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OPINION: EMERSON WICKWIRE

Better communication needed among island entities BY EMERSON WICKWIREEditor’s Note: Boca Grande resident Emerson Wickwire presented this letter to the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority board this week. Wickwire sent it to the Beacon as a letter to the community. I ran unsuccessfully for a voting board seat in last November’s election in hopes of expanding […]

The 2025 Boca Grande Street Map

Each year, the Boca Beacon publishes the Boca Grande Street Map, a cooperative effort between the Boca Beacon and the merchants and businesses of Boca Grande. The map includes island attractions, downtown points of interest and parks and preserves. From restaurants, to local retailers, to prized recreational spots throughout our community, this year’s edition of […]

SW Florida Fishing: Great weather/fishing, book now!

BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE The weather has not disappointed this week and neither has the fishing. The speckled sea trout fishing in the back country has been very consistent this winter. If you are looking to catch trout artificial lures or live bait have both been very productive. The warm weather has also gotten the […]

FPL survey drones in area for next five days

Many on island have received calls from Florida Power & Light that there will be survey drones in the Gasparilla Island area next week, from Feb. 3 onward. This is correct; a spokesman for the company confirms that they will be here in the daytime, doing utility assessments, and the calls have come from them. […]

New 2025 Boca Grande Street Map is out now

From restaurants to local retailers to prized recreational spots throughout our community, this year’s edition of the Boca Grande Street Map provides residents and visitors with an expert tool for navigating Gasparilla Island. The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority will be giving the map out to visitors at the toll gate to assist them during their […]

History: Dr. Fritz and Boca Grande Clinic

JAMES BLAHA, DIRECTORBOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER As the Boca Grande Health Clinic continues the expansion of its medical facilities, now is the time to remember at least one of the many physicians and staff who contributed to the establishment and successes of the clinic. In 1997, the Boca Grande Health Clinic celebrated 50 years of […]

Business and Real Estate: Water Authority elects new officers, announces treatment improvements

The Gasparilla Island Water Association (GIWA) held its Annual Membership Meeting at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on Jan. 21. The agenda focused on the organization’s recovery efforts following Hurricanes Helene and Milton this past fall. President Jerry A. Edgerton began by reviewing the operational statuses of several GIWA facilities damaged by the storms. Construction and […]

The Bike Path and our Rails to Trails revolution

This upcoming Feb. 21 is the 40th anniversary of the dedication of the Boca Grande Bike Path. Pictured here is a drawing by the late Patti Middleton to promote that opening celebration back in 1985. It appeared on the cover of the Boca Beacon. (We will have commemorative pictures from Boca Beacon archives in our […]