Stephen
Sales
Margo
Becky
Miranda
Alyssa
Accounting
Selina
Production
Production
Elaine
Ruth
Katie
Dianne
Karen
Michelle
Andie
The Heron Herald Goes Digital!
BETTY INGERSON, BSL BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMMUNICATIONS LIAISON
Effective with the November 2024 edition, Burnt Store Lakes Property Owners’ Association and our publisher, Seabreeze Communications, announced a new dedicated website for our newsletter , The Heron Herald . You can view the new Burnt Store Lakes newsletter website at burntstorelakes. se burntstorelakes.seabreezecommunications.com.
The new dedicated website features a redesigned newsletter, individual articles, an event board, and more. On the new website, you’ll find a digital flip book reader with a newly designed magazine. You can flip page by page, click on links, and, at the bottom right-hand corner, zoom in or go full screen. If you prefer to read in an article format, scroll down to read all this month’s content on individual pages. On the top menu bar, you’ll find a spot for previous issues, articles, an Event Board for things going on in and around Burnt Store Lakes, as well as a Vendor Page where you can find local service providers.
Because of this change, occupant residents will no longer receive mailed hardcopy versions of the newsletter. You can either go directly to the new website to review/download the new digital version or review a PDF version on our BSL website at www.bslpoa.org/p/Heron-Herald-Newsletters .
We hope you enjoy this newly developed site.
Located off Rio Togas near Burnt Store Road.
Sunday, JANUARY 12, 2025
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!
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
BSLPOA ARC Review Update –November 2024
BETTY INGERSON, BSL BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ARC LIAISON
There were nine Single-Family Home Applications reviewed by ARC in November. Six of these were recommended for approval. Eleven other applications were reviewed, and seven were recommended for approval.
Seven homes received Certificates of Occupancy in November.
Effective November 30, 2024, there were seventy new homes in the construction process. A total of fourteen new homes have received Certificates of Occupancy this fiscal year (October 2024 – September 2025).
Long Range Planning
Beautification
Lakes Quality
Drainage
County Liaison
Jeanie Jordan
Jeanie Jordan
David Todd
Edie Johnson
Rob Hancik
MSBU’s and Coalition
County Commissioners, etc.
Deed Restrictions
Enforcement
Document Revisions
Sandy Funk
Board of Directors meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 14 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
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
The following architectural projects were either approved or conditionally approved by the Burnt Store Lakes Board of Directors during the November 19, 2024, Board Meeting.
ADDRESS BOARD APPROVED PROJECT
NEW HOMES
16286 Cayman Ln HOME: 3,605 Sq Ft (2,252 AC). 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 3 car garage with paver driveway and tile roof by Charlotte Harbor Construction. Pool by Fulton Pools. House color Snowbound, trim Extra White. Roof Saxony Slate, color Dark Charcoal Blend (Flat tile). Lakesource Irrigation.
17022 Espana Cir SPEC HOME: 2,721 Sq Ft (2,092 AC). 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 car garage with paver driveway by McLennan Construction. Metal Roof color Dark Gray. Home color Marseilles, trim Pure White. Stone on front of home color Blue Ridge Laytite. Windows with white panel inserts, garage door with windows as top pane. No Pool.
16376 Perico Way HOME: 3,216 Sq Ft (2,661 AC). 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 car garage with paver driveway by DDC Developments. Includes pool. Tile roof color Dark Charcoal. Home color Ellie Gray, trim color Iron Ore.
24206 Santa Inez Rd SPEC HOME: 3,023 Sq Ft (2,127 AC). 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, den, 3 car garage, paver driveway by Rocha Brothers Contracting. Metal roof color Slate Gray. Home color Repose Gray, trim color White. No pool.
16192 Limegrove Ct SPEC HOME: 2,902 Sq Ft (2,049AC). 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, den, 2 car garage, Paver driveway by Groff Building Contractors. Metal roof in 5V 26G Beige. Home color Drift of Mist, trim color High Reflective White. Includes pool and lakesource Irrigation. 24061 Cherrystone Ln SPEC HOME: 3,489 Sq Ft (2,422 AC). 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 3 car garage with paver driveway by 724 Construction LLC. Tile roof color Dark Gray. Home color Alabaster, trim color Sprout. Stone on the front column and part of the front window exterior wall. Includes Pool.
OTHER CONSTRUCTION
24028 Vincent Ave POOL: 24 ft x 61.7 ft pool and deck by 724 Construction. This is an addition to a new home under construction.
17458 Medillin Ct EXTERIOR PAINT AND TRIM: Repaint home from China White with Yellow trim to Eiffel for You (tan/brown) by Owner.
