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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Guides’ movie raises questions on fishery preservation and fishing practices

30 March 2012 Marcy Shortuse

LIZA STROUT - Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association president Cappy Joiner has a simple message: Do something about irresponsible fishing in the Boca Grande Pass or face the same fishery collapse as Port Aransas, Texas.

( 3 Votes )

deBlij to speak on wealth, war to benefit Venice Wildlife Center

30 March 2012 Marcy Shortuse

The Wildlife Center of Venice will present Harm de Blij on Tuesday, April 3, at 10:30 a.m. in the Boca Grande Community Center Auditorium. He will discuss “Wealth, War, and Women: The Geography of (Mis)Fortune.” Tickets are $25 and are available at The Loose Caboose. Proceeds from the event go to the Wildlife Center, Call 964-0097 for information.

( 1 Vote )

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‘Way of the Cross,’ Easter services outlined

30 March 2012 Marcy Shortuse

Local churches will be hosting Easter services next week, including the traditional “Way of the Cross” Walk.

( 0 Votes )

Be a part of history ... help to name the frisky tarpon picture

30 March 2012 Marcy Shortuse

Artist Brendan Coudal needs help naming his newest painting. The image will be used on the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce's marketing materials to celebrate their 2012 Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament.

Email your suggestions to Brendan directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; include your full name, suggested title(s), and your contact information. The deadline is April 30th.

The winner will receive the first print of the 500 limited edition posters, and a 'mystery' gift bag from the Chamber of Commerce.

The poster, as well as Coudal’s previous year's posters, are available for purchase through the Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce.

( 0 Votes )

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The News - Featured News

History Bytes: The Knight family, the cow cavalry and the unofficial mayor of Boca Grande

30 March 2012 Marcy Shortuse

The final History Bytes presentation of this season was held Wednesday, March 28 at the Johann Fust Community Library. Mary Knight Vickers, librarian for Johann Fust, and Steve Godwin were present to share the tale of their family history from the time they arrived in the Colonies in the 1600s through to the present day.