Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Obituaries.
Charles C. Whitaker II, best known as Sonny, passed away on October 10, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. Sonny was born in Tampa on June 12, 1920 to parents Karl E and Olivia Moody Whitaker. He attended H.B. Plant High School and the University of Florida. He was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial, Letters to the Editor, News, Opinion.
To the Editor: Hello, I am Chris Grilo, U.S. Army. I am serving in Kabul, Afghanistan right now. I live and have family in Port Charlotte (Murdock area). I moved from Hicksville, New York (Long Island) in 1986 and finished high school at Port Charlotte High, Class of 1988 and joined the Army in late […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Editorial, Letters to the Editor, News, Opinion.
To the Editor, Dear Friends and Relatives, Words cannot convey my gratitude to those who took part in the beautiful expression of honor displayed in tribute to the life of my husband, Mark Futch – a father, a brother, a grandfather, friend and teacher to many and carrier of life stories, on this past Saturday. […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
Don’t miss the first Chamber mixer of the season, co-hosted by newest Chamber member Mota’s Munchies Fresh Mexican Cuisine and the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Oct. 18 in the Chamber Courtyard from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy this opportunity to mix and mingle with fellow Chamber members, hear about upcoming events […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
The Coast Guard had to take two men off this sailboat on the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 9 near Gasparilla Island, as eight-foot swells had the 50-foot sailboat in jeopardy. The unmanned vessel named “OldSkool” crashed into the jetty at the south end of the island by Port Boca Grande Lighthouse on Wednesday afternoon. No […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE – In 1941 Gasparilla Island was on alert, with the looming prospect of a world war in mind. Residents were taking turns standing on rooftops to watch for Nazi submarines in the Gulf of Mexico and Boca Grande Pass. When the bombing of Pearl Harbor occurred on December 7 of that year, […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
If you have someone special to you who has served in the U.S. military and you would like to recognize him or her, please contact us at the Boca Beacon. Our November 2 and 9 issues will contain the stories of some of the veterans who have lived on or are associated with Gasparilla Island. […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
Kids, start thinking about your costume and decide if you are going to be scary, funny, cute or adorable for the annual Boca Grande Community Center Halloween Carnival. The carnival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27 from 1 to 3 p.m., and will begin with the costume contest starting at 1 p.m. sharp. Age […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY SUE ERWIN – The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, October 10, and a debate continued about a proposal regarding a property on Banyan Street. The request, an item continued from the September 12 meeting, was to demolish an existing single-family residence and construct a new one at 235 […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
On Friday, Sept. 21 Governor Rick Scott announced the appointment of Undersheriff Carmine Marceno as Sheriff of Lee County following the retirement of Sheriff Mike Scott. Carmine Marceno has been with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office since 2013, most recently serving as Undersheriff for two years. Prior to his role as Undersheriff, Marceno was a […]