Featured News
Island restaurants go the extra mile during COVID
October 9, 2020
BY OLIVIA CAMERON- As we begin to see our little town unfold itself and prepare for the beginning of another season, businesses on Gasparilla Island are preparing for high visitation. With a bustli…
Fire, drowning occur on surrounding barrier islands this week
October 9, 2020
STAFF REPORT- In off-island news last week, a tragic accident claimed the life of a young man on Friday, and a fire on Saturday left a duplex with serious damage.
Obituary: Dick Brown
October 9, 2020
Richard Eugene (Dick) Brown died September 30, 2020 in Rotonda West, Florida. Known to many as “Coach Brown,” Dick loved kids, sports, the Florida Gators, fishing, and storytelling. While coaching …
Obituary: Audrey Millican
October 9, 2020
Audrey Millican, born March 27, 1928 in Bell California, passed away on September 26, 2020. Andrea Ruth Broz was the youngest of the three children born to Eva Trobec and Rudy Broz. She met her hus…
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Hermitage sunsets and Lichtenstein Nights
October 9, 2020
To the Editor: The Hermitage Artist Retreat and Marie Selby Botanical Gardens announce a new collaboration, “Hermitage Sunsets @ Selby Gardens,” launching with a five-program series as part of the …
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Sarasota Opera to present special fall season performances, complete with safety protocols
October 9, 2020
To the Editor: Sarasota Opera will not be silent this fall, with a series of performances now scheduled to include the first live-streamed concert from Sarasota Opera House and two live outdoor per…
Obituary: Jean Howard
October 9, 2020
Jean Howard, a long-time resident of Boca Grande, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020 at her home. Her family and caregivers were by her side.
PROFILE: Kathy Abraham
October 9, 2020
Love is the main ingredient of her recipes… BY OLIVIA CAMERON- Nothing evokes the beginning of a season here on Gasparilla Island quite like the thought of sweets and pastries. From cakes to chee…
History Center receives gift of rare documents detailing commercial establishment of Boca Grande
October 2, 2020
BY KAREN GRACE AND THE BOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER – A few weeks ago, a phone call was received at the History Center. The caller was not familiar with Gasparilla Island but had found the Historical…
Hit us with your best shots! Calendar photos needed for 2021
October 2, 2020
STAFF REPORT – As we enter the fourth quarter of the year, we have to start thinking about our Boca Beacon 2021 calendar. Each year we ponder over our theme, but this year we’re leaving it up to yo…