News
Schedule for parking stickers, passes, in New Year
January 2, 2026
Next week, parking pass pickups start back up again at the Crowninshield House, with dates through January.
There are permits available for:
“A” Resident decal – for Gasparilla Island residen…
Lightning whelk in Florida history talk
January 2, 2026
Dr. Michelle Calhoun, Archaeologist, will be discussing “The Role of the Lightning Whelk in Florida History” on Monday, Jan. 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Manasota Beach Club, 7660 Manasota Key Ro…
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…
Coast Guard suspends search for Fort Myers boaters
December 23, 2025
The Coast Guard suspended the weekend search for two missing boaters at sunset Monday, pending the development of new information. Missing are 57-year-old Randall Spivey and 33-year-old Brandon Bill…
Watchful Banyan Street owl
December 18, 2025
A reader out working on island sent us this photo of an owl on Banyan Street on Wednesday. Indeed there were two in the trees; he also got a video for our Beacon Facebook page. …











