Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
The GICIA is holding an island-wide cleanup on Saturday morning, March 18. Hurricane Ian dealt Boca Grande a major blow and debris from its unrelenting winds still litters our island home. The Gasparilla Island Conservation and Improvement Association is calling on residents to volunteer a couple of hours to help remove unsightly debris. Hurricane […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
You don’t have to be silent when visiting the big tent with the auction items at the 2023 United Methodist Women’s annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday March 4. In fact, the Silent Auction Committee is hoping for a lot of positive comments as visitors examine and bid on more than 60 items on display. […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Profiles.
Indomitable is kind of an old fashioned word. You don’t hear it used much today. If you say someone has an indomitable spirit, you admire them because they never give up or admit they have been defeated. The word fits Ched McConnell, who never seems to let bad news defeat him. Ched has lived in […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Obituaries.
On February 17, 2023, Harry Childs’ daughter went into his room and opened the window to let a breeze in. A 1950s hymnal selection was playing in the background. A song called “Here I am, Lord” came on as she left the room and attended to other things. When she came back, Harry had apparently […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Editorial, News.
Commissioners with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) directed staff to take bold steps to protect Florida’s native ecosystems from invasive fish and wildlife. During the February meeting, Commissioners tasked staff with drafting proposed rules to prevent the establishment of new nonnative species in Florida. Staff will explore including a risk analysis to prove a species poses little or no threat to Florida’s ecology, economy, as well as human health and safety, before that species could be approved to come into the state.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages.
Boca Beacon backpages FIVE YEARS AGO Work began on the new Gasparilla Island Water Association, The Island School held their annual Friendship Dance and the Pine Leaf Boys were shakin’ it at the Historical Society fundraiser. TEN YEARS AGO Florida Field was making cookies at the Child Care Center, Tom Gilligan was making the kids […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Police & Fire.
The explanation is this: Currently Lee County looks at the entire grounds of the Boca Grande Community Center as a “park.” A park has more restrictions than a school, in the fact that a sex offender can be at a school with proper supervision, and with good reason to be there (and prior approval). A sex offender cannot be at a “park” in Lee County while children are present.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Police & Fire.
“I drove up to her and put the truck in park, said ‘Excuse me, Ma’am,’ and then she fell,” he said. “She fell hard. I tried calling 911 I think three times and my phone kept sending the message that it couldn’t find a mobile network. I work just about six houses down from where this was, and at that house I can make phone calls.”
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News.
Emily and Jim talk about the blue holes of the Gulf Mote Marine Laboratory is sharing some of its most interesting research with Boca Grande audiences through a series of presentations called Coffee with a Scientist. This week there were two scientists having coffee and sharing their research on blue holes in the Gulf of […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
“Despite a few leftover challenges from the hurricane, the church women are moving ahead full steam to ensure that this year’s event is as much fun as in previous years,” said Gloria Mitchell, who along with her daughter, Amy Mitchell, is co-chairing the event. “This year’s festival will signal our efforts to return to normal and, of course, will underscore the need to help others that are still suffering as a result of the storm.”