News
MILTON TIMELINE
October 18, 2024
Day by day Hurricane Milton recovery on Gasparilla
Hurricane Milton was the third hurricane landfall in Florida this year after Debby and then Helene less than two weeks prior. Below is an appr…
Business and Real Estate: About the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
October 18, 2024
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a busine…
Florida Commerce Secretary Kelly, Lt. Gov. Nuñez visit to support recovery
October 18, 2024
In a visit aimed at highlighting the importance of local commerce, Florida Commerce Secretary Alex Kelly toured Gasparilla Island on Tuesday, Oct. 15, to meet with small business owners affected b…
Island businesses supported by Disaster Fund and state program
October 18, 2024
A disaster fund to assist island businesses has raised nearly $1 million in cash, with hopes of reaching $3 million to help local businesses survive.
The goal of the fund is to “make sure every…
Unemployment assistance
October 18, 2024
Florida Commerce is accepting applications from eligible residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to Hurricane Milton. Residents are encouraged to submit a claim a…
Sand and sandbag post-hurricane instructions
October 18, 2024
Residents can use over-washed sand to fill in holes and may return sand to the beach as long as the below requirements are met, including the return of sand to the beach dune system which has been…
Daily letters from Chief Blosser, the latest edition
October 18, 2024
BY CHIEF C.W. BLOSSER
The Beacon has been putting the daily emails from Chief Blosser out on our Storm Center page at BocaBeacon.com. Chief, as folks call him, has an un-erring ability to …
Update from Lee County on Boca Grande recovery
October 18, 2024
During its regular meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 15, the Board of Lee County Commissioners included various updates on Boca Grande Milton recovery, including sand screening and permitting.
Lee Direc…
Losses significant at Catholic Church and Preschool
October 18, 2024
The Rev. Anthony Hewitt, priest of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, has begun daily Mass at the parish’s Life Center, and for the time being will have one Mass on Sundays there, as well. The mai…
Charlotte County opens barrier islands
October 18, 2024
Charlotte County’s bridgeless barrier islands have reopened to residents and businesses, including Palm Island and Little Gasparilla.
As residents return, we urge them to exercise caution: …