Written by Arlene Hall on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
Within minutes of meeting Michelle VanderHaar, the new executive director of the Lemon Bay Conservancy, it is obvious that she is passionate and enthusiastic about the organization and her role in it. Originally from the Midwest, VanderHaar grew up, attended college and began her career in Michigan. As a private lands biologist for the U.S. […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
The Boca Grande Fire Department responded to 58 calls for assistance in February 2026, reported Chief C.W. Blosser during the Board of Fire Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, March 18. At the meeting, the board voted to order a new ladder truck, which has delivery years out. The department is now up to 113 calls for […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Since acquiring the Mercabo Cove property in 2016, the Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association has been restoring critical coastal habitat and improving water quality within this important Charlotte Harbor system. The restoration project aims to support species such as tarpon and the critically endangered smalltooth sawfish. Since restoration of the area, they have reported […]
Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Education, Profiles.
Engineer at the Boca Grande Preschool Above, Jeff and Betty Swift. Photo submitted Jeff Swift laughs when asked about retirement. “Retirement isn’t doing nothing,” he said. “Retirement is doing something else.” That philosophy has defined much of Swift’s life, from an engineering career that helped shape technologies used in cars around the world to his […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO Lee County announced that the Wheeler Road Dog Park would be completed by Spring 2022. TEN YEARS AGO Barrier Island Parks Society announced the signing of the final license to acquire the Gasparilla Island Light was on track for April 1. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO Lee County Parks & Recreation Department met their […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
The “noise” of our everyday lives is relentless, and it is particularly problematic in recent years. Restaurants not only have multiple TVs, but our houses, and indeed our persons, are so connected and Bluetoothed we dare not walk alone, or travel, without some sort of entertainment or sounds. The culture tells us firmly: Do not […]
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
When all the world appears to be in tumult, and nature itself is feeling the assault of climate change, the seasons retain their essential rhythm. Yes, fall gives us a premonition of winter, but then winter will be forced to relent, once again, to the new beginning of soft greens, longer light and the sweet […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE Another great week of spring break fishing out on the flats! A slower start to the week with water temperatures climbing back up from the cold spell last weekend but the snook have been biting! The white bait has finally made its way to Boca Grande as well and the snook […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
The state of Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Park Planning on Friday, March 6 released new management plans for Gasparilla Island State Park, Cayo Costa, Don Pedro Island, Gasparilla Island and Stump Pass, all in advance of public meetings set for April. Two stories in the Beacon detail some of the changes, as […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
BY THE BGSTA The Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association is sending out this SOS, in desperate need of local residents’ help in two areas: a place to keep our UTV during nesting season and financial support for the organization. The BGSTA recently learned that we lost our home for our Kawasaki Mule UTV, affectionately called […]