Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
In Florida, possession of live queen conch at any time is prohibited, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. All harvest of the Bahama starfish is also illegal. In Lee County, you may not harvest or possess any shells that contain a live organism except for oysters, hard clams (quahogs), sunray venus clams and […]
Written by Alici Ouellette on . Posted in Entertainment, Featured News, News.
Featuring Wanamakers, gumbo limbo and Sugarshack The July/August edition of the Boca Beacon’s Gasparilla Island Magazine is out now with new feature stories, recipes, shopping and social pages. Featured stories include a history of the Wanamaker family on Gasparila Island; a story of the Florida gumbo limbo tree with photos; a look at beautiful estate […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
Friends of Boca Grande announced the appointment of Martina Long as their new program director this Monday. Long has a wealth of experience in the nonprofit sector and an extensive background in both event management and the performing arts. Prior to joining Friends of Boca Grande, she served as operations manager for United Arts Collier, […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News.
While a new parking plan is under consideration by Lee County, what is not defined in the ordinance is how much these permits will cost for island residents, homeowners and workers. A new parking draft ordinance presented June 17 for Gasparilla Island would have a tiered plan for residents, hotel guests, house guests and island […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Police & Fire.
A $1.5 million appropriations request for a Boca Grande Fire Control District ladder truck replacement was vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday, June 30. “We are disappointed,” said Chief C.W. Blosser, reached Tuesday. “We had to get that signature, and we didn’t get it.” Last week, the item overwhelmingly passed in both the House […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Above, the causeway from the days following Hurricane Milton. GIBA Photo The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority will begin its causeway armoring project in July, and is expected to be completed by mid-November. “This summer will be a busy one for GIBA,” wrote Executive Director Kathy Banson in a statement to the Beacon. “While we recover […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Profiles.
A Boca Grande family celebrates This week, the large extended Forristall family gathered at their cottage on Gasparilla Road. They are one of the many regulars in the Fourth of July parade. They first started coming to the island in 1989. They would stay at the Anchor Inn, or wherever they could find a rental. […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
Charlotte County Parks & Natural Resources are accepting artwork beginning July 1 for “Lights Out for Sea Turtles,” a campaign designed to raise awareness around sea turtle education and conservation. The chosen artwork will be featured on educational materials for the 2026 sea turtle nesting season. Submissions can be dropped off at or mailed […]
Written by VAN HUBBARD on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
We have a challenge to deal with; dolphin have mastered welfare. Dolphins, aka Flipper, have developed into a significant problem; they have become dependent on us to fish for them. We exhaust the fish, and they enjoy the easy meals. It started decades ago. The first encounters I remember were back in the eighties. They […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO Boca Grande Health Clinic announced the appointment of Mark Driscoll as Chief Executive Officer. TEN YEARS AGO Full July 4th festivities were in the works with a golf cart and bicycle parade and fireworks at the Boca Grande Marina. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO GIBA voted to keep the speed limit for the two-mile […]