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EcoWatch: Humpback whales may soon tell their stories

“The whales do not sing because they have an answer they sing because they have a song.” Gregory Colbert, poet, filmmaker, photographer There are recent reports that AI has helped scientists have a 20-minute conversation with a humpback whale, and that might help them decipher what the whales are singing. It will open up a […]

5th Street temporary beach access reopens

Lee County reopened the Boca Grande 5th Street Beach Access at dawn on Monday, April 28. This temporary access includes parking spaces and a ramp down to the beach. Patrons are advised that the current ramp is temporary and does not fully comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards. A permanent, ADA-compliant ramp is […]

Reckless irrigation usage on island results in drastic water shortage

Overuse for irrigation this week has resulted in low pressure for water on the island. “We had about 30 percent chance of running out of water,” said Ron Bolton, executive director of Gasparilla Island Water Association, reached this morning. Bolton has made individual calls to larger water clients who use irrigation. Water pressure has been […]

This date in the Boca Beacon

FIVE YEARS AGO The United Methodist Women distributed funds from the Strawberry Festival to multiple local charities during the Coronavirus shutdowns. TEN YEARS AGO Island School students presented their artwork at the Boca Grande Art Alliance exhibit. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO More than 25 island business owners pledged to stay open during the summer months. The […]

North Port connects Springs to Legacy Trail

On Tuesday, April 8, the North Port City Commission approved an agreement with Kimley-Horn & Associates, Inc., for a new trailhead and trail connection, from Warm Mineral Springs Park to the North Port Connector of the Legacy Trail. The 1.7-mile trail extension is part of the regional Sun Trail network and is also a component […]

The Historian’s Dilemma: Nostalgia vs Fact on Gasparilla Island and Boca Grande

BY JAMES J. BLAHA, DIRECTORBOCA GRANDE HISTORY CENTER “To write history requires  a whole life of observation,  of inquiry, of labor, and correction,” Thomas Jefferson 1817 On March 14, 1986, the Boca Beacon published an adaptation from a “Letter to the Editor” originally written by Sarah Helen Pouncey. The letter is an excellent example of […]

Keylime Bistro reopens Saturday after renovation

Keylime Bistro is reopening in the Depot building Saturday morning, April 26. “It’s been tough going through this, but the light at the end of the tunnel is that we have a brand new kitchen and flooring with a beautifully renovated restaurant,” wrote Owner Sandy Stilwell Youngquist in her announcement. Stilwell’s grandson Tristen moved to […]

Landscape for Gasparilla Road

Charlotte County will re-landscape Gasparilla Road, in an ordinance passed on April 8 at their regular meeting’s consent agenda. The landscape plan for County Road 771, which will be on the four-lane part of the highway from McCall Road, will cost $621,829.98, with a contract from Brightview Landscaping Services, Inc. The landscape design by Johnson […]

New leadership, organization for the Boca Grande Preschool 

Jeff Swift has been announced as the incoming president of Boca Grande Preschool Inc. This is a new not-for-profit corporation replacing the Diocese of Venice Boca Grande Preschool Program. The Preschool will be officially opening its doors in its new, temporary off island location on Monday, April 28. Jeff succeeds Angela Steffan, who will remain […]