Stephen
Elizabeth
Sales
Margo
Miranda
Alyssa
Justein
Selina
Production
Production
Katie
Dianne
Michelle
BSLPOA Architectural Review Update – February 2025
BETTY INGERSON, BSL BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ARC LIAISON
There were four Single-Family Home Applications reviewed by ARC in February. Two of these were recommended for approval and two were held for additional information. Sixteen other applications were reviewed. Twelve were recommended for approval, one was held for additional information, and three were rejected.
Effective March 1, 2025, there were 69 new homes in the construction process. A total of 23 new homes have received Certificates of Occupancy this fiscal year (October 2024 to September 2025).
The following architectural projects were either approved or conditionally approved by the Burnt Store Lakes Board of Directors during the February 11, 2025, Board Meeting:
ADDRESS
NEW HOMES
23926 Vincent Ave
BOARD APPROVED PROJECT
HOME: 4,158 Sq Ft (2,537 AC). 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage, and a paver driveway. Metal roof color Zinc Gray. Home color Morning Fog Gray, trim White by Legacy Construction Group. Pool not approved.
24151 Peppercorn Rd SPEC HOME: 2,438 Sq Ft (1,842 AC). 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 car garage, and a paver driveway. Metal roof, color Black. Home and trim color White by G&D Visionary Const, LLC. No pool.
OTHER CONSTRUCTION
17467 Cornflower Ln POOL & CAGE: 17.6 ft by 50 ft pool and cage in backyard by Sunset Pools.
16425 Cape Horn Blvd POOL & CAGE: 18.6 ft by 59 ft pool and cage in backyard by Artesian Pool Construction.
16464 Belo Ct
23983 Cedar Rapids Rd
17105 Barcrest Ln
17522 Vellum Ct
17326 Tampico Ln
17476 Cuillagan Ct
24080 Pyramid Way
17135 Sarong Ln
24340 Nicobar Ln
POOL: 21 ft by 53.10 ft pool in backyard by Suntan Pools, LLC.
EXTERIOR PAINT & TRIM: Repaint home from Coral with White trim to City Loft (white) with Brown trim by Owner. Next door home is Beige with White trim.
EXTERIOR PAINT & TRIM: Repaint home from Samon with White trim to Repose Gray with Charcoal Gray trim by Lockheart Painting. Next door homes are Gray/Blue with white rim and Light Brown with white trim.
DRIVEWAY CHANGE: Widen left side of driveway by two feet and place pavers to match existing driveway by Owner.
ROOF: Tile-to-Tile, color Dark Brown with Black Fash, flat tile by Dry Roofing.
ROOF: Tile-to-Tile, Slate 900, Mottles White by Bone Dry Roofing.
ROOF: Tile-to-Tile, Saxony 900 Slate, Brown Sugar Black Antique by Green Coast Roofing & Solar.
IRRIGATION WELL: 4” wide well installation on left side of home, 10 ft from property line, 90 ft from front property line by Irrigation Plus.
IRRIGATION WELL: 4” wide well installation on right rear side of home, 15 ft from right property line, 15 ft behind pool building by Labelle Well Drilling.
Join Your Neighbors!
Located off Rio Togas near Burnt Store Road.
Sunday, April 13 1 to 3 p.m.
Please bring a meat dish, casserole, side dish and/or a dessert to share with 12 to 15 people and bring your own beverage.
Plates, silverware, napkins, and water will be provided.
Come for the food and stay for the fellowship and fun!
We hope to see EVERYONE there!
Asphalt Paving Update
DAVE EVANS, PAVING LIAISON
Residents,
The date for general paving has been pushed back again. The contractor is having issues in Lemon Bay—another neighborhood that is also being paved. Currently, our general paving will begin late April or early May. When we receive a more definitive start date, we will send out another notice.
Vincent Avenue, Belize Court, and Mint Lane were required to be ground down to the roadbed prior to getting new pavement; so, subsequently, Belize and Mint were started in March.
