Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News.
Coast Guard aircrews rescued two adrift boaters, Sunday, after their 34-foot sailing vessel lost its sail 73 miles off Boca Grande. No injuries were reported. An Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane rescue crew launched and located the disabled vessel with both boaters aboard around 11 a.m. The aircrew vectored in an Air Station […]
Written by Evan Dunbar on . Posted in News.
Sarasota Board of County Commissioners approved an amendment to the Hermitage Artist Retreat lease on Manasota Key. The amendment extends the lease term of the Hermitage and provides other safety and security protections for the Hermitage. “We are excited to further our partnership with Sarasota County, and we are grateful to the County Commissioners and […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Uncategorized.
August is quieter on Gasparilla Island, but boutiques and eateries are still open, albeit with some limited hours. Below are just some of the store reports we have from island retailers and restaurants. Call first. Telephone numbers are listed below to check with individual boutiques and retailers. A reminder to island retailers to please email […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Featured News, News.
At the Florida Press Association’s annual meeting, the Boca Beacon won 15 awards in the weekly paper category. The awards ceremony, held on July 26 at the Hilton Bonnet Creek in Orlando, recognized the newspaper for its work in photography, journalism and community service. In the Feature Photo category, Publisher Dusty Hopkins earned second place […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Police & Fire.
Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell is the newly elected president of the Florida Sheriffs Association. Prummell will work with the staff and board of directors to guide the efforts and direction of FSA and its 67 Sheriffs. Sheriff Prummell began his career in law enforcement in 1992 and has spent his entire 32-year career with […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Fans support new shrimp boat; old C.J. served until 2022 After nearly two years, Capt. Mike Bigler has purchased a new shrimping boat with a slight rebrand from the original Capt. C.J. “The new name will be Courtney Jean,” wrote Courtney Bigler, Capt. Mike’s daughter, in an email to the Beacon. “It does need some […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Among the competitors at the equestrian grounds in Versailles, France for the jumping competition for the Paris Olympics is Baloutinue, a 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding. Baloutinue, with rider Laura Kraut, 58, of Wellington, Fla., is part of St. Bride’s Farm of Upperville, Va. The farm is owned by Barbara and David Roux, residents of Boca Grande. […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, Entertainment, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Lee County Parks & Recreation has developed concept plans for changes and additions to Wheeler Road Community Park, including pickleball courts, and is asking for public comment. Mack A. Young, the director of Lee County Parks and Recreation, sent the the initial plans to various community leaders who had expressed an interest in the issue. […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
Two items on the Lee County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024 would allow The Gasparilla Inn and properties to be found a “public and community benefit” to presumptively be able to rebuild after a storm. Gasparilla Inn President and General Manager Brent Cross said that the Inn has been trying to […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Community History, News.
Though it’s only just the beginning of August, here at the Beacon office we are looking toward our November/December edition of the Gasparilla Magazine. Do you have any special memories of Christmas celebrations on Gasparilla Island? We want to hear from you about all your traditions and stories that have made Christmas in Boca Grande […]