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Community History

Remembering a visit to the old South and Dixie, in Brazil 

April 30, 2026
BY JIM COCHRUN The following account is a little-known piece of our American Civil War history that I unexpectedly stumbled upon years ago. My recall of this event was triggered when I recently a…

This date in the Boca Beacon: Beach Club razed

April 30, 2026
FIVE YEARS AGO Hope for Haitians and Food for the Poor wrapped up their fundraising for the year, exceeding their goal. TEN YEARS AGO The Boca Grande Art Center was full of children’s feet…

Letters: Historical Society thanks community for support

April 23, 2026
To the Editor:  The Boca Grande Historical Society wants to share their heartfelt thanks to Sandy Melvin and the Fishing Hall of Fame Committee. The first annual Boca Grande Fishing Hall of…

This date in the Boca Beacon: Coral Creek Clubhouse groundbreaking

April 23, 2026
FIVE YEARS AGO Boca Bay Pass Club kicked off its $3.5 million renovation project. The main dining room would be expanded to become the Gulf Grille with a larger bar and additional interior space…

This date in the Boca Beacon: Mercabo put up for sale

April 16, 2026
FIVE YEARS AGO The 5th grade students at The Island School “took a walk on the moon.” Students wore “moon shoes” on the beach to simulate a moon walk as part of their Earth and Space Science unit…

Cottage raising and Sharp Hacienda approvals

April 9, 2026
The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board approved two projects at its Wednesday, April 8 meeting, including a garage for the Sharp house La Hacienda, and a 1930s cottage on Tarpon Avenue. Pres…

This date in the Boca Beacon: Powerhouse awarded for preservation

April 9, 2026
FIVE YEARS AGO The Parsonage at the Lighthouse Methodist Church had completed its renovations and “lifting.” TEN YEARS AGO Island Art Days was held on Park Avenue. Artists and vendors fille…

This date in the Boca Beacon: “Hoot” opens in theaters

April 2, 2026
FIVE YEARS AGO The Divine Swine barbecue fundraiser was held at the Boca Grande Lighthouse Methodist Church. Over 200 meals were prepared for the community and over $7,300 raised for Englewood He…

Plans for motor courtyard released

April 2, 2026
The Mediterranean Revival La Hacienda in Boca Grande is the most recognizable and historic house in Boca Grande. A minor motor court enclosure will go in front of the Boca Grande Historic Preservati…

History: No pirates, no gold, but lots of bugs in the selling of Gasparilla

March 26, 2026
Above, The Charlotte Harbor & Northern Railway used a bloody pirate as their main brochure for the island in its early days. Boca Grande Historical Society Archives BY JIM BLAHA, BOCA GRANDE…