16474 Belo Ct EXTERIOR PAINT AND TRIM: Repaint home from Pink with White trim to Gray with White trim by Owner.
17504 Huancay Ln ROOF: Tile-to-Tile (composite Brava Spanish Barrel). Color New Sand (Tan) by FL Specialty Roofing.
24245 Mapp Ln ROOF: Tile-to-Metal. Color Medium Bronze by Roman Roofing.
17171 Spice Ln POOL CAGE REPLACEMENT: Replace existing pool cage with a different color by Up Right Aluminum.
17107 Thyme Ct IRRIGATION WELL: New irrigation well located in right side yard by Honc Industries.
BSL POA Website Classified Listings
BETTY INGERSON, BSL BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMMUNICATIONS LIAISON
We are pleased to announce the addition of a Classified Listings section to the BSLPOA Website! It is located at www.bslpoa.org/p/
BSL-Classified-Listings . Simply click on “+Add a Listing” and fill in the information requested. You may upload photos as well as a description and contact information for your listing.
Residents may post listings of all different types, including items for sale, items for rent, sitter services, and more. The listings can be viewed by anyone accessing the Burnt Store Lakes Website.
Please remember to remove the listed item once it’s been sold or rented.
Good luck with your listing!
Experience ArtFest as a VIP
As a VIP, receive VIP Perks & FREE Parking ALL weekend!
CELEBRATION OF LEGACY
FEBRUARY 1 & 2
OPENING NIGHT
JANUARY 31, 6pm
Caloosa Sound Convention Center
Edwards & Monroe St. | Downtown Fort Myers
Opening Night is FREE for everyone
Enjoy and purchase some of the best artwork exhibited anywhere in Florida!
Downtown waterfront is the setting to sneak preview 60 fabulous artists
Food & Entertainment
Support the arts in this gathering of art connoisseurs just like you and enjoy all the benefits of being a VIP.
VIP Club on Opening Night, Friday, January 31
Overlooking the downtown waterfront and glorious sunset
– VIP seating at Symphony of the Sound Concert
– Gourmet hors d’oeuvres from fine local restaurants
– Wine and beer
– 60 fabulous artists
VIP Club Saturday & Sunday, February 1 & 2
– Light Brunch with grazing stations and bottomless mimosas
– All Day Beverage Bar with wine, beer, soda and water
– 200 fabulous artists
VIP Club ticket holders will also have access to VIP seating at Symphony on the Sound
A free concert performance by
$135 per person | Become a VIP today!
To
Update On The Burnt Store Corridor Coalition
There are currently three new communities under development along Burnt Store Road in Charlotte County. Lee County also confirmed the development of approximately 3,000 homes south on Burnt Store Road near the Tranquility Lake RV Park. Lee County recently allowed a density change from one home per 10 acres to 10 homes per acre on 35 acres across from the Dollar General store.
These developments will more than double the number of residents along Burnt Store Road and exacerbate traffic problems and road safety. There are also concerns about the impact of development on flood
management and protection of wildlife, as well as access to key neighborhood services. The Burnt Store Corridor Coalition has been advocating for an update to the 2005 Burnt Store Area Plan to address these issues for the last four years.
One initiative is the newly funded hydrology study, which is being funded through the South Charlotte Stormwater MSBU. This MSBU represents those areas within South Charlotte County from the Desoto County line to north Lee County. The Advisory Board has been advocating for this study for over two years, which resulted in a public meeting held at the Event Center in January of 2024. The County Board of Commissioners subsequently recommended moving forward with this project and an RFP was prepared and disseminated to eligible potential contractors in mid-June of 2024. Responses were reviewed and recommendations made to the County Commissioners resulting in the selection of Kimley-Horn. The Scope of Work was completed and reviewed by key representatives of the Burnt Store Corridor Coalition and MSBU. It has recently been signed, and work is expected to begin shortly. The estimated cost of the project is approximately $500,000. The study focus is the Burnt Store area, with particular emphasis on established communities on the west side of Burnt Store Road and the impact of new developments on the east side of the road. Developments west of Tucker’s Grade and I-75, e.g., Tropical Gulf Acres, will also be included. Residents will
have an opportunity to provide input and express concerns to the county and its contractor at public meetings, through the Coalition, and MSBU.
Another initiative has supported a change in the land use designation from Burnt Store Limited Development to Commercial of a 40-acre tract across from Peppercorn Drive. This was recently approved by the Board of County Commissioners. The owners, who are local residents, must now apply for a change in zoning that will finalize their ability to engage in commercial development. A recent survey of members of the Coalition indicated priorities included 1) a grocery store and 2) an urgent care facility, among other amenities. The property owners are highly motivated to create local commercial
opportunities for key services for those living in proximity to the county line from both counties. This will reduce the number of longer trips to either Punta Gorda or Cape Coral for essential services.
There has also been significant progress on the Burnt Store Road expansion from the Charlotte County line south to Van Buren Boulevard in Cape Coral. The Burnt Store Road Corridor Coalition held a joint Charlotte and Lee County meeting on September 16. One result of that meeting was the repaving of the two-lane roadway as a stop gap until construction can be completed. Representatives from Lee County’s Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Planning Organization also stated that there are no plans to acquire additional property along the 1.5-mile stretch east of the Marina. A Continuous Green T (CGT) intersection at Burnt Store Road and Vincent Avenue is being planned.
