Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles, Sports & Outdoors.
Hank Irvine There’s tennis royalty living just off the Gasparilla Causeway in Cape Haze. He would laugh at that description of himself, but then he laughs easily. Hank Irvine has been playing tennis his whole life and has qualified for Wimbledon three times, once getting to the semifinals in mixed doubles play, earning him a […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Community, Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: On Behalf of Boca Grande Woman’s Club and the “Boca Grande’s Got Talent” producers, a very big Thank You to all who participated in our island’s recovery post hurricanes. All-in, over 50 Boca Grande residents and island workers took part in the show. A special shout out to the Boca Grande Fire […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. SANDY MELVIN It’s transition time in the Boca Grande backcountry. As we move into April and leave the windy cool days of March behind, spring fishing is about to take off. We’ve noticed a change in water temperatures recently, reaching the sustained 70 degrees plus range that moves tarpon into the area and […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News.
The Lee County Board of Commissioners meeting will start at 9:30 this morning. On the agenda is Boca Grande parking as well as a Gasparilla Island Water Authority rate item and a zoning item relating to historic districts, including Boca Grande. Watch the live meeting at the link below.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Uncategorized.
On Tuesday, April 1, there will be the first hearing of a new ordinance at the Lee County Board of County Commissioners meeting, set for 9:30 a.m. at 2120 Main Street, Fort Myers, 33901. The ordinance, which would be voted on April 15, would if adopted drastically restrict public parking (beach, church, shopping and restaurants) […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Real Estate, Sports & Outdoors.
The Lee Board of County Commissioners will vote on Tuesday, April 1 to conduct a public hearing for the Gasparilla Island Water Association (GIWA) to adopt a new rate structure and rate study. On January 21, 2025, GIWA voted to implement a new rate structure with a 3.5 percent increase on April 1, 2025, followed […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Education, News.
The Boca Grande Preschool, which closed after the fall hurricanes, is making progress toward a reopening in April. It is currently at a temporary location at 2560 Placida Road. In preparation, there will be an open house for parents on Friday, March 28. Additionally, plans are being made for the Beach Ball, set for April […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News.
Lee County has posted the agenda for the next Board of County Commissioners meeting, on which there is an item to “Direct to Public Hearing Gasparilla Island Parking Ordinance Amendments.” The item is number 43 on the administrative agenda for the 9:30 a.m. meeting on Tuesday, April 1. It specifies that if voted through, commissioners […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Profiles.
During the weeks of spring break, families must be strategic about when they decide to come downtown for an ice cream cone. Often, at 4 p.m. the line can be out the door. Many of these families are regular visitors to Gasparilla Island, familiar faces that inhabit shops, restaurants and tennis courts year after year […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: It makes no sense to restrict parking while the island is still and for some time yet, being rehabilitated! The loss of revenue to the already struggling shops cannot be discounted. Hurricane damage, cost to re-open, and now parking limits? While the other area beaches and beach accesses are still being remediated […]