Report: Useppa Island sale to resident group; September close
Above, an archival photo of the old Collier Inn, with its famous steps. Boca Beacon archives
A group of homeowners of Useppa Island, including some Boca Grande residents, have reportedly agreed t…

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Forristall fleet arrival!
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. […]
Sports & Outdoors
Margaret Ringer 1947 – 2025

Margaret Elaine Ringer (formerly Walker, née Tvaroch), 77, of Lake Wales, FL, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, surrounded by family. A former…
Helen Beardsley 1928 – 2025

Helen, but everyone called her Nana, mother of Bette Bowen, is once again dancing with her husband.
Mom was born and raised in Wisconsin, where s…
Alice Kubista, 1936-2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Alice Elizabeth (Maris) Kubista who reunited with our Lord on May 29th, 2025. S…
Zelma Otto, 1926-2025

BY MARCY SHORTUSE
Zelma H. Otto, a woman who many on the island fondly call their “second mama,” passed away on March 24, 2025, at the age of 98…
Melissa Landon 1967-2025

Melissa A. Landon, 57, passed away on April 9, 2025. A native of Australia and a long time artist of Boca Grande, Mel had a deep love of the ocean…