Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: I just watched the national news. It covered the possibility of a government shutdown, then the meeting of the military heads. After that, it moved to the Artificial Intelligence creation of an actress – as an actor of almost 55 years. What is that? And then the divorce of a Hollywood actress […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
Each week in the Beacon, we look back at what happened in Boca Grande and on Cape Haze: FIVE YEARS AGO Boca Grande Historical Society was gifted six original books dating back to 1902 that were first-hand accounts of the island history. TEN YEARS AGO Sixty vendors were lined up for the Farmers Market but […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
John (Jack) R. Curley (81) of Placida, Fla., passed away on September 12, 2025. Jack graduated from East Bridgewater High School and the University of Massachusetts. He began his career as a marine biologist with Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries then transitioned to building custom homes on Cape Cod and Florida. Known for his craftsmanship, […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
John Ashworth, formerly of Marion, Ohio, Boca Grande, Fla., and Cedarville, Mich., passed away on September 20, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 91. John was born on April 15, 1934 in Huntington, W.Va., to Lewis J. and Johnnie Summers Ashworth. He was preceded in death by his brother, Summers, in 2008. He graduated […]
Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Profiles.
Pine View teacher with Lighthouse story When visitors step into the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse, they’re often greeted by docent and historian Caroline Gannon. A longtime teacher, she brings her love of history to the Range Light by sharing details that give visitors a fuller picture of the landmark’s past. Caroline’s stepfather, Bill Munsell, moved to […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, News.
The installation of 441 new parking signs in accordance with the Boca Grande Parking Ordinance is planned for the first half of November, according to a staff email from Lee County. “DOT has completed development of the Boca Grande Parking Signage Plan,” wrote Jillian Scholler, deputy director for Lee County Department of Transportation, in an […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY YAWN. Pardon me, but the sea turtle nesting season for us patrollers is such a boring time. No new crawls have occurred since August 31 and the current nests we are monitoring are dwindling. Not much is happening on the beach these days but we’re still out there keeping an […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Progress continued on renovations to the Boca Grande Community Center this week. One change is the slight update to the entrance at the west side. There is a new ramp and doorway, which was formally approved by the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board in August. A rendering of what it will look like is at […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History, News, Real Estate.
The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board will meet to review two projects on Gasparilla Island. The first project is entitled the Burcham Elevation, at 740 E. Railroad Ave. The request is to elevate the house two feet and replace existing windows, like for like. The second project is a residence at 750 Palm Ave. It […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News, Uncategorized.
As you pick your dates or make plans to return to your island residence, please remember to notify our office to change your address. A note: The Boca Grande Post Office is back open; even counter service is now available. Call the office at (941) 964-2995 or email info@bocabeacon.com with updates.