Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Obituaries.
Frances Sybil Joiner Mills was born on Gasparilla Island, Florida on November 26, 1938, and spent her early years growing up in the unique coastal environment of the surrounding islands. She passed away peacefully at her home in Rotonda West, Florida, on March 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Sybil was married to her […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Obituaries.
Stanley Oliver Ikenberry, 90, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025, at home in Boca Grande surrounded by his family. Born March 3, 1935, in Lamar, Colorado, to Oliver and Margaret Moulton Ikenberry, he was a visionary leader in American higher education and a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, colleague and friend. Stan spent […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Health & Wellness.
BY DR. ALEXANDER P. MIANO, M.D. Lately, it feels like stress is simmering just below the surface for many of us. Whether it’s navigating the long road of post-hurricane recovery or simply trying to keep up with our day-to-day affairs, it’s understandable to feel stretched. Add in the swirl of national news and uncertainty, and […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. WILL WATERHOUSE Lots of great fishing this week in the windy conditions. We have really started to target the snook in the back country the last few weeks and some really nice sized snook have been around. Along with the slot snook lots of smaller but hard fighting snook have kept trips action […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Editorial.
Over 30 Boca Grande representatives, on both sides of the issue of a possible new parking ordinance, traveled to Fort Myers to the Lee County Old Courthouse Tuesday. There is a historical irony of going up to address the commissioners there. It was designed by the same English-born architect who designed The Gasparilla Inn. It […]
Written by VAN HUBBARD on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
March was windy, as we expected. Will it calm down for April as advertised? God only knows. Whatever the wind is doing, spring fishing is fantastic. Local waters are currently clear of red tide. Our water will clear up if winds back down and sand settles out of suspension. They are dredging Stump Pass now, […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles, Sports & Outdoors.
Hank Irvine There’s tennis royalty living just off the Gasparilla Causeway in Cape Haze. He would laugh at that description of himself, but then he laughs easily. Hank Irvine has been playing tennis his whole life and has qualified for Wimbledon three times, once getting to the semifinals in mixed doubles play, earning him a […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Columns, Opinion, Sports & Outdoors.
Above, Ocala Stud, in a photo by Louise Rienagel BY DAVID O’FARRELL Through nearly 70 years and three generations, my family’s Ocala Stud Farm has poured heart, soul and heavy reinvestment into Florida’s racing industry. My grandfather put Florida-bred horses on the national stage and proved you could raise Derby winners and champions outside Kentucky. […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY CAPT. SANDY MELVIN It’s transition time in the Boca Grande backcountry. As we move into April and leave the windy cool days of March behind, spring fishing is about to take off. We’ve noticed a change in water temperatures recently, reaching the sustained 70 degrees plus range that moves tarpon into the area and […]
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
“The wildlife habitat cannot speak so we must and we will.” Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States. Conserved natural resources and extended federal protection to land and water. Many Florida animals are beginning to welcome the warmer weather. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) has issued a report in preparation for increased […]