Entertainment
Tony Lapi tells of Lindberghs, ‘Tween Waters
January 8, 2026
Hotelier stories of old inn on Captiva begin benefit series for Ding
The 21st annual “Ding” Darling Winter Lecture Series opens Thursday, Jan. 22, with Tony Lapi, longtime innkeeper at the histo…
Global issues upcoming seminar in March
January 8, 2026
Simon Bound, former Global Director of Research at Morgan Stanley, will speak on Russia, Ukraine and the echoes of history on Friday, March 6 at 4:30 p.m. Boca Grande Community Ctr., 131 First St. W…
Chowder Dinner at Beach Club next week
January 8, 2026
The Island School PTO will host its 10th Annual Chowder Dinner on Friday, Jan. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club.
“This special event brings together our community, businesses…
Lineup for the 2026 Boca Grande Film Festival
January 8, 2026
Step into a world of storytelling, creativity and community. This year’s festival brings a hand-picked lineup of films that will inspire, entertain and spark meaningful conversations. Dive deeper in…
Upcoming Friends Events
January 2, 2026
Marisa Bass on public art and monuments
Marisa Bass, Professor of Art History, will speak on “The Monument’s End, Public Art and Modern Republic” on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 4:30 p.m. at the Boca Gr…
Lightning whelk in Florida history talk
January 2, 2026
Dr. Michelle Calhoun, Archaeologist, will be discussing “The Role of the Lightning Whelk in Florida History” on Monday, Jan. 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Manasota Beach Club, 7660 Manasota Key Ro…
Calusa Blueway speaker series begins on Tuesday, Jan. 6
January 2, 2026
Kayaking the Everglades is the first talk in a series of free Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail-related programs set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center, 16760 Bass Roa…
New Gasparilla Island Magazine
January 2, 2026
To kick off the new year the Boca Beacon’s Gasparilla Island Magazine January/February edition is out with new feature stories, recipes, shopping and social pages.
Features include “Betty Barndol…
Hermitage includes Espinosa on Music Mondays
January 2, 2026
At top, Adam O’Farrill. Photos submitted
The Hermitage Artist Retreat has announced new programs to begin 2026, including public events featuring nationally recognized theater and music artists…
Upcoming January Music Programs
January 2, 2026
Blues with D.K. Harrell
D.K. Harrell, a rising star in the blues world, will perform on Friday, Jan. 16 at 5 p.m. at the Boca Grande Community Ctr. Auditorium, 131 First St. W, Boca Grande. Call…











