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Fort Myers radio club at Lighthouse on Sat., Aug. 3

July 26, 2024
Are you ready for an exciting outdoor adventure that combines history, technology and community? Join us for the Parks on the Air event, an international radiosport award program that invites lice…

Boys’ lives transformed by faith at Gator Wilderness Camp

July 26, 2024
Electronics at outdoors-geared boarding school Gator Wilderness Camp School in Punta Gorda is a residential Christian program for boys ages 11-15 with behavioral issues. Typically, the staff at…

Florida population at 23 million makes waterway challenge

July 26, 2024
BY VAN HUBBARD I understand that with our increased numbers fishing will not be as easy ever again. Millions of new participants, fewer fish and numerous regulations, plus habitat devastation a…

Locals gather at St. Andrew’s for year ‘rounders’ fellowship

July 26, 2024
At 5:30 p.m., every other Sunday during the summer, residents who live on island year-round get together to see familiar faces at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. The next get together is Aug. 4. …

The Grand Old Lady: Remembering the Boca Grande Hotel, 1930-72

July 18, 2024
BY JAMES BLAHA, BOCA GRANDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY On February 10, 1930, the following article appeared in the Fort Myers News-Press: “Plans for a three-story resort hotel at Boca Grande to cost ap…

Q&A: History professor at UVA on public beach access

July 18, 2024
The issue of parking and beach access in Boca Grande is not unique to Gasparilla Island, or even Southwest Florida. University of Virginia historian Prof. Andrew Kahrl studies the social and envir…

Cane toads hanging by dam streets?

July 18, 2024
Cane toads have been spotted around the island recently. Be sure to differentiate these invasive species from native Florida toads.  George Cera, who was the primary iguana hunter in Boca Grand…

Marine rescue system MERT assists with boaters in distress

July 18, 2024
When marine emergencies require a multi-agency approach, Lee County’s Marine Emergency Response Team, or MERT, provides vital communication among agencies.  On June 22, there were multiple mari…

Where are the $igns to our $leepy little town?

July 12, 2024
While there is no official plan for parking for Boca Grande from Lee County, county officials are already circulating a draft list of ideas for this island and parking. The Beacon is sorting throu…

Merchants hold impromtu meetup on parking

July 11, 2024
A dozen local retailers and officials came to a meeting to discuss possible parking restrictions in Boca Grande on Monday, July 8 at the Boca Grande Community Center.  There was some confusion …