Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
Last Saturday evening, February 9, 2019, the Barrier Island Parks Society had a celebration to officially relight the historic Boca Grande Rear Entrance Range Light, now officially designated the Gasparilla Island Light. The ceremony was a “thank you” to the “miracle workers” who restored this island icon, and a tribute to the 650+ donors whose […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ On Tuesday, Feb. 12 the members of the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum gathered together to honor those who have contributed to the ongoing dock restoration at Whidden’s Marina, and those who helped to fund the project. A new look for the interior historical rooms of the museum/marina was also presented. Michael Hayman came to […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY SUE ERWIN The inaugural Boca Grande Film Festival exceeded the expectations of organizers – ensuring that the 2020 event will be an even greater affair. “We felt it was a wonderful success,” said Steve Laughlin, who spearheaded the event, suggesting the concept to the Friends of Boca Grande last March. The Boca Beacon, […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ STAFF REPORT Two visitors were the victims of a vehicle burglary this past weekend at the south end of the island. According to Lee County Sheriff’s Office reports, an island deputy was notified by the complainant that she was visiting the island on Saturday, Feb. 9 with her friend. They arrived at Gasparilla Island […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE The meeting was brief but things were accomplished at the monthly gathering of the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board on Wednesday, Feb. 13. Three items were shown on the agenda, but one – a proposal to remove an existing non-contributing home at 235 Banyan Street – was continued until a later date. […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Profiles.
■ BY SUE ERWIN After graduating from college in 1962, Jack Carley had almost a year before entering officer candidate school, so he decided to drive to California to do some sightseeing and a little political networking. He had just turned 21 that summer, and some very important things happened on that trip. But let’s go […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial, Letters to the Editor, News, Opinion.
To the Editor: I had the opportunity to stop by the Smart Studios on Boca Grande last week to view their “Nature Protests” art exhibit in an effort to increase environmental awareness of what is impacting our beaches in Southwest Florida. Several local artists used a mixture of watercolor, oils, multi-media collages and photographs to […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial, Letters to the Editor, Opinion.
To the Editor: If you were one of the nearly 200 guests who attended the Boca Grande Club’s 11th annual Tennis Ball, I know you had fun. It was another wonderful event that truly benefited the programs, services and homeless animals of Suncoast Humane Society. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Editorial, Letters to the Editor, News, Opinion.
To the Editor: Thank you to the kind and honest person who found and returned my bracelet to the Community Center office. I never knew if it was valuable, but it was precious to me, as it belonged to my fairy godmother. With sincere appreciation. Z. Ranney
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE In the last three weeks the Boca Beacon office has been flooded with letters, emails and other forms of communications regarding service at the Boca Grande Post Office. With about 50 messages in front of us with all sorts of problems presented we can only come to one conclusion: There is a […]