Breaking News
Preservation Board to exercise review of Gasparilla Inn spa expansion
January 8, 2026
The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board has received an application for a Special Certificate of Appropriateness regarding the construction of a two-story spa building and an outdoor lap pool at…
Useppa Club reopens; Collier Inn restoration in works
January 8, 2026
Resort operations on Useppa Island opened just before the new year, after Useppa Island Partners LLC purchased the club last September.
“In 3.5 months a huge amount has been achieved,” said Simon…
Coming to Boca Grande, no matter the week’s big chill
January 2, 2026
In spite of the arrival of mid-week cold weather, there were still families out visiting local beaches.
Over the weekend, when temps were in the 70s, island parking lots filled and there were so…
Causeway traffic for ‘25 first results
January 2, 2026
The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority has released almost final results from 2025 year traffic figures.
While figures were not completely final for the end of 2025 as there were a few hours left…
A Star over 2026
January 2, 2026
Mary and Joseph brought in the Christmas season at Lighthouse United Methodist Church. From left are Ava Spurgeon and Ben McKelvy in the church’s traditional nativity service on Christmas Eve. More…
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…
Chillin’
December 18, 2025
Santa chillin’ in Hudson’s Park on Park Avenue.
More lights around the island here.
Photo by Matt
Aerials show seawall, beach sand shifting after state renourishment
December 18, 2025
After the completion of renourishment at Gasparilla Island State Park and the rebuilding of a rip-rap wall, the sand is beginning to settle at the south end of the island.
The Beacon’s Dusty Hopk…
Island parking enforcement still in ‘discretion’ mode
December 18, 2025
Lee County Sheriff’s Office enforcement is still in “reasonable discretion” mode for Boca Grande parking across Gasparilla Island during Christmas break, as most island residents do not have parking…











