Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News.
There is much work ahead of us to restore the business community of Boca Grande.Through generous initial contributions provided by residents, a need-based fund has been established to focus on the rebuilding and restoration process.We ask you to join us and contribute to the preservation of this great community.100% of the funds collected will be […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
HURRICANE IAN ASSISTANCE FROM THE BOCA GRANDE WOMAN’S CLUB IS AVAILABLE BY FILLING OUT AN APPLICATION FOUND AT BOCAGRANDEWOMANSCLUB.ORG, BY PICKING UP AN APPLICATION AT THE BOCA GRANDE FIRE DEPARTMENT OR AT THE BOCA BEACON OFFICE. Need to apply for FEMA? Here’s the best way to handle it from an expert’s point of view … […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
On October 10, while residents of Gasparilla Mobile Estates were busy picking up pieces of their lives from the neighborhood, the road and beyond, they received a letter they will never forget. It came from the owner of the property, letting them know their leases were terminated. Gasparilla Mobile Estates is going to cease to […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
BY MARCY SHORTUSE AND RON BOLTON One of the basic necessities of life, one that we often overlook until it is not available, is running water. Hurricane Ian brought that fact to light in a hurry, as we had no water on the island for almost two weeks in some places. The water was under […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Community.
Coming back to a church that was relatively intact after Hurricane Ian has left Father Jerome Carosella a happy man. “The church, thank God, is fine, except for the roof,” said Fr. Jerome Carosella philosphically. “It is a happy outcome.” That roof exception is a pretty big one, according to most people’s standards, and would […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Health & Wellness.
Dana Pellant and Natalie Cole, nurses at the Boca Grande Health Clinic, were a rescue team driving through storm-ravaged Boca Grande in the first days after Hurricane Ian hit the Island. Natalie’s daughter, Campbell, became part of the team, as well. “We knew who the most vulnerable people on the Island were, and had […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Community, News.
BY DUSTY HOPKINS What in the world do you do with a 56 foot tall sailboat mast that has snapped off and is now stuck in the muck on the bottom of the bayou, but the other end is still attached to the boat with half inch stainless steel cables … five of them? Except […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, News.
Boca Grande Charities, Inc. – a charitable foundation founded by Capt. Sandy Melvin (and now includes Ron Walker and Pat Waterhouse) – helped save the day regarding fuel, not only on Gasparilla Island but on Little Gasparilla Island as well. Melvin worked with Mike Krause of Okeechobee Fishing Headquarters, who by happenstance during a conversation […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News.
Homeless bees are trying to take over the food truck at Whidden’s Marina. Cindy and George Cera and their son Tucker are doing their best to feed the confused bees and direct them away from their cooking area and customers. Tucker has learned not to leave an open soda can unattended. Bees will drink it […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages.
FIVE YEARS AGO The Boca Grande Island was in a heated debate regarding a proposed assisted living house along East Railroad Avenue. TEN YEARS AGO The Mote Marine Laboratory deployed their marine robot “Waldo” to our local waters. Waldo was taking water samples and detecting red tide levels to give scientists accurate readings. FIFTEEN YEARS […]