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THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON …

December 9, 2022
FIVE YEARS AGO High tea was served at The Island School by volunteers Donna Lutton, Margo Freeman and Susan Bowers, with some help from kindergarten teacher/party planner Megan O’Conner. TEN…

A word from local law enforcement: ‘Illegal dumping is a crime we will aggressively enforce’

December 2, 2022
Illegal dumping is a very real problem everywhere right now, even on Gasparilla Island, and our local law enforcement officers have been actively and aggressively pursuing those who try to get awa…

We’re getting the runaround about wind speeds

December 2, 2022
There’s a lot of misinformation floating around about what the wind speeds were during Hurricane Ian. Some people swear their neighbor has a device that measured 225 mph winds. Others say they kno…

If the former VP serves your turkey, it will taste even better

December 2, 2022
Those who attended the Thanksgiving dinner provided by Samaritan’s Purse at Sky Academy in Englewood were honored to be served by none other than the former Vice President Mike Pence and h…

It’s gonna be lit! Time to share the magic of the season at the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse

December 2, 2022
The Barrier Island Parks Society (BIPS) is delighted to extend an invitation to friends and families to share the magic of the season at the annual Lighting of the Lighthouse! Please join us at Po…

The music of Nashville legends – live in Boca Grande

December 2, 2022
Next on the roster for Friends of Boca Grande’s breakout Rhythm & Boots series is a special duo who bring us the sounds of country legends Floyd Cramer and Chet Atkins. These unique sounds liv…

Felled palms brought back to (another) life by LGI resident

December 2, 2022
Fallen palm trees are everywhere on Little Gasparilla Island. It seemed like such a waste to Don Schlandt, who lives on the island. Don is someone who tends to make lemonade when life gives him le…

A call for help to kayakers and Jon boat owners

December 2, 2022
The Lemon Baywatch Committee of Lemon Bay Conservancy is helping to coordinate a multi-organizational effort spearheaded by Suncoast Waterkeeper to remove debris left by Hurricane Ian in our local…

Anyone remember Leon?

December 2, 2022
If you have been coming to Gasparilla Island for a few years or more and you love golf, perhaps this name will ring a bell with you: Leon Oliver. Oliver is a Gasparilla Inn & Club course…

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Baby Silas waited for the coast to be clear before making his way into this crazy world

December 2, 2022
Silas Kai Swartzendruber went through Hurricane Ian in a unique way. He was inside his mother, Nikki Heimann. He was due to be born right around the time the hurricane hit, but for a while it appe…