Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated Friday, Oct. 17 to reflect comments from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Signage related to the new parking ordinance is beginning to be installed across Gasparilla Island, including near the Gasparilla Island State Park. A Lee County crew was out at the south end of the island on Belcher […]
Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
Nearly an hour of public comment centered on the proposed Manchester Waterway Cut-Through Project during Tuesday’s Charlotte County Commission meeting. Residents voiced strong opposition, citing the estimated $27 million cost – which could potentially double property taxes – and concerns over environmental impacts. One resident said, “I’m afraid of flooding. I’m afraid of sea grass […]
Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News.
At the October 14 Charlotte County Commissioners meeting, residents again pressed the board to take action regarding Lee County’s controversial Boca Grande parking ordinance. In turn, commissioners, including Chris Constance, told the audience that the county should move forward with an injunction. “I think this needs to be on our next agenda with the possibility […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Police & Fire.
Next Tuesday, the Lee County Board of Commissioners will vote on a memorandum of understanding with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to replace the sheriff’s house at Wheeler Road which was damaged by Hurricane Milton on Oct. 9, 2024. “I am glad that it is in the Lee County Sheriff’s Office facilities department to expedite […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
BY RENEE WILSON, THE AUDUBON SOCIETY While most Floridians slept, more than 30 million migrating birds crossed the Sunshine State last night as they made their way south to spend the winter in warmer climates. “Fall migration is much longer than spring, as birds don’t move as quickly,” says Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Director (and […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
Each week the Boca Beacon looks back at news from previous years. FIVE YEARS AGO The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association announced that the restoration of Sam Murphy Park had been completed in anticipation of the GICIA’s 50th Anniversary. TEN YEARS AGO The Island School held a Give Thanks Dinner for parents and students. […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
Last week, America’s coastal cities were obsessed with general high water up and down almost every waterfront. This time it was an October supermoon that, combined with companion storms and winds far off in the Atlantic, brought about the coastal high water. For once and thankfully, Southwest Florida has been out of the national weather […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
The public is invited to wear Red Sox colors and join in a Celebration of Life for Lee County Commissioner Mike Greenwell at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at JetBlue Park. Lee County Government has additional information to share with the community to mark the passing of Lee County Commissioner Mike Greenwell. In honor of […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
Otilia Yanes Fernandez, dearly beloved wife of 65 years of the late Emilio Fernandez, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the age of 91. Loving mother of Dr. Otilia Fernandez (Dr. Thomas Perrino), Dr. Adelaida Fernandez, and Emilio Thomas Fernandez (Susan Kelley). Cherished abuela of Dr. Carmen Perrino (Dr. Albert Kim), Lourdes Perrino (Nathan […]
Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Profiles.
From clubhouse to island If the name Alison Nash sounds familiar, it’s because for the past three years she’s been a welcoming presence at Coral Creek Golf Club, where she served as clubhouse manager. Now, island residents will find her in a new role: rental manager at BRC Realty Group, where she’s bringing her hospitality […]