Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News, Uncategorized.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, Boca Grande Fire Department Chief C.W. Blosser sent the following message to the community at 11:08 a.m. Good morning everyone, Just a quick update,The Island School will be closed till 10/11.If you know of anyone staying let us know who and where so we can check on them. We are leaving […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News, Uncategorized.
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, Featured News, News.
Today on Gasparilla Island, everyone is buttoning up and preparing, and the streets are getting quieter. According to Ron Bolton, executive director of the Gasparilla Island Water Authority, the utility will be shutting down the water and sewer system either tonight, or tomorrow. That means that residents should get off the island, and make other […]
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 Staff Report on . Posted in News, Real Estate.
Charlotte County encourages residents to begin recovery efforts as soon as possible. To streamline the rebuilding process and prevent delays, the Charlotte County Community Development Department is providing guidelines for work that may be completed without the need for a permit. The following work does not require a permit:
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
While there was significant damage to The Gasparilla Inn during Hurricane Helene, President and General Manager Brent Cross and staff are working to get the operations back open as soon as possible. In the interim, they have cancelled reservations and events through Oct. 30. “The main hotel held up well,” Cross said. However, other operations, […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Police & Fire.
On Wednesday, September 25, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a battery on island, according to a department report. Deputy David Scozzafava and Lieutenant Mike Sawicki responded to the victim, identified as Christopher Eastman. Eastman stated he was with a coworker, identified as Daniel Lofsten, for Dun-Rite Carpet and Tile, and they went […]
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 Boca Beacon on . Posted in News.
BY WENDY FREEMAN, BOCA GRANDE WOMAN’S CLUB The interior of our building at the Community Center took in a lot of water and mud, and there was plenty of damage. Floors will need to be replaced. Most of our cabinets, shelving, rolling racks etc., will also need to be replaced. Our amazing team of Jinny […]