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Gasparilla Generosity part III… to kids from 1 to 92…

BY OLIVIA CAMERON- As we return to our four-part series on locals making the holiday season a bit brighter, we are reminded how significant a single donation can be. The island upholds its annual tradition of generosity, with the hope of bringing good tidings to those who need it most. Across many news platforms, we’ve seen […]

GICIA construction of Mercabo is now complete

SUBMITTED BY THE GICIA- The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association is pleased to announce that the construction phase of the Mercabo Cove restoration project has been completed. The project was designed using innovative techniques to improve water quality, enhance habitat and reduce long-term seawall maintenance costs. The transformation of the hardened canal into a […]

Obituary: Herb Sodel

Herbert “Herb” Allan Sodel, 83, entrepreneur and charismatic character, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 9, following a prolonged illness.  Mr. Sodel was a longtime resident of Boca Grande and Johns Creek, Georgia. Born in Meriden, Connecticut, on Feb. 24, 1937, to Milton and Shirley Sodel, he moved to Georgia after high school and received a BS […]

PROFILE: Peter Strong, engineer and Bridge Authority chairman

He’s not afraid of a challenge…BY OLIVIA CAMERON – Engineer Peter Strong recently announced his retirement from the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority as chairman of the engineering committee, and he will be sorely missed. He passed his role as engineering chairman to board member Randy Hicks, but he plans to remain a mentor. “I enjoy […]

Gasparilla generosity part II: Toys, shoes and checks for a good cause

BY OLIVIA CAMERON- As we circle back to the generous hearts of Boca Grande, we are reminded of the $20,000 donation by a gracious member of the Lighthouse United Methodist Church of Boca Grande and its congregation. Barbara Evans accepted the donation on behalf of the Harry Chapin Food Bank on Monday, Dec. 7. The […]

COVID-19 and traveling: What you need to know

Submission Note: The COVID-19 situation remains fluid. This article reflects information known at the time it was submitted to The Boca Beacon. BY LAUREN HANA MD, BGHC- The U.S. Centers for Disease & Prevention (CDC) recently released new guidance on domestic travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the air quality on a commercial airliner is […]

PROFILE: Michael McClure

Critically-acclaimed crab cakes and butter never hurt… BY OLIVIA CAMERON- Chef Michael McClure is a local culinary creator with the taste buds for perfecting homemade mango salsa and making guests at dinner parties go back for seconds. When Michael found himself teaching cooking classes alongside Paula Deen and Ming Tsai, he found that a little […]

Keep those paws off the presents! Animal safety reminders for the holidays

BY OLIVIA CAMERON- As we celebrate the season’s greetings with decorations and delectable desserts, those of us who are proud parents of pups and felines should be careful not to disregard their safety throughout the holidays. There are some things we wouldn’t normally think of, like placing a cocktail on the edge of the coffee […]

‘Island Booknotes 2020’ in post office boxes now

A new take on an old concept, with more island participation BY MARCY SHORTUSE-  If you haven’t checked your post office box in a while, and you’re a lover of books, you might want to stop by and get the mail. This week the Johann Fust Library Foundation sent out their “Island Booknotes 2020,” and […]