News
California’s Surfrider Foundation urges Lee County to ‘prioritize public parking solutions’ in Boca Grande
July 10, 2025
The Surfrider Foundation, which advocates for the public use and safety of beaches across the world, has spoken out about the potential closure of public Gasparilla Island beach parking by Lee Count…
Chamber releases survey of off-island visitors
July 10, 2025
A Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce survey on visitors to Gasparilla Island is still gathering submissions. It now has over 2,200 responses and almost 900 written comments and ideas.
“We wanted to…
Beach parking petition now has over 3,000 respondents
July 10, 2025
A petition survey by a local schoolteacher and longtime island resident to keep beach parking access open has grown to over 3,000 signatures in just over a week.
“Truthfully, I didn’t want to hin…
Preservation Board approves mid-century modern update, fencing projects
July 10, 2025
The Boca Grande Historic Preservation had a quick agenda at its July meeting. Members Paul Eddy, Jerry Edgerton, Barbara Wickwire, Paul Eddy and Becky Paterson attended, as well as Chairman Bill Cal…
Light Keeper’s Open, charity golf at the Coral Creek Club Nov. 3
July 10, 2025
Barrier Island Parks Society has set the date for the return of the Light Keeper’s Open, a charity golf tournament taking place at the Coral Creek Club on November 3. Proceeds will support the ongoi…
Sunseeker purchase announced by Blackstone; company adds to Charlotte investments
July 7, 2025
Blackstone (NYSE: BX) and Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) today announced that funds affiliated with Blackstone Real Estate have agreed to acquire Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor from Alle…
New petition website to ‘Keep Boca Grande Open’ debuts
July 3, 2025
A new web petition effort supports keeping Boca Grande parking open to the public.
At a recent county meeting, supporters of a change to parking regulations presented their own petition of over 1…
Shop local this holiday in Boca Grande
July 3, 2025
As the weather heats up, stop in to the cool shops and spend some time checking out the seasonal merchandise available. Shown above: Drea at Boca Grande Outfitters shows off some great t-shirt o…
We all scream for ice cream …
July 3, 2025
Kimberly Struhar at Kappy’s Island Shoppe Island Ice Cream serves up delicious ice cream with a smile. This smiling crew was caught outside Hudson’s Grocery with some wonderful red, white and bl…
Report: Useppa Island sale to resident group; September close
July 3, 2025
Above, an archival photo of the old Collier Inn, with its famous steps. Boca Beacon archives
A group of homeowners of Useppa Island, including some Boca Grande residents, have reportedly agreed t…