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Hermitage Artist Retreat plans spring program in Boca Grande with Joe Iconis and Lauren Marcus

The Hermitage Artist Retreat this week announced new programs in February and March, including an event in Boca Grande and a return to the Hermitage Beach in Sarasota County. The Boca…

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Hermitage Artist Retreat plans spring program in Boca Grande with Joe Iconis and Lauren Marcus

January 30, 2026

The Hermitage Artist Retreat this week announced new programs in February and March, including an event in Boca Grande and a return to the Hermitage Beach in Sarasota County. The Boca…

Boca Grande Hope For Haitians builds on 16 years of impact

January 29, 2026

Above, one of 25 new homes. Photos submitted BY HOPE FOR HAITIANS After a six-year pause, Boca Grande Hope For Haitians will welcome supporters back for its first in-person fundraising event…

Island Roundup

January 29, 2026

BOCILLA Bocilla Islands Conservancy to host Art in the Palms event The Bocilla Islands Conservancy will host the Art in the Palms event on Saturday, Feb. 7. It is a community celebration of ar…

Community Center playground funds question

January 29, 2026

There is a question about funding to replace the playground at the Boca Grande Community Center, which was removed for renovations as part of the Renaissance Plan of Friends of Boca Grande. The play…

Preschool Hat Day

January 22, 2026

The Boca Grande Preschool celebrated National Hat Day last Thursday, Jan. 15. The students celebrated in style and appreciated the different headwear their friends showed off. Photo…

Spanish Point trip

January 15, 2026

BY BETSY JOINER The mid-December morning began with beautiful cool weather, not sure who was more excited, me, the teachers or The Island School students! The bus drivers were great, and I think…

Camera Club talk features nature photographer Claudia Daniels

January 29, 2026

Interested in capturing the beauty of sand, surf and light of Boca Grande’s beautiful beaches? Come to the Boca Grande Camera Club’s next meeting on February 3rd at 10 a.m. at the Crowninshield Comm…

Fust plans Island Book Blast on Feb. 7

January 29, 2026

For the first time in its history, the Johann Fust Library Foundation will present Island Book Blast – Boca Grande’s Book Festival on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Johann Fust Comm…

Events Roundup: Jan. 30-Feb. 5

January 29, 2026

For a full list of events, check Ballyhoo on page 7. Friday, Jan. 30 • Farmer’s Market, Bayou • Sound Bath Experience, Banyan Tree Pilates and Yoga • Gasparilla Island Tennis Class…

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Jim Fourqurean

Renowned seagrass expert visits Cape Haze Dr. Jim Fourqurean is one of the world’s leading seagrass scientists, a pioneer whose decades of research at Florida International University have shaped how scientists – and policymakers – understand and protect coastal ecosystems. A professor and director of the Coastlines and Oceans Division of the Institute of Environment […]

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Health & Wellness

Leading Moffitt physicians explore care

January 29, 2026

Earlier this week, the Boca Grande Health Clinic and the Boca Grande Health Clinic Foundation, in partnership with Friends of Boca Grande, hosted a special Grande Rounds program, “Inside the Future…

Prof. Shelli Feder to present ‘Redefining the Good Death’

January 29, 2026

Navigating the Journey: Quality of Life and Faith St. Andrew’s Church will host Prof. Shelli Feder, a leading national expert in palliative and end-of-life care, for a special community presentat…

Health: Inhibitor drugs are powerful, but come with dangers

January 15, 2026

As medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro dominate headlines and social media feeds, it is easy to think of them as simple weight-loss shortcuts. But during a talk on Tuesday Jan. 13th at the Boca Gr…

New physicians at Boca Grande Health Clinic for urgent care

January 8, 2026

To best serve patients during the busy season, the Boca Grande Health Clinic is adding two physicians to provide seasonal coverage for same-day and urgent-care services. “When something unexpecte…

Appeal renewed for sheriff deputy house construction

January 29, 2026

BY LARRY J. HANNAH, ADMINISTRATOR, THE BOCA GRANDE DISASTER FUND After Hurricanes Helene and Milton in October 2024, the local Sheriff’s Deputy’s home at 300 Wheeler Street was totally destroyed…

Sheriff begins enforcement of parking ordinance

January 29, 2026

This weekend, enforcement begins regarding the Boca Grande Parking ordinance, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. “An electronic signboard is being installed Thursday at the county line…

New Charlotte fire chief

January 22, 2026

Charlotte County has appointed Matthew McElroy as the new fire chief and public safety director for Charlotte County Public Safety. McElroy has served as acting fire chief since Oct. 31, 2025. Ch…

Fire meeting: Calls slightly down for 2025; new fire hydrants expected soon

January 22, 2026

The Boca Grande Fire Department responded to nearly 600 calls for assistance in 2025, reported Chief C.W. Blosser during the Board of Fire Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 21. At the mee…

News Archives

Walter Jerome Frautschi, 1931-2026

Walter Jerome Frautschi passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in Boca Grande, Florida, closing a long and remarkable life that began…

Service for architect Hank Browne set for Saturday in Charlottesville

Above, Browne, in a profile in 2004, and below, in a story in 2009 while on the Preservation Board, as he railed against ugly island signage at the…

Robert Marini, 1931-2026

Robert Marini of Boca Grande, Florida and South Weymouth, Massachusetts passed away on January 1, 2026 in Englewood, Florida. He was born September…

Memorial Service for Constance ‘Connie’ Gregg

There will be a Memorial Service for the late Constance Weiser “Connie” Gregg on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Im…

In Memoriam: Goodbyes for 2025 in Boca Grande Obituaries

The Boca Beacon remembers and honors those members of our community who died in 2025. We invite readers to go online at the end of this year to…