News
New Gasparilla Magazine on newstands
July 2, 2025
Featuring Wanamakers, gumbo limbo and Sugarshack
The July/August edition of the Boca Beacon’s Gasparilla Island Magazine is out now with new feature stories, recipes, shopping and social pages…
Friends of Boca Grande appoints program director
July 2, 2025
Friends of Boca Grande announced the appointment of Martina Long as their new program director this Monday.
Long has a wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector and an extensive background in…
Cost of parking for islanders, workers unclear
July 2, 2025
While a new parking plan is under consideration by Lee County, what is not defined in the ordinance is how much these permits will cost for island residents, homeowners and workers.
A new parkin…
DeSantis vetoes Boca Grande Fire District Ladder Truck
July 2, 2025
A $1.5 million appropriations request for a Boca Grande Fire Control District ladder truck replacement was vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday, June 30.
“We are disappointed,” said Chief C.W. B…
GIBA to begin causeway armoring this month
July 2, 2025
Above, the causeway from the days following Hurricane Milton. GIBA Photo
The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority will begin its causeway armoring project in July, and is expected to be completed b…
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Forristall fleet arrival!
July 2, 2025
A Boca Grande family celebrates
This week, the large extended Forristall family gathered at their cottage on Gasparilla Road. They are one of the many regulars in the Fourth of July parade.
T…
Charlotte Parks sea turtle contest
July 2, 2025
Charlotte County Parks & Natural Resources are accepting artwork beginning July 1 for “Lights Out for Sea Turtles,” a campaign designed to raise awareness around sea turtle education and conserv…
Which way to the sunset?
July 2, 2025
The directional signs pointed to a quiet sunset last week at South Beach Bar & Grille. Many of the winter regulars, we assume, are now at Pond Hill, Pioneer Ohio and Cape Porpoise, Maine. …
A wake of opportunity: Dolphins and the fishing boats they follow
July 2, 2025
We have a challenge to deal with; dolphin have mastered welfare.
Dolphins, aka Flipper, have developed into a significant problem; they have become dependent on us to fish for them. We exhaust th…
EcoWatch: Is the spirit of July 4th celebration still alive?
July 2, 2025
“Hold on, my friends, to the Constitution and the republic for which it stands. Miracles do nut cluster, and what happened once in 6,000 years, may not happen again. Hold on to the Constition, for i…