Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
A fund to help island businesses is now over its initial $3 million goal, and has given out over $1.5 million to help jump start business re-openings across Gasparilla Island. “The people don’t have the seed dollars to go out and make the down payment,” said co-organizer Larry Hannah of Lighthouse United Methodist Church. “It’s […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, Community History, News.
A crew from Hazeltine Nurseries on Wednesday donated and installed a Christmas tree across the street from Hudson’s Grocery, to replace the tree that was killed by the duo hurricanes Helene and Milton. The original tree dated from 1954, when Nell Kuhl dug up a tree from the Community House grounds and had it moved […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
An Inauguration ceremony for three members elected to the Lee Board of County Commissioners will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 8:30 a.m., in the Commission Chambers of the Old Lee County Courthouse, 2120 Main St., Fort Myers. A reception will follow at 9 a.m., and the regularly scheduled board meeting will begin at […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, News.
Now in 2nd week of check distribution, 260 donors The island Disaster Fund, set up to help local businesses and institutions recover from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, is now close to its $3 million goal, and is in its second week of checks being distributed to businesses and organizations. “We are past the mucking out […]
Written by Anna Ridilla on . Posted in Breaking News, Community History, News.
The Charlotte County Board of Commissioners addressed the restoration and site selection for the historic Placida Bunkhouse at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12. “I’m personally not interested in [just] preservation, I’m interested in doing something where we have a finished product. We need to do it so it will last,” said Commissioner Bill […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, News.
On Nov 12., the future of the old Placida Bunk House will be on the discussion for Charlotte County’s Commissioners. The final report was received for the 2024 update of the preservation plan for the Placida Bunk House at the Cape Haze Pioneer Trail. The report includes an updated preservation plan, restoration and preservation drawings, […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
Lee County Government will close two post-Hurricane Milton comfort stations Friday afternoon because of the decrease in residents using the temporary facilities, including the one at the Boca Grande Community Center. However, the laundry facilities will stay open for one more week, through the week of Nov. 15.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community.
This week, even more businesses reopened across the island after Hurricane Milton. As businesses reopen across the island, we are all striving for routine. Stop in & say hi! BGHC Foundation’s Cannon Jones & Yuliy Fedorshyn; BGHC Karen Harrison-Trent, Dr. Bret Kueber, Cara Onofrio, Lindsay Dalton & Jonna Foos; Kappy’s Kathy Tressler, Hunter Burchell, Richie […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Lee County is working through a long list of road repairs on the side streets of Gasparilla Island. Currently, Lee County DOT has assessed all the damaged areas of roadways on Boca Grande and is preparing bids for the repair of the side streets, with work potentially beginning in less than two weeks. These repairs […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Community, Letters to the Editor.
First-hand account of Helene escape one of many local stories BY BARBARA HUGHES Editor’s Note: Local gallery owner Barbara Hughes was one of the ‘lucky’ ones who came through Helene as it moved through Appalachia. She wrote this essay just after the storm; it is one of dozens of firsthand stories of locals who were […]