Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial, News.
Everyone thought the storm would pass us by. Before Helene, there was sandbagging and some boarding up. There was unease, but confidence. The island just finished cleaning up after Ian, and everyone was prepared. Be prepared. Here at the Beacon, we planned to get our issue out early Thursday, in case the power went out. […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in News, Profiles.
The Lee rescue crew The Lee County Department of Transportation has worked tirelessly to alleviate Boca Grande’s flooded roadways after Hurricane Helene passed off the coast. County crews were out in full force the entire weekend after the storm and continued to work on drainage issues all week. From Friday, Sept. 27, through Sunday night, […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News.
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Health & Wellness, News, Uncategorized.
As Gasparilla Island dries out from Hurricane Helene, staff from the Gasparilla Island Water Authority are continuing to pump through much of the standing water that has leached into the sewer system due to the storm. “We anticipate normal operations for all utility services to be restored this week,” said Ron Bolton, executive director. All […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Legal.
Charlotte County encourages residents to begin recovery efforts as soon as possible. To streamline the rebuilding process and prevent delays, the Charlotte County Community Development Department is providing guidelines for work that may be completed without the need for a permit. The following work does not require a permit: While these activities can begin immediately, […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
Trucks are on their way today to Boca Grande and other affected areas in unincorporated Lee County for debris pickup, according to Betsy Clayton, of the county’s Public Information Office. NOTE: We are waiting for specifics on the next trash pickup for Waste Management for weekly normal trash for both Charlotte and Lee County residents […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
Editor’s update: At the end of day Monday, the road was clear of water. For those that need to commute into Boca Grande, the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority is open, and Boca Grande Fire Department hang tags are not required. Gasparilla Road, which flooded during Hurricane Helene, is also open. However, there is still some […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, News.
This was updated Monday, Sept. 30, and newer stories. Information on sand and debris is now available here. After surveying across Gasparilla Island, it appears that at absolute minimum, dozens of houses have been severely damaged by Hurricane Helene, and many more with substantial damage. In town, many businesses, including Hudson’s and Fugutes, were flooded. […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News.
BOCA GRANDE – Like that fifth labor of Heracles, cleaning out the Augean stables, a crew from Lee County has installed a pumps to clear putrid standing water off Gasparilla Road today. By late afternoon, the crew arrived mid-island, where large portions of Gasparilla Road in Lee County are impassible due to standing water. The […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News, Uncategorized.
Recovery efforts are underway in response to Hurricane Helene in Charlotte County. Clearing and removing storm debris is a major part of the recovery effort. Charlotte County Public Works asks for residents’ cooperation to properly separate storm debris by category and adhere to the collection guidelines. It is the property owners’ responsibility to bring the […]