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Two arrested for damages done at Inn Golf Course

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Police & Fire.

Two teenagers from out of state were arrested this week after being caught by Lee County deputies for some disturbing crimes.

According to reports, on Tuesday, June 27 Lee County Sheriff’s detectives were informed of grand theft and criminal mischief that occurred at the Gasparilla Inn Golf Course. Detectives learned that the golf course was under repair and multiple pieces of heavy equipment had been moved overnight. Two suspects had entered the property and driven multiple pieces of equipment around the course. 

The heavy machinery, golf course and storage sheds were all damaged. According to LCSO earlier in the week, the damage to the course and equipment was estimated at around $33,000. However, it is likely that the final cost will be much more.

Blazing hot weather doesn’t deter tourists who long for a quieter ‘season’

Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in News.

Julie Blakeslee and her sister-in-law Karen Blakeslee were visiting Boca Grande this week after the Fourth of July for one reason: to enjoy Gasparilla Island during the quiet season.

“We don’t like it to be so crowded,” said Karen Blakeslee.

The extended Blakeslee family of six from Springfield, Mo. included three children. While here, they swam, fished for snapper and shot videos of the Fourth of July parade. The day after the Fourth, they were out on Park Avenue in front of Hudson’s, bringing home takeout for the family from Tortuga Mexican Street Cuisine, one of a steady stream of lunchgoers unfazed by the temperature.

Two Swinneys and a Wise man take the Boca Grande Open 

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.

Boca Grande resident Dabo Swinney and his family love Independence Day. So much so, in fact, they turn one day of celebrating into several. It isn’t a stretch to conclude that a guy who can lead his team to win a few football games like Clemson Coach Dabo has, can probably handle coordinating activities for the friends and family he brings together here at his island home during the first week of July.

It was more than a few years ago that we began to see the love the Swinneys have for spending time outdoors and with each other on the Fourth of July. There have been, of course, more than a couple of casual football games. They haven’t failed to make an appearance at the parade for several years. They also hold a run through town that this year included almost 20 people. The group is also known to put on a rousing game of wiffle ball, which is not uncommon either (check out some YouTube videos on this – wiffle ball is kind of a thing for Clemson players).

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Patronis preparing for another storm season

Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.

On Wednesday, I was joined by members of Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Florida Task Force 6 for a Press Conference encouraging Floridians to prepare now before the next Hurricane takes aim at Florida, as well as to show support for the men and women of our Florida Fire Services who are often exposed to cancer causing carcinogens. These heroes put their lives on the line often on a daily basis. They always have our backs, so we have to make sure that we have theirs, by providing them with tools and training to prevent cancer. These men and women are ready to save lives this hurricane season, but please don’t make them have to come and save you. Make sure that you are prepared now, and do not wait until a storm is heading right for you. Visit PrepareFL.com for Hurricane and Disaster related information and resources before the next storm takes aim at Florida. 

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Call for photo entries for Nature of Charlotte calendar contest

Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.

Calling all photographers! To highlight Charlotte County’s beautiful natural environment, the theme of our 2024 county calendar will be “The Nature of Charlotte.”

Submit your photos featuring our beaches, waterways, nature preserves, trails and wildlife. Photos must be taken in Charlotte County.

It’s free and easy to enter!

THIS DATE IN THE BOCA BEACON

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Columns, Community History.

FIVE YEARS AGO The television documentary called “Mullet and Mangroves: The Pioneer Fishing Familes of Cayo Costa” had aired, featuring cameos by Huddy Coleman Capt. Robert Johnson. Effie Joiner co-produced it. TEN YEARS AGO More than three inches of rain fell on the island in five days’ time, leaving us a bit soggy and moist. […]

Cell tower plans are looking to be on track

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

Progress is being made on the island’s new permanent cellphone tower, as communication has been flowing with Vertical Bridge – the tower company – and contact has even been made with the individual cellphone carriers. The Boca Grande Cell Tower Committee has stated that they have also been in contact with  Joe Steele, of T […]

ECOWATCH: The wellbeing of the oceans needs sea turtles

Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages, Columns, Opinion.

As a keystone species, these ancient mariners have a positive influence out of the water as well as in it. According to Oceana, a publication of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA ), “nesting sea turtles help beaches by depositing their eggs in the sand. Eggshells and unhatched eggs left behind provide important nutrients that nourish the dune vegetation such as beach grasses which stabilize dunes and help prevent coastal erosions.                                                                                                              

“Major changes have occurred in the oceans because sea turtles have been virtually eliminated from many areas of the globe. Commercial fishing, loss of nesting habitat and climate change are among the human-caused threats pushing sea turtles toward extinction. As sea turtle populations decline, so does their ability to fulfill vital functions in ocean [habitats].”

The Florida insurance deadfall: Factors working against homeowners and buyers make it easy to see that reform is needed

Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.

It isn’t easy to be stuck in a corner by an insurer that wants to issue only a fraction of the money it will take to fix a home, particularly when the option of hiring an attorney seems to be the only one left. Some public adjusters have done good work for their clients, and others have not, but either way the client is left to pay them 10 percent of recovered money. Knowing that, many homeowners pick up the phone to call an attorney and skip that middleman.

But Gov. Ron DeSantis has called out “frivolous lawsuits” many times when it comes to insurees, so if you are a person who normally would never consider that, what are you supposed to do?

Malaria cases put local mosquito control districts on alert

Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Health & Wellness, News.

Southwest Florida made national news this week as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported four cases of locally acquired malaria in Sarasota County.

“We need to keep our eyes and ears open,” said Scott Schermerhorn, Charlotte County’s mosquito and aquatic control manager. Charlotte County has 21 sites along the Sarasota/Charlotte border where they are monitoring mosquitoes, doing extra surveillance. Countywide, there are 90 locations.