Tag: Boca Beacon

Celebrating the works of an artistic island family: THE ALZAMORAS

BY OLIVIA CAMERON AND MARCY SHORTUSE – The Alzamora family has definitely left their mark on Gasparilla Island. While known of its members still live here, one piece that was just recently...

OBITUARY: Virginia ‘Bina’ Charman

Virginia Osborne Charman, of Hunting Valley, Ohio and Boca Grande, died April 1, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio at age 96. Known to her family and friends as Bina, she and her three older sisters...

A new list of what’s open and what’s closed on the island

It’s been awhile since we have updated our listings of what’s going on around the island, and we are happy to report that many more of your favorite stores and restaurants are starting...

COVID-19 antibody testing set up by Boca Grande Health Clinic through Quest Diagnostics

STAFF REPORT – The Boca Grande Health Clinic is pleased to announce a COVID-19 antibody test offered through Quest Diagnostics. The test is performed by blood draw. It is an ELISA test (an...

Trial by fire: Teachers learning to teach via ‘Distance Learning’

With today, May 8, being the end of Teacher Appreciation Week, it is very fitting that we were honored to have a teacher with more than 40 years experience share her story with us. If you have been...

Calling all ‘Quarantine Queens’ … the time to fish is this weekend!

STAFF REPORT – Island resident Capt. William Woodroffe has come through for the ladies of the island this weekend, as he has put together the 2020 Quarantine Queen Classic, scheduled for...

If you’re leaving town, donate those non-perishables

STAFF REPORT – If you’re leaving the island for your other residence soon, or even just beginning to think about it, here’s another thing to think about. Donating your non-perishables from...

Short-term rentals discussed (and what is a residential use?) Part III: Items to be addressed by the Boca Grande Community Planning Association

STAFF REPORT – Two topics that have been the focus of islanders’ attention during the past year were covered in the recent Boca Grande Community Planning Association survey: What should be...

Island outfitter finds a way to keep up with the ‘rona and the sun, while honoring local artists

STAFF REPORT – It’s not often you see Capt. Sandy Melvin without a buff around his neck or on his face. The soft tube of material we call a “buff” style neck gaiter not only can protect your...

Time they’ll never get back … Part II: ‘Senior ‘Switch’ continues, and some explain what it’s like to finish this untraditional year

BY OLIVIA CAMERON – As high school course come to a close, our local high school seniors continue to recap their experience, or lack of, ending their education online. However, these local...