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Opinion

GUEST ESSAY: Reunited with beloved Bass Weejuns from college days

December 5, 2024
Favorite Maine loafer, maybe tassels next? BY SUSAN HANAFEE I scrimped together the money for my first pair of Bass Weejuns when I was a senior in college and working part-time at Nathan Hal…

Last pass for island hurricane debris begins Monday

December 5, 2024
For folks returning to Gasparilla Island, large piles of hurricane debris lining Gasparilla Road have been the dominant image. While much of the debris has been removed, there is still plenty to g…

EcoWatch: Consider buying American-made products

November 28, 2024
“I have come to a resolution myself, as I hope every good citizen will, never again to purchase any article of foreign manufacture which can be had of American make, be the difference of price wha…

SW Florida Fishing: Record setting year for G.I.F.T.

November 28, 2024
BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE A record setting year all around for the 29th annual Gasparilla Island Fly Fishing Tournament presented by Gasparilla Outfitters. This year the tournament hosted fiftee…

History: Some favorite personal memories of Boca Grande

November 28, 2024
BY JAMES J. BLAHA, DIRECTOR, BOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER After many years of bringing my family to Florida for vacations, my wife and I decided to plan for our retirement, which included moving …

Out-of-date data and a disconnected state affects our fisheries’ management

November 28, 2024
Wasting grouper stocks with discards In my lifetime of fishing, I could never have considered the challenges we face today because of mismanagement. I completely agree we need to manage our fis…

Salvaging something out of the destruction of two hurricanes

November 28, 2024
We are all dealing with individual, life-changing events, not one but two devastating hurricanes flooding us so close together. Debby doesn’t even count anymore. Many of us are still in emotional …

The staff of the Beacon is thankful for so much this week

November 28, 2024
Many families have the tradition at Thanksgiving of going around the table and asking each person what they are thankful for. This can be particularly humorous with small children, as their blessi…

The Island Golfer: Local golf clubs grand tradition of giving back

November 21, 2024
BY SCOTT COTHERMAN  Tune in to any televised professional golf competition, and you will see an interview with the tournament’s sponsor citing the significant impact of fundraising for loc…

EcoWatch: Thanksgiving Day 2024 – filled with hope and resolve

November 21, 2024
“May the Stars Carry Your Sadness Away May the Flowers Fill Your Heart With Beauty May Hope Forever Wipe Away Your Tears, And Above All, May Silence Make You Strong.” Chief Dan George, Chief of…