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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Letter to the Editor: Chamber backs Inn's plan for Gilchrist

10 May 2013 Marcy Shortuse

To the Editor:

The Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce wants your readership to be aware of our position on the Gilchrist Avenue parking issue. Below you will see the letter sent to Commissioner John Manning’s office last month.

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Island School activities galore in last week's of school

10 May 2013 Marcy Shortuse

The Island School kids have been maximizing the time during the last couple of weeks of school, and they’ve been busy, busy, busy.

Above, Miss Maya the dog and her human, Susan Johnson, came to read with the kids. Below, nine little ones attended kindergarten orientation day and sat down with Mrs. Judy Still and Mrs. Melissa Elsberry to get a feel for the classrooms they will be in when fall comes.

Photos courtesy of The Island School

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The News - Featured News

GIBA to have meetings x 3 this week

10 May 2013 Marcy Shortuse

The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority will hold three meetings next week.

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And the contest winner for April is ...

10 May 2013 Marcy Shortuse

The April Boca Beacon photo contest has come and gone, and it has been announced that Pat Wright is the winner in the “island animals” genre. Her mama and baby ospreys were a pretty incredible sight, and the judges couldn’t resist.

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2020 vision for Mote Marine

10 May 2013 Marcy Shortuse

BY JACK SHORT - On Thursday, April 25 incoming president and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory Dr. Michael Crosby opened the last in a series of five lectures outlining the directives central to the Mote/Boca Grande partnership, a presentation about snook and tarpon stock enhancement.