Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
Federal agencies say that they have not had action on island Editor’s Note: Updated 12-18-2025 from print edition to add quote from CCSO. There have been rumors of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid on Gasparilla Island contractors this week but after reaching out to two federal agencies, none said they knew of a visit […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Police & Fire.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office enforcement is still in “reasonable discretion” mode for Boca Grande parking across Gasparilla Island during Christmas break, as most island residents do not have parking passes. In October, Capt. Todd Olmer of the LCSO told the Beacon in an email that “Boca Grande deputies are in regular contact with our partners […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Events, Sports & Outdoors.
Calusa Waterkeeper Joe Cavanaugh will welcome Dr. Gregg Poulakis of the Fish and Wildlife Research Center, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, to discuss the endangered smalltooth sawfish and its recovery in the Caloosahatchee River and beyond. The event will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at the Fort Myers-Lee County […]
Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Profiles.
Georgia to Boca Grande North If you spend any time around Boca Grande North, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Trey Winter at work. He’s often on the grounds early, checking progress, talking with contractors or walking the property as crews move through the final phases of rebuilding. As president of the Boca Grande North […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
Lee Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Kevin Karnes is partnering with the School District of Lee County to bring Inspector General services. This new partnership comes after an August push to search for savings within county government. Clerk Karnes announced in a news release that the Clerk’s Inspector General will begin accepting tips […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO The construction phase of the Mercabo Cove restoration project had been completed. The project was to improve water quality and reduce long-term seawall maintenance costs. TEN YEARS AGO The new swing bridge was going through functionality testing and the opening had been delayed. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO The Gasparilla Island Kids Classic tarpon […]
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
Whatever else be lost among the years,Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing: Whatever doubt assails us, or what fears,Let us hold closeone day remembering Its poignant meaning for the heart of men, Let us get backour childlike faith again. Grace Noll Crowell (1877-1969) American poet, author of 36 books of inspirational verse and […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Featured News, News.
P atricia “Trish” Petrosky was sworn in as a Lee County Commissioner Monday, Dec. 15, on the steps of the Old Lee County Courthouse in downtown Fort Myers. She will participate in the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Lee Board of County Commissioners on Jan. 20. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced the District 5 commissioner’s […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
Lee County has updated the in-person schedule for Boca Grande parking permit distribution. Three December dates had to be canceled due to temporary utility impacts caused by building construction. The following in-person dates have been canceled: To ensure continued access for residents, employees, volunteers and visitors, Lee County has added multiple January dates. All January […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
BY MARTA HOWELL, FRIENDS OF BOCA GRANDE What a whirlwind this last year has been! Last year at this time my office was in a shipping container in the parking lot of the Crowninshield Community House. It was not a particularly pleasant experience for me – or for our wonderful Friends’ staff! But in a […]