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
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Letter to the readers from the editor

09 March 2012 Marcy Shortuse

To the Readers:

As of press time on Thursday, March 8 I am holding my editorial, pending what happens this week with the Friends organization. I have reason to believe that things might change between then and now. If things change for the better, we will all be much relieved.

If they do not, you will find my editorial here next week on this subject of after-school care and the Munchkins program.

Marcy Shortuse

Editor, Boca Beacon

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The News - Featured News

Letter to the Editor: Can’t we leave well enough alone?

09 March 2012 Marcy Shortuse

To the Editor:

To the powers that be ... for the sake of our wonderful, loved and enjoyed (by all ages) community of Boca Grande, as well as, and most importantly, the children: Please do not run the young families and their children off the island.

( 2 Votes )

Letter to the Editor: Remnants of a community ...

09 March 2012 Marcy Shortuse

To the Editor:

This week a good friend informed me that the Munchkin Program at the Community Center has been terminated, and Laquata Meade summarily dismissed. You do not have to be a working parent of one of the toddlers to understand how important the Munchkin Program has been, and hopefully will continue to be, to our little community of Boca Grande. The parents of these toddlers work at our restaurants, clean our houses, landscape our yards, and serve us at our local shops.

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Letter to the Editor: Islander disappointed in 'Friends' for pulling funding

09 March 2012 Marcy Shortuse

To the Editor:

On Tuesday I attended an “informational meeting” regarding the discontinuation of the after-school program. I was informed we were not there to discuss the Munchkin Program ... why not? The Munchkin Program is as valuable, if not more so, as the afterschool program. I moved to Boca Grande 19 years ago, and I stayed because it was a true community. I have volunteered my time for just about any and all youth-related activities. They are our future and I loved how it takes an island to raise wonderful human beings.

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Letter to the Editor: A long wait for the Munchkins, all in vain

09 March 2012 Marcy Shortuse

To the Editor:

My son is on the Munchkins waiting list. I've been hearing about this magical / miracle program being offered in our community for four years. Now his time has come up to attend the program and we are told it could be axed!