Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News, Uncategorized.
Editor’s Note: Chief C.W. Blosser sent out this note to the community Thursday night: Good evening Everyone, Thank you for all of the well wishes and support it means a lot when things get turned upside down. The mood of the day has been every storm is different and this one certainly is. We have […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News, Uncategorized.
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Education, News.
BY CHRISTINE OLIVER, HEAD OF SCHOOL Students’ first day back to school is tentatively scheduled for Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. However, we still need the all-clear from the county. Lee County Facilities and several teams from Fireservice Emergency Disaster Response are currently at The Island School. They appear to be on schedule to be out […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in News.
Hurricane Helene brought the second highest water levels to Southwest Florida in 60 years (after Hurricane Ian). Below is an approximate timeline of Helene’s impacts on Gasparilla Island over the last week, gathered from Beacon reporting and local weather stations. Thursday, Sept. 26 1 p.m.: Wind gusts, minor bands of rain and high tides. Power […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Featured News, News, Police & Fire.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, local fire departments, including the Boca Grande Fire Department, are responding to alarms relating to lithium batteries. When exposed to water, these batteries can rapidly deteriorate, overheat, and release gasses that may cause explosions and fast-moving fires. The rule is that if they have been damaged by water, get […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Featured News, News.
Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, will not only be a Presidential election, but it will have a large number of state, federal and local candidates on the ballot, including a Florida Senatorial election. It will also have six ballot initiatives. In the last two weeks, the Boca Beacon has reviewed the first four. This […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News.
BY LARRY HANNAH In order to aid island businesses, The Boca Grande Disaster Committee is back in action to help with the clean-up and restoration of Boca Grande after the impact of Hurricane Helene. This fund, which is targeted to island businesses that suffered physical losses, will greatly ease the burden on businesses that have […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
Retail Establishments & Marinas: Aqua Boutique is closed until further notice. 421 Park Ave. Ariel, LTD is closed until further notice. 444 4th St., (941) 964-0480. Barbara Anne’s Jewelry & Repair is open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 410 Park Ave., (941) 964-1776. The Barnichol is open Monday to Friday 8 a.m. […]
Written by VAN HUBBARD on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
Editor’s Note: Van Hubbard was up in North Carolina, on vacation, when the flood waters came up to his cabin. He came through the storm, only to find his house flooded here. The bill came due for waterfront views. Just some thoughts on the sustainability of living on our beaches and open-water views. Our Florida […]
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. […]