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The Boca Beacon’s Hurricane Watch

UPDATED 2330 SEPT. 26 … The Boca Grande Causeway does NOT close to CAR traffic. It closes to BOAT traffic when winds reach sustained 40 mph. That means if you are in a boat and the winds are 40 mph or higher, you aren’t coming under the Boca Grande Causeway swing bridge.
Officials will sometimes close the bridge to general traffic after a storm has passed and officials have declared it unsafe to come on the island.

As the Bike Path becomes more bare, more questions come with it

Besides new plants, the project includes what is called “structural pruning” of already established trees. This kind of pruning focuses on improving the architecture of the branches within the crown of the tree. Most trees grow stronger without branches at different levels. These lower branches tend to cause problems, using nutrients and presenting problems for the overall health of the tree. Structural pruning not only protects the tree, but also protects people and property from weaker limbs falling or otherwise being a nuisance. Bartlett Tree has headed this part of the project.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Sandi Firtion

Sandi is one of many volunteers who dedicate their time to helping out at the Lighthouse and at other Barrier Island Parks Service facilities. At the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse these volunteers help visitors learn all about the workings of the Lighthouse, the history connected with it, the creatures who live in the area, and the workings and mission of BIPS.

Going … up? 

The board had begun discussing the need for an elevator some 10 years ago, she said, but actually voted to initiate this aspect of the project three years ago. Among the first things necessary was to find an architectural firm to design and plan out the work required to add an elevator to the facility. The choice was not difficult, based on the success of the library renovations made in 2012 and 2013.

A loss felt around the world:

In May of 1991, a week after The Queen had flown home, her ship, Brittania, docked just off the Boca Grande coast and its officers spent a few hours on Useppa Island, mingling with residents and Useppa owner Garfield Beckstead (they came at the invitation of an island resident who had ties with the Royal Navy). Beckstead even made Admiral Robert Woodard of the Royal Navy an honorary member of Useppa Island, with a permanent invitation to return whenever he liked.

BIPS discusses marine pollution and its increasing threat to Florida

What can we do to help? While we can’t control every aspect of preventing marine pollution, there are many actions we can take. Using biodegradable environmentally safe household products and reducing waste by choosing packaging that decomposes quickly or can be reused or recycled is something most everyone can do. Choosing to use non-toxic marine and earth friendly products inside and outside will go a long way toward keeping these poisons out of the water. Picking up litter and animal waste and disposing of it properly benefits everyone. Participating in a community group that advocates and actively pursues a clean environment is always a great start. Whether implementing personal habits that foster a healthier world or joining forces with other like-minded people, we all have a role in the future health of Florida’s waters and can make a positive difference to reverse the negative impacts of marine pollution.

New Charlotte County flood maps going into effect in December

FEMA supplied the County with the updated preliminary maps back in 2019, at which time the County set up outreach meetings to inform the public of the upcoming map changes. Citizens and business owners viewed the new maps and asked questions of FEMA and County staff. The meetings were very well attended, and FEMA representatives praised County staff on their outreach and marketing efforts. Charlotte County had more people attend the community outreach meetings than all the community meetings in Southwest Florida combined.