Featured News
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Sheriff thanks all who keep the peace, sends zero tolerance message to those who do not
June 12, 2020
To the Editor, to the citizens of Lee County and my family members at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office: I want to personally thank the residents of our great county who play a huge role helping keep t…
OBITUARY: George ‘Ashley’ Gray
June 12, 2020
George “Ashley” Gray, 48, of Venice, Florida, passed on May 27, 2020, as a result of a motorcycle accident near Woodsboro, Maryland. Born on June 7, 1971 in Washington, DC, he was the son to Mason W…
PROFILE: Tim Banfell
June 12, 2020
Life imitates art, but cartoonists draw what they see… BY OLIVIA CAMERON-Page five always comes with a splash of color, talking sharks, a peg-leg captain, tourist shenanigans or all of the above. L…
Three boys learned the danger of a spring tide the hard way after jumping off Causeway bridge
June 5, 2020
BY MARCY SHORTUSE- Capt. Chuck Jenks had just dropped his tarpon fishing clients off at Pine Island on the afternoon of May 19 and was looking forward to dipping some crabs at the Boca Grande swing b…
GIWA 2019 water quality report available
June 5, 2020
BY BONNIE PRINGLE, GIWA- Gasparilla Island Water Association, Inc.’s 2019 Water Quality Report is now available online at mygiwa.com/2019CCR.pdf. This report is designed to inform our membership abou…
It’s hurricane season: Get ready now!
May 29, 2020
BY OLIVIA CAMERON- It’s that time of year again, when local residents cross their fingers and toes in hopes that tropical winds don’t break the pool screen or knock down the palm trees – or worse. Li…
If you’re cleaning out that pantry, here’s where to donate
May 29, 2020
STAFF REPORT- Islanders are beginning to head north and are asking about where to leave non-perishable food. Questions may be directed to Jane Caple at (941) 223-2367, Jim Cochrun at (239) 682-0091 o…
Are you missing packages or mail?
May 29, 2020
STAFF REPORT- If you are a post office box holder on the island or a guest who is expecting mail, and you have not received it, contact us at the Boca Beacon, mshortuse@bocabeacon.com. Several people…
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: There is a full moon out this year
May 29, 2020
To the Editor: We can’t seem to get over the lunacy. The panic. The illogical decisions. While the coronavirus was most active, everyone was told we don’t have to wear masks, even though the N95…
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: This isn’t the Boca Grande many know and love
May 29, 2020
To the Editor: What is happening to Boca Grande? For the 30 years plus that I have been here, the character of the island had been unique, all encompassing, friendly, and mellow. Until now. Somethin…