News
Profile: Karen Irvine, artist and teacher of sailors valentines
December 22, 2023
Come February, valentines will be on many people’s minds. For Karen Irvine, a certain type of valentine is on her mind almost all the time. She is an artist who specializes in “sailors’ valent…
Christmas services this week in Boca Grande
December 22, 2023
This year, Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday. That means a slightly different timing for services on Gasparilla Island.
For Lighthouse United Methodist Church, all services will be on Sunday, the…
Opinion: Cape Haze Publix is math education for Island School students
December 22, 2023
From Betsy F. Joiner:
I had the most delightful experience a few Wednesday nights ago at Cape Haze Publix.
I went in to do my shopping and when I walked inside I saw the happy faces of…
EcoWatch: Memories of those who fought to preserve Boca Grande
December 22, 2023
When Hurricane Ian struck Boca Grande on Setember 28, 2022 with its 150 mph winds, it proved to be a catastrophic storm, causing major damage to Island life and erasing many sites. &…
New Boca Beacon calendar for 2024 is out
December 21, 2023
Since 1987, the Boca Beacon has offered a calendar for subscribers inserted into the newspaper as a Christmas gift to our subscribers. This year, photos are by our very own Matthew Gutman, Dusty H…
Gasparilla Island State Park gets regrade, sand
December 21, 2023
Gasparilla Island State Park is finishing a regrade at the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse. Bulldozers and sand trucks were on hand this week to grade the potholes in the park and in the entrance driv…
December storm was no match for white pelican visitors
December 21, 2023
By MICHELLE STARR
On a morning drive over the Boca Causeway, I get a true bird’s eye view of Little Gasparilla Pass, the sandbar and local water clarity and condition.
The high winds over th…
New season of Boca Grande Farmers Markets begins on Wheeler
December 21, 2023
Vendor Patrick Kasprik brought a paperback Penguin Classic version of a Greek play by Euripides to the Farmers Market last Friday, Dec. 13. No one knew how the bread sales would go at the first ou…
Residents, marine units help in Little Gasparilla fire
December 21, 2023
Sheriff’s helicopter from Charlotte County assisted in the fire. Photo courtesy Boca Grande Fire Dept.
A beach cottage at 9686 Privateer Road near the south end of Little Gasparilla Island is a…
Soderberg gift will inspire other Suncoast Humane donors
December 21, 2023
For over 50 years, Suncoast Humane Society has helped tens of thousands of animals live happier, safer and healthier lives.
On November 9, 2023, among community leaders, Suncoast supporters Pe…