Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
HURRICANE IAN ASSISTANCE FROM THE BOCA GRANDE WOMAN’S CLUB IS AVAILABLE BY FILLING OUT AN APPLICATION FOUND AT BOCAGRANDEWOMANSCLUB.ORG, BY PICKING UP AN APPLICATION AT THE BOCA GRANDE FIRE DEPARTMENT OR AT THE BOCA BEACON OFFICE. Need to apply for FEMA? Here’s the best way to handle it from an expert’s point of view … […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News.
In the time following a disaster, food can serve as a symbol of love and appreciation. That symbolism can be seen all over Boca Grande lately. Free or “donation only” food and drink have been showing up this week to sustain the many residents and helpers working to bring back a feeling of normalcy to […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
On October 10, while residents of Gasparilla Mobile Estates were busy picking up pieces of their lives from the neighborhood, the road and beyond, they received a letter they will never forget. It came from the owner of the property, letting them know their leases were terminated. Gasparilla Mobile Estates is going to cease to […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY MARCY SHORTUSE AND RON BOLTON One of the basic necessities of life, one that we often overlook until it is not available, is running water. Hurricane Ian brought that fact to light in a hurry, as we had no water on the island for almost two weeks in some places. The water was under […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
Due to both public and private damage generated by Hurricane Ian, Unincorporated Lee County is temporarily altering routine construction permitting and inspections for rebuilding. Damage assessment: Unincorporated Lee County, following the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements, has the responsibility to determine “substantial damage” and “substantial improvement,” and has implemented the procedures to do so. […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Community, News.
The four churches in Boca Grande did not escape the wrath of Ian. Nevertheless, two of the four were able to hold services the weekend after the storm. These were Lighthouse United Methodist and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic churches. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church will open in about two weeks, as the drying out process […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Community.
Coming back to a church that was relatively intact after Hurricane Ian has left Father Jerome Carosella a happy man. “The church, thank God, is fine, except for the roof,” said Fr. Jerome Carosella philosphically. “It is a happy outcome.” That roof exception is a pretty big one, according to most people’s standards, and would […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Health & Wellness.
Dana Pellant and Natalie Cole, nurses at the Boca Grande Health Clinic, were a rescue team driving through storm-ravaged Boca Grande in the first days after Hurricane Ian hit the Island. Natalie’s daughter, Campbell, became part of the team, as well. “We knew who the most vulnerable people on the Island were, and had […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Community, News.
BY DUSTY HOPKINS What in the world do you do with a 56 foot tall sailboat mast that has snapped off and is now stuck in the muck on the bottom of the bayou, but the other end is still attached to the boat with half inch stainless steel cables … five of them? Except […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Boca Grande Charities, Inc. – a charitable foundation founded by Capt. Sandy Melvin (and now includes Ron Walker and Pat Waterhouse) – helped save the day regarding fuel, not only on Gasparilla Island but on Little Gasparilla Island as well. Melvin worked with Mike Krause of Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters, who by happenstance during a conversation […]