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Girl recovering after shark bite near 22nd Street

Surgeons were able to reattach hand A little after noon on Wednesday, June 11, a nine-year-old girl was injured by an apparent shark bite on the 2200 block of Shore Lane, according to Lee EMS alerts.  The 911 alert, which went out at 12:11 p.m., read: “SHARK IN THE WATER/KID ARM INJ; SERIOUS bleeding; ARM […]

Reopening planned for parking and canoe access at Boca Grande Fishing Pier

Charlotte County is working to reopen the parking lot and roadway at the Boca Grande Fishing Pier, which has been closed since Hurricanes Helene and Milton. “We are repairing the parking lot and roadway as well as the erosion at the natural canoe/kayak launch. Both are anticipated to re-open in the next two weeks,” said […]

Update on Post Office: No date yet for reopening

While there is no date for the reopening of the Boca Grande Post Office, the USPS has updated the island on repair status for the Beacon. “The repairs at the Boca Grande Post Office are ongoing,” said Carol Hunt, a strategic communications specialist with the USPS in Texas and Florida. “Customers can be assured that […]

This date in the Boca Beacon

FIVE YEARS AGO The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board voted unanimously to approve the new parish hall for Our Lady of Mercy. TEN YEARS AGO The Island School joined with Royal Palm Players to perform for parents and peers before school let out. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO The County ordered 27,000 feet of boom and oil […]

Lu the hippo, and an appreciation for Florida State Parks

It is the end of an era in Florida. Lu, the hippopotamus at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, died June 8, 2025. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Alexandra Kuchta had the good sense to send out a tribute email over the weekend. They said that the state’s “beloved” citizen hippo “passed away […]

100th Birthday Celebration

Boca Grande part-time resident Oliver Carr celebrated his 100th birthday last week in Washington, D.C. He is pictured here with his wife, Kathy, June 8 at The Willard Hotel in Washington.  Photo submitted

Local manufacturers on ‘Coolest Thing’ list

Three Charlotte County companies have officially been nominated for the inaugural “Coolest Thing Made in Florida” competition, a statewide celebration recognizing innovation and manufacturing excellence. The Charlotte County contenders are Vestas Aircoil, Underwater Fish Light and Pro Glider Boats. Hosted by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the competition kicks off its Popular Voting Round from […]

Charlotte Sea Grant sponsors ethical ecotourism webinars

The UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County Florida Sea Grant office is offering the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism Educational Webinar Series, which is scheduled from 7 to 8 p.m. on the second of Wednesday of every month starting in June and ending in November. Designed for ecotourism professionals, enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in responsible travel […]