Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
As our season comes to a close and summer begins, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of myself and our BIPS Board to thank all our friends and visitors who utilized our four parks, lighthouses and gift shops and participated in our numerous programs and activities.
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: Professional property managers and residential homeowners’ association presidents can take steps now to protect their community in the event of a hurricane or other declared major disaster in Lee County. FEMA regulations require that private or gated communities have a current Right of Entry and Indemnification form on file with Lee County […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News.
Concrete artificial reefs have been used for many years, including at the environmental restoration of the Mercabo Cove at the northern end of Gasparilla Island. The new aspect of such reefballs is the inclusion of cremated remains. This allows people to have a final resting place that can help in the effort to restore marine enviroments and establish new habitat for fish and other sea life.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
Many kinds of wildlife depend on Florida’s beaches for their survival, including endangered and threatened species. Over 30 species of shorebirds and seabirds use beach habitats for nesting, resting and finding food. Some birds also use the beach during winter or for rest during long migrations. Sea turtles use Florida’s beaches as nesting sites from […]
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Editorial.
Using the most sensitive technology available for detecting harmful algal bloom (HAB) toxins, the Calusa Waterkeeper (CWK) research team started airborne toxin monitoring in July 2021 at eight locations in Lee County, Florida. Samples were collected with the use of a monitoring device designed and optimized from the ground up, incorporating elements of other design […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
While there used to be a noticeable difference immediately after the Easter holiday, this year the week prior to Easter, 28,849 vehicles crossed the bridge. The week after, 28, 614 more cars crossed the bridge. This has been common since the beginning of COVID-19.
Written by Tonya Bramlage on . Posted in News.
Each volunteer is assigned a section of the beach, called a zone, that they patrol by walking every morning. When they see the distinct flipper tracks of a turtle, it is their esteemed task to determine whether the sea turtle has made a successful nesting attempt or a false crawl. A false crawl happens when the turtles come up onto the beach without digging a nest. Once a determination has been made, volunteers then mark the nest and protect it with wood stakes and colored tape.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
Keeping all seaward lights off at night, filling in all holes left on the beach and picking up all beach furniture, toys and tents are the best things we can do to help the turtles.Sea turtles do not have the ability to back up and can become entangled in these items and die. They can also fall in the holes left by beachgoers and do not have the ability to get out.
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in News.
The GICIA contracted with Sea & Shoreline, a Florida-based aquatic restoration firm that has two decades of experience restoring fresh and saltwater habitats and whose nursery grows seagrass for restoration projects all across the southern U.S. Last March Sea & Shoreline planted 3,400 units of seagrass within the cove area. A team of biologists spent a week in dive gear carefully hand-planting each grass unit. Over the last year, the biologists have had monthly visits to the site to monitor and maintain the seagrass. This week the final monitoring report was delivered, and the results are so positive that the GICIA has contracted with Sea & Shoreline to complete a second phase of seagrass planting within the flushing channel of the cove. The second phase will use observations documented during the 12 months of monitoring and establish a plan that will complement and build upon the success of the first planting phase.
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Entertainment, News.
Auditions for next season take place this coming Monday and Tuesday, March 28 and 29. If you have ever considered dusting off your vocal cords, your acting skills or your tap shoes, come out next week and join this merry group of thespians. They don’t take themselves too seriously, but they put on some great productions and have a lot of fun doing them.