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Community History


February 12, 2026
At its Feb. 11 meeting, the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board approved three projects, including the renovation of a house by noted Sarasota School architect Carl Abbott. The full board att…

February 12, 2026
Officials from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection came to present ideas for the future of the storm-damaged Amory Chapel at the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board on Wednesday…

February 12, 2026
FIVE YEARS AGO The community was urged to voice their opinion regarding proposals to nominate a section of the historic district to the National Register of Historic Places in concern to the impa…

February 5, 2026
Some were snuggled in light blankets or wraps, others wore jackets and still others found a seat in the sunshine, but everyone who attended the first History Bytes program of the 2026 season in the…

February 5, 2026
Next Wednesday, the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board will review two projects, as well as hear details about the flood-damaged Amory Chapel at Gasparilla Island State Park.  One p…

February 5, 2026
FIVE YEARS AGO The Boca Bay Pass Club announced a $3.5 million renovation project.  TEN YEARS AGO The Coast Guard announced that it would be relocating buoys from the Boca Grande Pass…

January 29, 2026
FIVE YEARS AGO Sunsets of Boca Grande opened its doors where Fresh Produce used be located. TEN YEARS AGO The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association announced that it ha…

January 22, 2026
FIVE YEARS AGO David Futch was the featured speaker at a Boca Grande Historical Society event on the old days of Boca Grande.  TEN YEARS AGO Lemon Bay Conservancy received a $420,000 g…

January 15, 2026
Above, workers on the Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railroad, from the Historical Society archives. The railroad was originally along the beach. BGHS photo JAMES BLAHA, BOCA GRANDE HISTORICAL SOC…

January 15, 2026
Above, a 1980s photo of what is believed to be the bridge in New York. Readers can help us by remembering where it might have been placed, and if it is still there. Boca Beacon archives  BY JAME…