Uncategorized
History: Happy 110 years Banyan Street
August 22, 2025
By KAREN GRACE
In 1915, Peter Bradley of the American agricultural Chemical Company had 26 banyan trees planted on each side of what was then Second Street. The trees may have been part of a 1914…
Travel: Genetics and the six-toed cats of Key West
August 22, 2025
By JOHN FLETEMEYER
Key West is America’s southernmost city. Cuba is only 90 nautical miles away. It’s a city steeped in nautical history that boasts many eccentricities and oddities that are foun…
Chicago and nursing career: Spotlight on Angela McPhillips
August 22, 2025
Readers of the Beacon might have noticed a new byline in last week’s paper; Angela McPhillips is the newest edition to the Boca Beacon and Gasparilla Magazine team, bringing with her a fresh perspec…
Bridge could see 25 percent drop in traffic, revenue
August 22, 2025
The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority met for their quarterly board meeting on Thursday, Aug. 14, to discuss not only future finances, but to discuss drainage and the strengthening of the Causeway…
New Michael Saunders offices in Englewood; Chamber Meeting
August 22, 2025
The Englewood Area Chamber of Commerce August Fun After Five was held at Michael Saunders new offices at 684 S. Indiana Avenue in Englewood.
The August 13 event was a combined ribbon…
Drainage issues addressed by GIBA Board at quarterly meeting
August 22, 2025
The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority voted to address hurricane drainage issues on Gasparilla Road, near Kappy’s, at their August 14 meeting.
After hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton, the stand…
Shark bite at Cayo Costa, rescue arrives on Gasparilla Island
August 20, 2025
Boca Grande Fire Department and Lee County EMS responded to a shark bite last Saturday night.
Chief C.W. Blosser said that fire and EMS responded on Saturday night to a 10:55 p.m. 911 call to “re…
Video of beach renourishment at Gasparilla Island State Park
August 19, 2025
Recent video from Dusty Hopkins of the beach renourishment at Gasparilla Island State Park. This project, which protects the south end of the island, was delayed from spring 2025. The project, which…
Grant for Snook Stock Enhancement by Sen. Nix
July 22, 2025
State Rep. Danny Nix joined scientists, conservationists, and community leaders July 22 at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Aquaculture Research Park to present a $250,000 check in support of…
Mid-Century Modern house updates approved by Preservation Board
July 11, 2025
The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board had a quick agenda at its July meeting. Members Paul Eddy, Jerry Edgerton, Barbara Wickwire, Paul Eddy and Becky Paterson attended, as well as Chairman Bi…