The Continuous Green T intersection, or CGT, is a three-legged intersection that allows one direction of travel on the major street to operate under free-flow conditions. The opposite major street direction of travel and minor street approach are typically controlled by traffic signals. Here is how a CGT would function for motorists at the intersection of Burnt Store Road and Vincent Avenue (See schematic). On Burnt Store Road, northbound traffic would proceed through the Vincent Avenue intersection without stopping. Motorists who wish to turn left onto Vincent Avenue from this direction must first stop at the traffic signal before completing their movement. Southbound motorists on Burnt Store Road would have the options of proceeding straight as through-traffic or turning right onto Vincent Avenue, just like at a conventional signalized T-intersection. From Vincent Avenue, motorists would use the right turn lane to proceed southbound on Burnt Store Road. To turn left onto Burnt Store Road, motorists would use the channelized lane on Burnt Store Road to merge after passing through the traffic signal. This design would install a traffic light at Vincent Avenue for all southbound traffic only. Northbound traffic will be uninterrupted. Northbound traffic exiting Vincent Avenue would merge into southbound traffic after getting a green traffic light. This design is similar to the intersection of Burnt Store Road and Zemel Road, but in the opposite direction (See attached design schematic) and with a traffic light. Traffic exiting the marina via the main gate will not be able to turn left, or northbound, but will head south and then make a U-turn to the north.
Benefits of the CGT include improved efficiency and safety. The free flow of northbound traffic on Burnt Store Road allows more green light time to the other movements, reducing delay. Left-turning vehicles from Vincent Avenue would use a channelized receiving lane on Burnt Store Road to merge. The channelization of the lefthand-turning vehicles from Vincent Avenue reduces the potential for angle crashes.
Please note: Information about the Continuous Green T is a reprint from the Burnt Store Marina’s November edition of The Beacon by Jerry Newmin.
A public hearing will be held on January 25, 2025, to present the final plans for the Burnt Store Road widening project. Once approved, the project will be transferred from the Florida Department of Transportation to Lee County (Department of Transportation). Staff from both counties will work collaboratively to address the widening of the quarter mile stretch from Wallaby to Vincent Avenue (the county line). Both Charlotte and Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organizations will continue to be involved.
Dr. Mary Ellen Kiss, Cofounder BSCC ~ John Fleming serves as the Chair.
PERSONALITY TRAITS
Individuals born in January display a variety of personality traits that set them apart.
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Some of the most common characteristics include:
• Ambitious: January-born individuals are goal-oriented and motivated, striving to achieve success in all areas of their lives.
• Responsible : People born in this month are known for their strong sense of responsibility and reliability.
• Independent: Januaryborn individuals value their independence and are not easily influenced by the opinions of others.
• Resourceful: People born in January are skilled at finding solutions to problems and making the most of available resources.
• Intellectual: January-born individuals are often intelligent and enjoy engaging in thoughtprovoking conversations and activities.
• Persistent: People born in this month are determined and committed, willing to work hard to achieve their goals.
Caught On Camera
PHOTOS BY CHRISTINE PFEFFERLE
EVEN IN THE FOG, BSL IS STILL BEAUTIFUL AT SUNRISE!
ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL SUNSET IN BSL! WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO LIVE ANYWHERE ELSE?
Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society
OUR NEXT HISTORY CLASS IS
JANUARY 27 AND 28
LEARN ALL ABOUT PUNTA GORDA’S PAST
“THE HISTORY OF PUNTA GORDA THROUGH ITS MURALS” HISTORY CLASS
Join us as we present the history of the area as told through the murals throughout our beautiful city. See all the murals from the comfort of your classroom seat while we present 450-plus years of local history using the murals as a guide. Hear about the Mural Society and get a sneak peek of upcoming projects.
Each class is two days with a two-hour session each day. Class size is limited.
JANUARY 27 AND 28 ~ 1 TO 3 P.M.
Located at the Punta Gorda Charlotte Library, 401 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda
To learn more and register, go to https://puntagordamurals.org/product/ the-history-of-punta-gorda-through-its-murals-history-class/.
Caught On Camera
PHOTOS BY DAWN CANIFF
MUSIC IN THE PARK CHRISTMAS EVENT HELD ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10TH, WHERE A WONDERFUL TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!
Nurturing Nature
BIG CYPRESS CELEBRATES HALF A CENTURY OF CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION
Encompassing 729,000 acres of swampland that provides a habitat and educational connection to the state’s native wildlife, Big Cypress recently hit its 50-year anniversary of being named as the country’s first national preserve.
In addition to being a neighbor to the more well-known Everglades National Park, the preserve is home to the endangered Florida panther and the extremely rare and elusive ghost orchid.
“Big Cypress is not the Everglades or a park. It is a national preserve that is free to enjoy,” said Lulu Vilas, CEO of The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks. “Big Cypress is such an amazing place and a special reservation. It is right in our backyards, and many people haven’t experienced it since it doesn’t have the big sign and recognition that most national parks have.”