Vincent Avenue is “on hold.” For those of you who may not be aware, the Charlotte County line runs down the middle of Vincent Avenue; therefore, half of the road is in Lee County. There is a meeting scheduled for April 15 at 2 p.m. at the Charlotte County Event Center, between the Charlotte County commissioners and Lee County commissioners. This meeting, which is open to the public, is to discuss Vincent Avenue since Lee County has been unwilling to fund their half of the roadwork.
Lastly, at the Annual Meeting in October while discussing the paving project, someone asked if it would help the pavement cure by watering down the road with a garden hose. The answer is “yes”—it will help the pavement cure faster.
Burnt Store Lakes Board Of Directors
Sandy Funk, President
Rob Hancik, Vice President
David Todd, Treasurer
Betty Ingerson, Secretary
Richard Hefright, Director at Large
Edie Johnson, Director at Large
Jeanie Jordan, Director at Large
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Architectural Review
Communications
Betty Ingerson
Betty Ingerson
Mechanical and Maintenance
Richard Hefright
Dogs On Leashes And Waste Removal
DAWN CANIFF, COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION MANAGER
Long Range Planning
Beautification
Jeanie Jordan
Jeanie Jordan
Lakes Quality David Todd
Drainage
Edie Johnson
County Liaison Rob Hancik
MSBU’s and Coalition
County Commissioners, etc.
Deed Restrictions
Enforcement
Document Revisions
Sandy Funk
Board of Directors meeting is Tuesday, April 8 at 3 p.m.
Meetings are hybrid meetings held in the Community Center and available by Zoom.
16500 Burnt Store Road, Suite 102 (941) 639-5881
As proud members of the Burnt Store Lakes community, we must uphold the standards set by the Charlotte County Ordinance (Section 1 (4-31): Dogs Running at Large) and our Deed Restrictions (Section 6.5: Animals). For the safety and enjoyment of everyone, please remember that all dogs must be leashed throughout our community, including parks and common areas, and pet owners shall be responsible for picking up any animal waste deposited by their pet.
Your cooperation in cleaning up after your pets is crucial. Please use the waste containers strategically placed across the community or take waste home with you. This is a matter of courtesy and reflects our shared commitment to maintaining a clean and pleasant environment for all residents.
Several complaints have been made regarding these issues. Let’s work together to ensure our community remains a welcoming and enjoyable place for everyone, including our furry friends.
Thank you for being considerate and helping us create a better living experience for all.
BETTY INGERSON, ARC COMMITTEE LIAISON
Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Meetings
Burnt Store Lakes’ (BSL) governing documents outline specific rules for new structures, physical improvements, and modifications an owner can make to their property. The BSL Architectural Review Committee (ARC) ensures the Association maintains a cohesive appearance by following the deed restrictions and community standards.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Architectural Review Committee will hold meetings on the first Tuesday of every month to review applications, and 1) ensure that the installation, construction, alteration, or location of any proposed structure, improvement or modification is in conformity and harmony with the Development Wide Standards and Architectural Design Guidelines/Policies, and 2) is in harmony with surrounding topography.
Association members are welcome to attend the ARC meetings in person at the BSL Community Center in the Turtle Crossing Plaza at 16500 Burnt Store Road, Unit 101, Punta Gorda, FL 33955. The meetings start at 2p.m.
The remaining 2025 ARC meetings are scheduled as follows:
• April 1
• May 6
• June 3
• July 1
• August 5
• September 2
• October 7
• November 4
• December 2
Note: The BSL Board of Directors has final approval of all ARC recommendations. Board approval takes place during scheduled monthly BSL Board Meetings.
Questions may be directed to the BSL Office at (941) 639-5881.
BSLPOA Website – bslpoa.org
BETTY INGERSON, BSL BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMMUNICATIONS LIAISON AND WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR
HOW
TO KEEP IN CONTACT WITH BSLPOA!
