Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
The hang tag program we have now has been extended until October 29, as officials feel it is still unsafe for the general public to come onto the island. The program was supposed to have ended on October 24. Anyone who wishes to gain access to the island must have a valid hang tag on […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in Community, News.
Accepting applications from those in need with Gasparilla Island ties Submitted by the Boca Grande Woman’s Club The Boca Grande Woman’s Club has established the Hurricane Ian Recovery Fund (“HIRF”), a committee-administered fund, to assist individuals and businesses of the greater Boca Grande community in providing financial support due to hardships incurred with Hurricane Ian. […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Community, News.
Money isn’t everything, but it is something. It is something that can help bring peace of mind to people who have lost so much, as well as help them recover after the devastation of Hurricane Ian. That is the thinking behind the establishment of the Boca Grande Disaster Fund, under the management of the Lighthouse […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in News.
In the time following a disaster, food can serve as a symbol of love and appreciation. That symbolism can be seen all over Boca Grande lately. Free or “donation only” food and drink have been showing up this week to sustain the many residents and helpers working to bring back a feeling of normalcy to […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News.
Due to both public and private damage generated by Hurricane Ian, Unincorporated Lee County is temporarily altering routine construction permitting and inspections for rebuilding. Damage assessment: Unincorporated Lee County, following the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements, has the responsibility to determine “substantial damage” and “substantial improvement,” and has implemented the procedures to do so. […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Community, News.
The four churches in Boca Grande did not escape the wrath of Ian. Nevertheless, two of the four were able to hold services the weekend after the storm. These were Lighthouse United Methodist and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic churches. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church will open in about two weeks, as the drying out process […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community History, News.
In May of 1991, a week after The Queen had flown home, her ship, Brittania, docked just off the Boca Grande coast and its officers spent a few hours on Useppa Island, mingling with residents and Useppa owner Garfield Beckstead (they came at the invitation of an island resident who had ties with the Royal Navy). Beckstead even made Admiral Robert Woodard of the Royal Navy an honorary member of Useppa Island, with a permanent invitation to return whenever he liked.
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in News.
FEMA supplied the County with the updated preliminary maps back in 2019, at which time the County set up outreach meetings to inform the public of the upcoming map changes. Citizens and business owners viewed the new maps and asked questions of FEMA and County staff. The meetings were very well attended, and FEMA representatives praised County staff on their outreach and marketing efforts. Charlotte County had more people attend the community outreach meetings than all the community meetings in Southwest Florida combined.
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
Dovetailing off the county’s successful fertilizer-ordinance education and outreach, the postcards feature a slime monster walking a dog and tossing a bag of pet waste into a garbage bin. Messaging includes, “Do your duty; pick up the doodie,” and “It’s up to you to bag the poo.” More information is available at fertilizesmart.com/pet-waste-info.html. The county will support the mailings with social media posts and other communications efforts.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages.
Boca Beacon backpages