FWC votes 4-3 to pursue jig ban Friday, 14 June 2013 14:00 BY MARCY SHORTUSE - In a decision that will change the face of tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted 4-3 to pass a proposal to create new definitions for the term “snagging,” and decided to proceed with a draft ruling that would prohibit the use of bottom-weighted jigs as well. Read the Full Story

Beacon buys Gasparilla Gazette Friday, 14 June 2013 13:59 The Boca Beacon, Boca Grande’s locally-owned newspaper for 33 years, has purchased the Gasparilla Gazette. The purchase agreement with Breeze Newspapers of Cape Coral was made final this week. Read the Full Story

Be free, manatee: Two native 'tees released back to their home on Thursday Friday, 14 June 2013 13:53 Representatives from Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo made a very special trip to the island on Thursday, June 13, with some very unique cargo. Read the Full Story

Boca Grande still a 'best little beach town' Friday, 14 June 2013 13:50 Once again, Boca Grande finds itself on a list of top 10 places, this time as one of America’s best little beach towns as listed by CNN. Read the Full Story

Island sea turtle patrol experiencing funding snag, but still hitting the beaches Friday, 14 June 2013 13:45 BY MARCY SHORTUSE - The Gasparilla Island Turtle Patrol has had a bit of bad luck lately, between Tropical Storm Andrea and a new development that has stopped their funding cold for the moment.
According to Grace Harvey, the permit holder for Gasparilla Island, the Coastal Wildlife Club has taken away the money they need to operate ... and all because of a matter of security. Read the Full Story

Local surfers goin’ to Cali Friday, 14 June 2013 13:44 BY LIZA STROUT - When Mila Wyman and the rest of the Florida Atlantic University’s Surf Team finished one point off first place in the 2013 National Scholastic Surfing Association’s East Coast Regional Championship in April, they knew that they were going to be heading to California for the national competition. Read the Full Story

Profile: Lynne Warberg Friday, 14 June 2013 10:31 BY MARCY SHORTUSE - Lynne Warberg has played many roles in her lifetime. She’s been the relish girl, the Playboy bunny, the receptionist, the photographer, the author and the mom. Her long and winding path to Boca Grande is more than just interesting ... it’s a testament to just what a woman can do all on her own. And just what she did was become a very well-known photographer, and she will be helping out shooting pictures from the Boca Beacon from time to time as well. Read the Full Story

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FWC votes 4-3 to pursue jig ban
BY MARCY SHORTUSE - In a decision that will change the face of tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass, the...
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Profile: Jane Shanley

17 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY LIZA STROUT - Jane Shanley has come full circle. Born in a small fishing village in Rhode Island, she watched her father head out the front door and go to his boat each morning, a calling he followed for 75 years. Her childhood home was almost a mirror image of where she lives now.

“The reason that Boca Grande suits me so much is because I grew up in a fishing village,” Jane said. “Our front yard was water, and the backyard was a railroad track. The track there is now a bike path.”
She continued. “We grew up without a car, because my dad had a boat, so we walked everywhere. I think that’s another reason that I’m so comfortable here. I can either just walk or get on my bike and everything is in reach. There is certainly no need for a car living downtown with everything right here.”

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Editorial: Please hold your questions until the column has ended

17 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY MARCY SHORTUSE - If you attended the three-hour Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority meeting on Valentine’s Day, and many people did, it was a pretty typical bridge authority meeting. There were lots of words. Enough to make your head hurt. Lots of opinions, from board members and audience members alike. Lots of questions, too.

I understand there are a lot of questions. Sitting through a bridge meeting is a bit like walking into an advanced physics class with a basic knowledge of how to make Kool-Aid.

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Letter to the Editor: GIWA to begin relocation of water, sewer mains

17 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

To the Editor:

Gasparilla Island Water Association, Inc. (GIWA) will begin work to relocate their water and sewer mains at the south bridge on the Boca Grande Causeway. This is a requirement for (GIBA) Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority to begin demolition and construction of the new south bridge in June of 2012.

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Letter to the Editor: One resident says 'congratulations' to library merger

17 February 2012 Last Updated on 17 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

To the Editor:

Congratulations to the Reference Room and the Fust Library on their intention to merge. Also, congratulations to Alice Gorman for her column, which explained the merger in detail. The Fust Library is such a very special Boca Grande institution. It will be even more so with its planned restoration.

As a year ‘round resident, it will be a great asset to us to have the library open in the summer.

Nancy Sholley

Boca Grande