Welcome to Burnt Store Lakes. Our website allows us to welcome you and share the ins and outs, the activities, the benefits, and the advantages of living in Burnt Store Lakes.
The Burnt Store Lakes website is the best way to make sure you are up to date on what is going on in the community. We strongly encourage all new residents and property owners to go to the BSLPOA Website (www.bslpoa.org) and register for access. Once registered, you can automatically keep informed. Select the types of email communications you wish to receive (notifications, alerts, updates, bulletins, etc.). You will also be listed in the online Resident’s Directory and find helpful information regarding community activities, governing documents, forms, policies, deed restrictions, and other contact information. Note that many areas of the website are only available to registered members, so signing up is important!
REGISTER ON THE WEBSITE TO RECEIVE BSL EMAILS!
Remember:
• Update your information if any changes are needed. You are the only one that can update your emails, phone numbers, etc. If you are not receiving your Monday email bulletins, please check your email for accuracy.
• Privacy and passwords controlled by member
• Email blasts for instant information sharing
• Weekly bulletin updates listing past notices
• Classified Listings
• Calendar with RSVP available for events
• BSL information – documents, forms, etc., available 24/7/365
PERSONALITY TRAITS
Individuals born in April display a variety of personality traits that set them apart:
• Enthusiastic: April-born individuals are full of energy and enthusiasm, which can be contagious to those around them.
• Dynamic: People born in this month are adaptable and versatile, able to excel in different situations and environments.
• Confident: April-born individuals possess a strong sense of self-confidence and are not afraid to take risks.
• Romantic: People born in April are known for their romantic nature and deep appreciation for love and beauty.
• Ambitious: April-born individuals are goal-oriented and strive for success in their personal and professional lives.
S en ior L i v i n g
What A Deal!
Just $5 Million For All Of Florida!
In one of the great real estate deals of all time, the United States acquired all of Florida from Spain 206 years ago for less than the price of a Naples beachfront home.
Spain’s asking price was $5 million. The sale closed on Feb. 22, 1819, a cash deal, sold as-is.
It is unknown who among the more than 200,000 real estate agents in Florida got the commission for that sale. Oh, wait, they weren’t here yet. But they
would flock down soon enough once word got out about the great bargains to be had on swampland.
What many people may not realize is that Florida, not Plymouth Rock, was the first part of the United States to be settled by Europeans. Those early pioneers were enjoying our beaches and hurricanes long before the Mayflower landed.
However, they weren’t the first actual human beings to arrive. Paleo-Indians began trekking to this peninsula 14,000 years ago. They were here long before the Egyptian pyramids were built, thousands of years earlier than the birth of Christ, and certainly before Juan Ponce de Leon showed up in 1513 in search of the Fountain of Youth.
It was Ponce who gave the state its name. He arrived during the Easter holiday and named it after the season’s Festival of Flowers, Pascua Florida.
The indigenous people of Florida, the Calusas, weren’t consulted. Annoyed, they rewarded Ponce de Leon by fatally shooting him with a poisoned arrow.
By the early 19th century, Americans — the first snowbirds — were migrating
here, so the Spaniards figured it was time to sell while demand was high. And it wasn’t long thereafter before the landscape became littered with roadside motels and tourist traps selling seashells, shark teeth, and baby gator heads.
One of those early tourists, historians imagine, spotted a pond full of alligators, and decided to swim across.
“Hold my beer,” he told his friend.
Thus, was born the legend of Florida Man.*
And it all began two centuries ago.
*Florida Man is an Internet meme first popularized in 2013, referring to an alleged prevalence of people performing irrational, ridiculous, and maniacal actions in the U.S. state of Florida.
Caught On Camera
ANNUAL POTLUCK PICNIC ~ SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16
Kudos to all who were involved in planning, setting up, cooking, and cleaning prior to, during, and after the picnic! We had a record-breaking number of residents attend, who thoroughly enjoyed the food and the entertainment. All went home well fed and happy!
