Breaking News
No Hallelujah for state idea to turn Amory Chapel into picnic shed
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…
Wellcraft blown on storm cruise to Pine Island, recovered intact
February 12, 2026
Last week, strong winds snapped a boat lift in South Boca Bay, sending a Wellcraft Scarab Sport into the water. The boat was presumed sunk after it disappeared, but three days later it resurfaced mi…
Strict water restrictions now in effect
February 12, 2026
All of Gasparilla Island and Charlotte County has restricted watering schedules this spring. As jurisdictions overlap, residents should follow the strictest restriction in each schedule.
The Sout…
Right whale detour: Millipede cruises off Gasparilla
February 5, 2026
The right whale Millipede, spotted in Northeast Florida in December, visited Boca Grande last weekend.
It happened Friday, when Andre Lawrence, of South Gulf Cove, was out with friends and his 4-…
Charlotte’s marine ops serving Gasparilla Sound
February 5, 2026
The Charlotte County Marine Unit has been around for over 20 years. Matthew McElroy, who last week was appointed fire chief and public safety director for Charlotte County Public Safety has been aro…
Local immigration enforcement seen on and off island
February 5, 2026
Above, a CBP van, with green stripe. Photos by Jarell Iacoma
Reports of an immigration investigation in Boca Grande early Wednesday morning, Feb. 4 were confirmed by the Charlotte County Sheriff’…
Wrapping up week one of the Gasparilla Island Tennis Classic
January 29, 2026
The Gasparilla Island Tennis Classic wrapped up week one on Friday, Jan. 23 with finals for the 70+ Mixed Doubles division. Jane Shanley and John Medgyesy took home the championship glasses with Wal…
Sheriff begins enforcement of parking ordinance
January 29, 2026
This weekend, enforcement begins regarding the Boca Grande Parking ordinance, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
“An electronic signboard is being installed Thursday at the county line…
ICE-y Minneapolis immigration protest on island
January 28, 2026
A group of around 120 Boca Grande residents gathered at Sam Murphy Park on Tuesday morning, Jan. 27 to support democracy and protest the violence in Minneapolis.
The protest was organized in les…
Sudden Sunday storm makes for water distress calls, kayak death
January 22, 2026
Above, the storm as it came across the Gulf on Sunday. It was captured by a Beacon reader. Diane Cates said, “I was walking on the beach, felt a little wind on my back, turned around and thought, is…











