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EcoWatch: Good and bad news for Florida’s ecosystem

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead, American cultural anthropologist and author It’s that time again when Eco Watch has been faced with many eco issues that sad to say, mostly had bad news in the past. […]

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Called to a life of faith, in Boca Grande

There is something special about Garth Bailey. It only takes a few minutes talking to him to know what it is. He is unabashedly in love with the Lord. Garth is from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, but lives and works in Boca Grande during the season. He works as a server for The Gasparilla Inn and […]

Remarks on the Bridge Authority’s early years

BY GINGER WATKINS Editor’s Note: At her last meeting as chairman last month, outgoing GIBA Chairman Ginger Watkins assembled facts and history about the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority. We have presented here a brief excerpt for Beacon readers who wish to know more about the “early years” from 1996 on. The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority’s […]

Redundant systems and Boca Grande’s Auxcomm 

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, communications for Cape Haze and Boca Grande went back to the pre-Flintstones era.  That might sound extreme. It is not, as Barney and Fred had dial phones with animal horns, and TVs with actual rabbit ears on top. The power was out, as was the internet and phone service. […]

Boca Grande Health Clinic mid-season report

BY MARK DRISCOLL Here we are in March already, and I can’t believe how fast the months are flying by. I hope everyone is enjoying Boca Grande, especially now that the weather is finally treating us to warmer temperatures and sunshine. It’s been a very busy season so far at the Clinic, and each month […]

Briefly: Boat lock closed

The South Gulf Cove boat lock will be nonoperational due to repairs. The lock cannot be opened manually or via bridge tenders until repairs are complete. For information, contact Patrick Ferriter at 941-681-3776 or email Patrick.Ferriter@charlottecountyfl.gov. 

Lee and Charlotte early voting locations, primary dates

Early voting for the upcoming presidential preference primary begins Saturday, March 9 for Lee County and Monday, March 4 for Charlotte County. Florida is a closed primary state, which means that only voters who are registered members of political parties may vote for respective candidates or nominees for an office in a primary election.  The […]

Placida Road owlets spring their nest

The family of owls nested in a giant street sign over Placida Road across from Lemon Bay High School have successfully raised their owlets, according to reports by Eva Furner, who has been watching the owls on behalf of Lemon Bay Conservancy. By Feb. 11, the young owlets had grown to be as large as […]

Island emergency leads meet for Auxcomm introduction

The steering committee for Gasparilla Island’s new Auxiliary Emergency Communications system met Monday morning at the Boca Grande Fire Department to hear a presentation about the new system’s capabilities, and to discuss how the communications system will be used by groups and individuals. The system, which consists of simple two-way radios and an island-wide antennae […]