Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Entertainment, Events, Featured News, News.
The Boca Grande Farmer’s Market is returning Friday, Nov. 21 at the same location as last year, at the Bayou across from the Pink Elephant. The market will run each Friday through the spring from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. New vendors this season are Crazy Joe’s Peanut Butter, The Shrimpman, The Kingdom Bowl (acai […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News.
The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority board voted to stay neutral on the Boca Grande parking issue, recommitting to their mission and role as bridge to the island. The board’s statement, sent to Charlotte County Administrator Hector Flores reads: “At GIBA, we have always been clear on our mission to provide safe and efficient traffic flow […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
Robert A. Dishman, Ph.D., of Chatham, MA and Boca Grande, FL, passed away on September 27, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on May 7, 1944, in Miami, FL, to the late Robert and Ann Dishman. Bob spent his early life in Durham, NH, where he graduated from Oyster River High School. He went […]
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 […]