Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community.
As the weather heats up, stop in to the cool shops and spend some time checking out the seasonal merchandise available. Shown above: Drea at Boca Grande Outfitters shows off some great t-shirt options they offer. Kenzie was repping some attire from The Tide and showing off the great sale items in their lobby. Stop […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community.
Kimberly Struhar at Kappy’s Island Shoppe Island Ice Cream serves up delicious ice cream with a smile. This smiling crew was caught outside Hudson’s Grocery with some wonderful red, white and blue treats of their own. The golf cart provided some nice shade to help the cool treats last a little longer. […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Featured News, News, Real Estate.
Above, an archival photo of the old Collier Inn, with its famous steps. Boca Beacon archives A group of homeowners of Useppa Island, including some Boca Grande residents, have reportedly agreed to the purchase of the club from its owner, the Beckstead family. The property has been up for sale. Last year, a previous effort […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, News, Sports & Outdoors.
BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY Since my last article, we have started seeing hatches of our first loggerhead nests! Our first nests were documented on May 1, and with an approximate two-month incubation period, the hatchlings from these first nests are emerging right on schedule. We should now be seeing hatches on a regular basis […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community, News.
Above, a fence at the south end of the island in November 2021 at Hill Tide became the subject of discussions about the customary use of beaches, as it blocked walkers. Boca Beacon archives BY MARCY SHORTUSE Tuesday, June 24, was a big day for Florida beaches, as Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law Senate Bill […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
The Beacon is still getting questions about a new draft ordinance that would remove public beach parking access from Boca Grande, except for the Gasparilla Island State Parks. The ordinance draft was moved forward on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The vote is expected to be held in August. Highlights: Other notes: The full ordinance is […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
The canoe/kayak launch and parking area at the Boca Grande Fishing Pier located at 5810 Gasparilla Road on Gasparilla Island has officially reopened. Portable toilets are available on site for public use. Charlotte County advised patrons to use caution as fenced off areas, that include the pier and pier approach walkway, remain closed until permanent […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
In Florida, possession of live queen conch at any time is prohibited, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. All harvest of the Bahama starfish is also illegal. In Lee County, you may not harvest or possess any shells that contain a live organism except for oysters, hard clams (quahogs), sunray venus clams and […]
Written by Alici Ouellette on . Posted in Entertainment, Featured News, News.
Featuring Wanamakers, gumbo limbo and Sugarshack The July/August edition of the Boca Beacon’s Gasparilla Island Magazine is out now with new feature stories, recipes, shopping and social pages. Featured stories include a history of the Wanamaker family on Gasparila Island; a story of the Florida gumbo limbo tree with photos; a look at beautiful estate […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
Friends of Boca Grande announced the appointment of Martina Long as their new program director this Monday. Long has a wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector and an extensive background in both event management and the performing arts. Prior to joining Friends of Boca Grande, she served as operations manager for United Arts Collier, […]