Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in News.
Submitted by the Gasparilla Island Water Association Gasparilla Island Water Association, Inc. (GIWA) is pleased to present to you this year’s Drinking Water Quality Report. This report is designed to inform you about the quality of water and related services we deliver to you every day. As always, we are committed to ensuring the quality […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
This year marks the 8th year that the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor and Convention Bureau would induct a member of the community’s hospitality industry into the Hall of Fame.
Charlotte County Commissioner Chris Constance presented the award, stating that “the honor is a special one, given only to those with an extensive body of work that has had a positive and lasting impact on Charlotte County’s tourism Industry. Dana has not only created that impact, he has made it “soar.”
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in News.
For several years now, groups that use the Community Center facilities, especially high-use groups, have been talking about making improvements: The Historical Society needs more space; Royal Palm Players needs a better back stage; Friends would like more comfortable seating and high-tech equipment in the auditorium; Boca Bargains needs more space; the duplicate bridge group needs space; The Island School needs a little more space and a dedicated room for lunch and after-school programs; all groups could benefit from a dedicated meeting room. This list goes on and on.
What would be needed is to restore and renovate all that is wonderful (that includes leaving the exterior of our buildings as they are), and modernizing the guts of the entire facility, addressing issues such as ADA compliance, HVAC shortcomings, technology challenges and opportunities, and general needs for more and better space. After all, some 34 island organizations use the Community Center at one time or another during a season.
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
While the adults are getting ready to “Howl” at Sunday night’s Howl at the Moon Tarpon Tournament, young fisherfolk from throughout the area are getting ready to have their own tarpon tournament next weekend. The Howl will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 28. Awards will be given out at Whidden’s […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: Boca Beach Cam is Back! Barrier Island Parks Society (BIPS) is excited to announce that the Boca Grande Beach Cam is back. The new beach cam was launched live on May 22, 2023, and made possible through BIPS’ partnership and collaboration with Lee County and Florida State Parks. BIPS would like to […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
The results of the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament are in, with Capt. Charlie Coleman and his team on “Pass Time” taking first place in the two-day competition with 12 fish released. They took home a $22,000 check. Second place went to “Spooked Again” with Capt. Steve Ahlers and his team with 11 releases. They won […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
If the first tarpon tournament of the 2023 season, held last Saturday night, gives any indication as to what is in store, it might just be a pretty interesting season. Capt. Chad Bombenger and his team aboard “Sabalo” brought home the prize money for first place with five of the 24 fish released in the #17 Classic.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
On Wednesday, May 11 Gov. Ron DeSantis had a bill on his desk that could affect Gasparilla Island in a big way. House Bill 949 is all about golf cart use and the requirements needed to operate one. As of Wednesday morning DeSantis issued a statement saying he was favorably inclined toward signing it.
The bill would require a golf cart driver to be 16 with a learners permit or drivers license or 18 and up. Drivers of all ages would be required to have a government-issued ID of some sort.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
The next time you see our local firefighters out selling their shirts or cooking up barbecue, remember why it is they do what they do. The answer is simple – they do what they do to help their friends and the community in times of need.
The Boca Grande Firefighter’s Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization created in 2009 to help firefighters and their families in times of strife. Even before that, though, our local firefighters were finding ways to give back to the community. Each year they would pool together what money they could between them, then give it to an island family who needed a little extra help for Christmas.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages, Columns, Entertainment.
Boca Beacon backpages