Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
To the Editor: Overfishing is driving reef sharks toward extinction, according to new study published today in the peer-reviewed journal, Science. The five main shark species that live on coral reefs – grey reef, blacktip reef, whitetip reef, nurse and Caribbean reef sharks – have declined globally by an average of 63 percent, according to […]
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Boca Beacon Back Pages, Community History.
FIVE YEARS AGO A truly handsome alligator was just chillin’ on the beach near Sundown Colony, catchin’ some rays. Waylon took the buckle. TEN YEARS AGO The Boca Grande Marina was closing down for repairs and dredging. The Vacation Bible School kids from the Methodist Church came back from their trip to the Eleuthera Islands. […]
Written by Delores Savas on . Posted in Columns, Opinion.
Lately there have been countless problems facing residents who are still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Ian and the possibility of facing another herculean storm due to the overheating of Gulf waters and other issues.
The prospect of wars, shortages of medicines and fuel, and the rise of crime rates in cities and smaller towns has many on edge.
Plus, the rising cost of home insurance, food, medicine and housing has been taking its toll on the masses. Instead of going to the doctor to get prescriptions for sleeping aids and other minor ailments, experts say we should giver Mother Nature a try.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community History, News.
The July meeting of the Boca Grande Historic Preservation Board went rather expeditiously, even though the one official item on the agenda was a huge project at 1000 10th Street. It was the discussion at the very end of the meeting regarding future items to be addressed by the board that were the most important.
Lee County Planner Peter Blackwell was reading off the scant list of items that will come before the board in August and, quite possibly, September. When he mentioned the old bakery building that the tower fell into, Board Member Bill Caldwell was quick to ask what the status of that project was. Blackwell said their permission to demo had not been granted by the county yet, as they were still waiting on the paperwork from the petitioner.
Written by Garland Pollard on . Posted in News.
Julie Blakeslee and her sister-in-law Karen Blakeslee were visiting Boca Grande this week after the Fourth of July for one reason: to enjoy Gasparilla Island during the quiet season.
“We don’t like it to be so crowded,” said Karen Blakeslee.
The extended Blakeslee family of six from Springfield, Mo. included three children. While here, they swam, fished for snapper and shot videos of the Fourth of July parade. The day after the Fourth, they were out on Park Avenue in front of Hudson’s, bringing home takeout for the family from Tortuga Mexican Street Cuisine, one of a steady stream of lunchgoers unfazed by the temperature.
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in News, Sports & Outdoors.
Boca Grande resident Dabo Swinney and his family love Independence Day. So much so, in fact, they turn one day of celebrating into several. It isn’t a stretch to conclude that a guy who can lead his team to win a few football games like Clemson Coach Dabo has, can probably handle coordinating activities for the friends and family he brings together here at his island home during the first week of July.
It was more than a few years ago that we began to see the love the Swinneys have for spending time outdoors and with each other on the Fourth of July. There have been, of course, more than a couple of casual football games. They haven’t failed to make an appearance at the parade for several years. They also hold a run through town that this year included almost 20 people. The group is also known to put on a rousing game of wiffle ball, which is not uncommon either (check out some YouTube videos on this – wiffle ball is kind of a thing for Clemson players).
Written by Marcy Shortuse on . Posted in Community, News.
South Beach Bar & Grille co-owner Bart DeStefano still hasn’t stopped holding his breath, even though the walls are going up on the replacement building. He has had to jump through a lot of hoops to get to this point, as anyone knows who has waterfront property in Florida. But the Bowen Construction guys are out there every day now and no one has stopped them yet.
“They haven’t given us a time frame for completion yet,” DeStefano said. “I’m trying to be realistic by saying maybe February or March of next year, but they may move faster than I think. We originally hoped to be open by Christmas time.”
Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Police & Fire.
On Tuesday, July 4 at 10:05 p.m. firefighters and EMTs responded a call in the 5000 block of Gasparilla Road for a man who had vomited, then fell face first into shallow water. In the end, he was not transported.
On Sunday, July 2 at 10:55 p.m. firefighters received a call of jet skiers in distress. The caller stated they had not had contact with the two people aboard the jet skis since they were told the pair had run aground.
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
On Wednesday, I was joined by members of Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Florida Task Force 6 for a Press Conference encouraging Floridians to prepare now before the next Hurricane takes aim at Florida, as well as to show support for the men and women of our Florida Fire Services who are often exposed to cancer causing carcinogens. These heroes put their lives on the line often on a daily basis. They always have our backs, so we have to make sure that we have theirs, by providing them with tools and training to prevent cancer. These men and women are ready to save lives this hurricane season, but please don’t make them have to come and save you. Make sure that you are prepared now, and do not wait until a storm is heading right for you. Visit PrepareFL.com for Hurricane and Disaster related information and resources before the next storm takes aim at Florida.
Written by Boca Beacon Reader on . Posted in Letters to the Editor.
Calling all photographers! To highlight Charlotte County’s beautiful natural environment, the theme of our 2024 county calendar will be “The Nature of Charlotte.”
Submit your photos featuring our beaches, waterways, nature preserves, trails and wildlife. Photos must be taken in Charlotte County.
It’s free and easy to enter!