If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share, please submit it to bslnewspaper@yahoo.com.
Yummies For Your Tummy
EDIE JOHNSON
BAKED POTATO BLISS
v Scrub and dry Idaho potatoes.
v With a fork, poke several holes in them.
v Sparingly, rub olive oil on the potatoes and then roll them in coarse salt and coarse pepper.
v Bake at 375°F until soft inside.
v Enjoy!
History Of Pascua Florida Day
In February 1512, a royal contract was granted to Juan Ponce de León by King Ferdinand, giving him the authority to search for the “The Islands of Benimy.” The contract stipulated that, for three years, he would have exclusive rights to the island in question, as well as any neighboring islands he discovered. He would also become governor of such islands for the rest of his life. However, he was required to finance the journey from his own pocket. With 200 men, de León set out from Puerto Rico on March 4, 1513, with a fleet of three ships: the Santiago, the San Cristobal and the Santa Maria de la Consolacion.
On April 2, 1513, the ships arrived on an island that de León named “La Florida” after the Spanish Easter holiday which usually occurred during that time of the year, called “Pascua Florida.” In Spanish, Pascua Florida means flowery festival or feast of flowers.
Pascua Florida Day became adopted by Florida’s legislature as an official holiday on April 2, 1953, at the suggestion of a woman called Mary A. Harrell, who was a Social Studies teacher in Jacksonville.
Pascua Florida Day is only celebrated in the state of Florida and, although there are no special commemorative acts that mark the day, it is a time to reminisce on the rich history of the state. The Governor of Florida often designates March 27 to April 2 as Pascua Florida Week. If April 2 happens to fall on a weekend, the commemorative holiday may be shifted to the preceding Friday or the following Monday.
From The Punta Gorda Chamber Of Commerce…
DID YOU KNOW?
A study of visitors commissioned by the Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach Tourism Development Council shows that:
• 97% of visitors would definitely or probably recommend Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach (80% would definitely recommend the area).
• 95% would definitely or probably return (83% would definitely return).
• 99% were satisfied or very satisfied with their stay (84% were very satisfied).
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary
Offers Guided Tours
For three long years, Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary has had to close its doors — first due to COVID, then after being hit hard by Hurricane Ian. However, under the leadership of owner Lauri Caron, volunteers persevered through long, hard days to care for the more than 120 animals in her charge. It was business as usual behind the closed gates until it was deemed safe to bring the public back to visit.
Octagon has now reopened for guided tours. Visitors will leave with a new perspective and educational experience as guides stop at each animal and explain where it came from and why it was brought to the
sanctuary. They also include personal experiences while volunteering and offer interaction with some. It’s a great, memorable experience for all ages!
Founded in 1978, Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is the forever home to discarded and often mistreated and unwanted exotic “zoo-type” animals that have been confiscated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, U.S. Department of Agriculture (both federal and state offices), or other law enforcement agencies. Many of Octagon’s animals have come from overcrowded facilities, breeding facilities that have shut down, private owners without proper licenses, or by wellmeaning people that thought it was a
good idea to buy an exotic animal, only to realize they couldn’t properly care for it.
Though Octagon takes in zoo-type animals, it is not a zoo. These animals come from many generations of being born, raised, and sold in captivity to be a “pet” or used in a business. None of the animals have been taken out of the wild. Zoos will not care for these animals due to their physical and or mental conditions. Octagon does not breed, buy, or sell any animals.
The Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) entity and operates on donations, grants,
The sanctuary’s mission is:
To provide a safe haven for exotic zootype animals and to ensure they live out their lives in a healthy, stress-free, clean, and loving environment.
fundraisers, and generous donors. Much of the food and supply is donated by three Target locations (Fort Myers), Winn Dixie (Fort Myers), Publix (Punta Gorda), and Cheney Brothers (Punta Gorda). The food donated is not for human consumption but is still quite good for the animals and is inspected before it’s fed to any of them.
