Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.
Lighthouses were never of special interest to Dale Uncapher before he was introduced to the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse (locally known as the Range Light) in 2017. Today he is just short of obsessed with them. Dale is one of the docents and lighthouse keepers volunteering with the Barrier Island Parks Society, and specializes in tending […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Community History, Obituaries.
Merritt “Babe” Neel Darna, a member of one of Boca Grande’s legacy families, died December 24, 2024. Babe was born on May 16, 1938 to Alfonso and Edith Darna on the remote barrier island of Cayo Costa, Florida, just across the Pass from Gasparilla Island. He holds the distinction of being the last recorded birth […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.
It’s terrible when food is your enemy. Laura Witt is working to take the “bite” out of food that is meant to make us happy. Laura is a baker who makes exclusively gluten-free deliciousness. Laura is the daughter of Marilyn and the late Howard Witt, longtime residents of Chicago and Boca Grande. Laura has decided […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE Not only have the holidays brought great weather, they have also brought great fishing! The back country fishing has been outstanding this past week! Large speckled trout are being caught on live bait and artificial lures. If you are looking for action the speckled trout are your best bet. Look for […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
Features on presidents in Boca Grande, a hurricane roundup, and a weddings page The January/February edition of the Boca Beacon’s Gasparilla Island Magazine is out now with new feature stories, recipes, shopping and social pages. Featured stories include a history of Florida’s National Airlines, a collection of photos from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, a look […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Featured News, News.
On Saturday, Dec. 28, a pink elephant appeared in the clouds. The view was looking west across the Gulf in south Boca Grande. The photo was caught by Erin Reid, daughter-in-law of Boca Grande residents Randy and Karen Reid. […]
Written by VAN HUBBARD on . Posted in Columns.
We celebrate the birth of Christ, Christmas and welcome a New Year. 2024 was tough on most of us and I’m looking forward to 2025. While times have been challenging, we live in a very special place. Recent events have us climbing uphill, but we can still enjoy our piece of paradise and go fishing. […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
With a natural zest for life and all of its blessings, Maxine Morrison Hunter’s love of family and her never ending thirst for knowledge, guided her throughout her life. The communities of Lake Forest, IL and Boca Grande, FL lost a warm and welcoming friend on November 30, 2024. Maxine was 94 and was fortunate […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News, Profiles.
Who? What? Where? When? Why? These five questions help guide the decisions Crossan Seybolt makes every day. The decision may be a large one, like whether to move from New York City to Boca Grande, or a small one, like where to drop his fishing lure, but they all go through the process. Crossan is […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News.
The Farmer’s Market will have a temporary location in town, on the Boca Grande Bayou near The Pink Elephant. The Bayou Avenue spot will open for the season next Friday,Jan. 3. “We are just thrilled,” said organizer Jean Baer, in a message to the Boca Beacon. “We will be expecting 30 vendors, returning from past […]