Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News.
Each year, the Boca Beacon recounts the year past. This edition includes a month-by-month recount of 2025, with a few select photos for each. The year 2025 was all about cleaning up after Helene and Milton. Even still, there is more fixing to do on island. Some houses are not yet renovated, and our civic […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History, News, Real Estate.
In January, the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board will review two new cases at their Jan. 14 meeting. Item SCA2025 is the Stafford residence at 1160 11th Street East, to enclose and extend a deck and garage. The board will also review a request from The Gasparilla Inn to construct a new freestanding spa building […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Sports & Outdoors.
A night heron took on the view at the Boca Grande Causeway the week before last. Because of the darkness, it is unclear which variety decided to look for passing boats. They are all of the Nycticorax family. Photo by Liz Molzon
Written by Arlene Hall on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
At the December 16, 2025, Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners Workshop meeting, Sheriff Bill Prummell’s office presented a proposed county-wide ordinance regarding the use of e-bikes. While there are draft state bills (HB243 and SB382) currently working their way through the state legislative process which include technical definitions, penalties for e-bike modifications, and various […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
When the University of West Florida announced its first-ever Rhodes Scholar finalist, it marked a historic milestone for the institution. The Rhodes Scholarship is the world’s oldest and most prestigious international fellowship, and this achievement coincides with the launch of the John W. Merting Family Office of National Fellowships. Established through a $500,000 gift from […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
Federal agencies say that they have not had action on island Editor’s Note: Updated 12-18-2025 from print edition to add quote from CCSO. There have been rumors of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid on Gasparilla Island contractors this week but after reaching out to two federal agencies, none said they knew of a visit […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Police & Fire.
Lee County Sheriff’s Office enforcement is still in “reasonable discretion” mode for Boca Grande parking across Gasparilla Island during Christmas break, as most island residents do not have parking passes. In October, Capt. Todd Olmer of the LCSO told the Beacon in an email that “Boca Grande deputies are in regular contact with our partners […]
Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Profiles.
Georgia to Boca Grande North If you spend any time around Boca Grande North, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Trey Winter at work. He’s often on the grounds early, checking progress, talking with contractors or walking the property as crews move through the final phases of rebuilding. As president of the Boca Grande North […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO The construction phase of the Mercabo Cove restoration project had been completed. The project was to improve water quality and reduce long-term seawall maintenance costs. TEN YEARS AGO The new swing bridge was going through functionality testing and the opening had been delayed. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO The Gasparilla Island Kids Classic tarpon […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
There is a new giant snowman on the second-floor balcony of the Boca Grande train depot; Frosty got lit this week. We need more Christmas, always. And lights are good. More is better. The balcony is the perfect place for new, shiny-bright Christmas friends lurking over us. That backlit Frosty lurks over us. As the […]