News
Want to report red tide? There’s an app for that
June 16, 2017
■ PROVIDED BY MOTE MARINE. Smartphone users can now download a new app to self-report impacts of Florida red tide algae (Karenia brevis), thanks to Mote Marine Laboratory’s project to engage citi…
Build a better world – be a part of the kindness tree
June 16, 2017
■ BY SUE ERWIN Kindness is cool. That’s the message Johann Fust librarian Gladys Varga wants to share with island residents by encouraging them to spread a little joy – just because. She created a …
Profile: Paul Wagenseil
June 16, 2017
■ BY SUE ERWIN Capt. Paul Wagenseil is quite familiar with tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass. Born and raised in Englewood, Paul started fishing when he was a kid. After receiving a kayak as a bir…
Is there any way to stop the pirate-ization of Boca Grande?
June 16, 2017
■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE “Heard an old man by the pier asking where the time’s all gone, it’s been almost 50 years; my, how this place has grown. “Used to come here by ferry before they built that big h…
5th Street beach access closed due to erosion
June 9, 2017
The Boca Grande 5th Street Beach Access is closed indefinitely due to erosion stemming from recent storms and high tides. The parking lot will remain open. Other Lee County beach accesses on Boca …
Gasparilla Island Kids Classic Tarpon Tournament this weekend
June 9, 2017
■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE First it was Ladies Day. Then it was World’s Richest. Now it’s the kids’ turn, as the 2017 Gasparilla Island Kids Classic Tarpon Tournament is scheduled to drop lines in the wat…
Lighthouse boardwalk almost complete
June 9, 2017
■ BY SUE ERWIN If you’ve taken a walk near the water at Gasparilla Island State Park over the past year, you’ve most likely noticed that the boardwalks on the beach side were pretty much washed out…
Water restrictions in place for Charlotte County – Probable soon in Lee
June 9, 2017
■ SUBMITTED BY GIWA The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (SWFWMD) governing board voted last week to increase water restrictions throughout the region, which affects the Charlotte Coun…
Holy silver kings! 43 releases recorded for Ladies Howl at the Moon 2017
June 9, 2017
■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE It was an extraordinary night of fishing for the 2017 Ladies Howl at the Moon on Saturday, June 3, with a double-header (and both brought to the boat) for one team, seven releas…
Beacon team up for nine awards in FPA annual contest
June 9, 2017
■ STAFF REPORT The Boca Beacon team is proud to announce the newspaper is up for nine awards at the Florida Press Association Better Weekly Newspaper Contest, to be held this year in August in Napl…