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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Community safety alert: Beware who comes to the door

12 April 2013 Last Updated on 12 April 2013 Marcy Shortuse

Within the last week, people impersonating repairmen have attempted to gain entrance to at least one home in Boca Grande.

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Gilchrist median debate continues at historic preservation board meeting

12 April 2013 Marcy Shortuse

A new committee. Two plans. A lot of discussion. Much was discussed at the April meeting of the Boca Grande Historic Preservation in reference to Gilchrist Avenue parking, culminating in a decision to have one of the board members spearhead a committee of a chosen few to make a final decision pertaining to parking on the median.

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A gift to you ... from us

12 April 2013 Marcy Shortuse

“Memories, like the corners
of our minds ... ”

If you have lots of great memories of times past on Gasparilla Island, have we got a treat for you. Just downstairs from the Boca Beacon office, located on Park Avenue above Gasparilla Outfitters, is a special green newspaper box.

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Hope for Haitians 75 percent of the way there

12 April 2013 Last Updated on 12 April 2013 Marcy Shortuse

BY MARCY SHORTUSE - The Boca Grande Hope For Haitians Committee is at 75% of their fundraising goal in the construction of their third village in Haiti. Thanks to generous donors, more than 30 families in the town of Manneville will receive a two-room concrete block home of their own built by Food For The Poor.

To date, the island group has raised $226,090. They still have four houses up for donation, and are just shy of completing their 33-home goal.