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Blazing hot weather doesn’t deter tourists who long for a quieter ‘season’

Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in News.

Julie Blakeslee and her sister-in-law Karen Blakeslee were visiting Boca Grande this week after the Fourth of July for one reason: to enjoy Gasparilla Island during the quiet season.

“We don’t like it to be so crowded,” said Karen Blakeslee.

The extended Blakeslee family of six from Springfield, Mo. included three children. While here, they swam, fished for snapper and shot videos of the Fourth of July parade. The day after the Fourth, they were out on Park Avenue in front of Hudson’s, bringing home takeout for the family from Tortuga Mexican Street Cuisine, one of a steady stream of lunchgoers unfazed by the temperature.

ISLAND SHERIFF, FIRE AND EMS: BGFD calls from June include some fainting, some falling

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Police & Fire.

On Tuesday, July 4 at 10:05 p.m. firefighters and EMTs responded a call in the 5000 block of Gasparilla Road for a man who had vomited, then fell face first into shallow water. In the end, he was not transported.

On Sunday, July 2 at 10:55 p.m. firefighters received a call of jet skiers in distress. The caller stated they had not had contact with the two people aboard the jet skis since they were told the pair had run aground.

THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

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

FIVE YEARS AGO The television documentary called “Mullet and Mangroves: The Pioneer Fishing Familes of Cayo Costa” had aired, featuring cameos by Huddy Coleman Capt. Robert Johnson. Effie Joiner co-produced it. TEN YEARS AGO More than three inches of rain fell on the island in five days’ time, leaving us a bit soggy and moist. […]

Cell tower plans are looking to be on track

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

Progress is being made on the island’s new permanent cellphone tower, as communication has been flowing with Vertical Bridge – the tower company – and contact has even been made with the individual cellphone carriers. The Boca Grande Cell Tower Committee has stated that they have also been in contact with  Joe Steele, of T […]

Malaria cases put local mosquito control districts on alert

Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Health & Wellness, News.

Southwest Florida made national news this week as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported four cases of locally acquired malaria in Sarasota County.

“We need to keep our eyes and ears open,” said Scott Schermerhorn, Charlotte County’s mosquito and aquatic control manager. Charlotte County has 21 sites along the Sarasota/Charlotte border where they are monitoring mosquitoes, doing extra surveillance. Countywide, there are 90 locations.

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! Here’s what’s goin’ on …

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.

If anyone thinks that Boca Grande won’t be celebrating Independence Day just because we don’t have an official fireworks display, they would be wrong. Not only do our residents set up some amazing displays all on their own, we also have the golf cart and bike parade that has been taking place for years. Starting […]

Habitat for Humanity store reopening in Englewood

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

The Englewood Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which has been closed since Hurricane Ian, is set to reopen on Wednesday, July 5. This week, more than two dozen volunteers were busy restocking the 12,000-square-foot ReStore and warehouse located off McCall Road, all with donated goods collected from across Charlotte County.

If you love sea turtles, here’s your chance to adopt one! (No, you can’t take them home)

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.

The Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association recently announced their inaugural Adopt-A-Nest program for the 2023 season, which allows you to adopt a sea turtle nest on Gasparilla Island and be a part of protection and conservation efforts. Adoption donations will help protect and conserve endangered sea turtles. Funds will be used for turtle patrol equipment, […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHT – Firefighter Stephen Collison

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

Firefighter Stephen Collison is still pinching himself, hoping his job at the Boca Grande Fire Department is not a cruel joke. He was hired on April 1, so he’s pretty sure by now it’s no April Fool’s joke.

Steve likes a good laugh and can almost always be found with a smile on his face. He is a naturally happy person. Working for the Boca Grande Fire Department has substantially added to that happiness. It’s not that he was unhappy working for the Sarasota County Fire Department, but this station just fits his sense of community better, he said.

He had been with the Sarasota Department since September of 2021, and before that he was a member of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office for more than 11 years. Public safety and public service are his bedrocks.

OBITUARY: Joe Adrian

Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Obituaries.

Joseph Leo Adrian, 78, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota and Boca Grande, Florida passed away from complications due to ataxia on June 23, 2023. He is preceded in death by his loving parents, Herbert and Bernnes (née Peterson), brothers John, Herbert M. Jr., and Anthony. Joe was known for his sharp wit, observant nature, quiet […]