Skip to main content
Search Results for “and

EcoWatch: Two strikes and we’re still not out

“Even with all our technology and the inventions that make modern life bso much easier than it once was, it takes just one big natural disaster to wipe all that away and remind us that, here on earth, we’re still at the mercy of nature.” Neil deGrasse Tyson, American Astrophysicist, writer, and science commentator. Just […]

Storms of yesterday that hit Gasparilla Island

BY MARILYN HOECKEL A story from 1989 detailed some of the biggest storms to hit Boca Grande Editor’s note: This was from an Aug. 4, 1989 edition of the Boca Beacon. There are five big storms that seem to stand out in the memories of Gasparilla Island residents. The years of those storms are 1910, […]

Business and Real Estate: Report non renewals to state of Florida

Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky is encouraging policyholders to reach out directly to the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR), if consumers impacted by recent storms receive a notice of nonrenewal or notice of cancellation that may have taken effect or will take effect between Sept. 26 until Dec. 10. Emergency orders are in place that […]

Mail still on ‘island time’ at Post Office

There is no date yet for the reopening of the Boca Grande Post Office. Currently, staff from the Boca Grande Post Office are operating at their Placida branch, sorting mail separately for users, and handing it over when they arrive.  The issue will be even more complicated after Thanksgiving, when Christmas package season begins. While […]

Grande Chorus seeks Christmas choir at new home

The Grande Chorus is planning to proceed with its Christmas concert with regular members and would like to invite others to join. Because of the closure of the Community Center, practices will take place at St. Andrew’s. Practice sessions will begin Friday, Nov. 15, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at St. Andrew’s, and will continue […]

GUEST ESSAY: Island held together with small, indie businesses like Pink Pony Pony

BY DANA RYAN Like all of you, I watched with a heavy heart as Hurricanes Helene and Milton tore through our country, leaving devastation in their wake. My family lives on a small barrier island in Florida, and while Helene caused damage, Milton rocked its foundation, destroying the water, sewage and power systems. It washed […]

A time of reality and true honesty, and a wait for rain

It seems everyone on island is in hyper-reality mode: brutal honesty about everything, and a sort of practical determination to get things back to normal. As a newspaper, this kind of civic mood is rare. Now, everyone will tell you exactly what they think – no filters, except at Grande Aire. It takes three storms, […]

Commercial & town trash on island gets OK for removal; only one pass, so get it out now

Lee County Government has garnered a win for residents in unincorporated areas with commercial properties impacted by Hurricane Milton.  The county until now was prevented from collecting storm debris from commercial property sites such as apartments, condominiums and trailer parks. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) rules state that those property owners are expected to work […]