Governor-General Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Joan Foulkes hosted a reception to mark the 40th Anniversary of Independence at Government House July 10. Pictured: Hundreds of people throng the Lower Gardens of Government House for the July 10 Independence State Reception. Click to see the rest of the photos. (BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)

M/V Spree has announced the availability of charter bookings to The Bahamas. With a new international load line designation, the M/V Spree vessel now offers charters from Florida to The Bahamas. Charters are being accepted for fall and winter 2013 and 2014 trips.