Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Uncategorized.
The Boca Beacon received delivery this week of our annual Visitor’s Guide. Copies will be available at stands around town, in hotels, real estate offices and throughout the region. The Visitor’s Guide is one of several Boca Beacon publications, including the 4-Digit Phone Book and Gasparilla Island Magazine. Last week, we published our annual Boca […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial, Uncategorized.
One can get a pulse on Florida’s mood each year by looking at Publix’s annual Christmas TV commercial. The ads premiere after Thanksgiving annually during sporting events and live on, now seemingly permanently, via the company’s YouTube channel. They follow a certain format, showing idyllic domestic scenes in a house, all interspersed with views of […]
Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Profiles.
Maria Pardo-Thompson is rarely without yarn nearby. Over the years, her crocheted blankets, hats, loveys and small stuffed animals have ended up in ambulances, hospital nurseries, classrooms and family homes. Some are held by premature babies in neonatal intensive care units. Others are kept by firefighters and paramedics to comfort children during emergencies. After Hurricane […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
David Albert Jenkins, 84 died peacefully on December 12, 2025, watching the sun set on the Gulf of Mexico from his home in Boca Grande. His loving and supportive children, Dave and Bonnie, and his devoted wife Barbara were at his side. Dave was born on February 28, 1941, to Helen Klinger Jenkins and Joseph […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News.
On June 11, 2025, Leah Lendel, age 9, was bitten by a shark in the 2200 block of Shore Lane. This Tuesday, Lendel came back to visit the Boca Grande Fire Department. It was not a planned visit. The entire crew (both EMS and fire) that assisted happened be on duty at the station. The […]
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 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 Sports & Outdoors.
A night heron took on the view at the Boca Grande Causeway the week before last. Because of the darkness, it is unclear which variety decided to look for passing boats. They are all of the Nycticorax family. Photo by Liz Molzon
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 […]