Opinion
Nesting activity showing stronger results compared to 2024
September 4, 2025
BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY
Wow, the 2025 sea turtle nesting season is sure winding down quickly now! If you’ve been tracking the weekly statistics in the Boca Beacon, you may have noticed th…
Virtual training for your dog as first step
September 4, 2025
Virtual dog training allows owners to access real-time video sessions with professional trainers. It’s fun and it works without having to leave your house, and your dog will be in a comfortable envi…
Letters: Boca Grande Historical Society announces Footprints exhibit
September 4, 2025
To the Editor and the community:
On behalf of the Boca Grande Historical Society, we thank you for your support. We understand the impact the two recent hurricanes have had on our community and t…
Silver King, Megalodon and Sept. 11 memories here
September 4, 2025
Next Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, our own Boca Grande Fire Department will celebrate its new Silver King engine and Megalodon tender by having a “push in” ceremony to commemorate this new equipment. It…
EcoWatch: Bird migration is here – watch them while you can
September 4, 2025
“The Skies Belong to the Birds and we must safeguard their migratory routes.”
Attributed to Rachel Carson, American marine biologist and conservationist, and writer of the 1960 book, “Silent Spri…
Say hello to Denise, the BGSTA permit holder for Boca Grande
August 28, 2025
BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY
Since May 1st, a hearty group of BGSTA volunteers have been out in the early morning patrolling Gasparilla Island beaches to document and monitor sea turtle nestin…
History What Ifs: Boca Grande with no bridge, with an airport, port
August 28, 2025
BY JAMES J. BLAHA, DIRECTOR BOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER
“In order to understand the difference between the Boca Grande of 1949 and today, you have to realize that in 1949, Gasparilla Island, of ne…
Sea turtle nesting season calls for special care along coastal beaches
August 28, 2025
Editor’s Note: This is one of six weekly wildlife articles submitted by the Barrier Island Parks Society to raise awareness about the issues facing our island communities.
BY THE BARRIER ISLAND P…
Letters: Thoughts on ‘party spot’ status and long-term solutions
August 28, 2025
To the Editor:
I want to share my perspective on the parking situation to maybe add a little more insight. As many of you know, I worked on island for several years as an eco tour guide and over…
Lighthouse United Methodist letter to their congregation on parking
August 28, 2025
Editor’s Note: Lighthouse United Methodist Church has a weekly newsletter entitled ‘Midweek News’ for their congregation. They sent this one out to members, to update them on parking and access to t…