Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Featured News, News.
BY BOBBIE MARQUISEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ever since Hurricane Milton brought a four-foot wave from the Gulf of Mexico into our beautiful buildings and gardens, Johann Fust Library Foundation has faced the daunting task of cleaning up, drying out and repairing building systems. We know that we are not alone in facing this formidable task. Homes and […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
A fund to help island businesses is now over its initial $3 million goal, and has given out over $1.5 million to help jump start business re-openings across Gasparilla Island. “The people don’t have the seed dollars to go out and make the down payment,” said co-organizer Larry Hannah of Lighthouse United Methodist Church. “It’s […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Entertainment, News.
The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by the Boca Grande Woman’s Club, will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. Unfortunately, the tree across from Hudson’s did not survive Hurricanes Helene and Milton, so the ceremony will take place around the tree across from the front door of The Gasparilla Inn. Island clergy […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, Community History, News.
A crew from Hazeltine Nurseries on Wednesday donated and installed a Christmas tree across the street from Hudson’s Grocery, to replace the tree that was killed by the duo hurricanes Helene and Milton. The original tree dated from 1954, when Nell Kuhl dug up a tree from the Community House grounds and had it moved […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Florida State Parks reopened three parking areas for Gasparilla Island State Park last weekend, and the “Beaches Closed” electronic signage at the Boca Grande Causeway toll was removed. The three areas that are open are the Range Light area, the Sea Grape and Sea Wall parking areas which are located between the Range Light and […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Education, Letters to the Editor.
BY CHRISTINE OLIVER Our beautiful Gasparilla Island, including Boca Grande and The Island School, has faced immense challenges in the wake of these back-to-back storms. While the facility and staff continue to navigate these challenges, we would like to provide an update on The Island School’s recovery and the steps being taken to return to […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Police & Fire.
Shirts featuring hand-drawn art by local artist Olivia Craig are being sold on Etsy to benefit the Boca Grande Fire Department. The shirts were created in collaboration with Chief C.W. Blosser of the Boca Grande Fire Department and artist Olivia Craig of Trout Design. The design features the message: “When Milton gives you sand, build […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.
The grand veranda at Boca Grande’s Anchor Inn is an inviting stop for many visitors to the community, even if they never go inside or stay a night at the inn. Visitors to the town often pause to sit for a while as they take in the surroundings. Joyce Najjum King, owner of the Anchor […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Community History.
BY MARILYN HOECKEL A story from 1989 detailed some of the biggest storms to hit Boca Grande Editor’s note: This was from an Aug. 4, 1989 edition of the Boca Beacon. There are five big storms that seem to stand out in the memories of Gasparilla Island residents. The years of those storms are 1910, […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Events, News, Sports & Outdoors.
So far, there are 20 teams signed up for the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce’s Educate Boca Golf Scramble, which was moved to Dec. 14 after Hurricane Helene. The fundraiser was originally set for Oct. 7 at the Gasparilla Inn & Club golf course, but will now be at the Rotonda Golf and Country […]