Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
The 2024 World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament concluded Thursday in Boca Grande. Overall, there were 133 tarpon caught on both days, 56 on the first day and 77 on the second. The winner, with 13 tarpon for first place, was Hey, Moma! with a $39,000 prize. On the boat angling with Capt. Wayne Joiner were Alex […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Community, Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: Thank you for weekly coverage which reminded Islanders to donate their non-perishable food to Englewood Helping Hand, Inc. The donations in the blue barrels were taken to the food pantry weekly. Donations are accepted on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 700 E. Dearborn Street, Englewood. It is […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
Results from Saturday There were 17 participants in the May 18, 2024 youth tournament, held at the Boca Grande Fishing Pier, and sponsored by Lee County Parks & Recreation. Every child who entered caught at least one fish and they each also each received a raffle prize. Raffle prizes included bait buckets with key chains, […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, News, Police & Fire.
Planning begins to ensure island leadership is ready for hurricanes Leaders of many island organizations gathered Monday to talk about the upcoming hurricane season and working together in the event of future emergency. The event was held at the Boca Grande Fire Department and led by Chief C.W. Blosser. The event began with a report […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Education, Events, Featured News, News.
Each year, the fifth graders at The Island School write of their favorite moments at the school, and their future plans, just before graduation. Below, our graduates: Sophie Benson I was very fortunate to have gone to this amazing school, especially starting in kindergarten. Although it is sad to leave The Island School, I’m looking […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
The state of Florida has a robust program for derelict boats. During recent hurricanes, there were hundreds of boats in area waters, many abandoned. There were some, including a sailboat on the beach near 7th Street, that became lodged in the sand, and were difficult to remove. Bradley Johnson, Public Information Officer for Florida Fish […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Opinion, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. SANDY MELVIN Tarpon season continues in full swing. There are thousands of tarpon around right now and you can catch one just about any way you want. The traditional pass fishing has been on fire, but also those fishing the beaches and the harbor, both with spinning tackle and fly fishing are catching […]
Written by VAN HUBBARD on . Posted in Columns, Community, Opinion, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. VAN HUBBARD Editor’s Note: Van Hubbard’s column Hook, Line and Sinker appeared in the Beacon beginning in 1988. We are delighted to welcome him back. I’m returning to the Boca Beacon because I realize how important Boca Grande is to my career and life. I first traveled to Boca Grande because it offered […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
The 2024 sea turtle nesting season for Gasparilla Island runs through October 31. Here are some sea turtle season “Do’s and Don’ts” provided by the Florida Park Service. Pets are not permitted on State Park beaches. Sea turtles do not know the difference between a domestic animal and a wild animal. They may perceive a […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Lee County Parks & Recreation, operator of the Boca Grande Community Center and operator of parks on Gasparilla Island, is asking the public to help improve its services and amenities offered by participating in a biennial needs assessment survey. The survey is available on the homepage of the Parks & Recreation website at leeparks.org and […]