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BIPS says full speed ahead with Gasparilla Light restoration

On Tuesday, the Barrier Islands Park Society (BIPS) announced that they had received final written approval from the United States Coast Guard to commence “rehabilitation of the Gasparilla Island Rear Range Lighthouse.” The long-awaited enabling document means work can begin immediately on clearing the construction zone and proceeding with metalwork repairs, replacement parts construction and, […]

Storm in Gulf, predators take toll on turtles

BY SUE ERWIN – Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association volunteers said the storms over this past weekend destroyed a good amount of the remaining sea turtle nests on Boca Grande beaches. One volunteer said there were nearly 40 nests just before Hurricane Hermine, and she counted only about 12 existing ones on Monday, September 5. […]

Arthur A. Houghton Jr. – the man whose name is on the room

SUBMITTED BY THE BOCA GRANDE HISTORICAL SOCIETY – At the Boca Grande Community Center there is a meeting room whose plaque reads, “Arthur A. Houghton Jr./ Reference Room/ Dedicated February 21, 1991/ For the purpose of stimulating the young to read and for the use and enjoyment of all Islanders.” Arthur Houghton and his wife, Nina, were winter residents […]

Make Your Point: My apologies to Al Gore

BY BOB ELLIOTT – It’s time to offer a mea culpa to Mr. Al Gore or whoever invented the internet. All I was trying to do in previous columns was to point out that the internet has caused a certain level of attention-deficit disorder in its frequent users and has put a crimp on clear, concise, written […]

Storm in Gulf, predators take toll on turtles

■ BY SUE ERWIN Boca Grande Sea Turtle Association volunteers are reporting damage left from Tropical Storm Hermine, as well as several more incidents regarding predators interfering with sea turtle nests and hatchlings recently. According to one patroller, as of Thursday afternoon, Sept. 1, there were only 22 nests left. About 19 of those were […]

Tribute fishing tournament to honor memory of Dylan Gonzalez

■ BY MARCY SHORTUSE On June 19 of this year, Billy Pfannkuch’s life changed dramatically as he and his best friend, Dylan Gonzalez, were involved in a very serious boating accident in the waters near Eldred’s Marina. While Billy was seriously injured, Dylan’s injuries were extreme, and he passed away. To honor Dylan’s memory, Billy […]

PROFILE: Chris Thompson

■ BY SUE ERWIN There is a new face at The Island School this year, and she’ll be providing an important resource for students and their families this school year. , the new school counselor at the school, was born in Merton, Wisconsin. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of Wisconsin in […]

Agape delivers water purification systems, food to Cuba

BY SUE ERWIN – The Venice Christian Ministries Agape Flights took off for Cuba on Tuesday, August 23, the first time the local missionaries have taken goods to the country since the travel restrictions in the United States and Cuba were eased. The Boca Grande Methodist Church and Englewood United Methodist church were both instrumental in […]

Profile: Dean Laux

BY SUE ERWIN – When you meet a man who’s been an educator, author, served our country, owned several businesses, defeated cancer and continues to spend several hours each week volunteering at a local hospital … you realize you’re fortunate to know him. This week’s profile candidate is the Boca Beacon’s newest proofreader – yes, proofreader […]