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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Fixed bridge questions? Come to the meeting

24 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority will hold a public information meeting on the fixed bridges on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the hall of the Boca Grande United Methodist Church. This will be a status update. The contractor and engineer will be avilable to answer questions.

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New poster for Ladies Day announced

24 February 2012 Last Updated on 24 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

The Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce is calling all pirates and lasses for their 2012 “X Marks the Spot” Ladies Day Tarpon Tournament. The artwork for the tournament has been released, and the featured artist is Brendan Coudal. This is Brendan’s fourth time to be selected as the official Ladies Day Tournament artist, and he may need some help from the public this year with his as yet unnamed “Pirate Girl” painting. But more about that later …

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Keeping our fishery healthy the focus of new film

24 February 2012 Last Updated on 24 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY MARCY SHORTUSE - When the lights dim in the Boca Grande Community Center Auditorium at 2 p.m. on March 21, another step in an ongoing battle will be made that could change the face of Boca Grande tarpon fishing forever.

It is tentatively titled, “Let’s Save the Boca Grande Tarpon Habitat.” The documentary by filmmaker Rich Volpe of Estero was created in conjunction with the Boca Grande Fishing Guides’ Association.

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Look for Rat Pack cards around town, win great prizes!

24 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

A Green Gala “heads-up”: There will be 50 Rat Pack cards placed around town. Every card is marked on the back with a prize. When you find a card, bring it to Caesar’s Palace, BIPS’ Green Gala on Friday, March 9 at the Boca Bay Pass Club (you must attend the Green Gala to win prizes).

The cards will be located both indoors and outdoors, at restaurants, shops, any public place.

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Island resident seeks to better lives of others, looking for yard sale and personal item donations

24 February 2012 Marcy Shortuse

Dianne Moffat, a Boca Grande resident and manager at The Pink Elephant, has a personal connection with The Haven Drop-In Center in Port Charlotte, and she has several ideas how to help the facility thrive. She will be holding a drive to collect items for a fund-raising yard sale on Sunday, March 4, on Banyan Street next to the Community Center. They will be collecting from 4 to 6 p.m.