Featured News
Deputy returns dog tag to owner
February 19, 2026
Lost chain belonged to different veteran with the same name
Above, Schroeder in a group photo from his time in the Air Force. He is on the bottom row, far right.
In January, the Beacon report…
First Parking Committee meeting rescheduled
February 19, 2026
Lee County has released the agenda for the first meeting of the Boca Grande Parking Committee on April 22 at the Community Center Auditorium. The meeting was rescheduled from March.
There will be…
Author Hanafee tells tales in History Bytes talk
February 12, 2026
There were frequent chuckles and plenty of knowing nods in the large crowd at the Johann Fust Library on Wednesday as they were entertained by local author Susan Hanafee’s presentation “The Island i…
Board approves Boca Grande Preschool design, raising for modern Shore Lane cottage
February 12, 2026
At its Feb. 11 meeting, the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board approved three projects, including the renovation of a house by noted Sarasota School architect Carl Abbott.
The full board att…
Gulf oil drilling, VA move addressed by Charlotte
February 12, 2026
Among the many actions of the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners reviewed during its regular meeting on Feb. 10 was a report on oil drilling in the Gulf.
As part of the regular agend…
Strawberry Festival date set for March 7
February 12, 2026
BY SUSAN HANAFEE
It’s time again to think about eating strawberries and brats, bidding in the silent auction and checking out the bargains, books, paintings, jewelry and other goodies at the annu…
Hermitage slates event on Gasparilla Island
February 5, 2026
Among the new Hermitage Artist Retreat programs are a beachside program at the Gasparilla Range Light.
The Hermitage announced new programs in February and March, spanning Lee County up through M…
Preservation Board reviews Boca Grande Preschool, Shore Lane modern
February 5, 2026
Next Wednesday, the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board will review two projects, as well as hear details about the flood-damaged Amory Chapel at Gasparilla Island State Park.
One p…
Turning stormwater canals into fish habitat; stocking tidal creeks with snook
February 5, 2026
Although it was again too chilly on Tuesday to have coffee outdoors at the Boca Grande Community Center before the second “Coffee with a Scientist” presentation of the 2026 series, the auditorium wa…
Viola speaks at Men’s Club
February 5, 2026
Viola with retired Lt. Gen. Dell L. Dailey and Commandant Lt. Gen. Steven Wesley Gilland
Florida Panthers owner Vincent “Vinnie” Viola, a U.S. Army veteran, came Monday, Feb. 2 to speak to the B…











