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RESTORING CELL COVERAGE … HERE’S THE LATEST

While the Atlantic is kicking up, action at the Bakery Building has slowed down this week. A new demolition crew will begin work on Monday, headed up by Kevin Kelley, and the Lee County Attorney’s Office has spoken with the building’s new owner, Sue Sligar, who is back in town. The building is listed under […]

Heather Gilligan, on tour in Florida, finds stranded manatee in island waters

A beached manatee, later found to be safe, was the highlight of a Boca Grande visit for Columbus, Ohio resident Heather Gilligan on Wednesday, Aug. 9.

“This morning my original plan of going to Key Largo was canceled,” said Gillian. “So I just felt led by God to come out here.” 

She had heard about Gasparilla Island from a friend, Lucy, who had been here in March. 

“She finds the coolest places to go,” said Gilligan. “She just said it was really beautiful, really peaceful, and one of the safest places she had ever been.”

Rotary Club youth campground renovated after Ian

There is a hidden gem in Sarasota County that is shining a bit brighter this week. This gem is the Rotary Club of Englewood’s Youth Foundation Campground, on S. Moon Drive in Venice. The campground was damaged significantly by Hurricane Ian and was been unusable for nearly a year.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Firefighter Daniel Martinez

Daniel Martinez has found himself a home at the Boca Grande Fire Department. He’s only been here since June, but he envisions himself retiring from this department one day. Since he is 24, that means he will be here a long time. 
“I’ve lived in the area pretty much my whole life,” Daniel said. “I was born in Hollywood (Florida) and moved over here when I was about five, to Rotonda West. Basically, every time I wanted to do something fun, I would come to Boca Grande. I’ve lived so close to the island, I was out here a lot as a kid. My prom was out here. I used to do the Turkey Hoop Shoot whenever I could. I ran the 5K out here sometimes. So the island’s always been a part of my life.”
He has discovered a new depth to the community since joining the fire department, though.

Kids fishing tourney slated for September

The next Lee County Parks & Recreation Boca Grande Youth Fishing Tournament is scheduled for September 16, 9 to 11 a.m. at the Boca Grande North Fishing Pier, on the road just south of Kappy’s Market. All kids 13 and under are welcome to this catch-and-release-only tournament. Bait will be provided – no lures allowed. […]

TIMELINE FOR AUGUST 25: THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

FIVE YEARS AGO The Beacon swept the Florida Press Association awards presentation, and Hopkins & Daughter celebrated 30 years of ownership of the Boca Beacon. TEN YEARS AGO Fire destroyed a Pilot Point Lane home, and Capt. Phil O’Bannon was in Lee County trying to make a difference in tarpon fishing gear regulations. Also, our […]