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Saying goodbye to Father Carosella won’t be easy

Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Community, Community History.

Fr. Jerome Carosella has been the pastor of Boca Grande’s Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church for more than half of the time he has been a priest. He was ordained 60 years ago and has been pastor on the island for 35. 

He is Boca Grande’s pastor, no matter what church one might call home. He has been a fixture on the island for longer than most residents. And now he is retiring, which also means he will no longer be living at the rectory on West Railroad Avenue.

41 turtle lighting complaints since March

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

Since March, 41 sea turtle lighting complaints have been logged with Lee County Code Enforcement. Of those 41, all but two (which were closed and voided) were sent notices and no violations were issued. Addresses include many on Shore Lane, Gulf Boulevard, Gilchrist Avenue, Palm Avenue and a few beach access streets. The majority of […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Rev. Daphne Johnson

Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.

“God is always doing something new,” she went on. “We are excited to see what God has in store for us as we serve together in ministry. Frank and I have had Lighthouse Methodist Church and all of Boca Grande in our prayers, and we hope people on the island will have us in their prayers as well, as we all go through this time of transition.”

OBITUARY: George Benisek

Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Obituaries.

George John Benisek M.D., 91, passed away in his sleep under hospice care in Frankfort, Michigan on June 18, 2023.  He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara (Ellacott), brothers John and Paul, and grandson Kyle Killworth. He leaves his son George Benisek Jr. and daughters Lisa Benisek, Kay Muller (Fred), and Anne Bralver […]

THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages, Columns, Community History.

Boca Beacon backpages FIVE YEARS AGO The Matriarch of Boca Grande took her last ride over the Causeway on June 20, 2018. Isabelle Joiner took her first steps on the dock at Whidden’s, as well as her last.  TEN YEARS AGO The “Jill Marie” was howlin’ as Capt. Dave Chatham and his team took first […]

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: How safe is our community?

Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.

 To the Editor: This vehicle burglary occurred IN BROAD DAYLIGHT on Lime Tree Park in Rotonda.  It serves as a crucial reminder about the utmost importance of consistently locking your vehicles, ensuring that all valuables are brought inside, and keeping your garage doors closed at all times, day or night. We are asking for anyone […]

New golf cart regulations go into effect July 1 … Do you know what they entail?

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

One of the biggest changes to take place in a very long time is about to occur on July 1, when the newly-signed golf cart law goes into effect. House Bill 949 was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis a few weeks ago, which makes the legal age to operate a golf cart 16, or 15 with a learner’s permit and an adult present. If you’re 18 and older, you have to have valid government-issued identification.

Historic Preservation Board extends ‘Octopus Tree’ dialog 

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

While there was only one item on the agenda for the June meeting of the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board on Wednesday, June 14, it was one that could not be decided easily. It was all about the “Octopus Tree,” a banyan that has stood along the property line at 181 Gilchrist Avenue since the early 1900s. The ground where it stands was once part of the Crowninshield compound and the children who used to play there gave it its strange nickname.

The property that includes 181 and 161 Gilchrist Avenue is owned by a family that wants to demolish the large house, as well as the small cottage that the banyan tree stands right next to and has actually grown under and into. 

Therein lies the rub.