Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News.
In spite of the arrival of mid-week cold weather, there were still families out visiting local beaches. Over the weekend, when temps were in the 70s, island parking lots filled and there were some complaints online that lots at Gasparilla Island State Park had filled up. Families who had come for vacation, however, were still […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
The Boca Beacon remembers and honors those members of our community who died in 2025. We invite readers to go online at the end of this year to pause, reflect and celebrate the legacies of those who will be so fondly remembered. Died in 2024 but published in 2025 January 2025Kent Bonney, 1940–2025David A. Galliher, […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Police & Fire.
From left to right: Sarah Cislo with Chief C.W. Blosser. Cislo successfully completed her rigorous 12 month training and testing program and is now recognized as a 1st Class Firefighter; Erik Fatica with Chief Blosser with honors for Fatica as 2025 Firefighter of the Year. Fatica has been at BGFD for 20 years. […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History, News.
Last Friday, the Boca Grande Historical Society celebrated and paid tribute to the work of Kim Kyle, administrative director, on her retirement. Clockswise from top left, Jim and Karen Grace, Marvine Futch Dethloff; Marty McFadden and Whitty Ransome; Kim Kyle and Joy Wyman; Jimbo Wyman, Susan Shaffer and Kurt Olson; Terri Whiting and Johns Knight; […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Community History.
BY JAMES J. BLAHA, DIRECTORBOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER In 1996, Michael Ingram, a Tampa lawyer and the son of Dr. James Ingram who had purchased the historic Journey’s End property in 1963, wrote a book, “A Title Examiner’s History of Boca Grande: Where Nothing Unimportant Happens, and It’s All a Matter of Public Record.” He […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
The Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce introduced five new members to the board of directors on December 6. Jessica Goslowski of Barnichol Hardware is the new treasurer. Wally Rutan of Island Craftsmen Builders, Austin Fogo of Key Agency, Natalie Cole, director of nursing for the Boca Grande Health Clinic and longtime resident Mila Wyman […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Lee County has added multiple January dates to pick up parking passes at the Crowninshield Community House. “We encourage residents to continue to use the online application, if possible,” wrote Lee County Communications Director Betsy Clayton in a statement to the Beacon. “Staff can then contact them once the permit is available and ready for […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Events.
The Grande Chorus held its Happy Holidays community concert this week on Sunday and Monday evenings at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Session 2 rehearsals begin in January. To find out more about this series or other programs, call (941) 964-0827. […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
Lee County has updated the in-person schedule for Boca Grande parking permit distribution. Three December dates had to be canceled due to temporary utility impacts caused by building construction. The following in-person dates have been canceled: To ensure continued access for residents, employees, volunteers and visitors, Lee County has added multiple January dates. All January […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
BY MARTA HOWELL, FRIENDS OF BOCA GRANDE What a whirlwind this last year has been! Last year at this time my office was in a shipping container in the parking lot of the Crowninshield Community House. It was not a particularly pleasant experience for me – or for our wonderful Friends’ staff! But in a […]