Community
Ariel summer sale
September 3, 2026
Mention of the summer sale at Ariel in the Boca Beacon’s Ballyhoo prompted this group of lovely ladies to travel out, take advantage of the savings and enjoy a day in Boca Grande! They love Ariel…
Party Hardy Birthday Boy Terry
September 3, 2026
Nancy Sodel, Sue Sligar and Candace Ward set up to celebrate Terry Seitz turning 80! The group shown here at Scarpa’s Coastal on Saturday evening, Aug. 29.
Photo by Cheryl
Pickin’ and grinnin’
September 3, 2026
Scarpa’s Coastal hosted Myakka River Bluegrass Band this past Saturday. Shown here, the band with spontaneous guest vocalist Dr. Ray James. The house was packed with people enjoying delicious food a…
Lee commission meeting Tuesday
August 27, 2026
The Lee Board of County Commissioners will meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, in the Old County Courthouse Commission Chambers at 2120 Main Street Fort Myers, FL 33901. The agenda is available to t…
Whidden’s Marina, 100 years
August 27, 2026
On a handshake Sam Whidden built his marina and a family, about a hundred years ago this year. So, the Boca Beacon is looking back over this icon of Gasparilla Island, Whidden’s Marina. All stories…
Childhood on the docks; Jumping off the shrimp boat
August 27, 2026
Above, playing the bait shrimp with Sammy Jay Steyer.
BY NIC MOSTYN
Editor’s Note: In 2012, Nicholas Mostyn wrote this essay for the Beacon, which won a Gasparilla Island Kids Classic essay c…
Whidden’s Marina – 100 Years of Celebrating: Memories and anecdotes from our readers and friends
August 27, 2026
Above, Paul Martin sent in this photo of friends at ‘Sity Hall,’ with ‘Sears Roebuck air conditioning for your comfort.’
Some memories from readers and friends of the Beacon:
A Place Where Me…
The extended family of Isabelle Whidden Joiner
August 27, 2026
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…
The Maritime Museum: Red Gill Fish House
August 27, 2026
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…
Grandmother and grandson team up to write school mystery
August 27, 2026
What began as a writing project between a grandmother and her transgender grandson has become a published young adult mystery. “Leo, Detective,” written by award-winning former journalist and myster…










