Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community.
In the early 1970s, a group of island residents came together with a mission to preserve the charm, character, and traditions of Gasparilla Island. They formed the GICIA in 1971, marking the beginning of a grassroots effort to preserve island life. With the assistance of Lee County Commissioners and State representatives, the GICIA successfully secured […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.
Cape Coral to WINK to Commissioner Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman is proud of his heritage as a native of Lee County. His parents both came to the area as children, and so he counts himself as a “quasi-second-generation Lee Countian.” Brian has served as District 4 Commissioner since 2013, when he was appointed by […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
On Sunday, June 22, there was an electrical fire at the Boca Bay Pass Club. “The underground electrical system shorted out which created a chain reaction that ultimately caused the electrical panel to catch on fire,” Boca Grande Fire Department Chief C.W. Blosser said. The fire suppression sprinkler system put out the fire in the […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Featured News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Tarpon season this year was a little quieter than some years, but fishing was great, and the annual tournaments were as spirited as always. “It was a good season, not the greatest for business, not as busy as some past seasons,” Capt. Sandy Melvin said. “We’ll recover into next year.” This year’s tarpon tournament season […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Real Estate, Sports & Outdoors.
Currently, there are three major marina projects on the table on Gasparilla Island and in Cape Haze, and there are no listed buyers or partners yet. The most notable is Eldred’s, which has been formally on the market since early 2024. Eldred’s was listed in March 2024 for a reported $40 million asking price. It […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
$1.5 million awaits governor’s approval A $1.5 million appropriations project request sponsored by Florida House Representative Adam Botana for a Boca Grande Fire Control District ladder truck replacement has now passed both the House and Senate. “Its final step is approval from the governor. We are just waiting on this now,” wrote Annabella Romano, legislative […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News, Police & Fire.
BY LARRY HANNAH Time is of the essence to get our current sheriff’s deputy out of the camper he and his wife are spending time these very hot summer days. After a resolution from Lee County Commissioner David Mulicka, the Board of Lee County Commissioners at their June 17, 2025, meeting voted 5-0 in favor […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
Last Thursday, Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce released a new visitor survey called “Off Island Visitors.” It comes in the wake of a new ordinance that would restrict parking on the island to two hours for shoppers and restaurant patrons while eliminating beach parking for day-trippers except for Gasparilla Island State Parks. “It was […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Sports & Outdoors.
Sally J ends Tournament Season BY BETSY FUGATE JOINER It only took a minute to catch the excitement of friends and families coming together at Scarpa’s Coastal Friday night, Ladies Night Out! A full evening of fun, tables full of exciting raffle prizes, plus a delicious abundance of canapés served and donated by Scarpa’s Coastal. […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Community, Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: My name is Tina Dodge. My family and I have been vacationing in Boca Grande since I was a young child. Some of my greatest memories are in Boca Grande. My parents started out just renting the old Anchor Inn when the ball field was near and we would light fireworks there, […]