Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Obituaries.
Virginia Knight, 92, of Punta Gorda passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2020. She was born on October 5, 1927, to Bob and Bessie Ernest in Punta Gorda. Throughout her many years in Punta Gorda and Boca Grande, Virginia enjoyed helping with the family business, Knight Brothers Boat and Marina, and within the local community. […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Profiles.
Hooked on island life… BY OLIVIA CAMERON- At the age of 22, Lily Taylor has already landed a position as the executive director of the Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce. This full-time Florida girl is eager to bring the community together over something we all have in common – our love for Gasparilla Island.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Health & Wellness.
BY SUSAN BOWERS – More than anything, I want my friends and neighbors in Boca Grande to stay well. It is our cherished home. I have never met fi ner people or had better, more loyal friends. They all live right here on our precious island. And the children, good heavens, they are the highlight of my days. I want to sincerely thank […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community History.
SUBMITTED BY THE BOCA GRANDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY – A November 1978 article in the St Petersburg Times announced the creation of a new development on Gasparilla Island, to be called the Boca Grande Club. The original investors in the project were Harper Sibley, who developed the Ocean Reef Club on Key Largo; Wilber H. (Bud) Cole, a founder of Punta Gorda Isles Inc.; Louis […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial.
BY ROGER DESJARLAIS – I want to thank Lee County’s residents for your perseverance during these difficult times. I also want to thank our Lee County employees who have stepped up to the challenge of what all public servants are tasked to do in times of great need – serve the community. You know many […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
STAFF REPORT – It was a good showing for the Boca Beacon team at the Florida Press Association’s Better Weekly Newspaper Awards on Friday, July 31, with the virtual presentation announcing 13 awards that went to the island’s hard-working newshounds. This year the awards were even sweeter, as it was a record number of entries […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY MISTY NICHOLS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GICIA – The GICIA’s Mercabo Cove Project is showing signs of progress. Construction firm TSI Disaster Recovery along with Project Engineer and Manager, Hans Wilson of HWA, are keeping the project on schedule. At this time construction continues, but once the hardscape is complete the planting of native plants and grasses will begin. The final phase of the […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News, Obituaries.
Carol Clark Compton, 86, passed away peacefully after a long illness on July 29, 2020. She was living in Chandler, Arizona. Carol was born on December 4, 1933 in Chicago, Ill. to George and Lucille Clark. Her parents were Assembly of God pastors who served several churches in the Chicago area. In 1946 the family moved first to El Salvador and then to Guatemala to do […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News, Obituaries.
Marianne Wottreng (nee Lesch), beloved wife of Anton Wottreng and loving mother of Anton “Tony” Wottreng and Monika (John) Martini, passed away on July 24, 2020 at the age of 86. She was born on April 22, 1934. She was the devoted grandmother of Michelle Brennan, Melody Schlanser and John and Mike Martini. Marianne is also survived by numerous loving great-grandchildren; her dear sister, Helen Lesch; and the […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News.
BY OLIVIA CAMERON- On the road that spans from the north end of the island, service trucks and equipment have cut the coastal view short. Just off the Boca Grande Causeway Bridge, equipment and cones have lined the road while multiple workers operate machinery in the heat. The construction has been said to improve Little […]