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The 75th for The Temp, on the 76th, this weekend 

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History, News.

Homer Addison would be proud of the shindig planned for Saturday, Oct. 7, as The Temptation will hold a street party to celebrate their 75th anniversary … on their 76th anniversary.

Not only will their newly repaired iconic sign be in place and ready to start shining into the night in its neon glory, Maker’s Mark will be on hand with their 12th barrel of Temptation Private Select bourbon. There will be live music and food to celebrate the occasion as well.

The reason Homer Addison, the man who built The Temptation, is mentioned, is simple – you can’t honor The Temp without honoring Homer.

Real estate sales down but average prices rise

Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in News.

High real estate prices in Boca Grande are giving the rest of the Cape Haze peninsula and the neighboring islands a price boost.

“Palm Island has really gone through the roof in the last three years,” said Brian R. Corcoran, owner and broker for BRC Group. “Anything nice on Palm Island is being snapped up quickly.”

With Gasparilla Island properties about triple the price, Palm Island and Manasota Key are starting to look pretty good for some buyers. Corcoran said that new prospects have begun to understand that there are basic services on Palm Island, as well as paved streets and trash pickup.

Across the market, current buyers are opting to forego conventional financing. “Anything over $3 million is going to be cash,” said Corcoran.

County considers sewer system for original Cape Haze neighborhood

Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community History, News.

As Charlotte County is preparing an engineering report for a new sewer system for the original Cape Haze development, current residents there are asking questions about its need.

“It’s a long process,” said Caroline Wannall, public relations manager for Charlotte County Utilities, who says that to build a sewer system includes not only design and engineering, but costs. There are also meetings with residents, and public comment throughout the process.

“We want them to know they have a say,” said Wannall.

THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

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

FIVE YEARS AGO Local water appeared to be healthy, even with some strange shades of gray, black, brown and more types of algae at the beach.   TEN YEARS AGO Margaret Fugate passed away at the age of 96. The Gasparilla Inn & Club opened for its 100th season. FIFTEEN YEARS AGO Anne Cannon Fairbanks, […]

365 DAYS LATER: Still healing from Ian, but so very blessed

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History.

There’s still a lot that hasn’t been said about what happens after a hurricane like Ian. A storm that big, that strong, that stays for that long … it changes people. 

Some people simply disappeared afterward … just packed up what they had left and took off. Others mentally processed it the best they could, all while trying to fight insurance companies and salvage what was left of the material possessions they owned. Others became sick or developed nervous tics or OCD issues, some died of a broken heart.

Government statistics show that approximately 150 people died in Florida during Hurricane Ian, but those who were here know better – there were far more. This storm took a toll on the residents that reached far beyond  most people’s scope of comprehension. 

Now, a year later, many of these people are just now starting to experience life beyond the storm. If this shocks you because it’s an entire year later, it shouldn’t – it is estimated that, just on the island, only about 20 percent of homes that were damaged or destroyed are completely fixed. And, if you asked around of those who were here, you’d find that maybe 10 percent of people would say their minds and hearts have even begun to heal.

Boca Grande Lighthouse work yet to commence …  but will soon

Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Community History.

Work has still not yet begun on repairs to the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse. 

“A start date is anticipated within the next 30 days,” said Brooke Keck, of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, in an email to the Boca Beacon. 

“Repairs have yet to be started as we are awaiting the last of the county building permits to be issued and for materials to be delivered.”

Dog park, pickleball, beach renourishment items in 2023-24 Lee County budget

Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, News, Sports & Outdoors.

For the Parks and Recreation Department, the county has budgeted for Boca Grande tennis and pickleball. For fiscal year 23-24, there is $40,500 that was approved to help fund design and permitting. The $1,049,425 requested for FY 24-25 is for construction. 

For the dog park, there is carry over from this fiscal year to FY 23-24 of $430,660, as the project is not done.

Overall, countywide taxable values increased, on average, 6.67 percent this year. The general fund tax rate for the upcoming year is 3.7623 mills, which is the same as last year.

PROFILE: Edie Gardner

Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.

Truly, Edie believes in the old saying that “to rest is to rust.” There is certainly no rust on her, as she is still out walking the dog and doing yoga regularly. She doesn’t mind disclosing her age: She is proud of the life she is living, and plans to keep living as long as she can. In fact, when asked what her plans are for her 100th birthday, she doesn’t bat an eye. She hasn’t quite decided yet, because she has something more pressing on her mind in the near future – the wedding of her granddaughter. She is getting married on the island next May, and those plans come first. The big birthday party can be planned after that.

Edie is healthy and strong, thanks to a life-long commitment to eating right and exercising, as well as maintaining an active social life. She is also surrounded by lots of family and friends to bolster a positive, well-rounded outlook on life.

THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

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

FIVE YEARS AGO At a public hearing, Charlotte County Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance to adopt a small-scale plan amendment – which included a change from resource conservation to commercial zoning and building heights to 39.9 feet –  at The Fishery property.  TEN YEARS AGO We got 7.5 inches of rain in one week, leaving […]