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BGHPB to vote on Tower Landing, discuss Octopus Tree

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

The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. in the Woman’s Club Room of the Boca Grande Community Center to discuss issuing a Special Certificate of Appropriateness to construct a new three-story commercial/residential building at 384 E. Railroad Ave. The proposal for a three-story structure was submitted by Tower Landing, LLC. 
This is the “Bakery Building” property, next to Barnichol Hardware. It will be very similar  to the old building in size and stature. 
According to Lee County planners, the proposal includes removing the utility structure at the east side of the property (the old tower base) and in its place that part of the building would be three stories. The majority of the proposed building will be two stories, but the rear portion will be three stories and will abut directly onto the alleyway to the east. The proposed building will serve as a mix of commercial activity on the first floor and residential uses on the second floor. The top of the building will be usable roof space, with the exception of that portion of the three-story part of the structure.

Five more years: Lee County renews lease for Fust Library

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

At their Oct. 3, 2023 Board of County Commissioners meeting, Lee County approved and extended their lease with the Johann Fust Library Foundation, Inc. for the Boca Grande branch library.
The lease amount, which was set for $56,250 for the upcoming year, was approved in September as part of the County’s $2.5 billion budget.
The monthly rental cost is $4,687.50 (or $56,250 annually). Utility costs, janitorial services and maintenance are provided by the Foundation at no additional cost. The Foundation also continues to maintain the library archives, shell collection and campus, as well as offering speakers and events.

As we say good bye to one, we welcome another

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

It’s official. Fr. Anthony Hewitt has been installed as pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic parish. While Father Anthony took over his duties in Boca Grande in July, there were some formalities that needed to be taken care of before the assignment was official. These took place Sunday, Oct. 1, at the church.

Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice, under whose auspices Our Lady of Mercy parish operates, came to Boca Grande to finalize those details. The bishop and Fr. Anthony celebrated the 10:30 a.m. Mass together, along with about 50 members of the parish and Fr. Anthony’s family.

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.

OBITUARY: Daniel James Carten

Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Obituaries.

Daniel James Carten left this world on October 3rd, 2023 but his family and friends will always remember his warmth, generosity, and mischievous sense of humor. Dan and his brother, Frank, were raised by their mother, Kathleen Carten, in Wayne, PA. He had a bright and curious mind, which he utilized to create his own […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: April Miano

Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.

When April Miano gets a new job, she is all in with it. That is why you will see her in her first stage play ever, now that she is box office manager for the Royal Palm Players. She will play a couple of roles in the November staging of “The Dining Room” on Boca Grande.

April arrived at the Royal Palm Players by chance, if you believe in such things, around January of this year. She and her husband Joe had had enough of the “salt life,” living on a sailboat, and decided to make their land-based home in Rotonda West. Searching for a job, she saw an opening at the Royal Palm Players and went for it. The rest is history.

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.