Author: Garland Pollard

Engineer at Gasparilla Bridge today to detail repairs

Hurricane Milton has undermined the roadway of the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority, including the roadbed and outbuildings. An independent engineer will arrive at the bridge today to recommend both...

Letter from Chief Blosser of the Boca Grande Fire Department

Editor’s Note: Chief C.W. Blosser sent out this note to the community Thursday night: Good evening Everyone, Thank you for all of the well wishes and support it means a lot when things...

Wednesday: BGFD leaves island, boil water upon return

As Hurricane Milton approaches, Boca Grande Fire Department Chief C.W. Blosser sent the following message to the community at 11:08 a.m. Good morning everyone, Just a quick update,The Island...

Tuesday: Last minute briefs for Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island

Some briefs as they come in to the Boca Beacon, from county sources and the Boca Grande Fire Department. Lee County and Charlotte County have asked for evacuations on coastal island and coastal zones. The...

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...