Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO Lee County School Board mandated masks for all schools including The Island School. The mandate would be revisited in 30 days. TEN YEARS AGO The 7th Annual Michael O’Donnell Memorial Fish-A-Thon, part of the Englewood Pioneer Days tradition was scheduled to be held. It was a free event for children aged 12 […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Mention of the summer sale at Ariel in the Boca Beacon’s Ballyhoo prompted this group of lovely ladies to travel out, take advantage of the savings and enjoy a day in Boca Grande! They love Ariel!! Photo submitted
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY LUKE ALLEN I was fishing deep in the water and boom a very white snook bit my bait – it was so hard my line broke off right after it got in the boat. Later that day I caught 14 more fish. It was the time of my life. I didn’t know I could […]
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. […]