Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Opinion.
BY ROB ROBBINS We are witnessing a dangerous “shell game” with coastal overdevelopment. Developers have been exploiting a Charlotte County-facilitated loophole to build even more units in Coastal High-Hazard Areas than would be allowed if the Comprehensive Plan (law) was being enforced. At the heart of the controversy are Transfer of Density Units (TDUs). These […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
Capt. John Spinks, best known as Capt. ‘Tater’ Spinks, died March 8, 2026. Born Jan. 1, 1947, he was a long-time Boca Grande fishing captain. Tater’s life will be celebrated from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Friday, April 17 at Rotonda Golf and Country Club – The Hills, 100 Rotonda Circle, Rotonda West, FL […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Profiles.
New owner of Courtyard Hair Courtyard Hair Etc on the north end of Gasparilla Island will celebrate its 35th anniversary next year, and new owner Sara Faella aims to remain true to the Boca Grande institution’s roots. Faella is originally from Rhode Island, where she owned three salons and worked as a professional hair and […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. JOE LECLAIR Over the last few weeks, loads and loads of people have come to paradise hoping for warmer weather and excited to go fishing. My job is simple, fulfilling everyone’s dreams one day at a time. Sometimes we do catch fish, and big beautiful redfish. In addition, I have also been chosen […]
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
We all have a responsibility to protect endangered species, both for their sake and for the sake of our own future generations. Loretta Lynch, a former U.S. Attorney General, in a widely attributed quote on the importance of the Endangered Species Act On March 31, 2026, six men on the Endangered Species Committee, often referred […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
Little Laser sailboats in annual competition The Basin Sailing Yacht Club, also known as BSYC, held its annual Island Championships this past Sunday, March 29, at the Boca Bay Power House lagoon. Racing conditions for the RC Lasers were great with breezy, northeast winds. Then midway through the races the winds lightened up a bit […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Education, News.
The Island School students, parents and teachers came together to sell baked goods and lemonade on Saturday, March 28 to benefit their fourth grade teacher, Dorothy Rahal. From all the helpers … a big thank you to all who baked and donated and especially to Hudson’s, which so kindly shared their courtyard. Photos submitted
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
Above, Jasmine Sanders was photographed on the Pine Island Sound Fishing Shacks. She is as “Golden Barbie” to her loyal social media following, Sanders uses her platform to share her interest in the beauty and fitness spaces. The Lee County Tourist Development Council partnered with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit to shoot their annual issue on Lee […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Charlotte County Public Works welcomes residents of Don Pedro Knight Islands to an informational meeting at 10 a.m., April 7, 2026, at Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park Recreation Center’s Multipurpose room, 6961 San Casa Dr., Englewood. Staff plans to provide information regarding the Don Pedro Beach renourishment and Bocilla Lagoon dredging project, including timeline […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, News.
The Boca Beacon has won 13 weekly awards at the upcoming Florida Press Association competition. Exact winners will be announced June 4 & 5 at the Florida Media Conference, held at the Hilton Resort at Disney Springs in Orlando. The Boca Beacon’s nominations are as follows: • Sports Column – Scott Cotherman • Spot News […]