Author: Garland Pollard

Gasparilla evacuation and the Gasparilla Island Water Authority, links to press conferences

Today on Gasparilla Island, everyone is buttoning up and preparing, and the streets are getting quieter. According to Ron Bolton, executive director of the Gasparilla Island Water Authority, the utility...

The current track: A Sunday letter from Boca Grande

It started as a quiet Sunday here in Boca Grande, clear but overcast. By mid-day, it is now rainy, and we are still three days out from Hurricane Milton. The rain is not Milton, but it does feel ominous...

Charlotte County debris from Little Gasparilla staging at Eldred’s

Charlotte County will open a debris drop-off site at Eldred’s Marina, 6301 Boca Grande Causeway beginning Saturday, Oct. 5. The debris drop-off site is for residents of Little Gasparilla Island....

Lithium batteries and salt cause extra fire risk

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, local fire departments, including the Boca Grande Fire Department, are responding to alarms relating to lithium batteries. When exposed to water, these batteries...

A stiff upper lip, for an Act of God

October 3, 2024
Garland Pollard
Editorial, News

Everyone thought the storm would pass us by. Before Helene, there was sandbagging and some boarding up. There was unease, but confidence. The island just finished cleaning up after Ian, and...

GIWA water continues its recovery from Helene

As Gasparilla Island dries out from Hurricane Helene, staff from the Gasparilla Island Water Authority are continuing to pump through much of the standing water that has leached into the sewer system...

Boca Grande Historical Society artifacts OK after Helene floodwaters

The Boca Grande Historical Society is moving its artifacts and papers off island, until its offices can be restored. During Hurricane Helene, a few inches of flood water came into their building,...

Updating road conditions for Monday commute into Boca Grande

Editor’s update: At the end of day Monday, the road was clear of water. For those that need to commute into Boca Grande, the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority is open, and Boca Grande Fire...

Boca Grande Fishing Pier damaged by Hurricane Helene

September 29, 2024
Garland Pollard
News, Sports & Outdoors

The Boca Grande Fishing Pier, which had just been reopened after its earthen approach shoulder was damaged by Hurricane Debby, has been closed again. The approach path to the pier, which is an...

Pumps from Lee County draining Gasparilla Road

On Saturday, Lee County staff brought two giant water pumps to clear standing water off of Gasparilla Boulevard. The pumps worked all night. This Sunday morning, they appear to have drawn down the...