Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, News.
This week, Lee County contractors began the process of repairing roads across Gasparilla Island as part of repairs from recent hurricanes. The $4.5 million project, which will take approximately three months, will repair county roadways as well as cleaning and repair of the stormwater drainage. “Work has commenced for the emergency road repairs on the […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Entertainment, Events, Featured News, News.
The annual Boca Grande Christmas Walk is Saturday, Dec. 7. Santa will drive through town in the firetruck around 5:30 p.m., and children will be able to visit with Santa at the Fire Station. The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by the Boca Grande Woman’s Club, will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
For folks returning to Gasparilla Island, large piles of hurricane debris lining Gasparilla Road have been the dominant image. While much of the debris has been removed, there is still plenty to go around. The piles have continued to grow. Last weekend, the sofas and upholstered furniture in front of the Johann Fust Library were […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.
Ann Combee, who has become a hurricane eyewitness of sorts in Boca Grande, lives two lives. Part of each week she is the owner of a spa for dogs in Winter Haven; the other part of the week she is basking in the sun in Boca Grande. She and her husband Bruce have been living […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE A record setting year all around for the 29th annual Gasparilla Island Fly Fishing Tournament presented by Gasparilla Outfitters. This year the tournament hosted fifteen boats and had a total of 33 participants, raising more than $6,000 to benefit the Boca Grande Historic Society. There was a record turnout this year. […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in News.
The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority held their finance committee and quarterly board meeting on Wednesday morning, Nov. 20. At the recommendation of Executive Director Kathy Banson, the board voted to extend the expiration for toll passes by 17 days, the amount of time the bridge was closed for Hurricane Milton. Many passholders have called the […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Community History.
BY JAMES J. BLAHA, DIRECTOR, BOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER After many years of bringing my family to Florida for vacations, my wife and I decided to plan for our retirement, which included moving to the Sunshine State. Previously, we had rented condos but eventually invested in timeshares on Sanibel Island. After an exhaustive search for […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
Across the island, sand deposited inland has gone back out on the beach. With the tides from each day, they are quickly moved up and down the island. Here, three views of the area by The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club. Nov. 6 shows the big dump of sand, bulldozer roadway and shelf created. Above, a […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community.
A gift that keeps on giving. It’s that time of year when we give gifts to people we love and appreciate. What better gift than a subscription to the Boca Beacon? It comes in several flavors. The print edition ($68), the E-edition ($34) or the Gasparilla Magazine ($29). Contact the office at (941) 964-2995 or […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Entertainment, Events, News.
The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by the Boca Grande Woman’s Club, will be held on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 5 p.m. Unfortunately, the tree across from Hudson’s did not survive Hurricanes Helene and Milton so the ceremony will take place around the tree across from the front door of the Gasparilla Inn. Island clergy […]