Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
Cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters. The Boca Grande Fire Department is attempting to reduce this risk by raising money for new turnout gear that is free from “forever chemicals” linked to cancer. Most current firefighting gear contains measurable amounts of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, or PFAS. The Boca Grande Fire Department has now […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Featured News, News.
Two of the most discussed amendments to the Florida Constitution this November include a ballot initiative on marijuana, Amendment 3, and a ballot initiative on abortion, Amendment 4. This is the second article in a three-part backgrounder on the state constitutional amendments on the ballot in November’s general election. Both potential amendments were initiated outside […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Featured News, News, Sports & Outdoors.
Before Hurricane Helene, some beachgoers have had questions about the color of the water, which, even on the Gulf of Mexico side of the island, was the light brownish color of a cypress swamp. “Water-wise, we are still experiencing a tremendous amount of rain inland that is causing storm water runoff and hence the tannins […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, News.
Vote-by-Mail ballots are being sent out in the next week; a national post office expert advises voters worried about their safety to mail early, and use tracking services. Beginning on Thursday, Sept. 26, Vote-by-Mail ballots are being sent to domestic voters who have requested them. While the deadline to return Vote-by-Mail ballots is before 7 […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News.
This Sunday, Pastor Gary Beatty will preach his last message at First Baptist Church in Boca Grande. Beatty announced his retirement last Sunday. “God’s been good to me,” said Beatty. “The island’s been good to me. People have been good to me.” He came to the church in 2000. His wife Betty knew from the […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Obituaries.
My heart is ready, O God, my heart is ready: I will sing and rehearse a psalm. Arise, O my glory, arise psaltery and harp: I will arise early. I will give praise to thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing a psalm to thee among the nations.” – Psalm 56(57):8-10 Surrounded by […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
In preparation for the expected arrival of Hurricane Helene, the Boca Grande Fire Department and Chief C.W. Blosser asks residents to monitor, plan and prepare. In an effort to answer the most asked questions this morning, they advise: Follow the Beacon on Twitter and Facebook.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, News.
The storm PTC 9, expected to be named Helene, will pass through the Gulf of Mexico Wednesday and Thursday. The storm is a large area, and even if not in the cone, expect high winds and higher water. On September 24, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209, amending Executive Order 24-208, declaring a state of […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in News.
Lee County Emergency Management is actively monitoring the tropics and working closely with state and federal partners, including the Florida Division of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, and the National Hurricane Center. With heightened tropical activity, it is important for residents to take steps to prepare as we move through the remainder of this […]
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, News, Sports & Outdoors.
“Consider the number of manatee deaths so far this year. Redesignating the manatee as endangered, which provides for the highest levels of federal protection and conservation efforts, is critical.” Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) In 2021, Congressman Buchanan wrote the above quote when 1,101 manatees died, and now as of 2024, the manatee still has not […]