Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
Nearly an hour of public comment centered on the proposed Manchester Waterway Cut-Through Project during Tuesday’s Charlotte County Commission meeting. Residents voiced strong opposition, citing the estimated $27 million cost – which could potentially double property taxes – and concerns over environmental impacts. One resident said, “I’m afraid of flooding. I’m afraid of sea grass […]
Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News.
At the October 14 Charlotte County Commissioners meeting, residents again pressed the board to take action regarding Lee County’s controversial Boca Grande parking ordinance. In turn, commissioners, including Chris Constance, told the audience that the county should move forward with an injunction. “I think this needs to be on our next agenda with the possibility […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
The Gasparilla Island State Park at the south end of the island reopened early this week, including the public parking lot. The park has been closed for renourishment since July. This particular renourishment project started in February but was delayed due to winter storms. Bids initially went out in June 2024 for beach sand replenishment […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Join Friends of Cape Haze, Cape Haze, and the Windward community members for a vital conversation with Charlotte County Commission Chairman Joe Tiseo. It is Saturday, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. at the Cape Haze Community Center: 180 Spyglass Alley, Placida, FL 33946. Discover how we can collaborate to maintain the overall quality of the […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
Each week the Boca Beacon looks back at news from previous years. FIVE YEARS AGO The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association announced that the restoration of Sam Murphy Park had been completed in anticipation of the GICIA’s 50th Anniversary. TEN YEARS AGO The Island School held a Give Thanks Dinner for parents and students. […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
Last week, America’s coastal cities were obsessed with general high water up and down almost every waterfront. This time it was an October supermoon that, combined with companion storms and winds far off in the Atlantic, brought about the coastal high water. For once and thankfully, Southwest Florida has been out of the national weather […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Obituaries.
Otilia Yanes Fernandez, dearly beloved wife of 65 years of the late Emilio Fernandez, passed away Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the age of 91. Loving mother of Dr. Otilia Fernandez (Dr. Thomas Perrino), Dr. Adelaida Fernandez, and Emilio Thomas Fernandez (Susan Kelley). Cherished abuela of Dr. Carmen Perrino (Dr. Albert Kim), Lourdes Perrino (Nathan […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Uncategorized.
Two women were arrested after soliciting sex with undercover deputies at a pair of massage parlors, according to a press release from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department. On Wednesday, October 15, members of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit conducted an undercover operation following tips received in reference to illegal prostitution at a pair […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Community History.
BY JAMES J. BLAHA, BOCA GRANDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY George Eliot, famous novelist, poet, and one of the leading writers of the Victorian Era, said that “Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” The love and adoration of pets on Gasparilla Island is testimony to Eliot’s assessment of why […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Charlotte County announces the following meetings next week: Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, 1:30 p.m. – Planning and Zoning Board, Charlotte County Administration Center, 18500 Murdock Circle, Room 119, Port Charlotte, FL 33948. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, 9 a.m. – County Commission Regular Meeting.