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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When the sheriff comes to town ...

13 April 2012 Last Updated on 13 April 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY LIZA STROUT-

Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott was on hand Wednesday to meet the citizens of one of the most far-flung outposts of his watch, Gasparilla Island. He discussed with those who attended beach access issues and a brand-new island golf cart.

The Gasparilla Inn & Club hosted the sheriff, who is up for re-election this year. The Fire Department and Lee County Sheriff’s Department were present as well.

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Food for the Poor donations rolling in, more needed

13 April 2012 Last Updated on 13 April 2012 Marcy Shortuse

The island’s Food for the Poor network, a group of people who are currently working on the Boca Grande Friendship Village II in Haiti, are proud to announce that they have raised $213,000 toward their $356,000 goal.

The community center, with a price tag of $45,000, has been paid for. The $20,700 water filtration system has been paid for. At least 11 of the 20 houses scheduled for building have been paid for, as well as several clusters of fruit trees.

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Weekly GIBA update

13 April 2012 Last Updated on 13 April 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY JIM COOPER-

New Center & South Bridge Construction:

Progress Update: April 4

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Profile: Creighton Sherman

13 April 2012 Last Updated on 13 April 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY LIZA STROUT - When visitors come to Gasparilla Island, they often remark on the difference between Boca Grande and Sanibel or Siesta Key. The laid-back charm, the preserved downtown, the complete lack of towering condos. They ask why this island is so different from the others.

Any answer would have to include Creighton Sherman.

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Island School Head Rosa Ramos set to retire

06 April 2012 Marcy Shortuse

In a meeting with her faculty and staff on Wednesday, Rosa Ramos, Head of School at The Island School for half of the School’s history, announced her plans to retire at the end of the current school year.

“We are of course very sad that Rosa will be leaving us,” said Island School Board Chair Margo Freeman, “but we have been discussing this eventuality for some time now and we are extremely grateful for all that Rosa has done for this wonderful School during her time here, and we wish her nothing but the best in her much-deserved retirement.”