Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History, News.
BY THE JOHANN FUST LIBRARY FOUNDATION The Johann Fust Community Library has been at the core of the Boca Grande Community for decades, and now, after more than 75 years, the Johann Fust Library Foundation would like to share some of its rich history with the community. In February, March and April, the foundation will […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Entertainment, Events, News.
The Hermitage Artist Retreat on Manasota Key has announced new programs in February of 2026, including a return to their Manasota Key campus. On Friday, Feb. 13 at 5 p.m., audiences will have an opportunity to return to the Hermitage’s historic beachfront campus for “A Decade of Density/A Lifetime of Story – An Evening of […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Education, News.
BY BETSY JOINER The mid-December morning began with beautiful cool weather, not sure who was more excited, me, the teachers or The Island School students! The bus drivers were great, and I think they were impressed with how well behaved the students were. Katrina, our educator and coordinator, was there to greet us and introduce […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Entertainment, News.
At top, Adam O’Farrill. Photos submitted The Hermitage Artist Retreat has announced new programs to begin 2026, including public events featuring nationally recognized theater and music artists. Newly announced events include an exploration of democracy by Hermitage Fellow Roger Q. Mason at Venice Theatre on Jan. 12 and a musical performance featuring returning Hermitage Fellow […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News.
Each year, the Boca Beacon recounts the year past. This edition includes a month-by-month recount of 2025, with a few select photos for each. The year 2025 was all about cleaning up after Helene and Milton. Even still, there is more fixing to do on island. Some houses are not yet renovated, and our civic […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Events, Sports & Outdoors.
Calusa Waterkeeper Joe Cavanaugh will welcome Dr. Gregg Poulakis of the Fish and Wildlife Research Center, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, to discuss the endangered smalltooth sawfish and its recovery in the Caloosahatchee River and beyond. The event will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at the Fort Myers-Lee County […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
Barry Lohmeyer Stout passed away at her home in Augusta, Georgia, after a prolonged illness. She was born on March 25, 1942, in Baltimore, Maryland. After attending The Calvert School and The Bryn Mawr School, Barry spent a formative year at boarding school in Switzerland. She later attended the University of Colorado, where she developed […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Featured News, Obituaries.
Sarah Sharp Farish passed away on November 24, 2025 at home in Boca Grande, Florida, surrounded by her family. Raised in Wilmington, Delaware, Sarah was the daughter of Mary and Bayard Sharp. In 1961, she married the love of her life, Will Farish, owner of Lane’s End Farm in Versailles, Kentucky and former U.S. Ambassador […]
Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Profiles.
From garden to gourmet, Newlin’s own Chef Wiley Laidlaw’s love for cooking began long before he ever set foot in a professional kitchen. It grew out of long summer days in his grandmother’s garden and kitchen in New York, where fresh herbs, homegrown vegetables and family meals were part of daily life. “She’d cook everything […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Entertainment, Events, News.
This upcoming season marks the beginning of the Johann Fust Library Foundation’s milestone 75th year, and the 2025-2026 Literary Series offers the community the opportunity to see and hear exceptional authors and speakers. Most of these events are free to attend, with only two exceptions. Additionally, in honor of its 75th Anniversary, the foundation has […]