Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community.
In the early 1970s, a group of island residents came together with a mission to preserve the charm, character, and traditions of Gasparilla Island. They formed the GICIA in 1971, marking the beginning of a grassroots effort to preserve island life. With the assistance of Lee County Commissioners and State representatives, the GICIA successfully secured […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.
Cape Coral to WINK to Commissioner Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman is proud of his heritage as a native of Lee County. His parents both came to the area as children, and so he counts himself as a “quasi-second-generation Lee Countian.” Brian has served as District 4 Commissioner since 2013, when he was appointed by […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
On Sunday, June 22, there was an electrical fire at the Boca Bay Pass Club. “The underground electrical system shorted out which created a chain reaction that ultimately caused the electrical panel to catch on fire,” Boca Grande Fire Department Chief C.W. Blosser said. The fire suppression sprinkler system put out the fire in the […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Real Estate, Sports & Outdoors.
Currently, there are three major marina projects on the table on Gasparilla Island and in Cape Haze, and there are no listed buyers or partners yet. The most notable is Eldred’s, which has been formally on the market since early 2024. Eldred’s was listed in March 2024 for a reported $40 million asking price. It […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
$1.5 million awaits governor’s approval A $1.5 million appropriations project request sponsored by Florida House Representative Adam Botana for a Boca Grande Fire Control District ladder truck replacement has now passed both the House and Senate. “Its final step is approval from the governor. We are just waiting on this now,” wrote Annabella Romano, legislative […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News, Police & Fire.
BY LARRY HANNAH Time is of the essence to get our current sheriff’s deputy out of the camper he and his wife are spending time these very hot summer days. After a resolution from Lee County Commissioner David Mulicka, the Board of Lee County Commissioners at their June 17, 2025, meeting voted 5-0 in favor […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Sports & Outdoors.
Sally J ends Tournament Season BY BETSY FUGATE JOINER It only took a minute to catch the excitement of friends and families coming together at Scarpa’s Coastal Friday night, Ladies Night Out! A full evening of fun, tables full of exciting raffle prizes, plus a delicious abundance of canapés served and donated by Scarpa’s Coastal. […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO Fifty-four percent of Lee County had participated in the census. For the first time the census was available on-line. TEN YEARS AGO The Native Now Foundation was selling Indian tacos as a fundraiser for the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation next to Hudson’s. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO Megan Clementi, the current Miss Florida, came […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Obituaries.
Margaret Elaine Ringer (formerly Walker, née Tvaroch), 77, of Lake Wales, FL, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, surrounded by family. A former resident of Boca Grande, Margaret was known for her warmth and kindness through her work at Miller’s Marina, The Loose Caboose, and Hudson’s Grocery. Alongside her sister Theresa, she was a […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Obituaries.
Helen, but everyone called her Nana, mother of Bette Bowen, is once again dancing with her husband. Mom was born and raised in Wisconsin, where she and Bob raised their nine children on a farm. It was an honor that I’ll miss to have her stay on and off with my family here in Boca, […]