The Boca Beacon

08/28/2026

Today is our centennial special edition celebrating 100 years of Whiddens Marina and 25 years of the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum, Inc. Thanks to the Boca Grande Historical Society and readers for sending in items.

Inside includes:

The Story of Whidden’s by Karen Grace
Inside the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum
Whidden’s and the animals, including Chico
Jake Poepl, a personal view of Whidden’s
Readers and family remember, with photos
Nic Mostyn and his childhood

08/21/2026

In todays Boca Beacon:

What’s happening around Cape Haze and Gasparillla Island: a historic home gets a lift, sea turtle numbers are in, local firefighters and property owners have updates, a longtime fishing guide gets the spotlight, and September’s events are taking shape — plus the latest community, outdoors and opinion coverage, all fresh on BocaBeacon.com.

08/21/2026

Thanks for the sharing the recipe in the magazine!

08/21/2026

An incredible team effort between FWC and local residents led to the successful rescue of a manatee found stranded on the beach. Witness the heartwarming moment this gentle giant was brought back to safety.

08/10/2026

The count for sea turtles for the Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association and area state parks is in the Beacon each week, as well as a monthly story on the progress of the season.

"Many people we see on the beach have been asking us how this year compares with last. Well, by this time last year, we had 537 loggerhead nests and 25 green sea turtle nests, so this year’s total nests are a bit ahead of last year. Because green turtle nesting activity is known to fluctuate greatly between years, this season’s lower green-nesting figure is not surprising or concerning."

Thank you as always for the reports of the BGSTA. A full report is in the link below from the Beacon.

08/09/2026

Our next issue

08/07/2026

The news this week includes a profile of Capt Dusty McGonigal, a rescue of an osprey, manatee deaths and stats, an orchid project for the Bike Path and our first candidate preview for the Lee Commission. Plus, an update on fishing piers from Charlotte County manager Hector Flores.

We are also still collecting stories and memories for our Whidden's 100 story at the end of August. Send to [email protected].

07/31/2026

August is always a quiet time on the island, but there still shops and eateries open through summer. Each year in August, we do a "what's open" guide for visitors and guests.

07/31/2026

Do you have Whidden's memories? At the end of August, we will be celebrating with history and stories in the Beacon. To add to it, we have a form where we are gathering recollections, childhood visits and memorable tales.

The Boca Beacon is celebrating the centennial of Whidden's in a special edition August 28. The edition will include a history of the marina, as well as ...

07/31/2026

News for Friday, July 31 including the sale of the old 3rd Street for a new Asian fusion restaurant, updates on the lightning strike in Boca Grande North, an arrest for pollution and the Charlotte County dump restoration.

Plus, we are looking ahead to the centennial of Whidden's, and a reflection on AI and its effects on copyrighted books and music.

In Ballyhoo, Drive, Chip and Putt at Lemon Bay, plus an opening for Veteran Thrift on McCall.