Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
Diane Kay Johnson, 77, of Mission Hills, Kansas, died on August 7, 2026, surrounded by family. She was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa on March 30, 1949, to Raymond and Dorothy Singmaster Beaver. She moved to Sterling, Illinois and Rockford, Illinois and then on to Cape Girardeau, Missouri where she graduated from Cape Central High School. […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, Community History, News.
On a handshake Sam Whidden built his marina and a family, about a hundred years ago this year. So, the Boca Beacon is looking back over this icon of Gasparilla Island, Whidden’s Marina. All stories linked below. Aerial photo by Dusty. All photos from Beacon archives unless otherwise listed. Where Time Stands Still: A […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Community, Community History.
Above, playing the bait shrimp with Sammy Jay Steyer. BY NIC MOSTYN Editor’s Note: In 2012, Nicholas Mostyn wrote this essay for the Beacon, which won a Gasparilla Island Kids Classic essay contest. His mother sent it to us as memory for this Whidden’s Centennial, and we are glad to reprint it. He now lives […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Community, Community History.
Above, Paul Martin sent in this photo of friends at ‘Sity Hall,’ with ‘Sears Roebuck air conditioning for your comfort.’ Some memories from readers and friends of the Beacon: A Place Where Memories Live, by Keith Zehr For more than 15 years, Whidden’s Marina has been a very special part of my family’s life. What […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Community History, Sports & Outdoors.
One hundred years of Whidden’s. I’ve been lucky to be a small part of that time BY JAKE POEPL Where do I begin? Whidden’s is a true treasure. It’s where I first stepped on a boat in Boca Grande. It’s where I bother Donna at 11 p.m. for another three-dozen shrimp so I can keep […]
Written by VAN HUBBARD on . Posted in Community History, Sports & Outdoors.
Whidden’s Marina has given more to our traditions and heritage than we can ever repay. It provided the home port for generations of guides and clients. It’s the center of our local fishing community now. They even offer fresh seafood in season when available. Their historical museum captures our fishing traditions and island heritage. Remember […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Community, Community History.
We have been fortunate enough to know four generations of this true southern fisher family. A family full of heart, tradition, laughter, tears, resilience and deep island roots. The memories and hugs are endless. We’re grateful for everything Whidden’s represents. We deeply miss Isabelle. Sending love and respect to the entire family. […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Community, Community History.
Old Red Gill lives on as a museum BY BETSY JOINER The Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum this year celebrates 25 years inside the Red Gill Fish House at Whidden’s. The Red Gill Fish House was the earliest building at what is now Whidden’s Marina. Sam Whidden began building his home next to it in the […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Community History.
Above, has Barbara looking as Chico checks Isabelle’s hair. BY KAREN GRACE Sam Whidden is remembered as a man who when he found an injured animal, especially a bird, he would nurse it and doctor it and feed it. He was said to be the same way with people. That love for animals continued throughout […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Community History, Featured News, News.
BY BETSY JOINER Whidden’s Marina is the longest-running family-owned business on Gasparilla Island. Its story began with founder Sam Whidden in the early 1920s, his home and the marina building completed in 1926. Following Sam Whidden’s death, his daughter, Isabelle Whidden Joiner, continued the family legacy when she moved to Whidden’s with her 3-year-old daughter […]