Regardless, Octagon’s expenses exceed $15,000 per month. The sanctuary is not supplemented by any federal or state government agencies; therefore, it solely relies on donors and the surrounding
communities for support. Volunteers are always needed, as well as donations. To donate, see www.octagonwildlife.org/ donations.
The sanctuary’s mission is, “To provide a safe haven for exotic zoo- type animals and to ensure they live out their lives in a healthy, stress-free, clean, and loving environment.” Octagon is a “must see” to experience a true sanctuary and to see how happy and content the rescued residents live out the rest of their lives.
To book a tour online, see www. octagonwildlife.org and select “Reservations.” See for yourself why Octagon is “The Wildest Retirement Home in Punta Gorda!”
Octagon is located at 41660 Horseshoe Road, Punta Gorda, directly across the street (State Road 31) from the main entrance of Babcock Ranch.
Beware Of Alligators!
INHABITANTS OF BURNT STORE LAKES AND NEARBY AREAS HAVE ENCOUNTERED ALLIGATORS FROM TIME TO TIME.
If you cross paths with an alligator that …
a. is in a place considered unacceptable, such as a swimming pool, lanai, garage, etc.,
b. you consider a threat to people, pets, or property,
c. approaches people, or
d. doesn’t retreat if approached,
… please call the BSL POA office at (941) 639-5881.
Do not feed or harass it. Doing so is dangerous and illegal.
Visit the Burnt Store Lakes Property Owners Association website for more information.
Twenty Festive Easter Facts That You Probably Haven’t Heard Before
Easter — along with all of its decorative eggs, delicious ham dinners, and cheerful baskets — is hopping down the bunny trail quicker than the legendary speedy hare. This year, the Christian holiday will fall on April 20, so mark that calendar if you haven’t already. While the central story of Jesus’ death and resurrection is likely familiar to those who celebrate, there’s a lot of us who might not know about the unique traditions and meaningful symbolism that surrounds this special Sunday. Like Christmas and, to some extent, St. Patrick’s Day and Valentine’s Day, a day that started off as a solely religious observation has taken on some secular meaning, so plenty of people who aren’t regular churchgoers enjoy other aspects of the festivities as well. Between the adorable bunny rabbits, spring-
forward decorations, and copious amounts of chocolate, the celebration has evolved over the years with a whole host of customs both new and old.
Before you sit down for a delicious meal or gather the kids for some fun Easter crafts , take a moment to learn about this holiday’s rich background, including its special foods, quirky superstitions, and symbols. Maybe they’ll even make great fodder for conversation, insightful Instagram captions, or a factoid card tucked into the Easter baskets to give them a little something extra this year. However
you use them, this Easter trivia will impress your family and friends with the little-known origins behind some of your favorite traditions.
1/ Easter baskets have special symbolism. The woven treat containers represent birds’ nests and new life, especially when filled to the brim with eggs. Plus, they’re a pretty utilitarian way to gather those goodies on your Easter egg hunt.
2/ There’s a reason you probably eat ham for Easter dinner. Historically, most early Easter celebrants would have eaten lamb for this special occasion since the holiday has its roots in Jewish Passover. However, because of the timing of the holiday these days, many American Easter dinners now feature ham instead. Years ago, hams cured over the winter months would have been ready to serve in the early spring.
3/ Easter lilies are a relatively new tradition. These beautiful blooms first originated in Japan and arrived in England in the late 18th century. The United States caught onto the trend after World War I. The transition from dormant bulbs to delicate flowers suggests hope and rebirth, two important themes of the Easter celebration.
4/ Easter eggs have medieval origins. Think Easter egg hunts are a strange tradition? Listen to this medieval children’s game: A priest would give one of the choir boys a hard-boiled egg, and the
boys would pass it amongst themselves until the clock struck midnight, when whoever was holding it got to eat it. We hope they at least got some salt and pepper to go with it.
