Written by VAN HUBBARD on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
March was windy, as we expected. Will it calm down for April as advertised? God only knows. Whatever the wind is doing, spring fishing is fantastic. Local waters are currently clear of red tide. Our water will clear up if winds back down and sand settles out of suspension. They are dredging Stump Pass now, […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Entertainment, Events, News, Police & Fire.
The Boca Grande Fire Department will hold its Putting Around the Firehouse event, a mini-golf extravaganza set for Saturday, April 5, at 360 E. Railroad Ave. Mini Golf registration will begin at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. They will be hosting station tours and demonstrating EMS and fire equipment. There will […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
A golf cart got stuck as it attempted to exit the closed construction site at Gasparilla Island State Park. The cart was seen moving around Saturday night in the closed area. Reports from Lee County Sheriff’s Office were not available at presstime. The park is currently closed for a beach renourishment project. Photo by Cheryl
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, Entertainment, Events, News.
J.McLaughlin dedicates a day and collection to the Everglades every year. Each store is asked to do something special for the state-wide event and this year the Boca Grande store will feature acclaimed landscape photographer Clyde Butcher. “I’ve been a huge fan of Clyde Butcher for years,” said Caroline Farrington, manager of Boca Grande’s J.McLaughlin. […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles, Sports & Outdoors.
Hank Irvine There’s tennis royalty living just off the Gasparilla Causeway in Cape Haze. He would laugh at that description of himself, but then he laughs easily. Hank Irvine has been playing tennis his whole life and has qualified for Wimbledon three times, once getting to the semifinals in mixed doubles play, earning him a […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Obituaries.
With grace, wisdom, and an unshakable spirit, Deborah “Deb” Hazzard Nash, age 91, died peacefully on March 17, 2025. Deb was the beloved daughter of Vance Alexander Hazzard and Louise Seidel Hazzard. She grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and attended Friends Central School before heading to Mount Holyoke College. It was there that […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Columns, Opinion, Sports & Outdoors.
Above, Ocala Stud, in a photo by Louise Rienagel BY DAVID O’FARRELL Through nearly 70 years and three generations, my family’s Ocala Stud Farm has poured heart, soul and heavy reinvestment into Florida’s racing industry. My grandfather put Florida-bred horses on the national stage and proved you could raise Derby winners and champions outside Kentucky. […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Ariel Ltd. opened its doors this week, for the first time since last summer, to a crowd eager to shop and welcome them back after the storms.They are open regular hours now. Stop in and shop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Photo by Matt
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. JOE LECLAIR It’s always a thrill to see people catching snook in the springtime in super shallow water. If I told you we have caught all the good ones we have seen, I would be lying. The hunt continues and there are a few schools of snook moving out of the back of […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. SANDY MELVIN It’s transition time in the Boca Grande backcountry. As we move into April and leave the windy cool days of March behind, spring fishing is about to take off. We’ve noticed a change in water temperatures recently, reaching the sustained 70 degrees plus range that moves tarpon into the area and […]