Written by VAN HUBBARD on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
I’ve spent hours talking with other longtime fishermen and fishing captains, some from other states and areas, but mostly captains. We have varied opinions, observations and a lot of common ground. It’s easy to have a very focused, tunnel-vision view. Our ideas circle around our problems. After all, paying the bills and supporting your family […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO The National Register controversy continued in Boca Grande with residents protesting what they considered an invasion of privacy. TEN YEARS AGO The Gasparilla Island Light project received a check for $30,000 from a grant by the Florida Lighthouse Association. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO Much needed rain had come, and more was in the […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE The 2026 tarpon tournament season was a major success with six tournaments and lots of actions. The tournament season started with the Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament hosted by the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce. The tournament was won by Capt. Eddie Potter on the Podzilla with two fish released. After […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Community, Opinion, Sports & Outdoors.
BY MARK HOOGENDOORN, OPEN SHORES OF SW FLORIDA Lee County has a rule about its parks: county parks must be open to the public every day of the year, and no permit may be issued that blocks the public from using them. That rule is Ordinance 18-12 – Lee County’s own Parks and Recreation Ordinance. […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Entertainment, News.
Kenny Rose performed at Scarpa’s Coastal last week for Scarpa’s “Island Summer Live Music Series.” Amy Cyr will be performing on Friday, June 26 from 5 to 8 p.m., 321 Park Ave., Boca Grande […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
These adorable cousins were born 2 1/2 weeks apart. Evie Mae Rutan was born to Zachary and Eden Rutan on May 19 and Luke Michael Rutan was born to Brian and Bree Rutan on June 5. There are going to be some fun family get-togethers! Congratulations to the parents and grandparents! […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News, Sports & Outdoors.
The Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association is thankful for the Community Grant it received this spring from the Boca Grande Woman’s Club to support the fieldwork operations of the BGSTA’s Turtle Patrol program. Through this grant, they were able to purchase sufficient supplies that volunteers use on a daily basis to protect sea turtle nests […]
Written by Brent McConnell on . Posted in Columns, Opinion, Real Estate.
Are you eying a humanoid robot? BRENT McCONNELL We once made the mistake of standing at the front of the crowd at the 2023 Munich Oktoberfest when the morning gates opened. Thousands of people surged in behind us, pushing toward the beer tents. Those of us up front got carried along, nearly crushed and literally […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Lee County Parks & Recreation has announced that the new pickleball courts at Wheeler Road Community Park in Boca Grande are complete and open for play. The courts at 305 Wheeler Road officially opened on Monday, June 22. Construction began in September 2025. The courts will be open daily from dawn to dusk. Although the […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Entertainment, Featured News, News.
Get planning for the Boca Grande Fourth of July Golf Cart Parade. The event is an annual July 4th tradition on the island; there are no entry fees and you just need to line up around 8:30 a.m. at the Scarpa’s Coastal parking lot at 321 Park Avenue. The parking lot is to the left […]