It only took 30 minutes from the first reports of damage to the ceiling at Patrick’s Thai Bistro before everyone knew about the “catastrophic roof collapse.”

With the impressive weather Monday night, it is no wonder that what turned out to be minor damage was quickly blown out of proportion.

BY NIKKI HEIMANN - The young swimmers of the Charlotte County Blue Fins enjoyed a sunny Saturday on the beaches of Boca Grande.

The Summer Season Awards were presented to the swim team at the Pink Pony courtyard after a long day of fun, food and paddle boarding.

BY LIZA STROUT AND NIKKI HEIMANN - The Hammerhead Adventure Run, held on Saturday, July 28, was a great success, drawing dozens of runners and their supporters to Gasparilla Island. While the some of the Beacon crew were out photographing the run, one of our own was participating.

Nikki Heimann was challenged to enter the run by Sally Van Nuland, who also competed. What follows is Nikki’s account of the morning.

BY LIZA STROUT - The Englewood Community Care Clinic was established in 2011 to give medical care to Englewood area residents who do not have health insurance.

Since the doors opened, 56 licensed physicians and nurses have volunteered 591 hours of their time treating the uninsured. Twenty-five non-medical volunteers gave 829 hours, acting as clerical staff and performing financial screenings.

Though only open two nights each week, the clinic provided an impressive $195,000 in health care services to more than 850 patients in its first year.