Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
Each Christmas, the Boca Beacon publishes an island calendar for its readers. This year, the photos are of Gasparilla Island, or as the locals might say “Our Boca Grande.” After going through three hurricanes the past few years, the island has changed a little. We look at why we love Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Stop in to see Robin Melvin and Melina Chaplin of Gasparilla Outfitters and Special Effects. Hudson’s has put out their open sign also! Above are Mark Thompson, Kathy Auman, Rob Rogers, Colleen Turner and Sandy Lakeman. Photos by Matt
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
This week, the GICIA sent out a letter to the island talking about the planning for a significant restoration effort within the Town Park area of the GICIA Bike Path between 3rd and 5th Streets. This area is irrigated, providing the opportunity for them to plant early in 2025 instead of waiting for the summer […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Education, Events, News.
The Island School PTO 9th Annual Chowder Dinner will take place on Friday, Jan. 17, 6 to 9 p.m. at The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club. They will offer delicious soups and chowders from all of our favorite local restaurants and clubs, as well as salads and desserts. A cash bar will be available to purchase […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.
This year marked the first Christmas lighting of the Range Light. The effort was led primarily by Gasparilla Island State Park volunteers, including Mike and Tammy Kipp of Port Charlotte. The Kipps, along with other volunteers, overcame the challenge of lighting the Range Light while also contending with the usual household Christmas light issues, such […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Events, Featured News.
This year, the lighting of the community Christmas Tree was held in front of The Gasparilla Inn. The ceremony, which included readings and appearances by all four of our island clergy, included lighting of the tree by Jeanie and Bayne Stevenson, who traditionally host the ceremony at the railroad station. Cookies and programs provided by […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
Island leaders met Tuesday morning, Dec. 10, to debrief the emergency response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Among those in attendance were moderator and AUXCOMM Project Coordinator Bo Hamrick, Boca Grande Fire Department Chief C.W. Blosser, and Lt. Mike Sawicki with Lee County Sheriff’s Office. “We were satisfied with the response,” Sawicki said of the […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE The holiday season is in full swing here in Boca Grande and the fish have been biting! The cold weather and fronts have got the backcountry fish fired up and on the move. Lots of big speckled sea trout have moved onto the flats and will target anything from live bait […]
Written by Boca Grande Health Clinic on . Posted in Columns, Health & Wellness.
Path to repair lives challenges many As the holidays arrive, Boca Grande finds itself in a season unlike any other. While the spirit of community endures, the effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton are still deeply felt. Homes and businesses are in various stages of repair, and the path to recovery is challenging. Yet, there […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Although dogs are allowed on some beaches, many do not allow dogs, such as those at state parks, including Gasparilla Island State Park. Occasionally, they do escape. Over 30 species of shorebirds and seabirds use beach habitats for nesting, resting and finding food. Some birds also use the beach during winter for rest during migrations. […]