Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
Above, Marquis, at left, and Greenberg. Photo submitted BY THE JF LIBRARY FOUNDATION The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the leadership succession plan for the Johann Fust Library Foundation, as Bobbie Marquis, the current executive director, will retire at the end of 2026. Bobbie Marquis will serve as executive director emerita from October […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Featured News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
The Gasparilla Island Kids Classic Tarpon Tournament, hosted by the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce, takes place this Saturday, June 6. Registration is from noon to 2 p.m. at the Pink Pony Courtyard. Fishing is from 3 to 6 p.m., and awards are at 7 p.m., back at the Pink Pony Courtyard, 471 Park […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, News, Sports & Outdoors.
BY ARLENE HALLBOCA GRANDE SEA TURTLE ASSOC. With the first month of the 2026 sea turtle nesting season now finished, the Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association turtle patrol volunteers have refamiliarized themselves with established Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) protocols and have incorporated any new requirements into their daily patrol routine. Sea turtle […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
BY KATHY BANSON, GIBA Editor’s Note: This letter was sent from the executive director of the Bridge Authority. The Beacon took statistics from the authority’s letter to create the graphic above. The intent of this letter is to assist the Boca Grande Parking Committee by providing information regarding the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority’s (GIBA) mission, […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
During Memorial Day weekend, a 36-year-old man was arrested without bond for battery on the Boca Grande Causeway. On Saturday, May 23, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports of a physical disturbance on the middle bridge of the Causeway. One caller reported that he saw a shirtless, […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
BY BETSY F. JOINER, GASPARILLA ISLAND MARITIME MUSEUM It’s that time of year. “Tarpon Fever” is running hot and highly contagious! At Whidden’s Dock, where the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum is located, almost every day the fever is heavy. The action happens here before you even get to the Pass. It’s the place where our […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Community History, News.
Above, views of the new building. Views at top are the south facade, and a view from the west. Bottom row, additional elevations. Lee County filings Lee County staff has recommended approval for a Diocese of Venice project to demolish the old Boca Grande Preschool building and rebuild a new office and chapel in its […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Real Estate.
Lee County Property Appraiser Matt Caldwell released the initial estimates for 2026 property values on Monday, June 1. They include an estimated $4 billion valuation of Boca Grande real estate. “Boca Grande not only got hit by Ian, but also Hurricanes Milton and Helene,” Caldwell said. “Properties are still coming back on the tax roll.” […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Sports & Outdoors.
These ladies make it simple to rent a bike! Visit Adrianna Binion and Sophia Pixley at Gasparilla Adventures and they will get you rolling. They have many bikes to offer. 333 Park Ave., Boca Grande. Photo by Matt
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History, News.
The old Placida bunkhouse, the last building remnant of the old Boca Grande route of the Charotte Harbor and Northern Railway, recently got a set of signs. The bunkhouse still awaits restoration, but it has been remediated from iguanas. It sits at the end of the Cape Haze Pioneer trail, a bike and walking route […]