Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in News.
Hurricane Helene brought the second highest water levels to Southwest Florida in 60 years (after Hurricane Ian). Below is an approximate timeline of Helene’s impacts on Gasparilla Island over the last week, gathered from Beacon reporting and local weather stations. Thursday, Sept. 26 1 p.m.: Wind gusts, minor bands of rain and high tides. Power […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
While there was significant damage to The Gasparilla Inn during Hurricane Helene, President and General Manager Brent Cross and staff are working to get the operations back open as soon as possible. In the interim, they have cancelled reservations and events through Oct. 30. “The main hotel held up well,” Cross said. However, other operations, […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News.
As Gasparilla Island dried out from Hurricane Helene, staff from the Gasparilla Island Water Authority continued to pump through much of the standing water that had leached into the sewer system due to the storm. “We anticipate normal operations for all utility services to be restored this week,” said Ron Bolton, executive director. It was […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News.
Almost exactly two years from hurricane Ian, another hurricane touches Gasparilla Island and the community of Boca Grande. Here’s what’s left of the pink wall at the end property of Belcher Road overlooking the Gulf. […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
Retail Establishments & Marinas: Aqua Boutique is closed until further notice. 421 Park Ave. Ariel, LTD is closed until further notice. 444 4th St., (941) 964-0480. Barbara Anne’s Jewelry & Repair is open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 410 Park Ave., (941) 964-1776. The Barnichol is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial, News.
Everyone thought the storm would pass us by. Before Helene, there was sandbagging and some boarding up. There was unease, but confidence. The island just finished cleaning up after Ian, and everyone was prepared. Be prepared. Here at the Beacon, we planned to get our issue out early Thursday, in case the power went out. […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Health & Wellness, News, Uncategorized.
As Gasparilla Island dries out from Hurricane Helene, staff from the Gasparilla Island Water Authority are continuing to pump through much of the standing water that has leached into the sewer system due to the storm. “We anticipate normal operations for all utility services to be restored this week,” said Ron Bolton, executive director. All […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
Trucks are on their way today to Boca Grande and other affected areas in unincorporated Lee County for debris pickup, according to Betsy Clayton, of the county’s Public Information Office. NOTE: We are waiting for specifics on the next trash pickup for Waste Management for weekly normal trash for both Charlotte and Lee County residents […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
Editor’s update: At the end of day Monday, the road was clear of water. For those that need to commute into Boca Grande, the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority is open, and Boca Grande Fire Department hang tags are not required. Gasparilla Road, which flooded during Hurricane Helene, is also open. However, there is still some […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, Police & Fire, Uncategorized.
Lee County today sent an update to the Beacon and the community today to tell of post-Hurricane Helene efforts in Boca Grande. A few departmental updates for residents from the public information office: Lee Department of Transportation The department was in Boca Grande on Friday to assess the situation: Solid Waste Community Development The department […]