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Opinion

EcoWatch: Countdown nears for loss of wildlife in 2026

March 5, 2026
The rapid loss of biodiversity that we are witnessing is about much more than nature. The collapse of ecosystems will threaten the well-being and livelihood of everyone on the planet. Linda Krueg…

Letters: Charlotte County needs to open access to beaches   

February 26, 2026
To the Editor: I am an avid reader of the Beacon and enjoy the style and breadth of topics covered. I look forward to its arrival each week. I also live in Boca Grande and in the Lee County porti…

Letters: Appreciation from Art on Park organizer after successful event

February 26, 2026
To the Editor: Boca Grande Art On Park Avenue was a great success this past weekend and I wanted to thank everyone for coming out and showing your support for original art and the fine artists wh…

Wisdom, drought, weather and climate 

February 26, 2026
There is weather, and there is climate. That’s a reminder from Morton Winsberg, a retired Florida State professor who wrote the classic monograph,  “Florida Weather.” Winsberg reminds us that weathe…

Perfect fishing weather …

February 26, 2026
BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE In between fronts this week, the fishing was great. As water temperatures began to rebound from the low 50s to the 70s, the fish were active and looking to feed. Lots…

SW Florida Fishing: Was once everyone’s, now for the few.

February 26, 2026
 BY CAPT. JOE LECLAIR It’s a sad day here in Boca Grande for fisherman like me who have enjoyed wading the shoreline looking for snook, reds, trout, pompano, sheepshead, cobia, tripletail, e…

SW Florida Fishing: Convicts bite early in local tourney

February 26, 2026
The Lemon Bay Girls Beach Volleyball team sponsored the “Catch a Convict” sheepshead tournament as a fundraiser. Cape Haze Marina hosted the event. The weather and fish cooperated, with plenty of th…

OPINION: Placida apartments and Coral Creek protected wetlands

February 19, 2026
BY ROB ROBBINS PRESIDENT, FRIENDS OF CAPE HAZE On Feb. 9, the Charlotte County Planning and Zoning Board voted 4-1 to forward on to the Charlotte Board of County Commissioners a recommendation to…

Fish concentrate when chilly; sheepshead abundant for freezer

February 19, 2026
Current weather indicates our colder winter has passed. I expect to see some cooler days, but the harsh Arctic Fronts seem to be behind us. We might have dodged a bullet so far, as I haven’t heard o…

Observations during a busy, gorgeous week

February 19, 2026
This editorial is written with an apology to readers, who assuredly do not want to read about parking. The sad thing, however, is that this editor would far prefer writing about ibises, or the color…