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Community History

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…

Hacienda motor court at Historic Review

March 26, 2026
The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board will meet on Wednesday, April 8 at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Chapter house to review two projects at their monthly meeting. The first is…

This date in the Boca Beacon: BIPs acquires Range Light

March 26, 2026
FIVE YEARS AGO Lee County announced that the Wheeler Road Dog Park would be completed by Spring 2022. TEN YEARS AGO Barrier Island Parks Society announced the signing of the final license t…

Preservation Board reappointment

March 19, 2026
Lee County Commissioner Kevin Ruane reappointed Robert W. Caldwell III to the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board during the Lee County Board of County Commissioners regular meeting on Tuesday m…

This date in the Boca Beacon: 9th Annual Croquet Invitational

March 19, 2026
FIVE YEARS AGO Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association kicked off its 50th year working to preserve island life with a 2021 Bike Path Safety Initiative. TEN YEARS AGO The…

Letters: History Bytes finishes 25th season  with more living records of history

March 12, 2026
To the Editor: A special thank you to everyone who attended our 25th season of  “History Bytes.” Sally Van ltalie and Robert Johnson initially developed this program, and it continues to imp…

This date in the Boca Beacon: Chamber joins the internet

March 12, 2026
FIVE YEARS AGO Big Sister, Candy of Paradise Exclusive, and Little Sister, Aaliyah, were named the top “Big and Little Sister” for the state of Florida for Big Brothers Big Sisters. TEN YEARS…

Louise Crowninshield portrait restored after storm damage

March 5, 2026
A replacement portrait of Louise Evelina du Pont Crowninshield has been restored after damage from 2024 hurricanes. It will hang above the fireplace in the Crowninshield Community House as it had pr…