Featured News
See a whale shark? Let a scientist know
June 15, 2018
To the Editor: Mote Marine Laboratory received a report of five whale sharks — Earth’s largest fish species — about 40 miles off Anna Maria Island last weekend, and Mote scientists are asking members…
Why are we putting up with this Post Office practice?
May 11, 2018
To the Editor: Several years ago I wrote, and the Beacon published, a letter critical of our Post Office and some of its practices. In that article I highlighted their handling of mail which doesn’t…
Join the singing soiree on April 25 with Grande Glee
April 20, 2018
■ STAFF REPORT Elaine Skypala, Linda Rollyson, Michael Alexander, Carol Elwood, John Cleghorn, John Moenning, Erica Ress Martin, John Thomas, Julian Keevil, James Martin, Reyn Guyer, Jerry Edgerton…
Profile Bill Whitney
April 20, 2018
■ BY SUE ERWIN Bill Whitney has always been interested in the rhythm and beat of the drums. For the past five years, he’s been the drummer/percussionist for the Royal Palm Players. Bill became involv…
It’s all well and good until a loop on the whale pants is missed
April 20, 2018
To the Editor: I have lived on this island for almost 35 years. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t reflect on what a great place Gasparilla Island is. I’ve studied its history, the story of…
Historic Preservation Board reveals convoluted information after potential violation brought to light
April 13, 2018
■ BY SUE ERWIN AND MARCY SHORTUSE At its monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 11, the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board addressed confusion over the Promenade after residents received letters fr…
Friends WW II Symposium April 16-18
April 13, 2018
■ STAFF REPORT The Friends of the Boca Grande Community Center will be hosting The 2018 Pacific Theater WWII symposium, a 3-day event planned for Monday, April 16 through Wednesday, April 18. There w…
Many questioning Scott’s new law regarding private ownership of beaches … how does it affect us?
April 13, 2018
■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE House Bill 631, signed into law last month but just recently making headlines, has some Gasparilla Island homeowners and beachgoers puzzled about their rights to access local beac…
Boca Grande Methodist Church women distribute $60,000 from Strawberry Festival activities, thrift sale
April 13, 2018
■ STAFF REPORT The United Methodist Women of Boca Grande have handed out nearly $59,000 raised from their annual Strawberry Festival held at the Community Center on March 3. Proceeds went to organiza…
Mark Asparilla, MD to be inducted into Charlotte County Hall of Fame
April 13, 2018
■ STAFF REPORT Community and tourism champion Mark O. Asperilla, MD has been selected as the 2018 Charlotte County Tourism Hall of Fame inductee and will be inducted during the annual tourism luncheo…