Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas C. McDermott, who left us on December 7, 2025 at the age of 89. Surrounded by his loving family, he passed away peacefully at his home in Pittsford, NY. He is predeceased by his first wife, Gloria McDermott, and his sister, Dorothea Warren. […]
Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Profiles.
A fresh perspective at the Pass Club When Boca Bay Pass Club sought a new executive chef, they wanted someone who could refine the dining experience by elevating familiar member favorites with sharper technique, richer flavor and a broader global perspective. They found that balance in Chef Steve Polowy, who brings more than 30 years […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Community, Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: Leaf blowers driving you inside? Glad you’re not home when your neighbors’ crews are scheduled? Have you had to restrict your activities due to the toxic cloud put at head height by their use? Exposure to fine particulate matter is linked to developing Alzheimer’s and worsens existing disease. The American Lung Association […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: Gasparilla Island State Park is an oceanfront treasure. This resource is currently underused. The state park has over one mile of beachfront land with five parking areas. There are two swimming beaches, Sea Grape and Dune Beach. There is parking in five different lots for a total of 227 cars. It would […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO GIWA’s Water Reclamation Facility had completed the final pour of concrete for two new concrete tanks and an elevated platform. TEN YEARS AGO Bayne Stevenson hosted the annual sandcastle party for The Island School children at his island home. The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority was teasing the island with an announcement of […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
Christmas is on, even at the Baby Publix, where The Salvation Army is out with a red bucket crew. We thank our friends at Publix for allowing them to ring the bell, and the couples, many retired, who are volunteering. A ringer couple told us they got one of their best donations after a simple […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community.
On Nov. 30 at the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse beach, Austin Taylor proposed to Hannah Amen, and she accepted! Hannah is the daughter of Ruth Amen and Andrew Amen, a fifth-generation native of Boca Grande and is a stylist at the James Griffith Salon. Austin is the son of Jim and Holly Taylor and third […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Events.
Tab Laven, Eddie Kilgallon and Jeff Dayton with Sidemen of Note performed to a sold-out crowd on Tuesday evening, Dec. 9 at the Crowninshield Community House. This show is one in the Rhythm & Boots series sponsored by Friends of Boca Grande. To find out more about this series or other programs, call (941) 964-0827. […]
Written by Scott Cotherman on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
Change is inevitable is an oft-used phrase that applies to most everything in life. No more so than around here where the locals have been dealing with changes – some temporary, some permanent – from devastating weather-related events during the past three years. The best way to deal with change is to get ahead of […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
Tides, weather, temps and fish BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE A chilly start to the week has it feeling like winter. The beginning of the week brought some very low tides following the front. These low tides had the redfish and speckled sea trout in the potholes and on the deeper edges chasing shrimp and even […]