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The WRTT ‘Grande Tradition’ to honor island fishing legends Bracken and Futch

BY WESLEY LOCKE, WORLD’S RICHEST TARPON TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR – The World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament is routed in the rich history of Traditional Live Bait Tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass. In the 80s and 90s the Tournament was in its hay day with celebrity anglers from the band Alabama, corporate sponsorships, Budweiser Girls and legendary […]

Chapman honored with lifetime achievement award by PTHA

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – Boca Grande resident and horsewoman extraordinaire Pat Chapman was honored this month by the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association with the greatest honor that they bestow – the Lifetime Achievement Award. Chapman said she was flummoxed when she heard the news that she had been given the prestigious award but for those […]

Are you ready for the 2021 Kids’ Classic?

STAFF REPORT – If you are interested in getting a team together for the 2021 Gasparilla Island Kids Classic, you had better scramble. While there are still spots left on the roster, all local captains have been booked. That means you will have to find your own. If you already have a team ready for […]

County commissioners amend island overnight parking ordinance

BY MARCY SHORTUSE – On Tuesday, May 18 Lee County Commissioners met and unanimously passed an ordinance that prohibits overnight parking in specific designated area for buses and recreational vehicles, within portions of Gasparilla Island.  Those areas include the western end of 5th Street, between Gilchrist Ave. and the Gulf of Mexico; the Rear Range […]

Dads, their babies, and the fishing tradition

This story is the first in a series devoted to fathers, and their importance in our lives. Highlighted will be some of the more common activities many of us remember when we think of our dads. BY TONYA BRAMLAGE – There was a time, and it seems more and more like an ancient time, when […]

Gasparilla Island Magazine team nominated for eight Florida Magazine Association awards

STAFF REPORT – The staff of Gasparilla Island Magazine (primarily consisting of the same staff who brings you the Boca Beacon) have been nominated for eight awards in the Florida Magazine Association annual contest. In the Service department, “Best Feature – Best Writing” category,  the staff was nominated for their story, “Honoring those who served.” […]

PROFILE: Rob Knapp

BY T MICHELE WALKER – It was one year ago, May 25, that the murder of George Floyd hit the news. As our nation watched, Rob Knapp was eager to take action.  “We wanted to fix this problem. This is about a year ago, and George Floyd is happening, and the world is turning upside […]