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...
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Lemon Bay cheerleaders to wash cars on-island in February

10 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

The Lemon Bay Cheerleading Squad will be holding two car washes in February at the Boca Grande Fire Department. They will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11 and Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. They will also pick cars, trucks and golf carts up anywhere on the island. The girls are trying to raise money for new uniforms, as theirs are approximately eight-years-old. You can reach their coach to make arrangements at (941) 323-0058. Ask for Diane.

Photo submitted by Tim Kerns Photography

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The News - Featured News

Strawberry Festival silent auction block to feature Father Christmas

10 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

When Boca Grande residents and visitors think of spring, they think of the Strawberry Festival. This year it will be held on Saturday, March 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature a bargain sale, a wine grab, and much more. Including, of course, strawberry shortcake.

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‘Bytes’ featured some good ol’ boys this week ... Gasparilla families to come next week

10 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

Darrell Polk and Jeff Gaines, Jr. spoke before a full loggia at the Johann Fust Community Library on Wednesday, February 8. Gaines and Polk, both island natives, had the crowd laughing with their tales of island life before air conditioning and mosquito treatment.

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Bonefish Trust busy on island

10 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY LIZA STROUT - Dr. Aaron Adams of Mote Marine and the Bonefish & Tarpon Trust presented information on the effort to protect and restore habitat that is vital to tarpon, including Wildflower Preserve, to the Boca Grande community recently.

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Letter to the Editor: Reference Room a wealth of information

10 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

To the Editor:

Just about the best resource of any kind in Boca Grande is the local branch of the Lee County Library System at the community Center. Presided over by Toni Vanover, it provides access to the world of books and media literally at your fingertips. With your library card (or your card number) any book, audio book, DVD or music CD can be requested online, in person, or by phoning 964-0211 or (239) 479-4636.
Search the website, library.lee-county.com, find what you want, click on "request," and the item is on its way. You have access to all the items in the Reference Room as well as the items, which number more than one million, in the entire Lee County Library System.