each week until then a profile of the players will be featured in the Boca Beacon in anticipation of the event. Below are the first two players who will be participating […]