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The Island Golfer: A ‘Master of Disaster’ performs magic at CCC

■ BY SCOTT COTHERMAN  It is a well-accepted premise among golf course superintendents that continued employment means preserving grounds and greens from the vagaries of weather, infestation, course mismanagement and inflated member expectations. None of these seem to have fazed Erin Stevens, Director of Agronomy at nearby Coral Creek Club. He knows the pressure that […]

False mayday on sea triggers Coast Guard

Multiple local marine units, including the U.S. Coast Guard, responded to a false mayday call last Saturday, May 4 at 5 p.m. The call was reported from five miles west of Gasparilla Island, described as a “verbal mayday call w/o response.” A male voice called for help, and it was reported as a watercraft in […]

Caution, at least during this tern nesting season

Charlotte County Parks and Natural Resources is continuing to monitor the seabird nesting colony in front of SeaWatch, off Gulf Shores Drive. Last week, they expanded the fenced-off area to create even more of a buffer between nesting birds and beachgoers.  A colony of least terns have nested with eggs, and some have even been […]

Guest Essay: Celebrating Community Progress, Masterplan update and community meeting set for Friday, May 17

BY FRIENDS OF BOCA GRANDE The Master plan to transform the Boca Grande Community Center Campus is being designed to benefit the entire community, offering state-of-the-art facilities, and versatile spaces for various activities. Yet, it is more than just physical improvements to the campus. It is a pledge to the continued enrichment and honored traditions […]

Gasparilla Island, draft Administrative Code AC-11-9

A draft code change from Lee County, circulated on Monday, May 6, 2024, that would update the Gasparilla Island Parking Ordinances with references to downtown parking. The draft ordinance, not presented to the board, was revealed in a Public Records Law document request from Lee County, which the Boca Beacon received in July 2024. 

Ask a Doc: Overcoming life’s predictable and unpredictable challenges

Editor’s Note: Earlier this season, the Boca Grande Health Clinic and Foundation hosted a Grande Rounds lecture on resiliency, featuring Yale-trained and board-certified psychiatry specialist Alexander P. Miano, M.D. at The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re pleased to offer a recap of Dr. Miano’s insightful discussion for those […]

Seeing the water clearly this week on Gasparilla Sound

Particularly during the spring and early summer, the Gasparilla Sound is one of the most beautiful and special bodies of water in Florida. I’m very fortunate to be able to paddle this body of water nearly every day. There are many native Floridians and families who have been exploring and fishing the Sound for much […]

Cross new general manager of The Gasparilla Inn

Brent Cross, the assistant general manager of The Gasparilla Inn, has been named its president and general manager. Cross has, for the past 15 years, served in multiple offices at The Inn, from front office and housekeeping to finance and special projects. In 2021, Brent was appointed assistant general manager where his duties included oversight […]

Reecher retires after 16 years with The Gasparilla Inn

Jon Reecher, who has led The Gasparilla Inn & Club as general manager for the last 11 years, announced his retirement last week. Reecher joined The Gasparilla Inn 16 years ago from The Greenbrier in West Virginia. At The Gasparilla, he served first as director of food and beverage, and later as general manager. “It’s […]