Sports & Outdoors
What to do if you encounter baby turtles: Boca Grande Turtle Patrol
August 22, 2024
BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY
Even though Debby disrupted most of the incubating nests on the island, many of those that survived her onslaught are going about their business as usual. As of…
Beacon intern goes on a canalside iguana hunting expedition
August 22, 2024
Iguana hunting is a delicate art, attempted by many, but perfected by few. It was earlier this month when I decided to throw my hat into the ring.
Growing up in urban Illinois, I can’t say I w…
Briefly: Water Association sets new disinfection process
August 22, 2024
Gasparilla Island Water Association Inc. will be temporarily changing the disinfection process for its Placida and Boca Grande potable water supply.
From Sept. 16, 2024, at 8 a.m. through Octob…
Debby and Manatee and Sarasota water quality
August 22, 2024
Florida experiences sewage spills by local government facilities after every significant rain event, such as Tropical Storm Debby. Over six million gallons of untreated sewage were dumped as Debby…
Avoiding the storm, and the state of the world
August 22, 2024
This time of year is prime for storms. The state desperately needs the summer rains to replenish aquifers, remoisturize forests and de-heat the ground. These storms are our Florida reality. But th…
Parks Society sets Coastal Beach Cleanup Sept. 21
August 22, 2024
The Barrier Island Parks Society (BIPS), in partnership with Keep Lee County Beautiful, has announced the 2024 International Coastal Beach Cleanup on Boca Grande, a vital part of the global initia…
Take notice!
August 16, 2024
A lighting strike near the Range Light was recently caught in afternoon by reader Sandi Firtion. Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S., with an average of 10 deaths a year and 40 injuries. …
EcoWatch: It’s time again for armchair activists to get active
August 16, 2024
“We can sit back, do nothing, and watch our planet be destroyed. Or we can take action, become advocates, and start making lifestyle choices that are kind to people and the planet.”
Kira Simpso…
Hooked a strange snook
August 16, 2024
John Mitchell was out fly fishing on Gasparilla Island when he saw a youth catch and release a strange snook. The fish could not move; it turned out that it was two snook. A larger snook, perhaps …
Turtle Patrol: 235 of 313 nests gone after Debby, could have been worse
August 15, 2024
BY ARLENE HALL, BGSTA SECRETARY
On August 4 and 5, Debby was “only” a tropical storm when she scooted up the gulf more than 100 miles to our west; as we know, she became a Category 1 hurricane…