Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Police & Fire.
A small fire on the Boca Grande Causeway’s center island was the road’s second land fire in a year. “This is not normally a problem, but the same thing did happen back in October,” said Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority Executive Director Kathy Banson. The fire was only in a small area by the roadside and […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News.
Italiano Insurance Services, Inc. has a new owner, Assured Partners. “They buy good agencies, and keep them intact,” said Nat Italiano, who with his brother Jeff, owns the firm that his father Nelson A. Italiano founded in 1960. He said that his directions from the new owners were to “treat it like you still own […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Health & Wellness.
The Boca Grande Health Clinic kicked off National Nurses Week (May 6 to 12) with a surprise presentation of giant greeting cards signed by members of the community expressing their gratitude. “It’s nice to have this week to formally recognize our nurses,” said Mark Driscoll, Boca Grande Health Clinic CEO. “But I want them to […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Community History, Editorial.
A thank you to Capt. Jim Hoyt for organizing the welcome to the yacht Hilarium last Thursday, bringing her back to Boca Grande Marina. As a publication, we appreciate those last minute calls. And add to it the revival of any old tradition of welcome parties, including by train and sea. The brief clip of […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Obituaries.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Knapp, 78, born in 1946. He died peacefully on Saturday, April 27, 2024, with his wife, Marcia, by his side in Nashville, Tennessee. Rob was the President and founder of Supernova Consulting LLC., President of the Knapp Family Foundation, and Chairman of the […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Uncategorized.
A draft code change from Lee County, circulated on Monday, May 6, 2024, that would update the Gasparilla Island Parking Ordinances with references to downtown parking. The draft ordinance, not presented to the board, was revealed in a Public Records Law document request from Lee County, which the Boca Beacon received in July 2024.
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in News.
In news from the most recent meeting of the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority, members approved allowing Lee County to install a license tag reader on the bridge, as well as noting a 19 percent increase in traffic in the first half of the fiscal year. Currently, GIBA keeps the tag information of drivers crossing the […]
Written by Michelle Starr on . Posted in Sports & Outdoors.
Particularly during the spring and early summer, the Gasparilla Sound is one of the most beautiful and special bodies of water in Florida. I’m very fortunate to be able to paddle this body of water nearly every day. There are many native Floridians and families who have been exploring and fishing the Sound for much […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Featured News, News.
Brent Cross, the assistant general manager of The Gasparilla Inn, has been named its president and general manager. Cross has, for the past 15 years, served in multiple offices at The Inn, from front office and housekeeping to finance and special projects. In 2021, Brent was appointed assistant general manager where his duties included oversight […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News.
A driver towing an oversized boat hit and broke the electronic toll gate sign on the middle toll lane of the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority plaza at 12:14 a.m. on April 18, causing an estimated $11,000 in damage. “The person driving the vehicle did not stop,” said Kathy Banson, GIBA executive director, at the quarterly […]