Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, News, Uncategorized.
Hurricane Milton tore out major sections of Gasparilla Island’s water and sewer system. In order to repair and, in some cases, completely rebuild, the Gasparilla Island Water Authority faces a major challenge in restoring service to the island. Pipes needing reconstruction include the water main to the island and uncounted locations where streets have washed […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News, Uncategorized.
Some key updates from Lee County Public Information Office. Lee County continues to work with partners throughout the community to restore services to its residents, including electrical power, fuel supply and transportation infrastructure. Across Lee County and specifically in Boca Grande As of 1 p.m. Friday: Residents who are using generators to supply power are […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
While residents are not yet allowed back, numerous crews are on island today, and were there yesterday. Below are first-hand observations from Gasparilla Island on Thursday from George “Bo” Hambrick, who is a volunteer for the Aux Com communications project for the Boca Grande Fire Department. Below are his personal observations, in chronological order. Off […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News, Uncategorized.
Hurricane Milton has undermined the roadway of the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority, including the roadbed and outbuildings. An independent engineer will arrive at the bridge today to recommend both a quick fix and a permanent solution. “This is a hard one,” said Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority Executive Director Kathy Banson by phone last night. “It’s […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News, Uncategorized.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, Boca Grande Fire Department Chief C.W. Blosser sent the following message to the community at 11:08 a.m. Good morning everyone, Just a quick update,The Island School will be closed till 10/11.If you know of anyone staying let us know who and where so we can check on them. We are leaving […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News.
Today on Gasparilla Island, everyone is buttoning up and preparing, and the streets are getting quieter. According to Ron Bolton, executive director of the Gasparilla Island Water Authority, the utility will be shutting down the water and sewer system either tonight, or tomorrow. That means that residents should get off the island, and make other […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in News, Uncategorized.
Charlotte County will open a debris drop-off site at Eldred’s Marina, 6301 Boca Grande Causeway beginning Saturday, Oct. 5. The debris drop-off site is for residents of Little Gasparilla Island. No commercial debris is allowed. No perishable waste or household garbage is allowed. For a list of acceptable items to discard, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/solidwaste and click Mini-Transfer and Recycling […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Education, News.
BY CHRISTINE OLIVER, HEAD OF SCHOOL Students’ first day back to school is tentatively scheduled for Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. However, we still need the all-clear from the county. Lee County Facilities and several teams from Fireservice Emergency Disaster Response are currently at The Island School. They appear to be on schedule to be out […]
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 Garland Pollard on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, local fire departments, including the Boca Grande Fire Department, are responding to alarms relating to lithium batteries. When exposed to water, these batteries can rapidly deteriorate, overheat, and release gasses that may cause explosions and fast-moving fires. The rule is that if they have been damaged by water, get […]