Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Obituaries.
William “Bill” Taylor Hinman of Muse, Fla., passed away July 11, 2020, while in Hope Hospice in Fort Myers. Bill was born in Coral Gables, Florida, grew up in Fort Myers and graduated from Fort Myers High School. Bill’s first visit to Boca Grande was as a young Lee County deputy in 1973. Bill’s passion […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Letters to the Editor, News, Police & Fire.
BY C.W. BLOSSER AND BEN ABES- Providing for the safety and welfare is an essential focus of local government. Lee County’s Department of Public Safety, in partnership with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Boca Grande Fire Department, provides these services to keep our community a pleasant place to live and visit, during blue […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Obituaries.
Virginia Knight, 92, of Punta Gorda passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2020. She was born on October 5, 1927, to Bob and Bessie Ernest in Punta Gorda.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Health & Wellness.
BY SUSAN BOWERS – More than anything, I want my friends and neighbors in Boca Grande to stay well. It is our cherished home. I have never met fi ner people or had better, more loyal friends. They all live right here on our precious island. And the children, good heavens, they are the highlight of my days. I want to sincerely thank […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community History.
SUBMITTED BY THE BOCA GRANDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY – A November 1978 article in the St Petersburg Times announced the creation of a new development on Gasparilla Island, to be called the Boca Grande Club. The original investors in the project were Harper Sibley, who developed the Ocean Reef Club on Key Largo; Wilber H. (Bud) Cole, a founder of Punta Gorda Isles Inc.; Louis […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: The Lee Board of County Commissioners today authorized the next round of LeeCARES programs to assist individuals, families and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board approved plans to: • Launch Round 2 of LeeCares Assistance for individuals and families providing for broader eligibility and increased award amounts up to $3,000 […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial.
BY ROGER DESJARLAIS – I want to thank Lee County’s residents for your perseverance during these difficult times. I also want to thank our Lee County employees who have stepped up to the challenge of what all public servants are tasked to do in times of great need – serve the community. You know many […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
STAFF REPORT – It was a good showing for the Boca Beacon team at the Florida Press Association’s Better Weekly Newspaper Awards on Friday, July 31, with the virtual presentation announcing 13 awards that went to the island’s hard-working newshounds. This year the awards were even sweeter, as it was a record number of entries […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY MISTY NICHOLS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GICIA – The GICIA’s Mercabo Cove Project is showing signs of progress. Construction firm TSI Disaster Recovery along with Project Engineer and Manager, Hans Wilson of HWA, are keeping the project on schedule. At this time construction continues, but once the hardscape is complete the planting of native plants and grasses will begin. The final phase of the […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Featured News, News, Obituaries.
Carol Clark Compton, 86, passed away peacefully after a long illness on July 29, 2020. She was living in Chandler, Arizona. Carol was born on December 4, 1933 in Chicago, Ill. to George and Lucille Clark. Her parents were Assembly of God pastors who served several churches in the Chicago area. In 1946 the family moved first to El Salvador and then to Guatemala to do […]