News
Visitor Guide ready for 2026 island season
December 26, 2025
The Boca Beacon received delivery this week of our annual Visitor’s Guide. Copies will be available at stands around town, in hotels, real estate offices and throughout the region.
The Visi…
Crochet for the kids: Maria Pardo-Thompson
December 26, 2025
Maria Pardo-Thompson is rarely without yarn nearby. Over the years, her crocheted blankets, hats, loveys and small stuffed animals have ended up in ambulances, hospital nurseries, classrooms and fam…
Boca Grande Fire Department honors
December 26, 2025
From left to right: Sarah Cislo with Chief C.W. Blosser. Cislo successfully completed her rigorous 12 month training and testing program and is now recognized as a 1st Class Firefighter; Erik Fatica…
Girl bitten by shark in summer has visit with rescuers at Fire Department
December 26, 2025
On June 11, 2025, Leah Lendel, age 9, was bitten by a shark in the 2200 block of Shore Lane. This Tuesday, Lendel came back to visit the Boca Grande Fire Department. It was not a planned visit. The…
Roundup of the Year 2025 with The Boca Beacon
December 26, 2025
Each year, the Boca Beacon recounts the year past. This edition includes a month-by-month recount of 2025, with a few select photos for each.
The year 2025 was all about cleaning up after Helene…
Coast Guard suspends search for Fort Myers boaters
December 23, 2025
The Coast Guard suspended the weekend search for two missing boaters at sunset Monday, pending the development of new information. Missing are 57-year-old Randall Spivey and 33-year-old Brandon Bill…
Watchful Banyan Street owl
December 18, 2025
A reader out working on island sent us this photo of an owl on Banyan Street on Wednesday. Indeed there were two in the trees; he also got a video for our Beacon Facebook page. …
Sheriff’s Report: Cart stolen and in water over the weekend
December 18, 2025
Last Saturday, Dec. 13, Lee County Deputy Angelo Lanni responded to The Gasparilla Inn in regards to a stolen and damaged golf cart.
A Gasparilla Inn manager told Deputy Lanni that staff had fou…
Saying goodbye to Kim Kyle at the Boca Grande Historical Society
December 18, 2025
Last Friday, the Boca Grande Historical Society celebrated and paid tribute to the work of Kim Kyle, administrative director, on her retirement.
Clockswise from top left, Jim and Karen Grace, Mar…
Blueway Trails Talk
December 18, 2025
Liz Eastes is a Marine Environmental Specialist with Charlotte County and will be giving a lecture on the Blueway Trails of Charlotte County, and artificial reefs on Friday, Jan. 9 from 10:30 a.m. t…