Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: I know it seems early, but the Charlotte County “Toys for Tots” campaign has already begun. Please email Toys for Tots if you have any questions at charlotte.county.florida@toysfortots.org. The following is the timeline for the program this year: • Application Open Date: 10/1/2023 (date campaign begins accepting toy applications) • Application […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: I wanted to take a moment to talk about the importance of being voter-ready. Voting is a crucial aspect of our society, and it’s how we make our voices heard. This is why my team and I have been working hard to provide voter education and outreach opportunities in our community while […]
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.
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Community History.
Work has still not yet begun on repairs to the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse.
“A start date is anticipated within the next 30 days,” said Brooke Keck, of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, in an email to the Boca Beacon.
“Repairs have yet to be started as we are awaiting the last of the county building permits to be issued and for materials to be delivered.”
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, News, Sports & Outdoors.
For the Parks and Recreation Department, the county has budgeted for Boca Grande tennis and pickleball. For fiscal year 23-24, there is $40,500 that was approved to help fund design and permitting. The $1,049,425 requested for FY 24-25 is for construction.
For the dog park, there is carry over from this fiscal year to FY 23-24 of $430,660, as the project is not done.
Overall, countywide taxable values increased, on average, 6.67 percent this year. The general fund tax rate for the upcoming year is 3.7623 mills, which is the same as last year.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community.
BB: Do you have a theme for this year’s talks?
RL: There are two themes if you can consider one book a theme. This year we will look at fish, vegetable farming, and the plight of birds and insects. The lone book deals with America’s first rape trial in 1783 and its impact then and impact now.
BB: Let’s start with fish.
RL: Paul Greenberg is a lifelong fisherman and an award-winning writer on oceans, climate change, the environment, and culinary matters. His book, Four Fish: The Future of the last Wild Food, looks at four fish – salmon, bass, cod, and tuna (recently he has added shrimp to the list!) that are at present the base of a fish diet.
BB: Sounds interesting, what is his main thesis?
RL: A century ago nearly all seafood was wild. Now half is produced through aquaculture. Paul travels the globe looking for where we went wrong with the human – ocean relationship and how we might one day get it right.
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.
Truly, Edie believes in the old saying that “to rest is to rust.” There is certainly no rust on her, as she is still out walking the dog and doing yoga regularly. She doesn’t mind disclosing her age: She is proud of the life she is living, and plans to keep living as long as she can. In fact, when asked what her plans are for her 100th birthday, she doesn’t bat an eye. She hasn’t quite decided yet, because she has something more pressing on her mind in the near future – the wedding of her granddaughter. She is getting married on the island next May, and those plans come first. The big birthday party can be planned after that.
Edie is healthy and strong, thanks to a life-long commitment to eating right and exercising, as well as maintaining an active social life. She is also surrounded by lots of family and friends to bolster a positive, well-rounded outlook on life.
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: I’m very glad to advise you that in the wake of Friday’s comprehensive Beacon update on the Auxiliary Emergency Communications Project, a concerned private citizen donated $20,000. That donation reduces the remaining amount needed to $59,065 of the original $305,065 goal. It is the first donation from an individual – I’m […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: October is shaping up to be a fun and exciting month. We will launch our new MOMS Connection on Wednesday, Oct. 4 from 5 to 6 p.m. The group is free and open to all moms (because once a mom, always a mom). It will be an opportunity for us to compare […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Sports & Outdoors.
As we have written about before, the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Golf Tournament will not be held at The Gasparilla Inn & Club, but has been picked up by a brand-new venue: Wellen Park Golf & Country Club. This is purported to be a stellar course, so why not try it out? […]