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FWC creates hotline to address thousands of derelict vessels displaced by Hurricane Ian

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has established a hotline for reporting displaced vessels still on Florida state waters because of Hurricane Ian.  When Hurricane Ian swept across the state, thousands of vessels were displaced by wind and storm surge. Some were pushed ashore, some damaged in marinas and private docks, others relocated […]

OBITUARY: Bonnie McGee

We lost another island light. Bonnie McGee lived on the island for many years and was known as a woman who was a most soft-hearted joker and the life of the party. If there was a way to get you in trouble, she would find it. Her charm, sense of humor and beauty always got […]

The Boca Beacon’s Hurricane Watch

UPDATED 2330 SEPT. 26 … The Boca Grande Causeway does NOT close to CAR traffic. It closes to BOAT traffic when winds reach sustained 40 mph. That means if you are in a boat and the winds are 40 mph or higher, you aren’t coming under the Boca Grande Causeway swing bridge.
Officials will sometimes close the bridge to general traffic after a storm has passed and officials have declared it unsafe to come on the island.

Set a time to seek  the spirits with BIPS

The past will live again this Halloween as the Barrier Island Parks Society (BIPS) scares up stories from Boca Grande’s history for its premier Haunted History Tour. The tour will be offered twice, both on Sunday, Oct. 30, one at 5 p.m. and the other at 6:30 p.m. Each will run about one hour and […]

OBITUARY: Steve Gribble

John Steven “Steve” Gribble made his transition, as family communicated their love for him, on July 23, 2022. Though his body experienced medical issues over the last several years, Steve’s mind remained creative and clever. His heart, genuine and generous, and always a story on the tip of his tongue.   Steve was born October […]

OBITUARY: Celebration of Life for Sam Dixon

A celebration of life for Sam Dixon will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. at Eldred’s Marina. Anyone who would like to attend is welcome to do so. Please bring a covered dish and a story of Sam to tell. Sam passed away on August 12, 2022. He was born September 30, […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sandi Firtion

Sandi is one of many volunteers who dedicate their time to helping out at the Lighthouse and at other Barrier Island Parks Service facilities. At the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse these volunteers help visitors learn all about the workings of the Lighthouse, the history connected with it, the creatures who live in the area, and the workings and mission of BIPS.