Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, News.
The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority will have final year-end numbers from the bridge at the end of this week; so far, the December traffic count is up about 1,000 from December 2023. “We average about 93,000 vehicles each December,” wrote Executive Director Kathy Banson in an update to the Beacon. “Through last Thursday (12/26) our […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
It’s the time of year to check on and update your listing in the 4-Digit Phone Book. Since 1991, the Boca Beacon has published this reference text, one of the last remaining residential phone books in the U.S., which were once ubiquitous. Do you have a new number? Do you want to switch to or […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Featured News, News.
On Saturday, Dec. 28, a pink elephant appeared in the clouds. The view was looking west across the Gulf in south Boca Grande. The photo was caught by Erin Reid, daughter-in-law of Boca Grande residents Randy and Karen Reid. […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Featured News, Health & Wellness, News, Sports & Outdoors.
The island had a large number of dead mullet up and down the beach over the New Year, the result of a possible red tide outbreak offshore. “This is an unfortunate persistent presence of Red Tide since the Hurricanes a few months ago,” said Calusa Waterkeeper Codty Pierce, in an email to the Boca Beacon. […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Featured News, Sports & Outdoors.
This osprey was making a nest near the Range Light last week. He was spied with a number of building materials, found across the island. Photo by Matt
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Letters to the Editor, Sports & Outdoors.
To the Editor: On behalf of our permit holder, Denise Juergens, I am writing this letter from the Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association (BGSTA) to acknowledge and thank the generous individuals, businesses and organizations who have supported the BGSTA during the 2024 sea turtle nesting season. Each of them provided a significant resource for us, […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Entertainment, Events, News.
The late illustrator Charley Harper created famous images of nature, for not only magazines, but biology textbooks. Curator and collector Terry Wright will explore the early days of his career on Jan. 17 at the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens at 5800 Riverside Dr., Punta Gorda. Harper worked for magazines like Ford Times with […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns.
BY KATHY Y. FUTCH One February, a few years back, islander-author Thomas McGuane enthralled an auditorium full of readers and writers in the Boca Grande Community Center. Those present then were rewarded with writing wisdom from his many years of teaching and being published, with added tips from authors he valued. I still value that […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial, Events.
Next Wednesday, Doug Bradburn, director of Mount Vernon, will visit the island as part of a Friends of Boca Grande lecture in their History and Heritage series. Most people over a certain age have a decent knowledge of the life of Washington, but this is no longer the case with later generations. (Indeed, Washington’s Birthday […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Education, Events.
Virginia & Augusta C. with Tate & Margo S. spent a day in the village selling lemonade to benefit The Island School playground, one of their favorite places. Thank you to the Island customers for their generosity. The children raised a total of $457 which will be donated to The Island School to help rebuild […]