Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Obituaries.
George John Benisek M.D., 91, passed away in his sleep under hospice care in Frankfort, Michigan on June 18, 2023. He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara (Ellacott), brothers John and Paul, and grandson Kyle Killworth. He leaves his son George Benisek Jr. and daughters Lisa Benisek, Kay Muller (Fred), and Anne Bralver […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages, Columns, Community History.
Boca Beacon backpages FIVE YEARS AGO The Matriarch of Boca Grande took her last ride over the Causeway on June 20, 2018. Isabelle Joiner took her first steps on the dock at Whidden’s, as well as her last. TEN YEARS AGO The “Jill Marie” was howlin’ as Capt. Dave Chatham and his team took first […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: This vehicle burglary occurred IN BROAD DAYLIGHT on Lime Tree Park in Rotonda. It serves as a crucial reminder about the utmost importance of consistently locking your vehicles, ensuring that all valuables are brought inside, and keeping your garage doors closed at all times, day or night. We are asking for anyone […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
One of the biggest changes to take place in a very long time is about to occur on July 1, when the newly-signed golf cart law goes into effect. House Bill 949 was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis a few weeks ago, which makes the legal age to operate a golf cart 16, or 15 with a learner’s permit and an adult present. If you’re 18 and older, you have to have valid government-issued identification.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
While there was only one item on the agenda for the June meeting of the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board on Wednesday, June 14, it was one that could not be decided easily. It was all about the “Octopus Tree,” a banyan that has stood along the property line at 181 Gilchrist Avenue since the early 1900s. The ground where it stands was once part of the Crowninshield compound and the children who used to play there gave it its strange nickname.
The property that includes 181 and 161 Gilchrist Avenue is owned by a family that wants to demolish the large house, as well as the small cottage that the banyan tree stands right next to and has actually grown under and into.
Therein lies the rub.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
A large least tern nesting area located on the beach in front of Sea Watch is a welcome sight to any bird lover, particularly those who realize who fragile they can be when nesting. According to residents who monitor the nesting area, as well as Charlotte County Coastal Environmental Specialist Susie Derheimer, it might not be successful for very long.
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in News, Uncategorized.
Charlotte County Libraries and History will present “After The Storm – Hurricane Survival,” a panel discussion featuring experts who will share their advice to help you better survive a major weather disruption. The discussion is scheduled for 5:30 to 7 p.m., June 22, at the Punta Gorda Charlotte Public Library, 401 Shreve St., Punta Gorda. […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Profiles.
I’ve been coming to Boca since I was a kid. I remember coming to the beach and coming to go fishing. I started working in Boca Grande in 1990, when I started as a maintenance worker for The Gasparilla Inn & Club. Not long after, I accepted a position as assistant mechanic. I worked at The Gasparilla Inn for 16 years.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Columns.
Boca Beacon backpages FIVE YEARS AGO “Miss Sarah” won the Ladies Howl, the red tide was really bad, and the night-blooming cereus was spectacular. TEN YEARS AGO The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted 4-3 to pursue the ban on jigs, a type of bottom-weighted lure that has a tendency to snag a tarpon, […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: Lemon Bay Conservancy is pleased to announce it has received a $6,800 grant from the Charlotte Community Foundation. These funds will support replacement of the maintenance shed at Lemon Creek Wildflower Preserve that was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. As the center for philanthropy in Charlotte County, the Charlotte Community Foundation (CCF) envisions […]