Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community, Community History.
If you thought like we did that last year’s Halloween Carnival and Turkey Hoop Shoot were changed to Thursdays because of Hurricane Ian issues, you were incorrect. Lee County Parks & Recreation let us know this week that this change is permanent … and there’s even more to the story. Last week on the front […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community History, News.
Homer Addison would be proud of the shindig planned for Saturday, Oct. 7, as The Temptation will hold a street party to celebrate their 75th anniversary … on their 76th anniversary.
Not only will their newly repaired iconic sign be in place and ready to start shining into the night in its neon glory, Maker’s Mark will be on hand with their 12th barrel of Temptation Private Select bourbon. There will be live music and food to celebrate the occasion as well.
The reason Homer Addison, the man who built The Temptation, is mentioned, is simple – you can’t honor The Temp without honoring Homer.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Police & Fire.
There are always those guys who fly under the radar whenever possible and, quite often, they are the true heroes. Firefighter Wayne Griffith flew so low under the radar, it’s hard to find people who knew him very well, much less had heard him utter a word. We all knew his face, though, because whenever […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community, Community History.
The Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. in the Woman’s Club Room of the Boca Grande Community Center to discuss issuing a Special Certificate of Appropriateness to construct a new three-story commercial/residential building at 384 E. Railroad Ave. The proposal for a three-story structure was submitted by Tower Landing, LLC.
This is the “Bakery Building” property, next to Barnichol Hardware. It will be very similar to the old building in size and stature.
According to Lee County planners, the proposal includes removing the utility structure at the east side of the property (the old tower base) and in its place that part of the building would be three stories. The majority of the proposed building will be two stories, but the rear portion will be three stories and will abut directly onto the alleyway to the east. The proposed building will serve as a mix of commercial activity on the first floor and residential uses on the second floor. The top of the building will be usable roof space, with the exception of that portion of the three-story part of the structure.
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, News.
At their Oct. 3, 2023 Board of County Commissioners meeting, Lee County approved and extended their lease with the Johann Fust Library Foundation, Inc. for the Boca Grande branch library.
The lease amount, which was set for $56,250 for the upcoming year, was approved in September as part of the County’s $2.5 billion budget.
The monthly rental cost is $4,687.50 (or $56,250 annually). Utility costs, janitorial services and maintenance are provided by the Foundation at no additional cost. The Foundation also continues to maintain the library archives, shell collection and campus, as well as offering speakers and events.
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in News.
A tax deduction wrinkle related to the deductibility of Hurricane Ian is still not resolved, a year out from the disaster, and just a few weeks before the final 2022 Internal Revenue Service tax filing date of Oct. 15.
The sponsor of the tax relief bill, Rep. Greg Steube, has reported some action on it, according to Sadie Thorman, communications director for Steube, who represents Charlotte County. She messaged the Beacon Monday that the committee action was imminent. Steube also tweeted on X.com that the House Ways and Means Committee was holding a markup session on a bill to fix it.
On Sept. 28, Steube urged the committee to act.
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Community, News.
It’s official. Fr. Anthony Hewitt has been installed as pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic parish. While Father Anthony took over his duties in Boca Grande in July, there were some formalities that needed to be taken care of before the assignment was official. These took place Sunday, Oct. 1, at the church.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Bishop of the Diocese of Venice, under whose auspices Our Lady of Mercy parish operates, came to Boca Grande to finalize those details. The bishop and Fr. Anthony celebrated the 10:30 a.m. Mass together, along with about 50 members of the parish and Fr. Anthony’s family.
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community.
The Johann Fust Library Foundation looks forward to hosting another spectacular season of literary events in the 2023-2024 Literary Series, which will begin on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 4 p.m. with award-winning journalist and author David von Drehle.
In his newest book, “The Book of Charlie: Wisdom from the Remarkable American Life of a 109-year-old Man,” veteran Washington journalist von Drehle chronicles the remarkable life of Midwest physician Charlie White, who was born in the early 20th century and lived a decade into the 21st.
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in News.
High real estate prices in Boca Grande are giving the rest of the Cape Haze peninsula and the neighboring islands a price boost.
“Palm Island has really gone through the roof in the last three years,” said Brian R. Corcoran, owner and broker for BRC Group. “Anything nice on Palm Island is being snapped up quickly.”
With Gasparilla Island properties about triple the price, Palm Island and Manasota Key are starting to look pretty good for some buyers. Corcoran said that new prospects have begun to understand that there are basic services on Palm Island, as well as paved streets and trash pickup.
Across the market, current buyers are opting to forego conventional financing. “Anything over $3 million is going to be cash,” said Corcoran.
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community History, News.
As Charlotte County is preparing an engineering report for a new sewer system for the original Cape Haze development, current residents there are asking questions about its need.
“It’s a long process,” said Caroline Wannall, public relations manager for Charlotte County Utilities, who says that to build a sewer system includes not only design and engineering, but costs. There are also meetings with residents, and public comment throughout the process.
“We want them to know they have a say,” said Wannall.