Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
The Boca Grande Fire Department hosted a meeting of the island’s Emergency Operations group Wednesday morning, Aug. 27 to plan for potential storm events. “We just want to be on the same page and work efficiently,” said Fire Chief C.W. Blosser. “The goal is to get information out faster and be more reliable.” One change […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Featured News, News.
After an August 5 ordinance that will change parking rules on Gasparilla Island, the Beacon continues to get complaints that there are at least three new, unpermitted ‘curb lawns’ in Boca Grande. In response, the Beacon asked Lee County staff if there were any plans to address the non-permitted landscaping on the island on county […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Letters to the Editor, Opinion.
Editor’s Note: Lighthouse United Methodist Church has a weekly newsletter entitled ‘Midweek News’ for their congregation. They sent this one out to members, to update them on parking and access to the church. We are publishing it here to update readers on how the church is dealing with the ordinance, as well as questions about […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO GIBA announced that a contract had been awarded for the construction of the southern roadway sidewalk which would include paved shoulders, concrete sidewalk and curbing. TEN YEARS AGO Island firefighters rescued a woman from the water between Pine Island and Cayo Costa where the currents quickly carried her away from her boat. […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Editorial.
A kind and anonymous X.com user reached out to the Boca Beacon Twitter feed this week, suggesting a PGA-like shuttle for Boca Grande to help preserve the independent merchants on the island after parking restrictions. Ads could be sold, he said. He did not even live nearby. “I’m a small-business owner and the story reminded […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
Last Monday, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium officially opened a research complex designed to advance the restoration, resilience and long-term sustainability of Florida’s seagrasses. These new facilities comprise Mote’s Seagrass Ecosystem Restoration Research Compound (SERRC) at the Mote Aquaculture Research Park (MAP): The Ron and Marla Wolf Seagrass Restoration Center for Ocean Sustainability Greenhouse Facility, […]
Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Events, Profiles, Sports & Outdoors.
Science, solutions, neighbors. Hurricane season in Southwest Florida is more than just a few names on a weather map. For residents across Charlotte and Lee counties, Boca Grande and the barrier islands, storms shape daily life — from flood-prone streets to conversations with neighbors about how to prepare for the next one. This September, the […]
Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Events.
UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County will host a series of vegetable gardening workshops in September, offering practical tips for home gardeners. Sessions include Vegetable Growing in Southwest Florida on Sept. 13 in Port Charlotte, Square Foot Gardening on Sept. 17 in Englewood, Backyard Vegetable Gardening on Sept. 19 in Port Charlotte and How to Grow Your […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Entertainment.
Friends of Boca Grande will kick off its 2025/26 cultural season this fall with the return of Rhythm & Boots, a concert series showcasing leading voices in country, bluegrass and contemporary roots music. Spanning several months, the series will bring nationally acclaimed performers to the island, blending Boca Grande’s small-town charm with big-stage talent. Friends […]
Written by Arlene Hall on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY In last week’s article, we reviewed some of the data BGSTA turtle patrollers collect for FWC regarding nest inventory as well as some challenges we face while conducting inventories. This week, the focus is on data we collect involving the eggs and the hatchlings we may find in the nest. […]