Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Charlotte County Parks and Natural Resources is continuing to monitor the seabird nesting colony in front of SeaWatch, off Gulf Shores Drive. Last week, they expanded the fenced-off area to create even more of a buffer between nesting birds and beachgoers. A colony of least terns have nested with eggs, and some have even been […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Police & Fire.
A small fire on the Boca Grande Causeway’s center island was the road’s second land fire in a year. “This is not normally a problem, but the same thing did happen back in October,” said Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority Executive Director Kathy Banson. The fire was only in a small area by the roadside and […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News.
Italiano Insurance Services, Inc. has a new owner, Assured Partners. “They buy good agencies, and keep them intact,” said Nat Italiano, who with his brother Jeff, owns the firm that his father Nelson A. Italiano founded in 1960. He said that his directions from the new owners were to “treat it like you still own […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Community History, Editorial.
A thank you to Capt. Jim Hoyt for organizing the welcome to the yacht Hilarium last Thursday, bringing her back to Boca Grande Marina. As a publication, we appreciate those last minute calls. And add to it the revival of any old tradition of welcome parties, including by train and sea. The brief clip of […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Uncategorized.
A draft code change from Lee County, circulated on Monday, May 6, 2024, that would update the Gasparilla Island Parking Ordinances with references to downtown parking. The draft ordinance, not presented to the board, was revealed in a Public Records Law document request from Lee County, which the Boca Beacon received in July 2024.
Written by Boca Grande Health Clinic on . Posted in Columns, Health & Wellness.
Editor’s Note: Earlier this season, the Boca Grande Health Clinic and Foundation hosted a Grande Rounds lecture on resiliency, featuring Yale-trained and board-certified psychiatry specialist Alexander P. Miano, M.D. at The Gasparilla Inn Beach Club. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re pleased to offer a recap of Dr. Miano’s insightful discussion for those […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in News.
In news from the most recent meeting of the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority, members approved allowing Lee County to install a license tag reader on the bridge, as well as noting a 19 percent increase in traffic in the first half of the fiscal year. Currently, GIBA keeps the tag information of drivers crossing the […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
Captiva Island will hold a special election on May 21, 2024. It will seek to approve the Captiva Erosion Prevention District’s ability to finance a beach nourishment for up to $25 million. The District’s management notes that all funding opportunities will be exhausted before any property assessment is levied against the property owners of Captiva. […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Events, Sports & Outdoors.
Grab your fishing pole and tackle box and come join the family fun at Boca Grande Fishing Pier for the annual youth fishing tournament. This free tournament is open to all youths ages 13 and under on Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Bait will be provided by Boca Grande Marina; no […]
Written by Michelle Starr on . Posted in Sports & Outdoors.
Particularly during the spring and early summer, the Gasparilla Sound is one of the most beautiful and special bodies of water in Florida. I’m very fortunate to be able to paddle this body of water nearly every day. There are many native Floridians and families who have been exploring and fishing the Sound for much […]