5/ Easter clothes used to be considered good luck. Old superstition held that if you wore new clothes on Easter, you would have good luck for the rest of the year. In fact, it was so widely believed that upper-class New Yorkers would literally strut their stuff coming out of attending Easter mass at well-heeled midtown churches. This tradition become the basis of the modern, and decidedly less elitist, Easter Parade and Easter Bonnet Festival in New York.
6/ Easter eggs date back way before Easter. There’s evidence showing that Easter eggs originated from Medieval Europe , and Christians may not have been the ones to start the tradition of giving eggs. They’re a symbol of fertility and rebirth in many cultures around the world.
7/ The holiday was named after the Anglo-Saxon goddess Eostre. Scholars believe that Easter was named after a festival celebrating Eostre and the coming of spring. Her sacred symbols are thought to have been the hare and the egg, which is why they feature prominently in Easter symbolism too.
8/ Eggs are dyed to represent the blood of Jesus Christ. Well, at least that might be one of the reasons, which stems from early Christians in Mesopotamia. There isn’t a concrete reason behind the tradition, but that’s one of the theories. They also look pretty — and kids might be more likely to eat a dyed hard-boiled egg than a plain one!
9/ Good Friday is recognized as a holiday in only 12 states. Occurring two days before Easter Sunday, Good Friday commemorates Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, but it isn’t a federal holiday. Only certain states officially observe it, including New Jersey, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
10/ In 2020, 77% of American adults celebrated the holiday. About half of those chose to mark the occasion with a holiday meal, and a third decided to visit family and friends virtually, according to the National Retail Federation.
11/ We can thank Germany for the bunny. The idea of the Easter bunny delivering candy and eggs originated in Germany during the Middle Ages, with the first written mention of this tradition dating back to the 16th century. Dutch settlers in Pennsylvania brought the bunny to the United States in the 1700s, and the rest is delicious history.
holidays go head-to-head for the most candy sales every year. In fact, some years people buy more candy the week before Easter than the week before Halloween, but that’s because Halloween purchases are more spread out over the month leading up to the spooky night.
13/ Americans eat about 1.5 million Peeps during Easter. That makes these colorful marshmallows the most popular non-chocolate Easter candy. The Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, factory makes an impressive 5.5 million a day . Try dipping yours in melting chocolate this year for an even tastier treat.
14/ In 1953, it took 27 hours to make one Peep. That’s back when they were still new to the world and were handmade with a pastry tube . But don’t worry, it now takes just six minutes, thanks to a unique machine called The Depositor that creates the unique and instantly recognizable shape.
15/ More than 1.5 million Cadbury Creme Eggs are made every day. Even more impressive is that the Bournville factory in Birmingham, England, churns out 500 million of the cream-filled eggs every year. If you piled all those eggs on top of each other, they’d create a tower that’s taller than Mt. Everest . Talk about an epic egg hunt.
12/ Easter and Halloween compete for the highest candy sales. The two
16/ Americans consume over 16 million jelly beans during Easter. That’s enough jelly beans to circle the globe not once, not twice, but three times — or to fill a plastic egg the size of a ninestory building . First introduced as an Easter treat in the 1930s, we can’t imagine this day without them.
17/ Around 90 million chocolate bunnies are sold for Easter. Considering $2.6 billion is spent on candy alone during this religious and secular spring celebration, it makes sense – and that’s only in the United States. We bet most of those people have opinions on whether to devour theirs tail or ears first.
18/ A surprising 59% of people eat the ears first. Only a handful start with the feet or tail, and the rest apparently don’t have a plan of action. If that’s you, consider this your inspiration to give it a little thought before biting into yours (or the kids’).
19/ The White House Easter Egg Roll tradition started in 1878. It’s said that President Rutherford B. Hayes was taking a walk when children approached him asking about a possible Easter egg roll. He loved the idea, and it’s been one of the cutest annual White House events ever since.
