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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Profile: Sam Posey

30 March 2012 Marcy Shortuse

Sam Posey, Formula One driver, got his start driving about as far from a track as you can get.

“When I was about four years old, my family owned a farm in Sharon, Connecticut,” the seasonal Boca Grande resident said. “There were old cars and tractors around, and one day my mom put me up in the seat of the tractor in front of her.”

It was the start of a love affair with driving. From the speed of Formula One to the grit of endurance racing, Sam has driven the gamut.

( 1 Vote )

Higher tolls? Yes. New tax? Maybe

23 March 2012 Marcy Shortuse

BY LIZA STROUT AND MARCY SHORTUSE - The Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority voted on an interim toll increase to take effect on Oct. 1 at their March 20 special meeting, until the matter of an ad valorem tax is voted on in November.

As of that date, cash tolls will be $6, cash tolls will increase from $3.25 per trip to $3.90 and a rate of $790 for annual passes will apply.

( 0 Votes )

A part of Boca Grande died Wednesday night

23 March 2012 Last Updated on 25 April 2012 Marcy Shortuse

One of the island’s daughters passed away late Wednesday, March 21. She was 76 and was well-loved in Boca Grande.

Barbara Ann (Whidden) Chatham was the daughter of Sam and Leslie Whidden, born in 1935. Her surviving children include a son, Capt. Dave Chatham (Jill) of Boca Grande and a daughter, Jane Allen. Her sister, Isabelle, also survives her.

( 8 Votes )

The colors of freedom; The Grande Olde Flag Bike Parade of 2012

23 March 2012 Marcy Shortuse

The Boca Grande Community Center held its 27th Annual Bike Path Parade last Saturday, March 17, and it turned out to be a patriotic event with more than 30 entries and a lot of spectators.