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Gary Mormino shares history of Florida’s growth

At this month’s “Let’s Talk About Florida” book discussion, author Gary Mormino shared comments on his book, “Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams.” Gary shared that one of his great interests is World War II and the impact it had on the subsequent growth of Florida from a small southern state to the third most populous state in the nation, after the two other Sunbelt states, California and Texas. The book analyzes the many changes that occurred between 1950 and 2000 but Florida’s growth and development have continued to a present day population of more than 22 million people.  

OBITUARY: Richard Gallagher

On May 16, 2022, Richard S. Gallagher joined his beloved wife of nearly 49 years, Ann L. Gallagher, in heaven.  Richard is survived by his adoring daughters, Elizabeth (Christopher) Petree of Chapel Hill, NC and Catherine (Jonathan) Brown of Chicago, IL. “Pops”, as his family lovingly called him, also leaves behind four grandchildren who thought […]

OBITUARY: Richard Burroughs

Richard Suppes Burroughs was born in Pittsburgh, PA on November 2, 1929 to Davis Carlisle Burroughs and Nancy Suppes Burroughs. He died at home on January 25, 2023. When Dick was 3 years old, his family moved to St. Michaels MD; he grew up on a farm on the Chesapeake Bay where family activities included […]

OBITUARY: Jeannie Redpath Becton

Jean “Jeannie” Redpath Becton, who spent winter months in Boca Grande, artist and silversmith who was known for her infectious laugh, her creativity, and her generosity, died on February 3, 2023, at the Hospice House in Lincoln, MA. At the end, she was surrounded by her loving family, including Henry Becton, Jr, her husband of […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Andrew Colburn

Andrew Colburn started his new job at the Boca Grande Health center on the Monday of the week Hurricane Ian hit the island. It was quite a welcome. The storm hit on Wednesday and on Thursday Andrew called clinic CEO Mark Driscoll to see what he should do about coming in.

THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

Boca Beacon backpages FIVE YEARS AGO We lost Capt. Freddy Futch. Also, Charlotte County Planning and Zoning went against county staff’s recommendation and voted not to put their seal of approval on rezoning for the Fishery property.  TEN YEARS AGO Bob Fletcher was stunning in drag in “California Suite” and spaghetti dinners and pancake breakfasts […]

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Charlotte County disaster centers closing for holiday

 To the Editor: The Disaster Recovery Centers located at the following locations will temporarily close for the Presidents’ Day Holiday on Monday, Feb. 20. • Tringali Recreation Center, 3450 N Access Road, Englewood • Cultural Center, 2280 Aaron St, Port Charlotte Operations will cease at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18 and begin again on […]

Does anyone know the law around here?

This week something happened on the island that shook many people. It angered them, it confused them and it struck a chord in them that resonated with a sonic boom. Many of those people are Island School parents.  Late last Friday afternoon a letter went out to school parents explaining that a registered sexual offender […]

Island daughter talks about how it was growing up in Boca Grande in second ‘History Bytes’ of the series

Julie Jean is the manager of Barnichol Hardware, located in the heart of Boca Grande. She is also the daughter of Captain Jimmy and Marjie Robertson and grew up in Boca Grande … and on the water surrounding it. The stories of her life with her beloved family allowed the audience to relive some of their own childhood memories.