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GUEST EDITORIAL: It’s been … a year

Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Editorial, News.

It’s been a year. A year of highs and lows, leaving us with a broader appreciation for this journey we are on and those with whom we choose to surround ourselves. Although we may stumble sometimes, it’s important that we muster up the courage to get back up again. As a community, we have done that together. Charlotte County has strengthened its resolve in the wake of Hurricane Ian, and we at CCSO have been overwhelmed by the support you showed us following Deputy Taylor’s passing. I cannot express to you how much that has meant as we cope with the tragic loss of a brother.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Lee Commissioners accept $5 million in emergency recovery grant funds to replace beach sand

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

The project consists of trucking sand to beaches previously designated by the state as critically eroded and actively managed by Lee County to protect public infrastructure currently at risk from hurricane impacts. Currently permitted locations include Lovers Key where a breach threatens the access bridge, and south of Blind Pass where the severely eroded beach threatens the Sanibel Captiva Road evacuation route.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Storm debris still be collected in some communities … but not in Boca Grande

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

To the Editor: Lee County thanks residents who were given set-out deadlines in some unincorporated areas and have placed their remaining Hurricane Ian debris at the curb. The county reminds those residents that collection of storm debris in these areas will conclude once material that met the deadline has been picked up:  Lehigh Acres Gateway […]

It took a lot of talking, but Boca Grande North is getting cleaned up

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

This week trucks contracted by the state of Florida came to start taking away the large pile of construction, demolition and household debris at the north end of the island. With the announcement of the trucks’ arrival, it was also determined that the property, long thought to be owned by the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority, is actually owned by Boca Grande North.

Do you have fisherkids? It’s tourney time!

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.

Another season is upon us and with it comes a new kids’ fishing tournament, courtesy of Lee County Parks & Recreation and the Boca Beacon. This one will be held on Saturday, Jan 21 at the pier on the north end of the island, behind Kappy’s Market. It will take place between 9 and 11 […]

It’s been awhile since the kayak launch was usable, soooo … what’s up with that?

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

But the question still remains – whose job is it to put the kayak launch back to rights? After all, it is an official stop on the Blueways Trail, which is a interconnected statewide map and information system that gives kayakers access to where some of the best waterways are located along 220 miles of coastline. It includes tidal creeks, estuary bays and, in this area, Charlotte Harbor.

The future of Warm Mineral Springs is once again tentative

Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News.

Last November, North Port’s City Commission reviewed and accepted an unsolicited proposal from WMS Development Group, LLC to repair and restore the current facilities at the Springs, and to add a “Phase 2” development that includes condominiums, health spa and other amenities, by expanding the developed area of the park. 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Amy McCandless, the lady behind the Facebook persona of Fugate’s during the storm

Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News, Profiles.

Island living is her thing. She and her husband Don sold everything they had a number of years ago, bought a boat and planned to see the world from the deck of that boat. They ended up in the Keys when a big hurricane hit (her name starts with “I,” but we will not name her, either). It sunk the boat. The two adventurers returned to Little Gasparilla and have found generous friends whose homes have become their own. 

THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

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

Boca Beacon backpages FIVE YEARS AGO The Tesla Quartet was performing at the Community Center, Mote was celebrating their five year anniversary on the island and the Three Sisters’ variances debate was getting ugly. TEN YEARS AGO Mote Marine Laboratory opened its office on the island with a ribbon-cutting by Former First Lady Laura Bush. […]

Why are our beaches, playground and 5th Street docks closed?

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

While many things are slowly coming back from the storm named Ian that turned us upside down, there are still a few things that are frustrating. Stuck in our craw, if you will. Three of those are the beach access closures, the Community Center playground closure and, now, the closure of the “Pink” docks at […]