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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Saying good-bye to ‘Miss Laquata’ as fall Munchkins class begins

31 August 2012 Last Updated on 31 August 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY MARCY SHORTUSE - One of Boca Grande’s oldest children’s programs, the Munchkins pre-school, will begin fall classes next Tuesday with a new but very familiar face at the helm. Laquata Meade has stepped down as teacher, and Angela Colosimo will take her place.

Colosimo is currently the youth programs director for Friends. She administers the after-school program, and also works with the summer camp program for kids at the Boca Grande Community Center. Now she will add teaching the Munchkins to that list.

( 3 Votes )

A very special fishing trip with the first man to set foot on the moon

31 August 2012 Last Updated on 31 August 2012 Marcy Shortuse

Commander Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 25. He had Boca Grande connections through friends here, and even visited The Island School last February.
On Friday, Aug. 31 a private funeral service will be held for one of America’s greatest icons, and it is only fitting it will be held on the same day as a rare ‘blue moon.’
Island resident Mark Futch had the rare opportunity to not only meet Cmdr. Armstrong, but to fish with him all day. Here is his story.

BY MARK FUTCH - Roger Howe, the Chairman of U.S. Precision Lens and longtime customer of Boca Grande Seaplane, chartered Nat (Italiano) and I for a tarpon trip. We arrived at the dock to pick up our people at 9 a.m. Roger mentioned he had a treat for me and, to my surprise, the person who stepped onboard the boat was none other than the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong. I was honored and excited.

( 1 Vote )

Walk, run, just have fun during annual Gasparilla Island race

31 August 2012 Marcy Shortuse

Sign-ups for the Gasparilla Island 4 Mile Run & Fun Walk, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 a.m., are taking place now.

The fee for participants 18 and under, pre-registered, is $15. For those 19 and up pre-registered, the cost is $20. On the day of the event registration will be $25 for all ages.

On the day of the race registration is from 6 to 7 a.m. There will be no refund of race entries.

( 0 Votes )

Obituary: Dan Swetalla

31 August 2012 Marcy Shortuse

Daniel Paul Swetalla, 44, of Eagan, Minn., passed away surrounded by his family and close friends on August 22.

He is survived by his wife, Marie; daughter, Sarah; mother, Diane (James) Cook; father, Daniel; siblings, Kim (Chris) Heim, Cheryl (John Strangis) Cook, John (Stacey) Cook and Ted (Fortuna) Cook; godmother/aunt, Marlene Stanke; aunt, Bonnie (Curtis) Galloway; and his nephews and nieces.

( 3 Votes )

Profile: Brian Corcoran

31 August 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY MELISSA LATERZA - Brian Corcoran, owner of The BRC Group LLC, Licensed Real Estate Broker Sales and Rentals in Boca Grande, grew up in Park Ridge, a suburban town in New Jersey located just outside of New York City.
“Park Ridge was very community-minded with a small-town atmosphere,” said Brian. “I had close friends that I met and have stayed close to my entire life. I lived in different cities, but stayed in Bergen County for 30 years.”