Skip to main content
Search Results for “gasparilla

Gasparilla Island, draft Administrative Code AC-11-9

A draft code change from Lee County, circulated on Monday, May 6, 2024, that would update the Gasparilla Island Parking Ordinances with references to downtown parking. The draft ordinance, not presented to the board, was revealed in a Public Records Law document request from Lee County, which the Boca Beacon received in July 2024. 

Seeing the water clearly this week on Gasparilla Sound

Particularly during the spring and early summer, the Gasparilla Sound is one of the most beautiful and special bodies of water in Florida. I’m very fortunate to be able to paddle this body of water nearly every day. There are many native Floridians and families who have been exploring and fishing the Sound for much […]

Cross new general manager of The Gasparilla Inn

Brent Cross, the assistant general manager of The Gasparilla Inn, has been named its president and general manager. Cross has, for the past 15 years, served in multiple offices at The Inn, from front office and housekeeping to finance and special projects. In 2021, Brent was appointed assistant general manager where his duties included oversight […]

Reecher retires after 16 years with The Gasparilla Inn

Jon Reecher, who has led The Gasparilla Inn & Club as general manager for the last 11 years, announced his retirement last week. Reecher joined The Gasparilla Inn 16 years ago from The Greenbrier in West Virginia. At The Gasparilla, he served first as director of food and beverage, and later as general manager. “It’s […]

Conquistadors in May/June Gasparilla Island Magazine

The May/June edition of Gasparilla Magazine is out with new feature stories, recipes, shopping and social pages. This edition’s recipe is a prize-winning lemon and raspberry trifle from the Lemon Bay Pioneer Fest, and the cocktail recipe comes to you from the Rabbit Hole at Cape Haze Tavern.  The magazine includes a story from the […]

A timeline of parking discussions on Gasparilla Island

The issue of parking on Gasparilla Island is not a new one. Through the years, the Boca Beacon has covered the issue as locals and county officials have tried to balance competing interests. Below, a few assorted dates from 1982 on. The list below is not comprehensive; many of the recent stories are at bocabeacon.com/parking: […]

May 18: Youth fishing tournament on Gasparilla Island

Grab your fishing pole and tackle box and come join the family fun at our Youth Fishing Tournament on Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tournaments are for boys and girls ages 13 & under. Bait will be provided (no lures allowed). All children must be supervised by a parent or guardian for this event, this […]

New Gasparilla Magazine and Tarpon Times out now

The May/June edition of Gasparilla Magazine is out, featuring stories on water quality organizations, Boca Grande brands and Florida’s 3,500-year-old Senator Tree. Plus, this edition includes our Tarpon Times Guide to the Season, printed on high-quality glossy magazine paper for the first time ever.  Keep an eye on your mailboxes for the new edition or […]

Why Placida matters to Gasparilla Island

This week, we have a story on the sale of Eldred’s (pictured here). Of course, we all know it needs a new custodian. Its current, old Florida, charming and useful state, cannot survive when the property is so valuable. It is literally the tip and entrance to not only Gasparilla Island, but a lifeline for […]