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Community History

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…

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…