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Sunseeker purchase announced by Blackstone; company adds to Charlotte investments

Blackstone (NYSE: BX) and Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) today announced that funds affiliated with Blackstone Real Estate have agreed to acquire Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor from Allegiant for $200 million. “The acquisition of this brand new, highly amenitized resort demonstrates our strong conviction in hospitality and travel and the continued growth in group-oriented destinations,” […]

We all scream for ice cream …

Kimberly Struhar at Kappy’s Island Shoppe Island Ice Cream serves up delicious ice cream with a smile. This smiling crew was caught outside Hudson’s Grocery with some wonderful red, white and blue treats of their own. The golf cart provided some nice shade to help the cool treats last a little longer.        […]

First loggerheads, and an update on our nest adoption

BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY Since my last article, we have started seeing hatches of our first loggerhead nests! Our first nests were documented on May 1, and with an approximate two-month incubation period, the hatchlings from these first nests are emerging right on schedule. We should now be seeing hatches on a regular basis […]

Historic Preservation Board looks over fences, 11th Street carport

Above, a detail of the Lebourgeois residence from plans from architect T.A. Krebs. The simple carport is on 11th Street. BY TALIA ECKSTEIN The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 9, at St. Andrew’s Chapter House to review the following four special certificates of appropriateness: Proposed rehabilitation of the […]

Derelict vesssels get harsher state review

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is preparing to implement a new law aimed at strengthening vessel accountability and enhancing protections for Florida’s waterways. Senate Bill 164, signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis on June 19, went into effect on July 1. This legislation is designed to help reduce the number of […]

Highlights of new parking draft set for August vote

The Beacon is still getting questions about a new draft ordinance that would remove public beach parking access from Boca Grande, except for the Gasparilla Island State Parks. The ordinance draft was moved forward on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The vote is expected to be held in August. Highlights: Other notes:  The full ordinance is […]

Canoe and kayak access now open

The canoe/kayak launch and parking area at the Boca Grande Fishing Pier located at 5810 Gasparilla Road on Gasparilla Island has officially reopened. Portable toilets are available on site for public use. Charlotte County advised patrons to use caution as fenced off areas, that include the pier and pier approach walkway, remain closed until permanent […]

New Gasparilla Magazine on newstands

Featuring Wanamakers, gumbo limbo and Sugarshack The July/August edition of the Boca Beacon’s Gasparilla Island Magazine is out now with new feature stories, recipes, shopping and social pages. Featured stories include a history of the Wanamaker family on Gasparila Island; a story of the Florida gumbo limbo tree with photos; a look at beautiful estate […]

Cost of parking for islanders, workers unclear

While a new parking plan is under consideration by Lee County, what is not defined in the ordinance is how much these permits will cost for island residents, homeowners and workers.  A new parking draft ordinance presented June 17 for Gasparilla Island would have a tiered plan for residents, hotel guests, house guests and island […]