News
Getting prepped for Gasparilla Island Tennis Classic
January 2, 2026
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 th…
Corkscrew Swamp will open new Discovery Center in February
January 2, 2026
Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Spurlino Foundation Discovery Center on Tuesday, Feb. 3, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the sanctuary, 375 Sanctuary Road. The…
Gasparilla Island Water Association sets annual meeting and nominates officers
January 2, 2026
The Gasparilla Island Water Association, or GIWA’s, Annual Membership Meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Stewardship of drinking water remains a high priority for the Associatio…
Calusa Blueway speaker series begins on Tuesday, Jan. 6
January 2, 2026
Kayaking the Everglades is the first talk in a series of free Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail-related programs set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, at the Wa-Ke Hatchee Recreation Center, 16760 Bass Roa…
Dr. Larry Antonucci leaves as CEO of Lee Heath
December 29, 2025
Lee Health President and CEO Dr. Larry Antonucci has announced that he will not renew his employment contract when it concludes on September 30, 2026.
Dr. Antonucci, who has served as CEO since 2…
Visitor Guide ready for 2026 island season
December 26, 2025
The Boca Beacon received delivery this week of our annual Visitor’s Guide. Copies will be available at stands around town, in hotels, real estate offices and throughout the region.
The Visi…
Crochet for the kids: Maria Pardo-Thompson
December 26, 2025
Maria Pardo-Thompson is rarely without yarn nearby. Over the years, her crocheted blankets, hats, loveys and small stuffed animals have ended up in ambulances, hospital nurseries, classrooms and fam…
Boca Grande Fire Department honors
December 26, 2025
From left to right: Sarah Cislo with Chief C.W. Blosser. Cislo successfully completed her rigorous 12 month training and testing program and is now recognized as a 1st Class Firefighter; Erik Fatica…
Girl bitten by shark in summer has visit with rescuers at Fire Department
December 26, 2025
On June 11, 2025, Leah Lendel, age 9, was bitten by a shark in the 2200 block of Shore Lane. This Tuesday, Lendel came back to visit the Boca Grande Fire Department. It was not a planned visit. The…
Roundup of the Year 2025 with The Boca Beacon
December 26, 2025
Each year, the Boca Beacon recounts the year past. This edition includes a month-by-month recount of 2025, with a few select photos for each.
The year 2025 was all about cleaning up after Helene…











