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Repairs at Port Boca Grande Lighthouse will take some time, according to BIPS

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.

There’s a lot of work to be done at the south end of the island, specifically at the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, the Amory Chapel and even on Cayo Costa. As many of our readers are probably well aware, trying to set things right after a storm of the magnitude of Hurricane Ian is a game of “Hurry-Up-and-Wait,” which can be tedious and frustrating. It is no different for our historic landmarks at the south end that we love so well.
According to Sharon McKenzie, the executive director of the Barrier Island Parks Society (BIPS), the laundry list of repairs that need to be done is long. Knowing it is important to keep residents of the island abreast of what’s going on, she gave us a peek into what they are going through right now. They cannot lobby, only inform when it comes to these matters.

‘Octopus tree’ to be discussed by Historic Preservation Board

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community History, News.

The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board has just one item on the agenda this month for their meeting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 14 in the Community Center auditorium, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be brief. The saga of the property at 161/181 Gilchrist Avenue, owned by the Adam family of Texas, continues with a discussion about the validity of attempting to name a tree there as historic.

At the Board’s last meeting, one of their members, Becky Paterson, expressed concern for the banyan tree on the east side of the property by the sidewalk known to some as “The Octopus Tree.” It was named as such back in the 1920s and ’30s by the island children who used to climb it.

Island ‘Blue Barrel’ donations will end on June 16

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.

Volunteers will be closing down pickup of donations for Englewood Helping Hands this season. The last day for donations will be June 16.  Items needed include condiments, dry milk, tomato products, canned chicken, jelly, rice, tuna fish, spaghetti sauce, canned meats, ramen noodles, cereal/pancake mix, canned vegetables, rice, snacks, canned  fruit, pasta/mac & cheese, soups […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Paul and Renata Rozmus

Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.

If you happen to be in Boca Grande in the daytime on a Monday or Wednesday, you may be intrigued by the playful or plaintive sound of a lone flute wafting on the air currents. It is not your imagination. It is Paul Rozmus, entertaining guests at the Key Lime Bistro at the south end of the Railroad Depot building.
Paul and his wife Renata are both classically trained musicians who play at the Bistro several days and nights for the enjoyment of Bistro patrons and anyone else in the vicinity. Although their training is classical, their repertoire for the Bistro is fun and eclectic. It includes smooth jazz, rock, soca, contemporary and up-tempo jazz, R and B – and a rendition of “Happy Birthday,” if the occasion fits.

THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages, Columns.

Boca Beacon backpages FIVE YEARS AGO “Faithful II” took first place in the Gasparilla Island Kids Classic, and Kris Boyden was just about done with deadly objects falling from the sky around her shop downtown. Workers on the tower were leaving things up there, which would inevitably fall.   TEN YEARS AGO The Tarpon Queen […]

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Commissioners approve initiatives to address housing needs

Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.

To the Editor: The Lee Board of County Commissioners voted Tuesday to approve two measures to assist people affected by Hurricane Ian with housing needs.  The Board voted to approve an amendment to the 2023-2026 Local Housing Assistance Plan for demolition and reconstruction of single-family homes occupied by income-qualified households.  This strategy includes elevating existing […]

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: If you’re out boating, use caution around Caloosahatchee River, blue-green algal toxins found

Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.

To the Editor: The Florida Department of Health in Lee County has issued a Health Alert for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Caloosahatchee River – Fort Myers Shores. Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions: Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters […]