The Boca Beacon: The newspaper of Boca Grande/Gasparilla Island

09/26/2025

This week, we have in our Spotlight the work of noted Audubon and Britannica wildlife artist Albert Earl Gilbert, who lives in the area. He will be honored by his national group this fall. Below, his cover of the old Florida Wildlife from March 1973.

https://bocabeacon.com/in-the-spotlight-albert-earl-gilbert/

Florida’s state bird, the northern mockingbird, and our state flower, the orange blossom, remain timeless symbols of our state’s beauty and spirit. This 1973 Florida Wildlife cover features “Mockingbirds on Orange Blossom” by acclaimed wildlife artist Albert Earl Gilbert, a painting that now hangs in the Florida State Capitol.

Gilbert created this piece after visiting Florida to sketch and photograph its magnificent scenery, capturing a moment that reflects the connection between our wildlife and our heritage.

His hope, shared by us today, was that wise conservation policies would forever safeguard our landscapes and the species that call them home. From citrus groves buzzing with pollinators, to the songs of mockingbirds in your own backyard, our natural treasures are still here for all to enjoy. Let’s keep them thriving for future generations.

09/26/2025

We remember this week our Dogs Life columnist Harry Kalajian, who recently died. Born in Syria and a native of Canada, he loved the USA. In his regular columns for the Boca Beacon, Kalajian married common sense with an honest tone that always emphasized the rewards of a good dog, while being honest about their challenges, and the difficulty of proper training.

https://bocabeacon.com/remembering-dog-life-columnist-harry-kalajian/

09/26/2025

What's open. Our weekly Ballyhoo section has details each week. Shop and eat local.

09/26/2025

The new Boca Beacon is out, with news about the 441 signposts and 751 parking signs that will go up across Boca Grande, as well as updates from Charlotte County's Tuesday meeting, and expressions of interest in the new parking panel.

We also say goodbye to our Dog's Life columnist Harry Kalajian, get updates on the WCIND's work on waterway navigation, final wrap-ups on our turtle season, and a look back at Hurricane Helene, which was one year ago.

09/25/2025

Renourishment of the south end of Gasparilla Island continues at Gasparilla Island State Park and now around the seawall at Boca Bay Pass Club. Here are a few photos and a quick video from the recent week. This is a State of Florida DEP project to protect the historic lighthouse and south end of the island at the pass. The state park area at the south end of the island is now closed because of the work; three parking areas north are still open. More details and photos to come in tomorrow's Beacon.

09/21/2025

A look back in the Beacon.

TWENTY YEARS AGO
Uncle Henry’s Resort was purchased for $3.9 million which included a motel, restaurant and shops. The Barrier Island Parks Society held a rummage sale which drew large crowds.

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO
Hurricane Gordon came through the region but caused minimal damage to the island which received rain and winds. Surrounding barrier islands did not fare as well.

THIRTY YEARS AGO
Charlotte County was in a dispute challenging Sarasota County, which was seeking to build a $45 million plant expansion project that would include a 29.5-mile pipeline to the Peace River to obtain water.

TEN YEARS AGO The Boca Grande Fire Board voted unanimously to increase the budget by 8.9 percent. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO The Lemon Bay Conservancy officially sig ...

09/20/2025

A summit on resiliency here in Charlotte County brought together local leaders on water quality. A roundup by our reporter, Angela McPhilips.

https://bocabeacon.com/in-the-spotlight-the-resiliency-summit/

09/20/2025

Stump Pass Beach State Park is now open, as is Englewood Beach.

https://bocabeacon.com/stump-pass-beach-state-park-reopens-after-hurricane-repair/

09/19/2025

An update on Hatch, the Kawasaki mule used to help patrol for sea turtles.

Back in May, the Boca Beacon ran a story featuring the BGTSA’s acquisition of a Kawasaki Mule utility vehicle. Stephen and Shirley Drake had generously donated the funds that enabled us to purchase the vehicle model we believed would best meet our needs. It was purchased, delivered, and affectionately named Hatch. As it turned out, Hatch met all our expectations and helped us “do more with less.”

https://bocabeacon.com/appreciation-for-our-kawasaki-hatch/

09/19/2025

Our outdoors columnist, Capt. Van Hubbard of Placida, is back from a summer break out west. With the (slightly) cooler weather here, it's time to get back out on the water, and reflect. We do still enjoy a "special piece of paradise." He began his column for the Beacon, Hook, Line & Sinker, back in 1988.

Despite challenges, we still enjoy special ‘place of paradise’ I understand we will see hotter weather again. I’m enjoying our recent overcast skies and coo ...

09/19/2025

Update on what's open and closed on the island for this last bit of September.

09/19/2025

A new Boca Beacon is out this week. Updates on a new parking panel, beach renourishment applications to DEP, and reopening at Stump Pass.