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Irrigation overuse results in low island water pressure

Irrigation overuse last weekend resulted in a low pressure for water across the island. “We had about 30 percent chance of running out of water,” said Ron Bolton, executive director of Gasparilla Island Water Association. Bolton made individual calls to larger water clients who use irrigation. Because of this, water pressure had to be turned […]

Debbie Frank named as new Boca Grande Health Clinic Foundation executive director     

The executive committee of the Boca Grande Health Clinic Foundation has announced the appointment of Debbie Frank as the executive director of the foundation, effective May 5, 2025. Debbie brings a decade of experience in the Boca Grande community, most recently serving as chief operating officer at the Friends of Boca Grande. “The foundation is […]

Fund for replacement deputy house now at about $190,000

Fundraising continues for a new house for a sheriff’s deputy house on Gasparilla Island. This week, over $55,000 came in, with a total of approximately $190,000 raised so far. Last week, $76,000 was raised. “We are making good progress,” said Larry Hannah, one of the members of the Boca Grande Disaster Fund who is working […]

Birds, paragliders fighting for shore leave

Charlotte County environmental specialists have posted a bird nesting area at the north end of Gasparilla Island in front of Island Court, but numbers have been unusually low due to human disruption. Susie Derheimer, coastal environmental specialist for Charlotte County Community Services, has observed one adult least tern on a nest and five other individuals […]

Letters: Time for action

To the Editor: It is hard to dispute that the residential roadways of Boca Grande have become overwhelmed with parked cars. The issue has increased steadily, to the point that the streets in our historic district between 1st and 19th Streets have become completely full of cars, and cars have begun filling up not only […]

Update your address before leaving

As the island quiets down for the off-season, remember to come by the Boca Beacon office, 431 Park Ave., before heading out of town to update any mailing addresses. Add the 4-digit phone book to your packing list when you head north. Pick up yours at the Beacon office from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. […]

North Port connects Springs to Legacy Trail

On Tuesday, April 8, the North Port City Commission approved an agreement with Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc., for a new trailhead and trail connection, from Warm Mineral Springs Park to the North Port Connector of the Legacy Trail. The 1.7-mile trail extension is part of the regional Sun Trail network and is also a component […]

The Historian’s Dilemma: Nostalgia vs Fact on Gasparilla Island and Boca Grande

BY JAMES J. BLAHA, DIRECTORBOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER “To write history requires  a whole life of observation,  of inquiry, of labor, and correction,” Thomas Jefferson 1817 On March 14, 1986, the Boca Beacon published an adaptation from a “Letter to the Editor” originally written by Sarah Helen Pouncey. The letter is an excellent example of […]

Keylime Bistro reopens Saturday after renovation

Keylime Bistro is reopening in the Depot building Saturday morning, April 26. “It’s been tough going through this, but the light at the end of the tunnel is that we have a brand new kitchen and flooring with a beautifully renovated restaurant,” wrote Owner Sandy Stilwell Youngquist in her announcement. Stilwell’s grandson Tristen moved to […]

Help with friends, family in grief situations

We can all do a much better job of helping our friends, families and ourselves grieve.  “It comes and knocks you off your foundation,” said Dr. Stephen J. Madosky, a local counselor and therapist who came to a recent men’s breakfast held by St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church to talk about the process of grief and […]