Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
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 […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community.
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
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
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 […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
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 […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Obituaries.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Alice Elizabeth (Maris) Kubista who reunited with our Lord on May 29th, 2025. She passed away peacefully in the presence of her family and is now resting with Christ. Alice was born June 11th, 1936, in Philadelphia PA and was the daughter […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles, Sports & Outdoors.
Our water watchman A new Calusa Waterkeeper recently joined the mission of protecting Southwest Florida’s water resources from pollution, misuse and overdevelopment. Joe Cavanaugh now holds this position and is already working to build alliances, share his knowledge and put his experience to work for the public good. Joe brings with him years of experience. “I […]
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
The majesty of a tree,The warmth of a summer sun,The calm of a quiet sea,The generous soul of nature,The comforting arm of night,The wisdom of all ages,The power of the eagle’s flight,The joy of a morning in spring,The fate of a mustard seed,The patience of eternity,The depth of a family need,Then God combined these qualities, […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Police & Fire.
A little after noon on Wednesday, June 11, a child 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 BY HAND.” No one on the beach […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Sports & Outdoors.
Savanah Pope has been competing in The Under Armour Junior Tour for four years. She competed in five, nine-hole tournaments this spring, winning the league championship for the spring season. This qualifies her for Summer Nationals at PGA Nationals in West Palm Beach to compete in a 36-hole tournament at the end of this month. […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
The Gasparilla Island Kids Classic Tarpon Tournament, hosted by the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held on Saturday, June 7. This year, Amelia Besant will be singing the National Anthem. Teams for the Kids Classic consist of one captain and a maximum of four anglers, who must be eight to 15 years […]