We have been fortunate enough to know four generations of this true southern fisher family. A family full of heart, tradition, laughter, tears, resilience and deep island roots. The memories and hug…
BY JEFF GAINES III
When Hurricane Andrew was moving west towards South Florida, everyone knew it was going to turn north at some point but when? Isabelle Joiner, her extended family and most of t…
Old Red Gill lives on as a museum
BY BETSY JOINER
The Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum this year celebrates 25 years inside the Red Gill Fish House at Whidden’s.
The Red Gill Fish House wa…
Above, has Barbara looking as Chico checks Isabelle’s hair.
BY KAREN GRACE
Sam Whidden is remembered as a man who when he found an injured animal, especially a bird, he would nurse it and doc…
BY BETSY JOINER
Whidden’s Marina is the longest-running family-owned business on Gasparilla Island. Its story began with founder Sam Whidden in the early 1920s, his home and the marina building c…
World War I veteran created a legacy on Gasparilla Island
Above, the Red Gill Fish House, c 1935
BY KAREN GRACE, BOCA GRANDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Wini Smart begins her book, “Whidden’s and Ol…
A notable place is not just a physical building. It is a building connected to a community and a group of people.
Whidden’s Marina is a rare location, as most of the other institutions like it ac…
The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board will meet at 10 a.m. on Sept. 9 at the Auditorium of the Boca Grande Community Center, 131 1st St. W., Boca Grande, FL 33921.
The board will discuss th…
FIVE YEARS AGO
A new clinic opened in East Englewood. The clinic was offering monoclonal antibody treatments for patients testing positive for COVID.
TEN YEARS AGO
Agape Flights, of Venice…
The Boca Beacon is celebrating the centennial of Whidden’s in a special edition August 28. The edition will include a history of the marina, as well as recollections.
We are asking visitors and r…
