Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Obituaries.
Lawrence Forsell, 84, passed away peacefully with family members present on May 3, 2023. He was born in Rockford, Illinois, May 29, 1938, the son of George and Petrona Kazlauskas Forsell. Lawrence was united in Marriage to Alice Rix on December 6, 1985. At the age of 6, Lawrence’s father died from appendicitis. He was […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.
It is a common myth that librarians are quiet, dull, and living in a world of fiction most of the time. If that is the image you have, Toni Vanover, Boca Grande’s librarian for the last 20 years, will quickly dispel it. She is funny, clever, and extremely smart. She loves people even more than she loves learning and sharing knowledge, and that says a lot, because those are things that really get her going.
Toni had not intended to be a librarian. It was more like a calling. After growing up in Staten Island, New York, she decided to go to George Washington University, in Washington, D.C., to become a diplomat or work in the Peace Corps.
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is delighted to announce two upcoming events at their forever-protected Myakka Headwaters Preserve – an Artists’ Day on Friday, May 19, and a morning of education and exploration on Saturday, May 20. The self-guided Artists’ Day takes place from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm. Participants will […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Columns.
Boca Beacon backpages FIVE YEARS AGO Waylon, Matt and Dan took top honors in the Howl at the Moon Tournament. There were 39 releases in that three-hour tournament. TEN YEARS AGO The new “Love Thy Neighbor” plan proposed by the residents of Gilchrist Avenue seemed to be working … at least for the meeting held […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News.
Cheering crowds, waving flags, photos being taken continuously and hugs for men and women whose only connection was gratitude – that’s how 90 veterans and their “Guardians” were greeted Tuesday evening as the Southwest Florida Honor Flight touched down at Punta Gorda airport. Among the veterans honored on this flight was Beacon Publisher Dusty Hopkins, […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community History, News.
You’re not going to like what we’re about to say, but you knew it was coming. The Community Tree across from Hudson’s Grocery will be coming down soon, as Hurricane Ian apparently put a final nail in its coffin. We’ve all watched it, hoping for one green leaf to prove that life was still going […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in News.
Last Saturday, April 29, Boca Grande participated in the National PanCan Purple Stride event with our own 1.5 mile walk. All funds raised will be used to increase research and support for those people affected by pancreatic cancer.
What started as a small grassroots effort to honor Mary Tucker and support Priscilla Masselink blossomed into 220 people gathering under the Sunshade in the Community Center, raising over $65,000 and placing our little team in 12th place in the nation.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
The Basin Sailing Yacht Club (BSYC) held its annual “Island Championships” on Sunday, April 23 at the Boca Bay Powerhouse lagoon. Racing conditions were great, with southwest breezes, and the races were close. The final outcome after seven races was John Foster (1st), Sam Howe (2nd) and Commodore Eric Holch (3rd). John Foster as MVP […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
They’re baa-ack! Those loggerhead friends we know and love have returned to our beaches and have started to nest.
Gasparilla Island Park Ranger Bryon Maxwell has reported five loggerhead nests on Cayo Costa, as well as one loggerhead nest on Gasparilla Island State Park land.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast (CFGC) is delighted to announce the return of their virtual Summer Photo Contest. Entering its fourth year, this annual event invites photographers of all ages and experience levels to share their original work showcasing the natural beauty of the Sunshine State. As in years past, the exhibition will […]