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
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast has been protecting nature in Southwest Florida since 2003. After first being accredited in 2010, then reaccredited in 2016, they are delighted to announce the renewal of their land trust accreditation for another five years – once again proving their commitment to professional excellence and to […]
Written by Guest Columnist on . Posted in News.
Here we call it “One Charlotte, One Water.” The County Commission approved the hiring of a water quality manager to develop a water quality monitoring plan and to coordinate cross-departmental efforts and public outreach. Earlier this year, the County convened a water quality summit to identify water quality drivers in Charlotte Harbor; share recent advances in harmful algal bloom detection, prediction and communication; highlight County activities and partnerships to monitor, improve and protect water quality and natural habitats; and provide opportunities for citizen education and action.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Education.
Elizabeth’s book for me revolved around the thesis that we fouled up the environment with our technology, and we can use technology to fix it. She travels the world finding people working on different solutions. One of her examples involves putting carp in the Mississippi River to solve a plant problem that ends up being a major carp problem that has to be solved. And did you know there is a cave in the Mojave desert with fish? How did they get there?