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Damage to Fust Library: Tale of two storms at the historic building

BY BOBBIE MARQUIS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR “It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” Before describing Hurricane Milton’s impact on the library, we must say that this is the second storm story to come out of the Johann Fust Library Foundation in the past month. Both are tales of regular people doing […]

Royal Palm Players’ temporary office

Editor’s Note: The Royal Palm Players sent out this letter to patrons and theatergoers. Dear Patrons and Friends: We hope this email finds you safe and sound. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. We are sending love and support to the entire community during this challenging time. The Boca […]

Mercury outboards stolen off Boca Grande Isles

At approximately 10:15 a.m. on Monday, October 14th while on marked patrol in Boca Grande, Deputy Angelo Lanni responded to Jose Gaspar Drive in reference to a report of two boat motor thefts, according to the Lee County Public Information Report 24-523724. The owner of the 35-foot Sea Ray boat was out of state but […]

Cape Haze FM radio back on after storms, bees and hurricane floods

The Christian radio station WSEB 91.3 FM, that giant tower in Cape Haze, was off air after recent hurricanes. Their difficult month started with a rowdy hive of honeybees that moved into the tower, at the same time the air conditioner stopped working. With the AC not working the transmitter shut down, as it was over […]

Storm update for island clubs and The Gasparilla Inn

Many of the private clubs on island have not yet set dates to reopen following Hurricane Milton; however, progress is being made every day. The Boca Grande Club got water back on Monday, Oct. 21, said Yvonne Anderson, president of the club. “I think we will open pretty soon when water becomes stable,” she said. […]

EcoWatch: Hurricane impacts on wildlife and animals

“Whenever there’s human devastation, there’s animal devastation. If people can’t get out, animals can’t get out!” Sierra Club, Environmental Organization The extreme effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton will not be fully known for quite some time. Officials are still searching for survivors and the deceased in many areas, and the figures are expected to […]

GIBA toll collections will resume at midnight tonight, Oct. 23

Toll collections at the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority will resume at midnight tonight, Weds. Oct. 23, 2024. A reminder: Also, GIBA has placed a sign on the Causeway letting the public know that the beaches are closed until further notice. The Lee County Sheriff is going to continue the Hurricane Tag checkpoint at the county […]

Boca Grande hurricane recovery fundraiser links

Following the destruction from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, several island businesses have set up fundraisers to help with recovery. Click the links below to visit each individual campaign. If you own or know of a business in Boca Grande with a verified fundraiser that is not included below, send the link to aridilla@bocabeacon.com

Water service returns to most of Gasparilla Island

Gasparilla Island Water Association has about 95 percent of the island’s water connections back in service. “We are getting to the nitty gritty,” said Ron Bolton, GIWA’s executive director, who said that less than 120 units are without water and/or sewer. In a Monday email to the board, he said that most of the lift […]

Marjorie Fortgang 1933-2024

Marjorie Katz Fortgang died peacefully on October 5, 2024, surrounded by her family at her home on the island of Boca Grande, Florida. She was 91. Marjorie was born on July 28, 1933, in Longmeadow,Massachusetts, the first daughter of Abraham andIrene Katz. She and her younger sister, June, were best friends who enjoyed a long life full of fun and adventure, bravely supporting […]