Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
Lee County’s 2026 parking Ordinance No. 25-16 has changed the landscape and use of Gasparila Island. The Boca Beacon has had many questions about the ordinance from readers. Below are some of these are addressed in ordinance but still unclear. Lee County staff sent us exact answers for some of the questions that readers have […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
Due to ongoing drought conditions throughout the region, the Southwest Florida Water Management District declared a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage for Charlotte County. From April 3 to July 1, 2026, watering hours are 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. only. The restriction also applies to residents on private wells. Watering days are based on […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Entertainment, Events, News.
The Charlotte County Book & Arts Festival will unite authors, artists, performers and families for a full day celebrating creativity in all its forms. The festival will take place on April 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. inside the Port Charlotte Town Center mall. This free, family-friendly event will feature a dynamic blend of […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Police & Fire.
Lee County Emergency Medical Services was recognized this week by the Florida Prehospital Pediatric Readiness Recognition Program (PRRP) as a Florida PEDReady Gold Tier service. Lee County EMS is just the 12th agency in Florida to achieve PEDReady recognition. The program recognizes emergency medical services (EMS) agencies that demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing pediatric […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: I am an avid reader of the Beacon and enjoy the style and breadth of topics covered. I look forward to its arrival each week. I also live in Boca Grande and in the Lee County portion. I appreciate the parking debate both from the perspective of access but also from the […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
United Way Charlotte County announced that The Gasparilla Inn has contributed $10,000 to its annual campaign, helping to strengthen programs that empower families, support employees and engage with seniors throughout Charlotte County. The Inn shared: “The Gasparilla Inn is proud to partner with United Way Charlotte County. We believe that UWCC aligns with our values, […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
Severe drought is impacting nearly all of Lee County, causing grass to change from lush green to dry and brown. From Charlotte to Collier counties, dry weather ranges from moderate to severe. The National Weather Service reported that 2025 was the sixth driest year on record in Fort Myers, and the consequences have rolled into […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Lee County DOT thanks the Boca Grande community and the many residents who voluntarily complied after receiving our letter. Many residents have removed obstructions from the right-of-way in designated parking areas. After issuing the letters in early December, DOT heard from more than 100 residents who reached out to DOT staff via email or phone […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Charlotte County has scheduled for public hearing the project by Hutton MF Cape Haze, LLC for a 135 unit apartment building behind the Cape Haze Ace on Monday, Feb. 9 at 1:30 p.m. The applicant seeks to amend the Charlotte County Zoning Atlas from Residential Multi-Family 12 (RMF-12) to Planned Development (PD) “in order to […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
The Lee County Board of County Commissioners will hold a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 9:30 a.m. The agenda includes a Fiscal Year 26 First Quarter Expenditure Report, as well as a contract for Burnt Store and Pine Island Road resurfacing. The full agenda is at leecofl.portal.civicclerk.com