20/ In the old days, pretzels were associated with Easter. Why?
Because the twists of this salty treat resemble arms crossing in prayer. We say it’s time to bring back this savory snack to the sweets-filled holiday, because life is all about balance.
Good Neighbor Program
Let us know if you would like to be connected with a neighbor. Neighborhood Watch is accepting resident profiles as a community service for those who may need assistance from time to time, particularly in the event of a severe storm or hurricane.
To obtain a copy of the profile and/or to obtain additional information, contact Louise Barrett at (508) 728-8002 or at lbarrett10@comcast.net.
The BSL website (bslpoa.org) also has the profile forms and information available.
Furthermore, you can register online at the State of Florida Special Needs registry for “special needs” status if you have a physical, mental, or sensory disability and require assistance during an emergency. Charlotte County Emergency Management, along with the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County, will strive to provide special needs sheltering and/or transportation to a general shelter.
Caught On Camera
THREE BABY GREAT HORNED OWLS IN “STOLEN” OSPREY NEST
E DIE JOHNSON AND CHRIS PFEFFERLE RESPECTIVELY
EAGLE LAKE’S RESIDENT PELICAN E DIE JOHNSON
A PAIR OF OSPREYS MADE THEIR NEST AT A PRIME SPOT ON THE EDGE OF THE COMMUNITY PARK. DEB DODGE
‘Abundance’ Of Alligators Found In Florida Sewer System: ‘Like Something Out Of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’
The University of Florida’s study also found 34 other species in the storm sewage system.
Florida’s sewer systems have been playing host to alligators.
A study conducted by the University of Florida (UF) found that the stormwater sewer systems beneath Gainesville contained a total of 35 different animal species, including armadillos, frogs, raccoons and yes, alligators. The study exhibits a shift towards
People can have a psychological disorder called Boanthropy that makes them believe that they are a cow. They try to live their life as a cow.
“human-modified environments” as urbanization and development progress.
Alan Ivory, a Ph.D. student at UF, spearheaded the study. While the movement of rats throughout underground systems is well-studied, the patterns of other animals — who use the tunnels as pathways to navigate an urban landscape — is far less researched.
“It’s like something out of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” Ivory told the New York Times. “The abundance of animals down there was surprising.”
The team carried out the study by using 39 motionactivated trail cameras attached to manhole covers on 33 stormwater drains. Across roughly two months, the cameras collected data — though some fell victim to storm water or thieving raccoons, Ivory said.
The American Alligator, also known by its scientific name, Alligator mississippiensis, was among seven types of reptiles found in the storm sewage systems and was “documented across the greatest number of sites.”
The data in the study suggests that many of the animals use the storm sewage systems to avoid
crossing busy roads or other highly trafficked areas. Others, mainly small animals, may have been found in the sewers after being swept there by runoff water.
“Of the five sites, four of the sites where alligators were observed were simple culverts, and for this reason, most of the alligator observations were of animals swimming from one pond to another (35 of 50 observations), thereby avoiding crossing busy roads,” the study read.
Florida Fun Fact!
FLORIDA IS THE ONLY STATE TUCKED BETWEEN BOTH THE ATLANTIC OCEAN AND THE GULF OF MEXICO
Florida is almost nothing but coastline, because it’s surrounded by water on three sides. This makes it a peninsula, and more than twothirds of its population lives on its coast. The state has the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to its west, with the Straits of Florida to the south.
LONG LUNCH SIGHTSEEING AND CULINARY TOUR
April Events
LEONID & FRIENDS
Date And Time:
Wednesday, April 2, 9,16, 23, 30 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Event Description: Join us on a memorable experience as we enjoy some of the culinary treasures Punta Gorda has to offer, as well as exploring the history of this Victorian-era resort village. Over the course of three hours, you’ll taste local specialties and experience our renowned Punta Gorda hospitality while exploring the charming historic downtown from one end to another. Meet friendly restaurateurs and their staff, as well as other Punta Gorda denizens. Sightseeing stops can include the historic County Courthouse, Chamber of Commerce, Artisan’s Atelier and Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial.
