Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News.
Each year, the Boca Beacon recounts the year past. This edition includes a month-by-month recount of 2025, with a few select photos for each. The year 2025 was all about cleaning up after Helene and Milton. Even still, there is more fixing to do on island. Some houses are not yet renovated, and our civic […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
A reader out working on island sent us this photo of an owl on Banyan Street on Wednesday. Indeed there were two in the trees; he also got a video for our Beacon Facebook page. Photo by Ian Davis
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Police & Fire.
Last Saturday, Dec. 13, Lee County Deputy Angelo Lanni responded to The Gasparilla Inn in regards to a stolen and damaged golf cart. A Gasparilla Inn manager told Deputy Lanni that staff had found the rental golf cart early that morning in the tideline on the beach south of 4th Street, according to the Lee […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Community History.
BY JAMES J. BLAHA, DIRECTORBOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER In 1996, Michael Ingram, a Tampa lawyer and the son of Dr. James Ingram who had purchased the historic Journey’s End property in 1963, wrote a book, “A Title Examiner’s History of Boca Grande: Where Nothing Unimportant Happens, and It’s All a Matter of Public Record.” He […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History, News, Real Estate.
In January, the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board will review two new cases at their Jan. 14 meeting. Item SCA2025 is the Stafford residence at 1160 11th Street East, to enclose and extend a deck and garage. The board will also review a request from The Gasparilla Inn to construct a new freestanding spa building […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
The Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce introduced five new members to the board of directors on December 6. Jessica Goslowski of Barnichol Hardware is the new treasurer. Wally Rutan of Island Craftsmen Builders, Austin Fogo of Key Agency, Natalie Cole, director of nursing for the Boca Grande Health Clinic and longtime resident Mila Wyman […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board approved the 2025 Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) on Dec. 16. The District’s RWSP provides a framework for future water management decisions and demonstrates how water demands can be met through 2045. Updated every five years, the RWSP identifies strategies to ensure reliable water supplies while protecting […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Lee County has added multiple January dates to pick up parking passes at the Crowninshield Community House. “We encourage residents to continue to use the online application, if possible,” wrote Lee County Communications Director Betsy Clayton in a statement to the Beacon. “Staff can then contact them once the permit is available and ready for […]
Written by Arlene Hall on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
At the December 16, 2025, Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners Workshop meeting, Sheriff Bill Prummell’s office presented a proposed county-wide ordinance regarding the use of e-bikes. While there are draft state bills (HB243 and SB382) currently working their way through the state legislative process which include technical definitions, penalties for e-bike modifications, and various […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
When the University of West Florida announced its first-ever Rhodes Scholar finalist, it marked a historic milestone for the institution. The Rhodes Scholarship is the world’s oldest and most prestigious international fellowship, and this achievement coincides with the launch of the John W. Merting Family Office of National Fellowships. Established through a $500,000 gift from […]