Author: Marcy Shortuse

THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON …

FIVE YEARS AGO Almost two weeks without any major red tide issues was a big deal, after a period of about two years where it was terrible. TEN YEARS AGO A ruling on the side of our resources....

EDITORIAL: Paradise just ain’t what it used to be

September 7, 2023
Marcy Shortuse
Community, Editorial

If a hurricane doesn’t leave you dead It will make you strong. Don’t try to explain it, just nod your head, Breathe in, breathe out, move on. Those words went through my head a time or...

Idalia skirts island (but we still had some unpleasantness)

August 31, 2023
Marcy Shortuse
Community, News

There may or may not have been a bit of scoffing going on a few days ago, as many from this area who went through Ian...

Down in the nick of time – Bakery Building toppled hours before Idalia winds and rain came

August 31, 2023
Marcy Shortuse
News

Kevin Kelley couldn’t have come at a better time. When he was hired to take over the demolition effort at the old Bakery Building on E. Railroad Avenue, he didn’t waste a moment. Kelley and his crew...

Restoring cell coverage… HERE’S THE LATEST

August 31, 2023
Marcy Shortuse
Community, News

Here’s a look at the newest timeline provided by Steele Construction, Inc. as to when the tower might be up. Now that the bakery is gone things should move quickly, but this schedule is an optimist’s...

New owner of the bakery talks about coming back strong from losing it all

August 31, 2023
Marcy Shortuse
Community, News

Sue Sligar stood watching the Bakery Building come down on Monday, Aug. 28 with mixed feelings. As the new owner of the building (or the space, we should say) she was grateful it would no longer be...

GIWA shuts down some lift stations during storm

August 31, 2023
Marcy Shortuse
Community, News

The Gasparilla Island Water Association (GIWA) is investigating why wastewater output flowing through the system during Idalia was so excessive that they had to shut down some lift systems to allow...

Hearing Examiner to make determination in case as to BGHPB ruling in 161 Gilchrist case

August 31, 2023
Marcy Shortuse
News

The proposal submitted by the property owner at 161/181 Gilchrist Ave. to the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board earlier this year, one that was rejected by the Board, will be heard by the Lee...

When your brain says to leave but your heart says no – why so many would rather face a disaster at home with their pets than evacuate: Part I

In the height of hurricane season in Florida, most people who live here year-round have some idea of what their plan is in the event they have to evacuate. While those plans vary greatly, there is...

THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

August 31, 2023
Marcy Shortuse
Columns

FIVE YEARS AGO Roads in town were being paved, and snook health was a hot topic after a severe red tide bloom in preceding years took its toll on the population. TEN YEARS AGO Gasparilla Island...