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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A beautiful lady, a gentle soul: good-bye, Mary Alice

25 May 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY MARCY SHORTUSE - Mary Alice King was an empath. She worked the register at Hudson’s Grocery for over 10 years, and she could single you out from across the store and just know that something was wrong. Although most of us only got to see her for a few minutes a day, if you were a regular at Hudson’s, a visit with her was like being in the eye of a hurricane. She would take your hand, grasp it warmly and say, “Now you take care of yourself.”

This beautiful lady who, to my knowledge, didn’t dislike one person in this world, left us suddenly Tuesday night. When I heard she was gone the news hit me like a ton of bricks to the gut. It was hard to walk into Hudson’s the next day, knowing she wouldn’t be there anymore.

( 6 Votes )

Donations for troops end May 31

25 May 2012 Marcy Shortuse

If you love our troops and you love ice cream, have we got a deal for you.

Englewood Bank Branch Manager Alison Henderson has announced that if you bring in a donation for U.S. troop care packages before May 31, you can get a coupon for a free scoop of ice cream at the Loose Caboose, courtesy of Blanche and Jacques Boudreau.

The donation drive is through the Englewood Rotary.

( 1 Vote )

Phyllis and family say ‘thanks’

25 May 2012 Marcy Shortuse

To the Editor:

I and my family (of Robert “Bob” Hendricks) would like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, the community of the island for all the caring words, love and hugs that each of you have shown us.
Special thanks to my co-workers at Hudson’s and to Howard and Emily Wise. You have made my days brighter!

Phyllis Hendricks
Port Charlotte/Boca Grande

( 0 Votes )

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The News - Letter to Editor

Letter to the Editor: Fishing Guides agree with noted author’s stand

25 May 2012 Marcy Shortuse

To the Editor:

Noted author Randy Wayne White's article that appeared in last Friday's Boca Beacon was a fantastic message that all tarpon enthusiasts and conservationists should read.

Sadly, there were many tarpon-fishing clients, their families, local guides, island residents and others who did not get a chance to view Mr. White's statement, as the various locations on the island that have Boca Beacon storage racks available with normally plenty of papers all seemed to be interestingly empty.

( 0 Votes )

Letter to the Editor: Chamber thanks all for a very successful WRTT

25 May 2012 Marcy Shortuse

To the Editor:

The most famous fishing tournament in SW Florida has returned after a six-year hiatus and we at the Boca Grande Area Chamber of Commerce could not be more proud or thankful for the monumental efforts and dedication of the organizers, sponsors, volunteers and participants who spent nearly a year and thousands of hours of planning to make it a success.

We had 33 boats compete in the fleet.

Our winners this year received cash and prizes totaling well over $53,000.