Author: Garland Pollard

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...

Goodbye to Pastor Beatty at First Baptist Church

This Sunday, Pastor Gary Beatty will preach his last message at First Baptist Church in Boca Grande. Beatty announced his retirement last Sunday. “God’s been good to me,” said Beatty. “The island’s...

Lee County issues links, warnings and steps for possible hurricane weather

September 23, 2024
Garland Pollard
News

Lee County Emergency Management is actively monitoring the tropics and working closely with state and federal partners, including the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the National Weather...