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Reckless irrigation usage on island results in drastic water shortage

Overuse for irrigation this week has resulted in low pressure for water on the island. “We had about 30 percent chance of running out of water,” said Ron Bolton, executive director of Gasparilla Island Water Association, reached this morning. Bolton has made individual calls to larger water clients who use irrigation. Water pressure has been […]

This date in the Boca Beacon

FIVE YEARS AGO The United Methodist Women distributed funds from the Strawberry Festival to multiple local charities during the Coronavirus shutdowns. TEN YEARS AGO Island School students presented their artwork at the Boca Grande Art Alliance exhibit. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO More than 25 island business owners pledged to stay open during the summer months. The […]

The Historian’s Dilemma: Nostalgia vs Fact on Gasparilla Island and Boca Grande

BY JAMES J. BLAHA, DIRECTORBOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER “To write history requires  a whole life of observation,  of inquiry, of labor, and correction,” Thomas Jefferson 1817 On March 14, 1986, the Boca Beacon published an adaptation from a “Letter to the Editor” originally written by Sarah Helen Pouncey. The letter is an excellent example of […]

Keylime Bistro reopens Saturday after renovation

Keylime Bistro is reopening in the Depot building Saturday morning, April 26. “It’s been tough going through this, but the light at the end of the tunnel is that we have a brand new kitchen and flooring with a beautifully renovated restaurant,” wrote Owner Sandy Stilwell Youngquist in her announcement. Stilwell’s grandson Tristen moved to […]

Help with friends, family in grief situations

We can all do a much better job of helping our friends, families and ourselves grieve.  “It comes and knocks you off your foundation,” said Dr. Stephen J. Madosky, a local counselor and therapist who came to a recent men’s breakfast held by St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church to talk about the process of grief and […]

New leadership, organization for the Boca Grande Preschool 

Jeff Swift has been announced as the incoming president of Boca Grande Preschool Inc. This is a new not-for-profit corporation replacing the Diocese of Venice Boca Grande Preschool Program. The Preschool will be officially opening its doors in its new, temporary off island location on Monday, April 28. Jeff succeeds Angela Steffan, who will remain […]

Hideaway Bay Beach Club’s land access ferry dock reopens to Little Gasparilla

Ferryman returns making Placida/LGI runs The Little Gasparilla Island resort complex Hideaway Bay Beach Club finally has its land access open. On Saturday before last, residents were out on Placida Road fixing their parking area after their land-side dock passed inspection. “We got our ferry back,” said Maria De La Nuez, a board member who […]

Bridge traffic down on Easter weekend

At the quarterly meeting of the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority, Executive Director Kathy Banson reported Wednesday, April 23 that traffic was down 8 percent this year, though there was a record day on March 19, when there were 5,635 vehicles in one day. Bridge openings are also down 33 percent, averaging about three a day. […]