Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Events, Featured News, Letters to the Editor, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Saturday event benefits Maritime Museum BY BETSY FUGATE JOINER, PRESIDENT GASPARILLA ISLAND MARITIME MUSEUM The mighty “silver king” has been making a spectacular show in the Pass. Fishing action is hot! It’s time to join in the fun. If you aren’t fishing, take a ride out to watch the “dance,” enjoy the sunset and fun, […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
Capt. Brecken Stinnett and the crew of Big Mouth won the 2024 Red Gill Tarpon Tournament with five releases on Sunday evening, May 26. Second place went to Capt. Wayne Joiner and the crew of Hey, Moma! This is Capt. Stinnett’s first tournament win, said tournament director William Woodroffe. “Everybody is so proud of Brecken […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Police & Fire.
It was an exceptionally busy weekend on Gasparilla Island and in Placida over the Memorial Day weekend. “We did patrols of the beach, regular marked vehicle patrol, foot patrols and golf cart,” said Lt. Mike Sawicki of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. On island in Lee County, according to Sawicki, there were four traffic citations, […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial, Featured News.
If readers head to the end of 5th Street in Boca Grande, they will see a seaside attraction like no other. It is a wood fence, built completely across the whole length of the street, blocking access to the Gulf of Mexico. It is at the end of a parking lot with 91 parking spaces […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE As the wind has started to lay down a bit, lots of tarpon are being caught on the beaches, in the passes, everywhere. The ‘World Richest’ Tarpon Tournament was held this week in Boca Grande Pass, stay tuned to see who win. In the back country lots of redfish are being […]
Written by VAN HUBBARD on . Posted in Columns, Featured News, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. VAN HUBBARD Tarpon were so abundant that big game sportfishing was created here. The giant fish splashing and jumping everywhere, driving fishermen crazy. Teasing spectators because we lacked the tackle to subdue them. On March 14 of 1885, William Woods landed a 93-pound tarpon in Tarpon Bay, the first recorded catch of big […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Editorial.
This week, the English comedian and actor Russell Brand held a podcast discussion on God with scientist Bret Weinstein. Most do not know Weinstein. Many do not know who Brand is; he is a British comedian, TV host and actor, who might be best known in America for his very brief marriage to singer Katy […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, News, Sports & Outdoors.
BY ARLENE HALLBGSTA SECRETARY Timing was everything for BGSTA Turtle Patroller Tammy Rigney. She was running a little late getting onto the beach for her morning patrol, but it paid off for her when she came upon a loggerhead turtle just starting to nest on the beach. Tammy and her husband, George, who happened to […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, News, Police & Fire.
Planning begins to ensure island leadership is ready for hurricanes Leaders of many island organizations gathered Monday to talk about the upcoming hurricane season and working together in the event of future emergency. The event was held at the Boca Grande Fire Department and led by Chief C.W. Blosser. The event began with a report […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Featured News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Locals have alerted the Boca Beacon to a number of possibly derelict boats off of Gasparilla Island. In recent weeks, at the north end in Charlotte County, there have been two abandoned boats, and even a motor yacht taking on water. At the north end of the island, near the fishing pier, is a New […]