Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Featured News, News.
After an August 5 ordinance that will change parking rules on Gasparilla Island, the Beacon continues to get complaints that there are at least three new, unpermitted ‘curb lawns’ in Boca Grande. In response, the Beacon asked Lee County staff if there were any plans to address the non-permitted landscaping on the island on county […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Community, Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: I want to share my perspective on the parking situation to maybe add a little more insight. As many of you know, I worked on island for several years as an eco tour guide and over the last few years noticed a huge change in the type of visitors as well as […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO GIBA announced that a contract had been awarded for the construction of the southern roadway sidewalk which would include paved shoulders, concrete sidewalk and curbing. TEN YEARS AGO Island firefighters rescued a woman from the water between Pine Island and Cayo Costa where the currents quickly carried her away from her boat. […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Editorial.
A kind and anonymous X.com user reached out to the Boca Beacon Twitter feed this week, suggesting a PGA-like shuttle for Boca Grande to help preserve the independent merchants on the island after parking restrictions. Ads could be sold, he said. He did not even live nearby. “I’m a small-business owner and the story reminded […]
Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Events, Profiles, Sports & Outdoors.
Science, solutions, neighbors. Hurricane season in Southwest Florida is more than just a few names on a weather map. For residents across Charlotte and Lee counties, Boca Grande and the barrier islands, storms shape daily life — from flood-prone streets to conversations with neighbors about how to prepare for the next one. This September, the […]
Written by Arlene Hall on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY In last week’s article, we reviewed some of the data BGSTA turtle patrollers collect for FWC regarding nest inventory as well as some challenges we face while conducting inventories. This week, the focus is on data we collect involving the eggs and the hatchlings we may find in the nest. […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Uncategorized.
FIVE YEARS AGO Charlotte County launched their County Records website allowing all county documents going back to 1921 be viewed by the public. TEN YEARS AGO The Boca Grande Community Center Summer Camp Program sent the kids to a surprise day trip to Sea World with funding provided by Boca Grande Woman’s Club. FIFTEEN YEARS […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Uncategorized.
By KAREN GRACE In 1915, Peter Bradley of the American agricultural Chemical Company had 26 banyan trees planted on each side of what was then Second Street. The trees may have been part of a 1914 master plan produced for the company by landscape architect Carl Rust Parker. Banyan trees were proposed “to help transition […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial, Opinion.
Last week, there were no actual items relating to Boca Grande on the agenda of the Lee County Commission. But there was one item that was indirectly related, by inference and omission. Commissioner David Mulicka brought up a “Commissioner’s Item” relating to the purchase of a property for a boat ramp on San Carlos Island, […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in News, Profiles, Uncategorized.
Readers of the Beacon might have noticed a new byline in last week’s paper; Angela McPhillips is the newest edition to the Boca Beacon and Gasparilla Magazine team, bringing with her a fresh perspective, great enthusiasm and new content to keep an eye out for. A lifelong Chicagoan, McPhillips grew up with grandparents and parents […]