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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Hank lookin’ hot on the links

20 April 2012 Marcy Shortuse

Reports that Hank Wright is finished playing golf are highly exaggerated. The good doctor was on the links Friday, April 13 to compete with the “Wright Team” at the Lemon Bay Golf Course in the 20th Annual Hank Wright Golf Tournament.

More than $170,000 was raised for the clinic at the event this year.

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Kids win big in preparation for Classic

20 April 2012 Marcy Shortuse

Island School fourth grader Karoline Bellamy was the winner of the official tournament t-shirt for the Gasparilla Island Kids Classic Tarpon Tournament. It was announced on Wednesday, April 18 that Karoline’s illustration won her a fishing trip with Capt. Sandy Melvin.

Nick Mostyn won an essay contest, which will allow him and three other friends places on a boat for the tournament. Their captain will be Capt. Waylon Mills aboard the Blaze on May 19 when they compete in the tournament.

Nick, his friends and Capt. Waylon will represent Team Cradle. The Cradle is an 89-year-old child welfare agency in Evanston, Ill. that has facilitated more than 15,000 adoptions.

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Phantom of the Opera coming thanks to ‘Friends’

20 April 2012 Marcy Shortuse

The Friends of Boca Grande Community Center presents the film of “The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall” on Saturday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Boca Grande Community Center Auditorium.

This special presentation will benefit the youth programs of the Friends of Boca Grande Community Center. A donation of $10 at the door is suggested.

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Not too late to enter Back Bay tourney

20 April 2012 Marcy Shortuse

It’s not too late to enter the Whidden’s Back Bay Tournament, which will be held on Sunday, April 22.

On Saturday, April 21 the tournament coordinators will hold a final registration and will pass out of goody buckets at North Village Tiki Bar and Patricks Thai Bistro. Be there at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Rumor has it there might be live entertainment at the venue as well.

The public is welcome.

So far approximately 10 boats have signed up. Coordinators expect to have between 10 and 15 boats by the time the tournament begins.

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Bicycle theft at Sundown Colony reported

20 April 2012 Marcy Shortuse

A Sundown Colony renter reported that his bicycle was stolen from his condo sometime in the early morning hours of April 14.

According to Lee County Sheriff’s reports, the complainant told deputies that the bicycle was leaning up against the stairway to the condo, which is located in the 400 block of Gulf Blvd., when he last saw it.
The bike is described as being a black Trek Hybrid bicycle with straight handlebars and a wireless speedometer. It is valued at approximately $800.

Bicycle thefts are on the rise on the island. Deputies are asking residents and visitors to please lock up their bicycles.

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