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Lee County to recast Boca Grande Parking Committee

On Tuesday, Sept. 16, the Lee County Board of Commissioners voted to expand a newly created Boca Grande Parking Panel to 15 members, with each of the five commissioners in charge of nominating three…

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Community

Fix for Teacherage, Dishong-Bowen

September 11, 2025

An item to repair the Boca Grande Teacherage and Dishong Bowen Houses is on the agenda for the Tuesday, Sept. 16 Lee Board of County Commissioner’s meeting. The motion requested is to “Approve P…

Water Association clearing out old systems

September 11, 2025

After the installation of a new advanced water treatment process at the Gasparilla Island Water Association, staff and contractors are now disassembling part of the old system for recycling and in o…

Charlotte passes resolution on beach access

September 11, 2025

Charlotte County commissioners on Tuesday, Sept. 9 unanimously approved a resolution asking Lee County to “engage in a transparent and collaborative project with stakeholders” and to “reconsider and…

Education

A Day of Firsts: Kindergarten Drop-off on the Island

August 14, 2025

I’ve spent most of my life in school – from kindergarten through my doctoral studies – and stayed closely connected to the educational system as a certified school nurse and professor of nursing, tr…

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Valerie Cotton

August 14, 2025

The art of teaching On Monday The Island School opened its doors for a new school year – and for Valerie Cotton, it marked her first day as the on-island art teacher. After volunteering once a we…

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Anne Smith

New at The Island School this year Anne Smith may be new to The Island School, but she’s no stranger to the classroom – with 20 years of teaching experience, she’ll begin her first week on island…

Entertainment

Cedar Point plans volunteer open house on Monday

September 11, 2025

Cedar Point Environmental Center will host a volunteer open house and intracoastal cleanup on Monday, Sept. 15, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the park, 2300 Placida Road. The event, held in partners…

Book sale begins

September 11, 2025

The Friends of the Englewood Charlotte Library will be sponsoring a “Bag O’ Books Sale” from Monday, September 15, 2025 through Saturday, September 20, 2025 at the library at 3450 N. Access Rd., Tri…

Camera Club invites 2025-26 season

September 11, 2025

The Boca Grande Camera Club has been very busy planning a fascinating season for 2025-26. The new season kicks off on Nov. 18 with “What We Did Last Summer,” where members submit photos for all to e…

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Jack & Gabby Gibbons

Authors and illustrators Jack and Gabby Gibbons moved to Rotonda West about two and a half years ago after nearly two decades in Colorado. The couple, who spent much of their careers in construction and real estate, have since turned their attention to a more creative pursuit: writing and illustrating children’s books inspired by their […]

Sports & Outdoors

Health & Wellness

Ask a Doc: What is your gut telling your brain?

September 11, 2025

We often talk about “gut feelings,” but science now shows that your digestive system really does have something to say to your brain – and the rest of your body. The two are in constant communicatio…

Rabies reminder

August 28, 2025

Charlotte County Animal Control, in coordination with the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County, has issued a 30-day rabies alert following confirmation that a raccoon in the Washington L…

Beyond the Hype: What’s really in your electrolyte drink

August 22, 2025

BY THE BOCA GRANDE HEALTH CLINIC Electrolyte drinks have become a popular choice for staying hydrated, not only after workouts but also during long days in the Florida sun. Whether you’re playing…

Ask a Doc: Understanding Psoriasis

August 14, 2025

BY RAYMOND A. JAMES, D.O. BOCA GRANDE HEALTH CLINIC August is Psoriasis Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness for a condition that, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, affects mo…

Police & Fire

Fire Control District holds public hearing on budget Sept. 17

September 11, 2025

The Boca Grande Fire Control District has tentatively adopted a measure to increase its property tax levy. The district operates on Gasparilla Island in both Lee and Charlotte counties. The…

Domestic violence reported Monday off Gulf Boulevard

September 11, 2025

A Lee County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of domestic violence Monday night, Sept. 8 on Gulf Boulevard. Two windows were broken, but no clear aggressor was established, according…

LCSO aids pelican rescue

September 4, 2025

Lee County deputies responded to an injured pelican on the cart path last Tuesday. The bird was secured and taken to The Wildlife Center of Southwest Florida in Venice. Find out more about the cente…

Case closed: Jewelry found in … another case

September 4, 2025

Last week, the Beacon published information from a Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office report of a possible jewelry theft from the Boca Grande Resort on Aug. 24. Shortly after the items were report…

News Archives

Obituaries

Brian Campbell 1940-2025

Brian Campbell was born in Berwyn, Illinois in 1940, the grandson and son of men who embodied grit and gumption. Though his high school mischief onc…

Jeffery Lynn King 1945-2025

In the historic farmhouse in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania that he restored with the love of his life, Cindy, Jeffery Lynn King, age 80, died peacefull…

Heather Santos 1976-2025

Heather Ruth Santos, beloved wife, daughter, sister, stepmother, godmother, mimi, and friend, died on August 7, 2025 in Florida. She was 49 years ol…

Stephen Meylan 1952-2025

Stephen George Meylan, age 73, of Englewood, FL, died Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Tidewell Hospice House, Port Charlotte. He was born in Manchester, En…

Remembrance of Helen Beardsley

FROM THE BOWEN FAMILY The Bowen family celebrated the late Helen Beardsley, who died June 19, 2025. Born in 1928, she had nine children, 23 grand…