The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks utilizes philanthropic support to promote exploration, advance education, and conservation of national estates, including Big Cypress Preserve. Additionally, through fundraisers held by The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks, Big Cypress hosts educational programs, including walks through the preserve.
“Fifty years is a milestone,” said Scott Pardue, the chief of education and outreach for the preserve. Pardue has been at Big Cypress for three years and has over 30 years of experience with the national parks.
“Many people confuse Big Cypress with the Everglades. Our biggest goal is continuing to get us on the map. We want everyone to know of Big Cypress and to have our local community and visitors come out and explore everything the national preserve has to offer,” said Pardue.
Big Cypress was named to reflect the land’s expansive fresh marshes inhabited by dwarf and bald cypress trees.
Established on Oct. 11, 1974, Big Cypress became the first national preserve in the United States through the controversial efforts of environmentalist Nathaniel P. Reed. The area covers parts of Collier, Dade and Monroe counties and was created to protect its distinctive ecosystem.
“Big Cypress has no coastline and borders the Everglades on the northside. If you are driving on Alligator Alley, you are driving through Big Cypress,” said Vilas.
According to The Collier Resources Company, Barron Collier purchased 1.25 million acres of swamp in Southwest Florida in 1921. In 1974, the Collier family contributed over 76,000 acres to the National Park Service, facilitating the preserve’s establishment while retaining mineral rights for oil extraction primarily located at Bear Island and Raccoon Point. The family also donated another 83,000 acres to expand the preserve in 1996.
Big Cypress is recognized as the “Southernmost Dark Sky Place” in the United
States, featuring more than eight campgrounds, including Bear Island, Gator Head, Midway Campground, Mitchell Landing, and Monument Lake.
“Bear Island is a great place to go camping, and you can spot our native black bears there. It is amazing. They tend to be very shy animals,” said Vilas.
Today, Big Cypress has a deep-rooted history in Southwest Florida and remains dedicated to educating residents and visitors about the preserve and wildlife services. According to the National Park Service, Big Cypress draws nearly one million visitors each year and offers outdoor activities that set it apart from neighboring parks.
“Since it is a preserve and not a national park, we have families who live and own land there that has been passed down for generations. There are tent
campers, little shacks, and homes. Everyone living on or around Big Cypress wants to be preserved,” said Vilas. “The main difference is the activities permitted, including outdoor sports you couldn’t do at a national park,” said Pardue. “Like the use of off-road automobiles.”
Unlike nationwide parks, Big Cypress authorizes a range of traditional activities, including private property ownership, backcountry cabins, and cultural practices of the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes, as well as hunting, fishing, and the use of swamp buggies or airboats.
Big Cypress has engaged with the public through educational and outreach initiatives, such as swamp walks with local middle schools and guided tours of the renowned Clyde Butcher ’s 13acre property and photo gallery situated within the preserve. “We have a program called ‘SWAMP,’ which stands for ‘Swamp Water and Me Program.’ SWAMP connects our local students to the education of our wildlife through our on-site environmentalists,” said Vilas. The program invites students to become “scientists for a day” by participating in experiments and animal tracking within the preserve. Recently, the Alliance of Florida’s National Parks received a $10,000 grant from Bass Pro Shops, enabling over 75,000 statebased students to continue engaging in the SWAMP program and ranger-led workshops at Big Cypress and nearby parks.
“It has been shown that through hands-on learning, kids connect more to what they learn versus what they are shown in the classroom,” said Vilas. “We have had many
of these students return with the interest of working with nature preserves from volunteers and biologists to park rangers.”
“Over 25 years, about 3,000 local kids have come through on this field trip annually. It impacts them and is something we plan on continuing,” added Pardue.
Pardue noted that Big Cypress’s peak season occurs from November to March. While the park receives funding from the National Park Service, the events and fundraising organized by The Alliance of National Parks are essential for maintaining the financial gaps of supporting the preserve and providing public and educational seminars, including SWAMP.
“We invite the community to come out and walk one of our four boardwalks or to join our guided bike trails, canoeing trips, and swamp walks. Everything is free, and equipment like bikes and canoes are included. It is a great way to experience Big Cypress,” said Pardue. “It is all about having fun out there.”
“First-timers are always so nervous about getting into the water; they worry about alligators and snakes,” said Vilas. “But as they emerge from the
swamp, there is nothing but big smiles on their faces.”
As a preserve, Big Cypress emphasizes conservation tactics, focusing on tracking and studying organisms, restoring forests, and implementing prescribed burns.
“We do specialized burns about every three to five years. The controlled burns are held on only ‘perfect days’ and do the job of clearing dead leaves and debris. Now the local tribes have gotten involved with this, which is important in keeping a healthy wildlife,” said Vilas.
Spanning an area nearly the size of Rhode Island, the land features five distinct habitats: cypress swamps, estuaries, hardwood hammocks, pinelands, and prairies. Each habitat supports a unique mix of flora and fauna, including rare algae species, marsh rabbits, red-cockaded woodpeckers, red groves, manatees, and saw palmettos.
