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Beacon wins First Amendment Defense award

July 31, 2025
Above, newspaper and magazine awards from last year’s convention. Boca Beacon archives The Boca Beacon and Gasparilla Island Magazine received word that has been nominated for 39 awards at the an…

Here comes the sand …

July 31, 2025
The Gasparilla Island State Park at Port Boca Grande is closed due to a planned state renourishment project. It had been scheduled for earlier but has had delays due to weather. The Port Boca Grande…

Navy phosphorous flare found near 22nd Street

July 31, 2025
A beachgoer found a burned U.S. Navy phosphorous flare on a Gasparilla Island beach on Tuesday evening around 22nd Street. According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the item was transported t…

Letters: Renourishment costs?

July 31, 2025
To the Editor: Guess what is not being shared with the public but the Lee County Board is discussing internally? Approving the Boca Grande parking proposal triggers an immediate and expensive FY2…

All-time shark week legend: Giant ‘Old Hitler’

July 31, 2025
As a young high school fisherman, I enjoyed fish legends. Big shark stories just enhanced the adventure and thrills. Everyone from Tampa Bay to Boca Grande Pass had huge hammerhead sharks Old Hitler…

Celebration of Life for Capt. Morris Campbell, Aug. 9

July 31, 2025
There will be a celebration of life for Capt. Morris Campbell, who died Monday, July 28.  Born June 27, 1960, he had just retired July 1. Survivors including his son, Capt. Chris Campbell and dau…

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Anne Smith

July 31, 2025
New at The Island School this year Anne Smith may be new to The Island School, but she’s no stranger to the classroom – with 20 years of teaching experience, she’ll begin her first week on island…

EcoWatch: We need Eco warriors to speak up now

July 31, 2025
In a world where so much that is wild and free has been lost to us, we must leave these beautiful animals free to swim as they will and must. They do us no harm and wish us none and we should let th…

Lee County releases parking ordinance draft in advance of Aug. 5 meeting

July 29, 2025
Today, Lee County formally put the new parking ordinance for Boca Grande on the agenda for their August 5, 2025 meeting. It appears in the agenda as “Conduct Public Hearing to Adopt Gasparilla Islan…

Gasparilla Island State Park south area closed for beach renourishment project

July 28, 2025
For safety reasons, Gasparilla Island State Park at the south end of the island will be temporarily closed at the southernmost entrance to the park due to the beach renourishment project, the Barrie…