Sports & Outdoors
State Park ideas withdrawn; input still needed on future plan
August 29, 2024
A state-wide Great Outdoors Initiative by Florida Department of Environmental Protection, which aims to add amenities like golf and pickleball to several Florida State Parks, does not affect our nea…
Letters: Appreciation for Delores Savas on windmills
August 29, 2024
To the Editor:
I wish to thank Ms. Savas for her eye-opening article on wind turbines (Aug. 23, 2024 issue). The inefficiency, number one. The harm even one can cause when it is damaged and break…
Rip currents are by far the biggest beach hazard
August 29, 2024
BY DR. JOHN FLETEMEYER
You would think that the TV weather reporter, being the professional that they report to be, would know the difference between a rip current and rip tide, but often they do…
EcoWatch: Let’s look at the other side of wind turbines
August 22, 2024
“Industrial-scale wind turbines can cause significant harm to the environment, wildlife, and people. The wind’s low-power density means massive materials and land/sea area requirements, along with h…
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 S…
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 was…
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 October…
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 p…
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 ther…
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 initiati…