Author: Garland Pollard

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...

Boca Grande debris plan for Lee County; Charlotte plan link here; email for county officials

September 29, 2024
Garland Pollard
Breaking News, News

This was updated Monday, Sept. 30, and newer stories. Information on sand and debris is now available here. After surveying across Gasparilla Island, it appears that at absolute minimum, dozens...

Heraclean feat? Pumps now working to take water off Gasparilla Road

BOCA GRANDE – Like that fifth labor of Heracles, cleaning out the Augean stables, a crew from Lee County has installed a pumps to clear putrid standing water off Gasparilla Road today. By...

Sand pile cleanup continues across Gasparilla Island in Boca Grande

September 28, 2024
Garland Pollard
Breaking News, News

It was just like a kids’ sandbox today on Gasparilla Island. Crews from Lee County came to the island today to begin the removal of sand from across Gasparilla Island, including on Gilchrist...

Boca Grande mail at Placida until assessment on building

September 28, 2024
Garland Pollard
Breaking News, News

The Boca Grande Post Office is temporarily closed until officials can assess and clean up any damage from Hurricane Helene. “We will go out there tomorrow (Monday) to see if there is any damage,”...

Lift stations working, but PLEASE minimize waste water use Sunday and Monday

Currently all 20 lift stations are working on the island, and every lift station has power. However, the system is filled with seepage of sea water and rain, and Gasparilla Island Water Authority will...

Get to the Lee County Courthouse to visit Commissioners

September 26, 2024
Garland Pollard
Editorial

Last week, after a visit to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, a reader asked the Beacon what you had to do to speak at a Lee County meeting if you have concerns. The answer is...