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Questions for Chairman Kevin Ruane in advance of Aug. 5 vote

July 31, 2025
BY MARCY SHORTUSE Lee County Commissioners are scheduled to vote August 5 on a parking amendment for Boca Grande that, if passed, would make monumental changes to the landscape of the island. Wit…

One injured in boat fire at Turtle Bay Saturday

July 31, 2025
Saturday, July 26 around 9:30 a.m., a coordinated Marine Emergency Response Team (MERT) activation was launched for a vessel fire in Turtle Bay, an estuary at the south end of Cape Haze near the Isl…

Two suspects arrested in fishing equipment theft

July 31, 2025
On Friday, July 25, Lee County Sheriff’s Department arrested two people for burglary and grand theft of approximately $5,000 of fishing equipment from a boat.  The previous Sunday, July 20, the e…

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…