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...
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GITT play begins with exciting first week

10 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY LIZA STROUT - The 3rd Annual Gasparilla Island Tennis Tournament Classic was off to a great start last week, with some surprising and exciting twists and turns.

Last week the open mixed doubles, 70+ mixed doubles, and men’s and ladies singles were played.

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BGHS hosts pioneer, naturalist speaker

10 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

The pioneer history of Caladesi Island in Pinellas County will come to life through stories and pictures shared by Terry Fortner, a descendent of Swiss immigrants who made the barrier island their home beginning in the late 1880s.

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Learn all about the brain in the ‘Friends’ latest forum

10 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

The Friends of Boca Grande Community Center will present the latest in their Lifelong Learning forum, “The Brain and Healthy Living,” on Friday, Feb. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Boca Grande Community Center. The cost of the one-day symposium is $45.

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‘Art in the Home’ tour set for Thursday

10 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

The 2012 Boca Grande Art Alliance “Art in the Home” Tour has been slightly modified, but with a last-minute generous decision will still feature seven homes.

The Thursday, Feb. 16 tour, hosted by the Boca Grande Art Alliance, will not feature the Fuller home. Instead, Susan and Tom Bowers’ home will be featured.

The event will take place from 1 to 5 p.m.

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Jason and the sammich tern

10 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

Gasparilla Island State Park Ranger Jason Bennett holds a sandwich tern he rescued at the north end of the Park’s Sea Grape parcel on Tuesday. The bird, which had a broken wing, was turned over to Blanche Boudreau at The Loose Caboose.