Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
This week, the GICIA sent out a letter to the island talking about the planning for a significant restoration effort within the Town Park area of the GICIA Bike Path between 3rd and 5th Streets. This area is irrigated, providing the opportunity for them to plant early in 2025 instead of waiting for the summer […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.
This year marked the first Christmas lighting of the Range Light. The effort was led primarily by Gasparilla Island State Park volunteers, including Mike and Tammy Kipp of Port Charlotte. The Kipps, along with other volunteers, overcame the challenge of lighting the Range Light while also contending with the usual household Christmas light issues, such […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
Island leaders met Tuesday morning, Dec. 10, to debrief the emergency response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Among those in attendance were moderator and AUXCOMM Project Coordinator Bo Hamrick, Boca Grande Fire Department Chief C.W. Blosser, and Lt. Mike Sawicki with Lee County Sheriff’s Office. “We were satisfied with the response,” Sawicki said of the […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Events.
BOCA GRANDE — The Grande Chorus will hold its annual holiday concert, “An American Adventure,” on Friday, December 13, at 5 p.m. The event will take place at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, located at 390 Gilchrist Avenue in Boca Grande. This free community concert offers a mix of holiday music, including both traditional favorites and […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
As more places of business reopen on the island, we get more opportunities to patronize them. Shown here: Rebecca Cleveland at Smart Studio is set up with art options galore; Jamie Curry from Gulf to Bay/Sotheby’s greeted Park Avenue visitors with her trademark smile from her sidewalk office; above, Gretchen, Renee and Vonda are happy […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Community History.
BY KAREN GRACE, BOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER For many years, Christmas Eve at the Louise du Pont Crowninshield Community House brought Santa and gifts. The Community House was opened in 1936. Mrs. Crowninshield “began hosting an annual Christmas pageant there for the children, whereupon Santa Claus would arrive with a sack full of toys,” according […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Donations taken through end of month for relief The Boca Grande Island Disaster Fund, with over $3.4 million in collected donations, has dispersed or reserved 97 percent of those donations for island non-profits and businesses. “We are not ready to disperse all,” said Larry Hannah, one of the organizers of the fund, which is being […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Although dogs are allowed on some beaches, many do not allow dogs, such as those at state parks, including Gasparilla Island State Park. Occasionally, they do escape. Over 30 species of shorebirds and seabirds use beach habitats for nesting, resting and finding food. Some birds also use the beach during winter for rest during migrations. […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
The 2025 Boca Grande Visitor’s Guide is out this weekend. We will have copies available at the Beacon office, and for restaurants, retailers, hotels and real estate agents, they are available in bulk. See Editorial.
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
Summer restoration projects held up well SUBMITTED BY THE GICIA The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association (GICIA) is making good progress after the double whammy of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These monsters brought storm surges, flooding and masses of debris unlike anything the island has ever seen. The cleanup has been slow and challenging. […]