Skip to main content
Search Results for “with

Economic Summit 2021 happening March 4

BY SUSAN HANAFEE – Four lifelong students of economics and finance will attempt to gaze into a crystal ball at the Friends of Boca Grande Economic Summit 2021 on March 4 and answer the age-old question: What is that light at the end of the tunnel? “Consider our federal fiscal policy as a path or […]

Syble Sez

SUBMITTED BY THE BOCA GRANDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY – The Boca Beacon’s of the early 1980s included a column called “Syble Sez” based on local news of social events, business openings, family visitors, marriages, new babies and general gossip. Syble was Syble Futch who shared bar tending duties at The Temptation with Doris Wheeler where she […]

Shorebird nesting season has begun; please do your part to help keep them safe

BY T MICHELE WALKER – The beaches of Boca Grande are home to many species of shorebirds and seabirds. Charlotte County hosts three species of shorebirds, the Wilson’s plover, Snowy plover and American oystercatcher, and two species of seabirds, Least tern and Black skimmer. Boca Grande’s pristine and undeveloped stretches of beach provide a place […]

A tribute to Roberta Murphy … and a request

Statewide Pest in Boca Grande is like a family. After 30 years of devoted service, they lost one of their own when Roberta Murphy lost her battle with cancer.   Those who knew Roberta best knew that she wouldn’t want an obituary or a tribute. In place of this, Statewide Pest, now known as Arrow Environmental […]

OBITUARY: Norman P. Mullen

Norman P. Mullen of Boca Grande, formerly of Foley, Alabama, passed away on February 22, 2021.  Everyone who knew Norman knew what a strong man he was, both physically and mentally. He was also a very strong and faithful family man, as well as a strong patriot who loved his country. He was born September […]

PROFILE: Tricia Mansfield

BY T MICHELE WALKER – Before becoming a full-time artist and the newest board member at the Boca Grande Art Club, Tricia Mansfield spent the early part of her career in environmental policy, work that continues to inform her artistic process to this day. “Long story short, I have a master’s in environmental policy,” she […]

OBITUARY: Garfield Beckstead

Garfield Ray Beckstead, founder and owner of Useppa Island Club, passed away peacefully on the evening of February 16, 2021 at the age of 82 after a long and bravely fought battle with cancer. Gar spent his last days surrounded by the joy and love of his entire family, especially enjoying seeing all four of […]

EDITORIAL: Something to be remembered by; would you be willing to leave a legacy to the people of Placida and Boca Grande?

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – Just across the little bridge by the Fishery is a 91-acre piece of land that for many of us is a piece of old Florida eye candy. You’ll recognize the parcel I mean by mentioning the cows and the long driveway that leads to a little farmhouse, right on the other […]

LBHS prom will carry on, thanks to parents and sponsors

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – A few weeks ago, when the Rowe family heard that prom for Lemon Bay High School seniors might be canceled, Kim Rowe’s daughter had something to say about it.  “You’ll do something, right Mom?” Rowe’s daughter implored. “You can do it, right?” “Of course,” Rowe said. In the course of just […]

What women need to know about heart disease

BY LAUREN HANA MD –  In honor of American Heart Month, in our continuing series on heart health, today I want to focus on women and heart disease. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  More women die […]