Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News.
A “maximum duration of two hours.” That would be the time limit for metered parking in Boca Grande in a draft code change from Lee County, circulated on Monday, May 6, 2024, that would update the Gasparilla Island Parking Ordinances with references to downtown parking. The ordinance was revealed in a Public Records Law document request […]
Written by VAN HUBBARD on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
The big story on our local waterfront currently is the pending Eldred’s Marina sale. Whether this deal goes through or not, the property will change ownership soon. The next generation has a dozen varied desires and the family is ready to move on. God only knows what will happen or when, but I’d like to […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Real Estate.
In a move to honor its legacy and mark a new chapter in its storied history, Carr Companies has announced that it is rebranding to CarrAmerica. “As we transition to CarrAmerica, we are more committed than ever to building the communities of tomorrow,” said Austin Flajser, president and chief executive officer of CarrAmerica. “Our new […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Police & Fire, Sports & Outdoors.
A Lee County Sheriff deputy shut down a noisy party boat anchored off the Gasparilla Island State Park beaches over the Fourth of July weekend. The boat was offshore, but it was so loud it ruined the peace for the dozens gathered on the beach. It was also in violation of county ordinances. It is […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
The issue of parking and beach access in Boca Grande is not unique to Gasparilla Island, or even Southwest Florida. University of Virginia historian Prof. Andrew Kahrl studies the social and environmental history of land use, real estate and racial inequality in the U.S., and teaches courses on African American history, real estate and U.S. […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Cane toads have been spotted around the island recently. Be sure to differentiate these invasive species from native Florida toads. George Cera, who was the primary iguana hunter in Boca Grande for many years, wanted to remind residents not to kill native toads. One easy way to identify a cane toad is that it has […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
When marine emergencies require a multi-agency approach, Lee County’s Marine Emergency Response Team, or MERT, provides vital communication among agencies. On June 22, there were multiple marine emergencies at once, including an overturned boat and a propeller strike (See “Propeller strike highlights dangerous boating weekend” in the June 28 edition of the Beacon). In a […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE The summer heat has started to really bring water temperatures up making the inshore shallow water fishing a little finicky. Lots of snook are still being caught but look to target them in deeper moving water where it’s not so hot. Redfish are still being caught as well on high tides […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Community, Letters to the Editor.
Follow Boca Grande parking issues onlineThe Beacon has set up a hub for all information relating to parking, including relevant documents, stories and letters to the editor from all sides and perspectives of the issue. One street should not determine issues that affect all of the island To the Editor: On July 1, 2024, the […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Editorial.
Each day seems to be a series of completely new surprises in our national story, where news cycles move so quickly. What was once a 24-hour issue now seems to be a two-hour cycle, and then the next crazy thing happens. A 24-minute cycle now? On to the next! For those who live and work […]