Gasparilla Magazine, Beacon win state awards

At the Florida Press Association’s annual meeting, the Boca Beacon won 15 awards in the weekly paper category. The awards ceremony, held on July 26 at the Hilton Bonnet Creek in Orlando, recognized the newspaper for its work in photography, journalism and community service.

In the Feature Photo category, Publisher Dusty Hopkins earned second place for his photograph of a sunset at Whidden’s Marina in Boca Grande. Hopkins also received recognition in the Spot News Photos category, taking third place for his image of an alligator rescue involving a dog on a Gasparilla Island beach.

The Boca Beacon Visitor’s Guide 2024, produced by the team of Daniel Godwin and Garland Pollard, won first place in the Special Issue, Section or Supplement category.

In Agricultural or Environmental reporting, Delores Savas’ weekly Eco Watch columns earned a second place award. For Faith & Family Reporting, Garland Pollard’s piece, “On a Return from Israel, Recalling a Fragile Peace Lost to War,” received a first place award. In Arts, Entertainment & Review Reporting, Sheila Evans took second place with her profile on artist Rae Medgyesy of Boca Grande. Garland Pollard received third place in the same category for his coverage of a local jazz program at Lemon Bay High School, led by Philip Eyrich, who is the director of music ministries for the Lighthouse United Methodist Church.

Marcy Shortuse’s news story, “Will the Shrimp Boat Ever Be In Again?” won first place in the Hurricane Coverage – General News Story category. In the Humorous Column category, Garland Pollard was awarded second place for his column, “Think This Florida Heat Has Made Window A/C Units Obsolete?”

The Original Local Editorial Cartoon Award saw Tim Banfell earning first place for his cartoon on the death of Jimmy Buffett, while Dave Horton’s Hortoon Mermaid received second place. The Boca Beacon Editorial Pages, designed by Daniel Godwin and edited by Garland Pollard, achieved a second place award for their content and presentation.

The newspaper saw a number of awards for the community at large on Gasparilla Island.

In the Community Service category, the AUXCOMM Campaign, a project of the Boca Beacon staff and the community’s AUXCOMM Committee, was honored with a second place award, with Chief C.W. Blosser of the Boca Grande Fire Department as the awardee.

In the Reader-Generated Photo category, the Mas Tec team received the first place award. A third place honor went to the Friends of Boca Grande, represented by Executive Director Marta Howell, for the group’s Africa photos during a Friends Expedition.

Gasparilla Island Magazine awards listed

Gasparilla Island Magazine took home 13 awards at the annual Charlie Awards, held in Orlando July 26. The awards honor the best in Florida magazines. Categories included photography, design, writing and special publications.

A top category winner was the Charlie Award for Best Custom Publication, for the Tarpon Times and More special section, by Daniel Godwin and staff.

Winners included:

Best overall writing, Silver Award, Nov. 2023 and Jan. 2024, Gasparilla Island Magazine, staff.

Best overall writing, department, Silver Award, History departments, Englehard and Cayo Costa, Marcy Shortuse.

Best Writing: Department, Bronze Award, Books, Deadly Winds and Life in Everglades

Column writing, Bronze, Editor’s Column, Marcy Shortuse.

Public service coverage, Bronze Award, Aquaculture: The Future of Florida Water

Service feature, Bronze Award, Hydroponics and growing in small spaces, Marcy Shortuse.

Photo essay/series, Bronze Award, Flaming Tennis Ball, Matthew Gutman, Dusty Hopkins, H Wetzel.

Single Image, Bronze Award, Honor Flight of Veterans to D.C., H Wetzel.

Design Excellence, Single department image, Silver Award, Seared Sea Scallops Recipes, Matthew Gutman.

Best Design, Department, Silver Award, Recipes and Food Department, Matthew Gutman, Caroline Clabaugh.

Best Advertisement, Self Promotional, Bronze Award, Range Light House Ad, Matthew Gutman.

Best Visitor Publication, Silver Award, 2023-24 Boca Beacon Visitors Guide, staff.