Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Profiles, Sports & Outdoors.
Childhood shaped by local waters For marine scientist JoEllen Wilson, protecting Southwest Florida’s juvenile tarpon habitats isn’t just part of the job. It carries forward a family history rooted in Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande for decades. Wilson’s connection to the island stretches back through her mother’s family. Her great-grandparents, Ray and Eileen Maus, owned […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: The Suncoast Humane Society would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in our recent pet food and cat litter donation drive. Your generosity made a significant impact. Residents from various local communities came together to donate essential items at drop-off locations across Venice, Englewood and Boca Grande. Cecy […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: I read an interesting article in the Boca Beacon last week regarding the new BG Historical Society’s new home and exhibition. So my wife and I took a ride over to the new location. And What a great display of Boca Grande’s past, with interactive displays, colorful maps and interesting information. But […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association v. Lee County legal dispute was settled over the “Damfi” project. TEN YEARS AGO The GICIA announced that they would be working in earnest to secure pledges for the purchase of the Mercabo facility. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO The Loose Caboose and local wildlife volunteers held […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
This week, Lee County crews were out, removing three of the 21 banyans that line Banyan Street. An assessment: “They sacrificed themselves to help their others.” That was the grim opinion of horticulturist Rick Joyce, on the loss of a number of banyan trees on the island, not just on Banyan Street but at houses. […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE The 30th annual Gasparilla Island Fly Fishing Tournament is only a few days away! This year’s event will have prizes for all three of our back country slam species, redfish, snook and trout. First place for the tournament will consist of the two longest combined length redfish while second place will […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
UPDATE: As of 1:19 p.m, according to GIBA, “all repairs are complete, and all water service has been restored”. An accidental break by a contractor on Shore Lane has taken water service out on the north end of Gasparilla Island. This includes Boca Grande Club, and northern residences. Gasparilla Island Water Association is currently fixing […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
The Lee Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, Nov. 18 selected District 2 Commissioner Cecil Pendergrass to serve as Board Chairman for the coming year and District 3 Commissioner David Mulicka to serve as vice chairman. The Board selects a chairman annually on the third Tuesday in November from among the commissioners. Commissioner Pendergrass previously […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Entertainment, Events, News, Police & Fire.
The Grande Firehouse 5k, followed by the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce Big Mouth Chili Challenge is on Saturday, Nov. 15. The race, hosted by the Boca Grande Fire Department begins at 8 a.m. with packet pick-up from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. at the Bayou. Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday night; […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Events, News.
The Boca Grande Camera Club announces its first meeting this season on November 18 at 10 a.m. which will take place at the Crowninshield, 240 Banyan St. as well as via zoom. The meeting will be hosted by Larry McNiff and the topic is “What I did last summer”- illustrated with members’ beautiful and evocative […]