Skip to main content
Search Results for “as

A bridge GIBA goodbye to Bill Pavia

Last weekend, Boca Grande paid goodbye to William “Bill” Pavia, 76, of Rotonda, who worked in retirement serving the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority for 11 years. Last weekend, his group The Moose Riders rode across the bridge to honor him. “Bill Pavia was a cherished member of the GIBA family,” said Kathy Banson, GIBA’s executive […]

Charles H. Alexander 1959-2025

Charles Hake Alexander, born September 11, 1959, in Abilene, Texas to Robert and Frances Alexander, passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2025 in Sarasota, Florida.  Charles, also known as Charlie, spent his formative years in Bexley, Ohio, with his beloved parents, brother Rob, sister Lisa, and a tight-knit group of friends. He grew […]

LETTERS: JACKIE SILCOX FOGARTY

Letter to Commissioners: Rethink the proposed parking ordinance BY JACKIE SILCOX FOGARTY I am writing regarding the proposed Boca Grande Parking Ordinance that was presented to the Lee County Board of County commissioners on June 17, 2025, by a group of individuals representing themselves as speaking for the majority of the Boca Grande Community. I […]

This date in the Boca Beacon

FIVE YEARS AGO Lee and Charlotte County schools pushed back their start date for classes to begin. Preparation for brick-and-mortar, virtual and distant learning was being fine-tuned. TEN YEARS AGO GIBA announced updates to the new tender house construction and bridge construction. The swing span steel was being balanced and prepared for concrete on the […]

Unintended consequences. And questions.

Don’t worry. This is not a sermon, but be warned that we will start with an analogy from a theologian. The late Welsh preacher and physician Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones had a way of thinking through thorny Biblical doctrines. As a member of the so-called “Calvinist” wing of the church, he would lean toward the traditional […]

Find a Nook at the Library

Stop by the Johann Fust Library and soak in the beauty of the building out of the heat. What better way to enjoy the dog days of summer than with a book? The library is located at 1040 West 10th St. in Boca Grande. They’re open Tuesday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,  Friday […]

EcoWatch: Oceans are becoming cesspools of the earth

Ocean pollutionis a major global problem.It is growing and directly affects human health. Philip Landrigan, epidemiologist, pediatrician Many people have been to ocean and Gulf shores and have shaken their heads at all the washed-up fish and garbage along the shores. Some are upset; others really don’t care. However, what is not realized is that […]

Grant for Snook Stock Enhancement by Sen. Nix

State Rep. Danny Nix joined scientists, conservationists, and community leaders July 22 at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Aquaculture Research Park to present a $250,000 check in support of Mote’s Strategic Snook Stock Enhancement Initiative, a program that recently released a record-setting 28,000 juvenile snook throughout Sarasota County estuaries. The funds, included in this year’s state budget and signed into law […]

How the island’s Sea Turtle volunteers work with Florida data

BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY The sea turtle nesting season is now in its 11th week on Gasparilla Island, nearly halfway through the 26-week season, which officially ends Oct. 31. Since May 1, BGSTA turtle patrol volunteers have been faithfully monitoring the beaches, documenting all nests and false crawls, and taking steps to protect the […]

History: Service and civic clubs often come the rescue

What happened to Kiwanis on island? BY JAMES J. BLAHA, DIRECTORBOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER The Boca Grande Woman’s Club has been recognized for its many charitable and community-based contributions since its founding in 1948. Scholarships, monetary grants to non-profit organizations, community commemorations and celebrations are just a few of the many functions and activities of […]