“There is something new to see at every turn,” said Pardue. “Big Cypress Preserve is a spot with the climate to grow and maintain certain wildlife.”
Big Cypress is home to rare species such as the Florida bonneted bat, Big Cypress fox squirrel, and Everglades crabgrass, all of which are not found elsewhere. “The number of alligators and bald eagles has also exploded. The gators are more visible during the dry months and tend to stay together within the water during our rainy season,” said Vilas.
Big Cypress plays a crucial role in preserving the balance of Florida’s natural waterways. Supported by the National Park Service, Big Cypress effectively balances environmental needs with human interests to safeguard the land and its traditional uses for future generations.
“You can be knee-deep in the swamp and still see your feet in our water. It is the cleanest and most filtered
water in Southwest Florida and something we work on protecting, especially as the area develops,” said Pardue.
Big Cypress is not the Everglades or a park. It is a national preserve that is free to enjoy.
Vilas explained that the large acreage of land is maintained through a small staff and volunteers. “It is very well attended,” Vilas said. “Our volunteers can grab a new side-by-side and ride the trails. They help with guided tours, talk with campers, and do trail maintenance. Our volunteers go out onto the land and cut back the overgrowth of cocoplum and wax myrtle.”
“We get volunteers from out of state during the season. They bring in their campers and help. It is great for anyone
who has retired and wants to enjoy nature. You will want to protect what you know and love,” says Pardue.
Big Cypress was named to reflect the land’s expansive fresh marshes inhabited by dwarf and bald cypress trees. Fifty years after its establishment, the Big Cypress Preserve remains a remarkable destination for experiencing the natural beauty, scenic views, and recreational opportunities of South Florida.
Located at 33100 Tamiami Trail East in Ochopee, Big Cypress welcomes visitors yearround. For inquiries, you can reach them at (239) 695-2000 or nps.gov/bicy/index.htm.
“It is the true wild land,” said Pardue.
10 Surprising Facts About Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr., a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, dedicated his life to advocating for racial harmony and the realization of the American dream for all.
As the U.S. comes together to celebrate his life and legacy on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the following are lesser-known facts about the man whose unwavering commitment to justice and equality shaped the course of American history.
1. He Was The First Black Person To Be Named TIME Man Of The Year
TIME named King as the 1963 “Man of the Year,” making the civil rights leader the first Black person to receive the honor. “Few can explain the extraordinary King mystique,” TIME wrote in the story. “Yet he has an indescribable capacity for empathy that is the touchstone of leadership. By deed and by preachment, he has stirred in his people a Christian forbearance that nourishes hope and smothers injustice.”
King later said that being named TIME Man of the Year
now Person of the Year—was a tribute to the entire civil rights movement, and he commended the magazine for prominently featuring a Black person on its cover.
2. MLK Improvised Part Of His “I Have A Dream” Speech
The resounding “I Have a Dream” speech that Martin Luther King Jr. delivered at the March on Washington in 1963 almost didn’t include those powerful words. His advisors thought he had overused the theme in his speeches, prompting him to draft a different speech for the address titled “Normalcy Never Again.”
But as King addressed the crowd of nearly 250,000 in Washington, gospel singer Mahalia Jackson called out to
him: “Tell ‘em about the dream, Martin.”
He paused, and then decided to leave his prepared notes behind to improvise the entire next section of his speech, which famously begins: “So even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
3. An Assassination Attempt Affirmed His Faith In Nonviolence
A decade before his death, King narrowly escaped an assassination attempt
while signing copies of his memoir about the year-long Montgomery Bus Boycott, Stride Toward Freedom, in Harlem.
Izola Ware Curry, a 42-year-old Black woman, approached him and thrust a seven-inch ivoryhandled steel letter opener into his chest with such force that it snapped the handle. “I’ve been after him for six years. I’m glad I done it!” she reportedly shouted. The blade stopped just beside his heart, and doctors later told him that if he had so much as sneezed, he would not have survived.
After the incident, King said that he bore no animus toward the woman and did not want charges pressed, reiterating his commitment to nonviolence. Curry was committed to a mental hospital and died in 2015.
4. King Is
The
Only NonPresident Whose Birthday Is A National Holiday
The push for a federal holiday in honor of King began just four days after his assassination on April 4, 1968. However, despite the national significance of King’s death, legislation to establish a holiday in his honor faced years of stagnation.
For 15 years, Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), with the help of Rep. Shirley A.
Chisholm (D-N.Y.), tried to pass legislation that would designate a national holiday in observance of King’s birthday. The bill finally came to a vote in the House in 1979, but it was rejected by five votes despite the backing of President Jimmy Carter.
Congressman Gene Taylor (RMo.) led the opposition citing the added cost of a federal holiday. “I do not believe our present economic situation will allow us the luxury of another $212 million federal holiday,” Taylor said.
