Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY MARCY SHORTUSE AND RON BOLTON One of the basic necessities of life, one that we often overlook until it is not available, is running water. Hurricane Ian brought that fact to light in a hurry, as we had no water on the island for almost two weeks in some places. The water was under […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
Due to both public and private damage generated by Hurricane Ian, Unincorporated Lee County is temporarily altering routine construction permitting and inspections for rebuilding. Damage assessment: Unincorporated Lee County, following the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements, has the responsibility to determine “substantial damage” and “substantial improvement,” and has implemented the procedures to do so. […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Community, News.
The four churches in Boca Grande did not escape the wrath of Ian. Nevertheless, two of the four were able to hold services the weekend after the storm. These were Lighthouse United Methodist and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic churches. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church will open in about two weeks, as the drying out process […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Community.
Coming back to a church that was relatively intact after Hurricane Ian has left Father Jerome Carosella a happy man. “The church, thank God, is fine, except for the roof,” said Fr. Jerome Carosella philosphically. “It is a happy outcome.” That roof exception is a pretty big one, according to most people’s standards, and would […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Health & Wellness.
Dana Pellant and Natalie Cole, nurses at the Boca Grande Health Clinic, were a rescue team driving through storm-ravaged Boca Grande in the first days after Hurricane Ian hit the Island. Natalie’s daughter, Campbell, became part of the team, as well. “We knew who the most vulnerable people on the Island were, and had […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Community, News.
BY DUSTY HOPKINS What in the world do you do with a 56 foot tall sailboat mast that has snapped off and is now stuck in the muck on the bottom of the bayou, but the other end is still attached to the boat with half inch stainless steel cables … five of them? Except […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Boca Grande Charities, Inc. – a charitable foundation founded by Capt. Sandy Melvin (and now includes Ron Walker and Pat Waterhouse) – helped save the day regarding fuel, not only on Gasparilla Island but on Little Gasparilla Island as well. Melvin worked with Mike Krause of Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters, who by happenstance during a conversation […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News.
Homeless bees are trying to take over the food truck at Whidden’s Marina. Cindy and George Cera and their son Tucker are doing their best to feed the confused bees and direct them away from their cooking area and customers. Tucker has learned not to leave an open soda can unattended. Bees will drink it […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages, Columns.
Boca Beacon backpages
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages.
FIVE YEARS AGO The Boca Grande Island was in a heated debate regarding a proposed assisted living house along East Railroad Avenue. TEN YEARS AGO The Mote Marine Laboratory deployed their marine robot “Waldo” to our local waters. Waldo was taking water samples and detecting red tide levels to give scientists accurate readings. FIFTEEN YEARS […]