Date And Time: Thursday, April 3 8 to 9:30 p.m. / Doors open at 7 p.m.
Event Description: Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee welcomes astounding Chicago tribute band Leonid & Friends performing live. Attendees must be 21 years old. Parking is free.
Location: 506 South 1st Street, Immokalee
Contact Information: support@ticketsonsale.com
Fees/Admission: Advance tickets will be available on Friday, Oct. 11, starting at $60, from Ticketmaster or at www. moreinparadise.com. A limited number of VIP tickets will be available for $135 and will include a premium ticket and a meet and greet opportunity with the band.
Location: Historic downtown Punta Gorda
Contact Information: https://swfloridawalkingtours.com/tours-2/ long-lunch-tour // swfloridawalkingtours@ outlook.com
Fees/Admission: $49 per guest / Minimum of four / Maximum of 10
FLIP FLOP BALL
Date And Time:
Saturday, April 5
6 to 9 p.m.
Event Description: Join us for a spectacular evening of summer vibes with a relaxed beach-themed night of laid-back conversation and fun! There will be flame throwers, Hawaiian music, drinks, food, DJ, silent auction, and so much more!
Location: The Tiki at Four Points Sheraton, 33 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda
Contact Information: http://www.puntagordachamber.com
Fees/Admission: $100 per person
SOUTHLAND BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Date And Time:
Sunday, April 6
12 to 7:30 p.m.
Event Description: Seminole Casino
Hotel Immokalee welcomes the fourth annual Southland Bluegrass Music Festival. The festival will feature outdoor concerts, with concerts in the Zig Zag Lounge both before and after the festival, as well as a variety of food trucks.
Location: 506 South 1st Street, Immokalee
Contact Information: support@ticketsonsale.com
Fees/Admission: FREE
COUNTRY FOR A CAUSE
Date And Time: Saturday, April 12
6 to 10 p.m.
Event Description: Once again, Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic is hosting Country for a Cause. This is a party and a charitable donation all rolled into one. Not only do you get a night of toe-tapping music, libations, and a delectable spread of food, but you will be supporting a great cause. The Eric Barton Band will be our entertainment for the evening. So, what are you waiting for?
Grab those cowboy boots, practice your best “yeehaw,” and get ready to make a difference in the most fun way possible.
Location: Sunseeker Resort, 5500 Sunseeker Way, Charlotte Harbor
Contact Information: Barbara Wastart at bwastart@ volunteercare.org or call (941) 368-8863
April Events
Fees/Admission: $150 per person / Sponsorships are available. Visit www.onecau.se/ countryforacause2025 for more information and to purchase your tickets today.
RECURRING ACTIVITIES
Trivia Night At Coastal Expressions & Wine
Every Thursday, 6 to 8 p.m.
1133 Bal Harbor, Suite 1135, Punta Gorda
Contact information: Lori Sandage at (941) 214-8599 or at loriscoastal-expressions.com
Dance Fusion Class
Every Tuesday and Friday
8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve St., Punta Gorda or by Zoom
Contact information: Carla Peralta, (941) 276-1887 or at carlap@hotmail.com.
Wine-O Bingo At Coastal Expressions & Wine
Every Friday, 6 to 8 p.m.
1133 Bal Harbor, Suite 1135, Punta Gorda
Contact information: Lori Sandage at (941) 214-8599 or at loriscoastal-expressions.com
Live Music At Fishermen’s Village
Every Friday and Saturday, 5 to 9 p.m.
1200 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Contact information at kathyb@fishville.com
Punta Gorda Farmers’ Market
Every Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Downtown corner of Taylor and Olympia
History Park Sunday Market
Every Sunday
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
History Park, 501 Shreve St., Punta Gorda
Email: 118pghs@gmail.com
April Holidays
APRIL 20
