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Community History

History: Miss Consuelo Vanderbilt and a 1926 honeymoon in Boca Grande

May 7, 2026
Exotic pirate island trip BY JAMES BLAHA BOCA GRANDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY “The couple are having a great time, they both admit, in this honeymooners’ paradise, long known to newlyweds of Philade…

The GICIA looks back at 55 years of conservation efforts

May 7, 2026
BY THE GICIA  As the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association celebrates its 55th anniversary, the organization is reflecting on the many successful initiatives that have helped…

This date in the Boca Beacon: Fire Dept. began planning new station

May 7, 2026
FIVE YEARS AGO Residents reviewed the plans for the proposed improvements for the dog park located at Wheeler Road ballfield. TEN YEARS AGO The recommendation had been approved for rezoning…

Remembering a visit to the old South and Dixie, in Brazil 

April 30, 2026
BY JIM COCHRUN The following account is a little-known piece of our American Civil War history that I unexpectedly stumbled upon years ago. My recall of this event was triggered when I recently a…

This date in the Boca Beacon: Beach Club razed

April 30, 2026
FIVE YEARS AGO Hope for Haitians and Food for the Poor wrapped up their fundraising for the year, exceeding their goal. TEN YEARS AGO The Boca Grande Art Center was full of children’s feet…

Letters: Historical Society thanks community for support

April 23, 2026
To the Editor:  The Boca Grande Historical Society wants to share their heartfelt thanks to Sandy Melvin and the Fishing Hall of Fame Committee. The first annual Boca Grande Fishing Hall of…

This date in the Boca Beacon: Coral Creek Clubhouse groundbreaking

April 23, 2026
FIVE YEARS AGO Boca Bay Pass Club kicked off its $3.5 million renovation project. The main dining room would be expanded to become the Gulf Grille with a larger bar and additional interior space…

This date in the Boca Beacon: Mercabo put up for sale

April 16, 2026
FIVE YEARS AGO The 5th grade students at The Island School “took a walk on the moon.” Students wore “moon shoes” on the beach to simulate a moon walk as part of their Earth and Space Science unit…

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…