Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Community History, News.
During the 2024 fall hurricanes, the island’s historic Amory Memorial Chapel was severely damaged. Repairs have not started, though the building was remediated by the state. At the March Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board Meeting, the Beacon asked after the status of the chapel. While it is not in the Boca Grande Historic District, and […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Two times in the last few months, beachcombers in Boca Grande have found evidence of recent beach or water burials, where families have put their relatives at rest at sea, and did not know what to do with the remnants. Just last weekend, resident John Parish found a wooden cremation box on the beach at […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News.
Lee County has posted the agenda for the next Board of County Commissioners meeting, on which there is an item to “Direct to Public Hearing Gasparilla Island Parking Ordinance Amendments.” The item is number 43 on the administrative agenda for the 9:30 a.m. meeting on Tuesday, April 1. It specifies that if voted through, commissioners […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: The Boca Grande Art Center family is overjoyed to once again celebrate the impact we have on our community. This year’s Spring Show was especially meaningful, as it allowed us to come together despite the challenges posed by the state of our beloved Art Center building. We owe a debt of gratitude […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Obituaries.
Richard Warner Carlson died at 84 on March 24, 2025 at home in Boca Grande, Florida after six weeks of illness. He refused all painkillers to the end and left this world with dignity and clarity, holding the hands of his children with his dogs at his feet. He was born February 10, 1941 at […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Profiles.
During the weeks of spring break, families must be strategic about when they decide to come downtown for an ice cream cone. Often, at 4 p.m. the line can be out the door. Many of these families are regular visitors to Gasparilla Island, familiar faces that inhabit shops, restaurants and tennis courts year after year […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Opinion.
BY PETER SODERBERG Many of those of us deeply engaged with the three churches on Gilchrist Avenue are aghast by our reading of the draft of your parking ordinance to be signed by Commissioner Kevin Ruane that is circulating out here on far-distant Boca Grande. Apparently, we are a remote outpost too far from Fort […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: It makes no sense to restrict parking while the island is still and for some time yet, being rehabilitated! The loss of revenue to the already struggling shops cannot be discounted. Hurricane damage, cost to re-open, and now parking limits? While the other area beaches and beach accesses are still being remediated […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO Boca Grande Glee Club, yoga classes and chorus rehearsals along with Sunday services were all taking place virtually due to the pandemic. TEN YEARS AGO The Spring Fair was held with the dunk tank being a highlight. The carnival featured games of strength, food, pony rides and face painting. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
We can be sure that you, our dear reader, are tired of hearing about parking. What is exasperating about the situation is that Lee County could have had a public meeting with the island, explained the plan, had residents speak to it and then voted on it. And we could have written about it for […]