Three Boca Grande teens were the victims of theft while they swam in the Gulf on the afternoon of Thursday, July 12. The teens left their cell phones on their beach blanket while they were in the water and when they returned 30 minutes later, the phones were gone.

The three phones ranged in value from $200 to $300.

According to Lee County Sheriff Office reports, the teens remembered seeing a man in his mid-40s on the beach during the time that the theft took place, though they did not actually see the phones taken. He is described as medium build white male, around 5’10”, with tattoos on his left arm and upper back.

The teens were advised to report the theft to their cell phone providers and given a case number for insurance purposes.

If you go saltwater fishing in this state, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) researchers want to learn about your experiences and opinions through the new online Florida Saltwater Fishing Panel. Anyone with a valid Florida saltwater fishing license or Persons with Disabilities Resident Hunting and Fishing License, as well as exempt residents age 65 and older, can sign up to take part in the panel, which begins this summer.

Registered panel members will be asked to complete one web-based survey per month for a one-year period. The surveys will each take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete. While most of each survey will focus on the angler’s last saltwater fishing trip in Florida during the previous month, surveys may also include questions about current or proposed fishing regulations, licenses, conservation of fish stocks and management effectiveness.

BY MELISSA LATERZA - Michigan is shaped like a mitten and it gives Gary Cross a reason to laugh while describing his home state.

“I miss the hunting season and the change of seasons in the fall. I don’t miss shoveling snow, and being stuck indoors. I like being able to go down to the beach and cool off here when it’s too hot.”

Gary Cross had his first taste of boating and fishing on the eastern shore of Muskegon, Mich., where he and his family of five would spend time camping and hunting. The name Muskegon means “marshy river or swamp,” given by the Ottawa Indians, and the town is also known as the Lumber Queen of the World.

John L. Montgomery, 92, of Naples and Venice, died July 13, 2012.

John was born January 11, 1920 in New Orleans, La. to Elizabeth (Walpole) and William Montgomery. John operated the Temptation Restaurant in Boca Grande.

Survivors include three children: Karen Scileny of Naples, Richard Montgomery of Orlando, and Maureen Henry of Sarasota; 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., on Friday, July 20 at Farley Funeral Home, Venice Chapel.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, July 21 at Epiphany Cathedral with burial immediately following at Venice Memorial Gardens.

To send condolences, visit farleyfuneralhome.com.