News
OBITUARY: Maribeth Cunningham
May 22, 2020
Maribeth Ann Perry Cunningham passed away peacefully at her home in Boca Grande on May, 17, 2020. She was born at Presbyterian Hospital in Chicago, Ill. on November 19, 1934, to U.S. District Court J…
PROFILE: Daniel O’Connell
May 22, 2020
BY OLIVIA CAMERON – Local resident Daniel O’Connell has enjoyed spending his retirement on the bustling beaches of Boca Grande. The former law representative now serves the Barrier Island Parks Socie…
More than $600,000 donated by Boca Grande Woman’s Club through Emergency Relief Fund
May 15, 2020
STAFF REPORT – Over the past several weeks, the Emergency Relief Fund Task Force has quietly been at work in Boca Grande. Established by the Boca Grande Woman’s Club in early April, the fund has prov…
The diary of a ‘Covidite’
May 15, 2020
Marilyn Hoeckel was the editor of the Boca Beacon from 1990 to 1998. She was the director and curator of the Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum from 1998 to 2003. She moved to Bucks County, PA in 2003, wh…
The time to ‘HoOoOwl’ is now!
May 15, 2020
STAFF REPORT – It is officially time to howl! Capt. Sandy Melvin of Special Effects/Gasparilla Outfitters will host the “Howl at the Moon” Open Invitational Tarpon Tournament on Saturday, May 16 from…
Time they’ll never get back, Part III: What a strange way to end a leg of life’ s journey
May 15, 2020
BY OLIVIA CAMERON – As the school year comes to a close, parents of local graduating seniors look into the faces of their children, realizing just what they will be missing this year. While senior pa…
Family Tradition takes first in Quarantine Queens Classic
May 15, 2020
BY MARCY SHORTUSE – Never let it be said that William Woodroffe doesn’t know how to put a tarpon tournament together. When he heard that Ladies’ Day wasn’t going to be held this year, he couldn’t sta…
‘Once upon a time’ came true for one island resident – Be careful, be conscious, be considerate … this virus isn’t over yet
May 15, 2020
BY LAUREN HANA, MD – Once upon a time there was a small town nestled on a strip of sand they call a barrier island. Her restaurants hummed with conversation and laughter and her downtown streets teem…
A food barrel update: Drop off now if you’re leaving town
May 15, 2020
STAFF REPORT – Islanders are beginning to head north and are asking about where to leave non-perishable food. Questions may be directed to Jane Caple at (941) 223-2367, Jim Cochrun at (239) 682-0091…
Longing for a little normalcy? It’s the return of studio pilates, and more plans for charitable donations
May 15, 2020
BY OLIVIA CAMERON – Banyan Tree Pilates and Yoga have been performing a bit of a double whammy in the last few weeks with their virtual pilates and fitness classes. Owners Jan and Ron Waters have sta…