Public support for the bill began to grow after Motown singer and songwriter Stevie Wonder released a song called Happy Birthday, a tribute to King that added momentum to the campaign to designate his birthday as a federal holiday. Legislation was signed into law in 1983, 15 years after his death, by President Ronald Reagan.
It wasn’t until 2000 that MLK Day was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time.
5. King Started College At 15
King skipped grades 9-12 and at the age of 15 was admitted to Morehouse College, a prestigious historically Black college in Atlanta that both his father and maternal grandfather attended.
Despite being part of a lineage of Baptist ministers, King was initially resistant to a career in the ministry due to his discomfort with the emotionality of Black church congregations. But Morehouse college president Benjamin E. Mays and his philosophy teacher George D. Kelsey, both ordained ministers, persuaded him to reconsider. King became an ordained minister in his father’s church while an undergrad and later pursued religious and philosophy studies at the racially integrated Crozer Theological Seminary and the University of Pennsylvania. It was during this time that King, influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings, embraced the idea of nonviolent resistance as a constructive force for societal change.
6. The King Family Paid Hospital Bill For Julia Roberts’ Birth
Actress Julia Roberts revealed that the King family covered her parents’ hospital expenses when she was born in 1967. “My parents couldn’t pay for the hospital,” she told Gayle King in a 2022 interview on the History Channel.
Roberts explained that her parents owned a theater school in Atlanta, and that Coretta Scott King asked if her children
could enroll. “They were having a hard time finding a place that would accept her kids, and my mom was like, ‘Sure, come on over,’” Roberts said. “And so, they all just became friends, and they helped us out of a jam.”
7. King Was Arrested 30 Times
8. His Family Believes James Earl Ray Was Framed For His Assassination
Although the federal government has consistently said that James Earl Ray was the assassin responsible for King’s death, there’s a lingering belief within his family that Ray is innocent and was framed to shoulder the blame.
Like many civil rights activists of the time, King faced numerous arrests—often on trumped-up charges—as part of a deliberate strategy by police to harass and intimidate. According to the King Center, he was arrested a total of 30 times, mostly for acts of civil disobedience such as the Atlanta department store sit-in and demonstrating without a permit. Others stemmed from unfounded allegations, including his arrest in Montgomery, Ala., for driving 30 miles per hour in a 25-mile-per-hour zone.
The King family filed a civil suit against the U.S. government in 1999 to force more information about the assassination into the public eye, and a Memphis jury ruled that King’s death was the result of a conspiracy and that he did not die at the hands of a lone gunman. The jury reached a verdict that James Earl Ray was not the shooter, but was framed to take the blame, with local, state and federal governments liable for King’s death.
“There is abundant evidence,” Coretta King said after the verdict, “of a major, high-level conspiracy in the assassination
of my husband.” The jury found the mafia and various government agencies “were deeply involved in the assassination … Mr. Ray was set up to take the blame.” The King family was awarded damages of $100, which they chose to donate to charity. The family said they sought the small amount because their motive was to pursue the truth rather than make money.
9. He Was The Youngest Person To Be Awarded The Nobel Peace Prize
At the age of 35, King became the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, recognized for his commitment to nonviolent resistance against racial oppression. The accolade followed a remarkable year during which he spearheaded the March on
Washington, delivering his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, played a role in ratifying the 24th Amendment that abolished the poll tax, and contributed to the creation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited racial discrimination in employment and education.
King reportedly donated the prize money, amounting to $53,123, to support the civil rights movement.
10. He Was Named After Protestant Reformer Martin Luther
King was born Michael King, Jr. on Jan. 15, 1929. In 1934, his father, a pastor at Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church also named Michael King, went on a religious trip around the world and was inspired by Germany’s Protestant Reformation figure Martin Luther, whose advocacy and teachings challenged the Catholic Church and contributed to the split in Western Christianity.
After returning to the U.S., his father made the decision to change his five-year-old son’s name—and his own—in honor of the Protestant reformation leader. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birth certificate was officially revised on July 23, 1957.
Florida Fun Fact
THE EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK IS ONE OF THE LARGEST WETLANDS IN THE WORLD
The Everglades is the biggest and most visited of Florida’s three national parks. Not only that, but the Everglades National Park is also the largest remaining subtropical wilderness and continuous stand of sawgrass prairie left in North America. Now, that’s an impressive accolade, but it doesn’t stop there.
It’s also a Unesco World Heritage Site that’s home to unique, endangered, and rare species. These include the American alligator and crocodiles, flamingos, dolphins, the Florida panther, and the Eastern Indigo snake.
The Everglades is truly a place of wonder and not for the faint-hearted, especially if you have herpetophobia (a fear of reptiles).
January Holidays
MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2025
BETTY INGERSON, WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR
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
• Multiple informational pages
• Weekly bulletin updates
• Email blasts for instant info sharing
• Bulletin listings of past notices
• Calendar with RSVP available for events
• BSL information – documents, forms, etc. available 24/7/365
Beware Of Alligators!
