Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Featured News, News.
BY BOBBIE MARQUISEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Ever since Hurricane Milton brought a four-foot wave from the Gulf of Mexico into our beautiful buildings and gardens, Johann Fust Library Foundation has faced the daunting task of cleaning up, drying out and repairing building systems. We know that we are not alone in facing this formidable task. Homes and […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Featured News, News.
A fund to help island businesses is now over its initial $3 million goal, and has given out over $1.5 million to help jump start business re-openings across Gasparilla Island. “The people don’t have the seed dollars to go out and make the down payment,” said co-organizer Larry Hannah of Lighthouse United Methodist Church. “It’s […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Entertainment, News.
The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, sponsored by the Boca Grande Woman’s Club, will be held at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. Unfortunately, the tree across from Hudson’s did not survive Hurricanes Helene and Milton, so the ceremony will take place around the tree across from the front door of The Gasparilla Inn. Island clergy […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Breaking News, Community, Community History, News.
A crew from Hazeltine Nurseries on Wednesday donated and installed a Christmas tree across the street from Hudson’s Grocery, to replace the tree that was killed by the duo hurricanes Helene and Milton. The original tree dated from 1954, when Nell Kuhl dug up a tree from the Community House grounds and had it moved […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Breaking News, News.
The island continues to have an issue with the dumping of hurricane debris, even as crews from the disaster recovery firm Crowder Gulf, contracted by Lee County, continue to pick up refuse on island by the ton, daily. This week, debris piles continued to grow, especially along Gasparilla Road, Gilchrist Avenue and Gulf Boulevard. Some […]
Written by Boca Beacon on . Posted in Education, Letters to the Editor.
BY CHRISTINE OLIVER Our beautiful Gasparilla Island, including Boca Grande and The Island School, has faced immense challenges in the wake of these back-to-back storms. While the facility and staff continue to navigate these challenges, we would like to provide an update on The Island School’s recovery and the steps being taken to return to […]
Written by VAN HUBBARD on . Posted in Columns, Sports & Outdoors.
Strong fish stocks – reds, snook and trout We might need to search a little deeper this year for reasons to celebrate Thanksgiving. If we are reading this, there is already a lot to celebrate. If we’re healthy, we have even more to be thankful for. These have certainly been challenging times. Many of us […]
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in Community, Editorial.
This week, the Engineering Committee of the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority met to talk about the cost of the damage to the bridge during Helene and Milton. We will have extensive details about those needed repairs next week; they have a long list of short-term and long-term items, but the good news is that the […]
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in News, Police & Fire.
Shirts featuring hand-drawn art by local artist Olivia Craig are being sold on Etsy to benefit the Boca Grande Fire Department. The shirts were created in collaboration with Chief C.W. Blosser of the Boca Grande Fire Department and artist Olivia Craig of Trout Design. The design features the message: “When Milton gives you sand, build […]
Written by Sheila Evans on . Posted in Profiles.
The grand veranda at Boca Grande’s Anchor Inn is an inviting stop for many visitors to the community, even if they never go inside or stay a night at the inn. Visitors to the town often pause to sit for a while as they take in the surroundings. Joyce Najjum King, owner of the Anchor […]