Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News.
Each year, the Boca Beacon recounts the year past. This edition includes a month-by-month recount of 2025, with a few select photos for each. The year 2025 was all about cleaning up after Helene and Milton. Even still, there is more fixing to do on island. Some houses are not yet renovated, and our civic […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Community History.
BY JAMES J. BLAHA, DIRECTORBOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER In 1996, Michael Ingram, a Tampa lawyer and the son of Dr. James Ingram who had purchased the historic Journey’s End property in 1963, wrote a book, “A Title Examiner’s History of Boca Grande: Where Nothing Unimportant Happens, and It’s All a Matter of Public Record.” He […]
Written by Arlene Hall on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
At the December 16, 2025, Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners Workshop meeting, Sheriff Bill Prummell’s office presented a proposed county-wide ordinance regarding the use of e-bikes. While there are draft state bills (HB243 and SB382) currently working their way through the state legislative process which include technical definitions, penalties for e-bike modifications, and various […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
Federal agencies say that they have not had action on island Editor’s Note: Updated 12-18-2025 from print edition to add quote from CCSO. There have been rumors of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid on Gasparilla Island contractors this week but after reaching out to two federal agencies, none said they knew of a visit […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Since 1987, each Christmas the Boca Beacon has published a calendar featuring local photos for its subscribers. Our 2026 calendar showcases photos themed to wildlife in and around Gasparilla Island. This year’s photos are by MatthewGutman and Caroline Clabaugh. The main photo is of a white pelican; each year they migrate, spending winter in Charlotte […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Events, Sports & Outdoors.
Calusa Waterkeeper Joe Cavanaugh will welcome Dr. Gregg Poulakis of the Fish and Wildlife Research Center, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, to discuss the endangered smalltooth sawfish and its recovery in the Caloosahatchee River and beyond. The event will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at the Fort Myers-Lee County […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO The construction phase of the Mercabo Cove restoration project had been completed. The project was to improve water quality and reduce long-term seawall maintenance costs. TEN YEARS AGO The new swing bridge was going through functionality testing and the opening had been delayed. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO The Gasparilla Island Kids Classic tarpon […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
There is a new giant snowman on the second-floor balcony of the Boca Grande train depot; Frosty got lit this week. We need more Christmas, always. And lights are good. More is better. The balcony is the perfect place for new, shiny-bright Christmas friends lurking over us. That backlit Frosty lurks over us. As the […]
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
Whatever else be lost among the years,Let us keep Christmas still a shining thing: Whatever doubt assails us, or what fears,Let us hold closeone day remembering Its poignant meaning for the heart of men, Let us get backour childlike faith again. Grace Noll Crowell (1877-1969) American poet, author of 36 books of inspirational verse and […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
Lee County has updated the in-person schedule for Boca Grande parking permit distribution. Three December dates had to be canceled due to temporary utility impacts caused by building construction. The following in-person dates have been canceled: To ensure continued access for residents, employees, volunteers and visitors, Lee County has added multiple January dates. All January […]