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
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.
THE MISSION OF THE PEACE RIVER WILDLIFE CENTER IS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SURVIVAL OF NATIVE FLORIDA WILDLIFE THROUGH RESCUE, REHABILITATION, AND EDUCATION.
YOU MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to reopen our wildlife hospital to care for injured and orphaned animals as of November 7. Since then, we’ve admitted 87 new patients, bringing our total so far this year to 2,256! Providing care for native Florida wildlife is at the core of our mission, and every donation continues to make that possible. Your generosity is what keeps us going – rescuing, rehabilitating, and educating – so thank you for helping us make a real difference.
Sometimes, progress doesn’t look like progress. It often means breaking things down before we can build them back up, and that process takes time and resources. While it may not always feel like it during these challenging moments, we are making headway, and we are filled with hope for what lies ahead. At our education center at Ponce Park, we’ve had to remove buildings and structures that were beyond repair. But this is a necessary step in our journey. In the meantime, we will
bring in temporary structures that will allow us to reopen and continue serving the community until our new education center on Henry Street is ready. Most importantly, these steps are helping us bring our residents home. Thanks to your unwavering support, we are moving forward one step at a time!
In the meantime, we miss seeing their faces and we miss seeing yours, too. We can’t wait to reopen our gates and welcome you all back soon. Your support means the world to us, and we’re excited for the day we can share our progress and new beginnings with you in person.
The mission of Peace River Wildlife Center is to contribute to the survival of native Florida wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation, and education.
Peace River Wildlife Center is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that receives no local, state, or federal funding. We depend on the generous support of our community and patrons to meet this mission.
Peace River Wildlife Center provides the essential service of medical care and wildlife preservation across Charlotte County and Southwest Florida.
A STICKY SITUATION
This adult female Northern Cardinal was admitted on November 19 after being found stuck in a glue trap. Her tail, wing, and breast feathers were all attached to the sticky surface. After several days of carefully administering baths with coconut oil and Dawn dish soap, the residue was successfully removed.
Unfortunately, she lost several wing and tail feathers and sustained bruising to her right wing from her attempts to escape the trap.
We are pleased to report that she is recovering well and will soon be cleared for release. We cannot emphasize enough how dangerous and cruel glue traps are for pest control. We urge everyone to consider more humane alternatives for pest removal, to help prevent incidents like this from occurring.
To make a donation from our Amazon hospital wish list, go to Amazon Wish List.
2025 PRWC CALENDARS ARE HERE!
Our 2025 PRWC calendars have arrived. These oneof-a-kind, special collector’s edition calendars feature beautiful and vibrant photos by Joel Sartore/National Geographic Photo Ark, special photos of PRWC resident wildlife, and our photo contest winners.
You can purchase your copy by going to Coastal Isles Wine Bar in Bal Harbor Plaza during their hours of operation or by going to our online gift store at PRWC Online Shop .
Calendars retail starting at $9.95 (shipping not included.) Limited quantity, get yours before they sell out!
SPECIAL THANKS
So many of you as individuals and families have given to us during our hurricane recovery. You have allowed us to continue giving essential care to our local wildlife. We are incredibly grateful. Whether you gave $5 or $5,000, every dollar makes a big difference, and we are incredibly appreciative of your continued support. We simply could not do this without you. Because of you, WE RISE HIGHER!
We would like to continue to recognize the following businesses and organizations who have sent major gifts during the month of November. A special note of thanks to Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Big Cat Rescue, WrightWay
Emergency Services/Reynolds Enterprises, American Veterinary Medical Foundation, Roth Family Foundation, Origami by Teresa, Florida West Coast Car Club, Florida Veterinary Medical Association Foundation, SWFL Vendors for a Cause, Culver’s, Searsport Rug Hooking, Worldwide Technology Foundation, and Beyond Ourselves Club.
For further information call (941) 637-3830 or go online at prwc@prwildllife.org.
Peace River Wildlife Center 3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Follow us on social media.
INTRODUCTION TO YOGA SERIES
Date: Beginning on Wednesday, January 1, and every Tuesday and Wednesday thereafter through January 22
Time: 10 to 11:15 a.m.
Website: http://www.theyogasanctuary.biz
Event Description: No flexibility required— all ages and body types welcome! This six-week series, limited to eight students only, will walk you through the basics of yoga. Learn pose anatomy and alignment, the foundations of yoga philosophy, as well as ways to personalize your yoga practice for specific issues or injuries. Not only
ZUMBA
Date: Friday, beginning January 3, and every Tuesday and Friday thereafter
Time: 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
Website: http://pgica.org
Event Description: Zumba is a fun, effective dance workout that is a good option for people who enjoy upbeat music and an energetic group exercise environment. Participants may register and pay as they attend at the Punta Gorda
January Events
will you receive a copy of Yoga Fan: Practice Guide for Everyday, but you will also be given personalized guidance and support to help you to continue practicing yoga even after you finish the course.
