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

Newsflash:

Text Size

Breaking News

FWC votes 4-3 to pursue jig ban
BY MARCY SHORTUSE - In a decision that will change the face of tarpon fishing in...
Read More...

Pigskin, Week 12: Lots of picks!

30 November 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY DANIEL GODWIN - Two pickers made the most of the full schedule with a 13-3 score: BOCA BOB (Bob Green of Lee County) and THE AGENT (Richie Edwards of Key Agency of Boca Grande).

( 0 Votes )

Read more... Add new comment

The News - Featured News

Obituary: Russell A. Smith

30 November 2012 Marcy Shortuse

Russell A. Smith, 85, Boca Grande, passed away Monday, Nov. 19, 2012, at Englewood Health and Rehab Center in Englewood.

( 0 Votes )

Read more... Add new comment

The News - Obituaries

Profile: Dustin Bates of Barracuda Boats

30 November 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY LIZA STROUT - Dustin Bates moved to North Port five years ago, but his connection to the Boca Grande area goes back to his childhood.

“I caught my first tarpon when I was 10 years old,” he said. “I was in the Pass, using live bait. That’s when my addiction to fishing began. Gasparilla Island back then wasn’t nearly as developed as it is today. It wasn’t as modern. It was simplistic. But it’s still a wonderful place.”

( 1 Vote )

Read more... Add new comment

The News - Featured News

Putting stinking ditches behind us

23 November 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY MARCY SHORTUSE - In just a few weeks, dramatic improvements are scheduled for the ditches north of 45th Street on Gasparilla Road. If all goes as planned, crews will be working on draining and improving the swales full of water in the first week of December.

( 2 Votes )

Read more... Add new comment

The News - Featured News

J.T’s chili, Roger’s team take top honors at museum benefit

23 November 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY MARCY SHORTUSE - When 12 boats headed out into Boca waters for the Whidden’s Back Bay Tournament on Sunday, Nov. 18 they weren’t just there to benefit the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum. They were also paying tribute to several fishing loved ones lost.