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Disaster Fund now at $1.5 million with $3 million goal for biz recovery plan

Fund still taking donations An island Disaster Fund set up to help local businesses and institutions recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton has raised over $1.5 million in just a few weeks. “We still have a goal of $3 million,” said co-organizer Larry Hannah, of Lighthouse United Methodist Church, which is administering the fund. “We […]

Maine arrest for suspect in Scarpa’s check theft case

Restaurant missing over $100,000 in funds On Sunday, Oct. 13, Teresa J. Lessa, 50, of North Port was arrested at Bangor International Airport in Maine, after the Bangor Police Department was informed she was a passenger on an inbound plane, according to Sgt. Jason McAmbley, Public Information Officer for the Bangor Police Department. Lessa was […]

Dr. Richard Farrior 1925 – 2024

Richard Thomas Farrior, M.D., passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on October 13, 2024 – three months shy of his 100th birthday. His wife Betty Bodkin Farrior, parents Joseph Brown Farrior and Evelyn Searcy Farrior, and his six siblings preceded him in death. Dr. Farrior, a true Tampa native, was born in […]

Woman’s Club scholarship applications

The Scholarship Committee of the Boca Grande Woman’s Club will be accepting scholarship applications starting November 1, 2024, for the 2025–2026 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 or trade school. 2. Demonstrate a high […]

Methodist, Episcopal churches fare well

With all the destruction from the two recent hurricanes, at least two of the churches on the island are feeling blessed. There was minimal damage at both Lighthouse United Methodist Church and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. First Baptist Church took a bigger hit, with water entering the church buildings. Both the Methodist and Episcopal churches […]

Damage to Fust Library: Tale of two storms at the historic building

BY BOBBIE MARQUIS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” Before describing Hurricane Milton’s impact on the library, we must say that this is the second storm story to come out of the Johann Fust Library Foundation in the past month. Both are tales of regular people doing […]

Royal Palm Players’ temporary office

Editor’s Note: The Royal Palm Players sent out this letter to patrons and theatergoers. Dear Patrons and Friends: We hope this email finds you safe and sound. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. We are sending love and support to the entire community during this challenging time. The Boca […]

GIBA toll collections will resume at midnight tonight, Oct. 23

Toll collections at the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority will resume at midnight tonight, Weds. Oct. 23, 2024. A reminder: Also, GIBA has placed a sign on the Causeway letting the public know that the beaches are closed until further notice. The Lee County Sheriff is going to continue the Hurricane Tag checkpoint at the county […]

Recovery scenes

Above, the exterior of the railroad station shows progress in cleanup. Below, a water truck waits by the Louise duPont Crowninshield House, where water flood marks can still be seen. Photos by Garland

Photos: Milton Recovery

Top row has Century Link and preparation before the storm. Other familiar views of recovery, including Glenn Scarpa in muck. The wet stack at right is a bundle of our Boca Beacon Visitor Guides. Left, Barnichol Hardware was open Monday, right on time. Photos by Caroline and Garland