News
Business & Real Estate: Allegiant New Orleans and Toledo flights
November 26, 2025
Allegiant this week begins service from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) to Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport (TOL) in Ohio. To celebrate, the company is offering one-way fares on…
Snowman and tree on South McCall
November 26, 2025
The Mavis Tires and Brakes shop on McCall in Englewood got its holiday spirit early with a green Christmas tree and a white Santa, all made from used tires. The electric-tape relief snowflake was pa…
Ladies Fa La La La Luncheon at Lighthouse United Methodist Church
November 26, 2025
Ladies (not just Methodists!) are invited to the Fa La La La Luncheon at Lighthouse United Methodist Church, 325 West 3rd St. at Gilchrist Ave. on Monday, December 8 at 11:30 a.m., in their Fellowsh…
The GICIA celebrates completion of Bike Path landscaping project
November 26, 2025
BY THE GASPARILLA ISLAND CONSERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association (GICIA) has completed the restoration of the Bike Path from 1st St…
2026 Gasparilla Island Tennis Classic begins in January; Register now
November 26, 2025
The Boca Beacon’s Gasparilla Island Tennis Classic opens on Saturday, Jan.17, 2026.
The annual all-island tournament will be held at the Boca Bay Pass Club, The Gasparilla Inn Tennis Club and the…
Back to back G.I.F.T. winners
November 26, 2025
BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE
This year we have a back to back champion with Tina Sexton taking home the trophy with her two combined redfish measuring 52.5 inches. Congratulations to Tina and Capt. D…
Meet some faces of a few of the Gasparilla Island’s small businesses this Christmas season
November 26, 2025
Above, Sarah Holt, Lizzie Ahlers and Kerri Jacobs at Bella Vida.
This Christmas shopping season is the first full season since the island’s recovery from 2024 hurricanes. The Beacon took just a f…
Burrowing owl effort expands on Cape Haze
November 26, 2025
Just off Gasparilla Island, a small colony of Florida burrowing owls – a state-threatened species – is holding on as development increases around them. Fewer than 50 adult owls remain in western Cha…
Sarah Sharp Farish, 1942-2025
November 26, 2025
Sarah Sharp Farish passed away on November 24, 2025 at home in Boca Grande, Florida, surrounded by her family.
Raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Sarah was the daughter of Mary and Bayard Sharp. In…
Blue Barrels are back in town
November 26, 2025
The blue barrels to gather non-perishable food for the Englewood Helping Hand program are now out in downtown Boca Grande.
The barrels are located in front of Crews Bank, the Post Office and both…