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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Letter to the Editor: GIBA board member supports tax referendum

11 May 2012 Marcy Shortuse

To the Editor:

GIBA and its Board are bringing us three new bridges which will be safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing for a projected seventy-five years. During the last five years, and including the coming October toll increase, the board will have raised the cash toll from $4 to $6, a 50% increase, the discounted tolls from $2.25 to $3.90, and annual passes from $450 to $780, both reflecting a 73% increase.

Proceeds from these increases have allowed us to repay previous debt (from the purchase of the bridges) and to finance both the design of the two fixed bridges and part of their construction.

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Obituary: Robert Hendricks

11 May 2012 Marcy Shortuse

Robert Jerome Hendricks, 75, of Port Charlotte and formerly of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away peacefully Friday, May 4, 2012.

He served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. While residing with his wife, Phyllis, in Port Charlotte, Robert was an active part of the Englewood community, where he worked at the Englewood Paint Center for 14 years. Robert will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

A memorial mass was held on Monday, May 7 in Port Charlotte.

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Obituary: Phil Elliott

11 May 2012 Marcy Shortuse

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 12 at 1 p.m. at the home of John Elliott, father of Phil.

The address is 109 Westwind Dr., Placida. All are invited.

Directions to 109 Westwind Drive: 775 north to Cape Haze Drive, turn right. Turn left onto Arlington to Westwind, turn right onto Westwind to 109.

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Profile: Melissa Laterza

11 May 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY LIZA STROUT - Melissa Laterza has lived on both coasts of the United States, with a stop in the desert in the middle.

“Las Vegas was big and hot and over-populated,” said Melissa. “There was always something to do. It’s such a busy place. Vegas is incredibly diverse, with all of the good and bad that comes with that.”

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Boca shopkeepers resigned to their fate regarding tolls

04 May 2012 Last Updated on 08 May 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY LIZA STROUT - If the attitude of voters in November compares to the voices heard at the last Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority meeting, Boca Grande shopkeepers are in for troubling economic times. At the bridge authority’s April 25 meeting, many residents said they opposed a tax referendum that would help to pay for the new bridge project ... and that leaves tolls to cover the economic punch.

Now, the question is simply how much it will go up, and how much visitors to the island will be willing to pay to get to the local shops, restaurants and beaches.