Written by Angela McPhillips on . Posted in Featured News, Profiles, Sports & Outdoors.
Master naturalist, water advocate Many Beacon readers will recognize Michelle Starr. Over the years, she has guided countless eco-tours through Boca Grande’s waters, teaching visitors about the marine life that thrives here and the fragile ecosystems that sustain it. She has also contributed to the Beacon as a guest writer, sharing insights on local nature […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History, Letters to the Editor, News.
To the Editor and the community: On behalf of the Boca Grande Historical Society, we thank you for your support. We understand the impact the two recent hurricanes have had on our community and the challenges it poses for so many. Through these unprecedented times, our number one priority remains serving our community and our […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
The Charlotte County Office of Emergency Management, in partnership with Charlotte County Public Works, has installed over 12,900 reflective vinyl bands on stop signs and intersections throughout unincorporated areas of Charlotte County. These 3-inch-wide bands, which feature both the color and letter of evacuation zones, are designed to make it easier for residents and visitors […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
Next Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, our own Boca Grande Fire Department will celebrate its new Silver King engine and Megalodon tender by having a “push in” ceremony to commemorate this new equipment. It will hearken back to horse and buggy days, when fire pumpers were all pulled as wagons. The idea of including the community […]
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
“The Skies Belong to the Birds and we must safeguard their migratory routes.” Attributed to Rachel Carson, American marine biologist and conservationist, and writer of the 1960 book, “Silent Spring” If Rachel Carson were alive today, she would be distraught on the plight of all migratory birds that are now attempting to follow their seasonal […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News.
According to a sign posted outside of the Placida Post Office on Friday morning, Aug, 29, the Postal Service will be resuming operations at the Boca Grande Post Office Saturday, Aug. 30 for mail pickups beginning Tuesday after Labor Day. “Mail will be available in your PO Boxes all other pickups will be available Tuesday […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Health & Wellness, News.
Charlotte County Animal Control, in coordination with the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County, has issued a 30-day rabies alert following confirmation that a raccoon in the Washington Loop Rd/Trails End Drive area of Punta Gorda tested positive for rabies. This alert is a reminder that rabies is present in the wild and poses […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Community History.
BY JAMES J. BLAHA, DIRECTORBOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER “In order to understand the difference between the Boca Grande of 1949 and today, you have to realize that in 1949, Gasparilla Island, of necessity, was a self-contained island. It had the stores, services, and schools that it needed for the people who lived, worked and visited […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
Editor’s Note: This is one of six weekly wildlife articles submitted by the Barrier Island Parks Society to raise awareness about the issues facing our island communities. BY THE BARRIER ISLANDPARKS SOCIETY May through October is sea turtle nesting season in Southwest Florida. During these months, adult females return – often to the same beach […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Entertainment, Featured News, News.
The new September/October edition of the Gasparilla Island Magazine is out. Inside, are stories on Marion Alger in Boca Grande, shell collections and the growing Mah Jongg craze. At newsstands now.