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.
It started as a quiet Sunday here in Boca Grande, clear but overcast. By mid-day, it is now rainy, and we are still three days out from Hurricane Milton. The rain is not Milton, but it does feel ominous when it comes through. Most people reading perhaps are too young to remember, but the most […]
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 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 Breaking News, News.
As Gasparilla Island dried out from Hurricane Helene, staff from the Gasparilla Island Water Authority continued to pump through much of the standing water that had 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. It was […]
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 Breaking News, Featured News, News.
Currently all 20 lift stations are working on the island, and every lift station has power. However, the system is filled with seepage of sea water and rain, and Gasparilla Island Water Authority will be working all of today and tomorrow to clear out the system. The treatment plant continued to work and was not […]
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, News, Sports & Outdoors.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead, American cultural anthropologist, author, and speaker Astute readers might recognize the above quote from other Eco Watch columns. However, this quote by Margaret Mead fits the essence of this column. […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Editorial.
Last week, after a visit to the Lee County Board of County Commissioners, a reader asked the Beacon what you had to do to speak at a Lee County meeting if you have concerns. The answer is simple. You need to drive to Ft. Myers, attend the meeting and speak. If you are addressing an […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Columns, News, Sports & Outdoors.
And then there were ten. Yes, the BGSTA turtle patrollers are down to the last ten incubating nests on the island. Eight loggerhead and two green turtle nests. The last observed hatch was weeks ago on September 8th, but there is still hope that at least a couple of the remaining nests, especially those that […]