Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Obituaries.
Charles E. “Chuck” or “Charlie” Blanchard, age 80, passed away on August 17, 2024 at his home in Gardnerville, Nevada. He was surrounded by loved ones. After a long illness, he made the choice to go into Hospice care, and had time to reminisce, enjoying notes and calls from friends and loved ones. Charlie was […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Education, Profiles.
Being known as a jack of all trades is a good thing. It means you are versatile, resourceful, multi-talented and able to move smoothly from one helpful thing to another. The Boca Grande Preschool has just such a “Jack”: Jackie Eby. Jackie has been working (playing, hugging, laughing, loving, encouraging and so forth) at the […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
BY DR. JOHN FLETEMEYER You would think that the TV weather reporter, being the professional that they report to be, would know the difference between a rip current and rip tide, but often they don’t. As an ex-lifeguard, coastal scientist and author of a book about rip currents, I’m disappointed when I hear a weather […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Travel, Uncategorized.
The Boca Beacon’s award-winning Visitor’s Guide is now in the planning stages. This is the time to reserve your spot for the 2025 edition. The Boca Beacon’s Visitor’s Guide is the only promotional magazine for travelers to Gasparilla Island, and an essential for advertisers, as it is the key to Florida’s wealthiest zip code, 33921. […]
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
“Industrial-scale wind turbines can cause significant harm to the environment, wildlife, and people.The wind’s low-power density means massive materials and land/sea area requirements, along with heavy-duty access roads and powerlines. And because of the wind’s intermittency and high variability, they do next to nothing to reduce the need for other fuels.” National Wind Watch Many […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, News, Sports & Outdoors.
BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY Even though Debby disrupted most of the incubating nests on the island, many of those that survived her onslaught are going about their business as usual. As of Saturday, Aug. 17th, we have had nine of the remaining nests hatch since the storm, with 57 still incubating. There is still […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, Education, News.
The Island School has changed the procedure for pick-up and drop-off while the Community Center undergoes construction. During pick-up on Friday, Aug. 16, the car line on First Street was backed up to Gilchrist Avenue. An email was sent to TIS parents and guardians on Aug. 1, informing the community of the new procedure, which […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Education, Featured News, News.
BY COREY ANGLIN,THE GASPARILLA INN During our annual Management Training last summer, we had the pleasure of connecting with Devon Harris, one of the founding members of the Jamaica National Bobsled Team. Devon is now a motivational speaker who brought insight and encouragement to our team. He also introduced us to the Drews Avenue Primary […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority Quarterly Board meeting was held on Thursday, Aug. 15, in the offices of the Authority. Board Chairman Drew Tucker presented outgoing Member Ginger Watkins with an artistic rendering of the bridge. Watkins was elected to the Board in 2010, served as Vice-Chairman in 2012, and then served as board chairman […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Community History, Education.
BY KIM KYLE From 1893 to 1908 there was a school located on 4th Street in a frame building. The building may have also been used as a church. The first school on Gasparilla at the north end of the island was in a bunk house that was no longer used by the railroad. Around […]