Location: The Yoga Sanctuary, 112 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda
Contact Information: Call (941) 505-9642
Fees/Admission: $108
Isles Civic Association (PGICA), with instructor: Gigi Caceda. All PGICA classes are open to the public.
Location: Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda
Contact Information: Call PGICA at (941) 637-1655
Fees/Admission: $12 per person, per class
January Events
21ST ANNUAL ARTS AND CRAFT FESTIVAL
Date: Saturday, January 4 to 5
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Website: http://www.mypromotions.com
Event Description: Explore a vibrant selection of 60+ vendors showcasing unique arts and crafts, all in the beautiful setting of Gilchrist Park. Enjoy live music, delicious food from a variety of vendors, and stunning water views. Whether you’re looking for handcrafted gifts, amazing art, supporting local businesses, or just a fun day out with family and friends, this event is for everyone. Don’t miss out on one of Punta Gorda’s most beloved annual events! See you there for a weekend of creativity, community, and fun!!
Location: Gilchrist Park, 400 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
Contact Information: Email jessie@mypromotions.com or text to (302) 384-1116
Fees/Admission: FREE to attend
CHOIR PLAY
Date: Mondays, beginning January 13 through March 3
Time: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Website: http://pgica.org
Event Description : If you can carry a tune, please join us and give it a try. We sing together for the fun of it! After the first rehearsal, if you decide it’s not for you, you will receive a full refund. Course series includes practice CD, sheet music, rehearsals, and a concert to be held on Sunday, March 23, at 2:30 p.m. Advance registration is required. Students can register online at PGICA.org or at the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (PGICA) office. All PGICA classes are open to the public.
Location: Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda
Contact Information: Call PGICA at (941) 637-1655
Fees/Admission: $100 for the course series
LET’S GO FISHING!
Date: Wednesdays, beginning January 8 through February 12
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Website: http://pgica.org
Event Description : This class will introduce you to both fresh and saltwater fishing in Southwest Florida. While geared toward beginners, even the most experienced angler will pick up useful tips. Topics include techniques, equipment, knot tying, lures and bait, and fishing regulations.
SULLIVAN STREET CRAFT FAIR
Date: Saturday, January 18 to 19
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: http://www.puntagordachamber.com
Event Description:
Artisans from around the country will exhibit their wares at this annual art extravaganza the length of Sullivan Street.
Location:
Downtown Punta Gorda
Contact Information: reception@puntagorda-chamber.com
Fees/Admission: FREE to attend
Instructor: Captain Josh Olive. Students can register online at PGICA.org or at the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (PGICA) office. All PGICA classes are open to the public.
Location: Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda
Contact Information: Call PGICA at (941) 637-1655
Fees/Admission: $50 per person for the series
LEE GREENWOOD
Date: Wednesday, January 22
Time: 8 to 9:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7 p.m.)
January Events
Website: https://casino.hardrock.com/immokalee/event-calendar/ leegreenwood
Event Description: GOLD Entertainment presents Lee Greenwood, singer and writer of one of the most recognizable country songs ever written, performing live at Seminole Casino Hotel. Attendees must be 21.
Location: Seminole Casino Hotel, 506 South 1st Street, Immokalee
Contact Information: Email customercare@shrss.com
Fees/Admission: Tickets start at $74 and are available from Ticketmaster or at www.moreinparadise.com. Free parking
ANOTHER OPENING – ANOTHER SHOW
Date: Friday, January 24
Time: 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Website: www.symphonicwindscc.com
Event Description: Begin the new year with an all-time favorite selection from the Broadway stage!
Location: Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 701 Carmalita St., Punta Gorda
Contact Information: Call (941) 218-0022 (Voice mail only)
Fees/Admission: Online purchase $23 / At the door $25 / Students $5
KANSAS
Date: Saturday, January 25
Time: 8 to 9:30 p.m. (Gates open at 7 p.m.)
Website: https://casino. hardrock.com/immokalee/ event-calendar/kansas
Event Description: Kansas will perform their iconic hit songs at Seminole Casino Hotel.
Location: Seminole Casino
Hotel, 506 South 1st Street, Immokalee
Contact Information: Email customercare@shrss.com
Fees/Admission: Tickets for this outdoor concert start at $80 and are available from Ticketmaster or at www.moreinparadise.com. Free parking.
AEROSMITH TRIBUTE CONCERT
Date: Friday, January 31
Time: 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Website: http://pgica.org
Event Description: The Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (PGICA) is excited to announce its Spring 2025 Entertainment Series. You won’t want to miss these top-notch performances! Join us for an Aerosmith Tribute Concert, with an opening by a tribute to The Cars. Bring your own food and beverages to enjoy during the show.
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
Location: Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda
Contact Information: Call (941) 637-1655, visit our website at www.pgica.org, or stop by the PGICA office.
Fees/Admission: Tickets: $30 (PGICA Members) and $35 (General Public)
History Park Sunday Market Every Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
History Park, 501 Shreve St., Punta Gorda Email: 118pghs@gmail.com