Skip to main content

Gasparilla Island: ‘By permit only’ signs installed beginning today; Sheriffs deputies using ‘discretion’ in enforcement

Editor’s Note: This story was updated Friday, Oct. 17 to reflect comments from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. Signage related to the new parking ordinance is beginning to be installed across Gasparilla Island, including near the Gasparilla Island St…

Charlotte commission will have parking on agenda Oct. 28

At the October 14 Charlotte County Commissioners meeting, residents again pressed the board to take action regarding Lee County’s controversial Boca Grande parking ordinance. In turn, commissioners, including Chris Constance, told the audience that the c…

Sheriff deputy house on agenda at Lee County Tuesday

Next Tuesday, the Lee County Board of Commissioners will vote on a memorandum of understanding with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office to replace the sheriff’s house at Wheeler Road which was damaged by Hurricane Milton on Oct. 9, 2024. “I am glad that…

Bringing You the Latest News

Stay updated and informed. Access the latest version of the Boca Beacon E-Edition by clicking on the link below, and stay on top of what’s happening in the aftermath of hurricane Ian.

Access The Boca Beacon E-Edition

Featured News

Sea Grape bath construction

The bathrooms at the Sea Grape parking area of Gasparilla Island State Park have been marked off for the beginning of construction. Photo by Cheryl

Charlotte rejects waterway cut-thru after resident opposition

Nearly an hour of public comment centered on the proposed Manchester Waterway Cut-Through Project during Tuesday’s Charlotte County Commission meeting. Residents voiced strong opposition, citing the…

Tennis and pickleball game plans for Wheeler Road

An aerial view of the Wheeler Road recreation area. The old tennis courts have been removed at left of the parking area. The traffic circle will be the site of pickleball. The parking area for t…

State Park now open at south end of island after renourishment

The Gasparilla Island State Park at the south end of the island reopened early this week, including the public parking lot. The park has been closed for renourishment since July. This particular…

View More News Coverage

Recent Posts

Four nests wait

There are four nests left on the island after the fall sea turtle season. As the season is wrapping up there isn’t muc…

Controlled burn at Don Pedro Island State Park

On Thursday, October 16, the Florida Forest Service conducted a 40-acre prescribed burn at Don Pedro Island State Park…

Fust season: From Desi Arnaz to hostess Perle Mesta

This upcoming season marks the beginning of the Johann Fust Library Foundation’s milestone 75th year, and the 2025-202…

Radio testing

The Boca Grande Fire Department would like to have everyone in the community issued an R7 radio to bring it into the s…

Two animal disturbances

The Lee County Sheriff’s office reported two animal disturbances in recent reports. There was an animal disturbance in…

Englewood upgrades life support trucks

The Englewood Fire Department reports that Tower 75 has officially been upgraded to an Advanced Life Support truck, en…

All News

Boca Grande Webcam

See the blue-green water of the Gulf of Mexico at Gasparilla Island State Park for yourself. You’ll be right next to the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum built in 1890.

Photos

October 2025 Englewood Chamber

Educate Boca Golf Scramble 2025

Yearly Island School health screenings 2025

September 2025 Englewood Chamber

July 2025 Englewood Chamber Mixer

Suncoast Humane Society Summer Camp 2025

Ladies Howl Captains Party 2025

June 2025 Boca Grande Chamber Mixer

Lemon Bay Better Shots Summer 2025

View Our Photos Page

Submit Your Photos

Other Publications

Gasparilla Island Magazine

Jan/Feb

Gasparilla Island Magazine

Mar/Apr

Gasparilla Island Magazine

May/Jun

Gasparilla Island Magazine

Jul/Aug

Gasparilla Island Magazine

Sept/Oct

Tarpon Times & More

Boca Visitor Guide

2025 Visitor’s Guide

Boca Grande Map