Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Education, Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: The Scholarship committee of the Boca Grande Woman’s Club is now accepting applications for the 2024- 2025 school year. Applicants for the program must meet the following criteria: 1) Have applied for admission to a school of higher education, such as a university, college, trade or vocational school; 2) Demonstrate a high […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: I wanted to take a moment to talk about the importance of being voter-ready. Voting is a crucial aspect of our society, and it’s how we make our voices heard. This is why my team and I have been working hard to provide voter education and outreach opportunities in our community while […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Columns, Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO Local water appeared to be healthy, even with some strange shades of gray, black, brown and more types of algae at the beach. TEN YEARS AGO Margaret Fugate passed away at the age of 96. The Gasparilla Inn & Club opened for its 100th season. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO Anne Cannon Fairbanks, […]
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, Opinion.
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Columns, Entertainment.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Columns, Entertainment, News.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.
There’s still a lot that hasn’t been said about what happens after a hurricane like Ian. A storm that big, that strong, that stays for that long … it changes people.
Some people simply disappeared afterward … just packed up what they had left and took off. Others mentally processed it the best they could, all while trying to fight insurance companies and salvage what was left of the material possessions they owned. Others became sick or developed nervous tics or OCD issues, some died of a broken heart.
Government statistics show that approximately 150 people died in Florida during Hurricane Ian, but those who were here know better – there were far more. This storm took a toll on the residents that reached far beyond most people’s scope of comprehension.
Now, a year later, many of these people are just now starting to experience life beyond the storm. If this shocks you because it’s an entire year later, it shouldn’t – it is estimated that, just on the island, only about 20 percent of homes that were damaged or destroyed are completely fixed. And, if you asked around of those who were here, you’d find that maybe 10 percent of people would say their minds and hearts have even begun to heal.
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Community History.
Work has still not yet begun on repairs to the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse.
“A start date is anticipated within the next 30 days,” said Brooke Keck, of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, in an email to the Boca Beacon.
“Repairs have yet to be started as we are awaiting the last of the county building permits to be issued and for materials to be delivered.”
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community History.
t has taken a little bit and the road to finding the Alzamora statue has been fraught with changes … but a deal has finally been struck. The large iconic water feature, laden with Boca Grande shells, mermaids, mosaic pieces of tile and concrete, will find a new home on Banyan Street.