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 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 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 Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
There is a new giant snowman on the second-floor balcony of the Boca Grande train depot; Frosty got lit this week. We need more Christmas, always. And lights are good. More is better. The balcony is the perfect place for new, shiny-bright Christmas friends lurking over us. That backlit Frosty lurks over us. As the […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community.
Boca Bargains reopened its doors for the season on Saturday, Dec. 6 welcoming back shoppers and supporters to their newly renovated location. Visitors returned to a totally redone building with refreshed displays, well-organized merchandise and a welcoming atmosphere. There was even a line to get in at the opening. Many volunteers worked behind the scenes […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Education, News.
BY THE BOCA GRANDEWOMAN’S CLUB The Scholarship Committee of the Boca Grande Woman’s Club will be accepting applications from November 1, 2025, to February 1, 2026. Students who are awarded the BGWC Scholarship and maintain a strong academic performance in their post- secondary education will receive $3,000 per semester for up to eight semesters. Applicants […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
A joint meeting regarding Boca Grande parking between Charlotte and Lee counties will be open to the public, but it will not have a public comment period. The meeting format came up during county administrator comments at the Tuesday, Dec. 9 meeting of the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners. The meeting will be held […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History, News.
Proceeds from the 30th annual Gasparilla Island Fly Fishing Tournament, or G.I.F.T., were presented to the Boca Grande Historical Society on Tuesday, Nov. 25. Pictured here, a $5,000 donation to the Boca Grande Fishing Hall of Fame, presented by Gasparilla Outfitters and Boca Grande Charities Inc. From left, Capt. Sandy Melvin, Jim Blaha of the […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
BY THE GASPARILLA ISLAND CONSERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association proudly marked the 40th anniversary of its Bike Path with a small rededication ceremony last week. This beloved island landmark has brought joy, beauty and community connection for four decades. This year’s anniversary carries special meaning as Gasparilla Island reflects […]