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Island emergency group meets to prepare for storms 

Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News, Police & Fire.

The island Emergency Operations group met at the Boca Grande Fire Department on Thursday morning, July 24 to go through updates and procedures for peak hurricane season. Since Hurricane Ian, and through last hurricane season, the BGFD has made significant changes to improve emergency communication and operations, including increasing staffing levels, Chief C.W. Blosser said […]

A bridge GIBA goodbye to Bill Pavia

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Obituaries.

Last weekend, Boca Grande paid goodbye to William “Bill” Pavia, 76, of Rotonda, who worked in retirement serving the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority for 11 years. Last weekend, his group The Moose Riders rode across the bridge to honor him. “Bill Pavia was a cherished member of the GIBA family,” said Kathy Banson, GIBA’s executive […]

Charles H. Alexander 1959-2025

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.

Charles Hake Alexander, born September 11, 1959, in Abilene, Texas to Robert and Frances Alexander, passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2025 in Sarasota, Florida.  Charles, also known as Charlie, spent his formative years in Bexley, Ohio, with his beloved parents, brother Rob, sister Lisa, and a tight-knit group of friends. He grew […]

LETTERS: JACKIE SILCOX FOGARTY

Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Community, Letters to the Editor.

Letter to Commissioners: Rethink the proposed parking ordinance BY JACKIE SILCOX FOGARTY I am writing regarding the proposed Boca Grande Parking Ordinance that was presented to the Lee County Board of County commissioners on June 17, 2025, by a group of individuals representing themselves as speaking for the majority of the Boca Grande Community. I […]

This date in the Boca Beacon

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.

FIVE YEARS AGO Lee and Charlotte County schools pushed back their start date for classes to begin. Preparation for brick-and-mortar, virtual and distant learning was being fine-tuned. TEN YEARS AGO GIBA announced updates to the new tender house construction and bridge construction. The swing span steel was being balanced and prepared for concrete on the […]

Unintended consequences. And questions.

Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.

Don’t worry. This is not a sermon, but be warned that we will start with an analogy from a theologian. The late Welsh preacher and physician Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones had a way of thinking through thorny Biblical doctrines. As a member of the so-called “Calvinist” wing of the church, he would lean toward the traditional […]

How the island’s Sea Turtle volunteers work with Florida data

Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, News, Sports & Outdoors.

BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY The sea turtle nesting season is now in its 11th week on Gasparilla Island, nearly halfway through the 26-week season, which officially ends Oct. 31. Since May 1, BGSTA turtle patrol volunteers have been faithfully monitoring the beaches, documenting all nests and false crawls, and taking steps to protect the […]

History: Service and civic clubs often come the rescue

Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Community History.

What happened to Kiwanis on island? BY JAMES J. BLAHA, DIRECTORBOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER The Boca Grande Woman’s Club has been recognized for its many charitable and community-based contributions since its founding in 1948. Scholarships, monetary grants to non-profit organizations, community commemorations and celebrations are just a few of the many functions and activities of […]