BS Lakes JAN 2026

The

Heron Herald

JANUARY 2026

A Look Inside RED DOT, RED DOT!

WHAT HAPPENED ON RIO TOGAS ROAD?

CAUGHT ON CAMERA

IN THIS ISSUE Production Directors Stephen Miller Elizabeth Miller Sales Department Tom English Margo Williams Laura Berrio Bret McCormick Miranda Ledbeter Alyssa Debban Justein Matthias Anissa Stender Webmaster Selina Koehler Production Manager Lee Nostrant Production Department Elaine Donholt Ruth Nekoranec Katie Heystek Dianne Strout Michelle Feeney Andie Reynolds

(239) 278-4222 www.seabreezecommunications.com

Fort Myers • Cape Coral Bonita • Estero The Palm Beaches • Boca Raton Seabreeze Communications, Inc. does not endorse any advertising as it relates to the communities. Advertising is not screened by Seabreeze Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or utilization of these contents in any form by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, including xerography and photocopying is forbidden without the written permission of the Publisher.

The Publisher is not responsible or liable for misinformation or misprints herein contained and reserves the right to accept or reject all copy deemed unsuitable for publication.

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3 | Potluck Picnic In The Park 4 | BSLPOA ARC Review Update 6 | Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Meeting Dates 7 | Happy Birthday January 8 | From My Lanai 9 | Red Dot, Red Dot! 10 | BSLPOA Website 12 | Caught On Camera – Thanksgiving 14 | Caught On Camera – Music In The Park 15 | PGD Buzz 16 | Back When Eddie Could See …

20 | Seven Tips To Avoid Scammers Who Clone Facebook And Instagram Accounts 24 | Traveling Library Update 24 | Beware Of Alligators!

26 | What Happened On Rio Togas Road?

28 | Florida Fun Fact 31 | Good Neighbor Program 31 | Did You Know?

32 | January Events 33 | January Holidays

IMPORTANT NOTICE! Deadline for February articles is January 5. Email all submissions to Paula Short, editor - bslnewspaper@yahoo.com

The Heron Herald, Burnt Store Lakes | January 2026

Join Your Neighbors!

Located off Rio Togas near Burnt Store Road.

Sunday, January 11 - 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!

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BSLPOA Architectural Review Update – November 2025 BETTY INGERSON, CHAIRMAN, ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

Three Single-Family Home Applications were reviewed by ARC in November. One was recommended for approval and two held for additional information. Six other applications were reviewed. Four were recommended for approval, one was held for additional information, and one was removed.

Effective November 30, 2025, there were 54 new homes in the approved construction

process. Additionally, there is one home that is authorized by Charlotte County but not yet approved

by BSL. Construction has been stopped, and the ARC is reviewing the application for this home.

Several of the approved homes are experiencing delayed construction or contractor abandonment issues that have resulted in violations of the Association’s Clean Site Program. The violations are being addressed on a case-by-case basis using Clean Site and Builder’s Completion Deposit Funds to pay for site cleanup. Legal counsel has been engaged to assist in two of these instances.

Two new homes received Certificates of Occupancy this fiscal year (October 2025 – September 2026). One occurred in October and one in November.

The following architectural projects were either approved or conditionally approved by the Burnt Store Lakes Board of Directors during the November 11, 2025, Board Meeting:

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The Heron Herald, Burnt Store Lakes | January 2026

ADDRESS NEW HOMES

BOARD APPROVED PROJECT

17449 Cape Horn

RESUBMITTED SPEC HOME: 3,991 Sq Ft (2,600 AC). 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, study, and 3 car garage with paver driveway (White/ Charcoal) by Cloud Design Build, LLC. Metal roof color Dove Gray.

Home color Snowbound, trim Extra White. No pool. Located between two vacant lots.

OTHER CONSTRUCTION 24259 Peppercorn 16261 Juarez

17520 Tuxpan

17269 Cape Horn

FENCE: 190 ft. of 4-ft. high 3-rail black aluminum fence with one 4-ft. wide gate by Fence Dynamics ENCLOSURE SHELD: 5-6 ft high x 20 ft long x 6 ft wide white vinyl Enclosure Shield with one front gate by Premier Fence of SWFL. To conceal garbage cans, HVAC, etc.

EXTERIOR PAINT & TRIM: Repaint home from Light Beige to Reflections (light gray) by Owner. Adjacent homes are Burnt Yellow and Dark Bluish Grey.

ROOF: Roof change for new home under construction. Was to be tile, now changed to Metal Roof, color Black.

WELCOME! OPEN 7 DAYS / WEEK! In-House Laboratory Diagnostics

To make an appointment, please call:

(239) 315-0729

Dentistry

Locally Owned and Operated by

Wellness & Vaccines CT Scans

Dr. Justin Kerr, DVM

Ultrasound Preventative Medicine Spay, Neuter, & Vasectomy Canine Physical Therapy Boarding Services Premium Pet Diets & Pet Supplies

“Elevating the Standard of Veterinary Care” 16480 Burnt Store Road Suite 106B Punta Gorda, FL 33955

www.burntstoreanimalhospital.com

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Burnt Store Lakes Board Of Directors Fred Boland, President Rob Hancik, Vice President Dana Reed, Treasurer Richard Hefright, Secretary Edie Johnson, Director at Large Jeanie Jordan, Director at Large Ronald Paul, Director at Large AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY Architectural Review Fred Boland Communications Edie Johnson Mechanical and Maintenance

Richard Hefright Long Range Planning Jeanie Jordan Beautification Richard Hefright Lakes Quality Rob Hancik Drainage and Swales Ron Paul County Liaison Rob Hancik MSBU’s and Coalition County Commissioners, etc.

Deed Restrictions Jeanie Jordan Enforcement Document Revisions

Board of Directors meeting is Tuesday, January 13 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 6

Architectural Review Committee (ARC) Meeting Dates BETTY INGERSON, BSL ARC CHAIRMAN

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Architectural Review Committee will hold meetings on the first Tuesday of each month to (1) assure that the installation, construction, alteration, or location of any proposed structure is in conformity and harmony with the Burnt Store Lakes Development Wide Standards and Architectural Design Guidelines/Policies and (2) is in harmony with surrounding topography and surrounding structures. All ARC recommendations are presented to the Board of Directors for final approval. Board approval takes place during scheduled monthly Board Meetings.

The scheduled ARC meetings for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year are as posted below. Meetings will start at 2 p.m.

January 6, 2026 February 3 March 3 April 7 May 5 June 2 July 7 August 4 September 1 October 6 November 3 Association members may attend the meetings in person at the BSL Community Center in Turtle Crossing Plaza at 16500 Burnt Store Road, Unit 101, Punta Gorda, FL.

The Heron Herald, Burnt Store Lakes | January 2026

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From My Lanai

AVA RITTER

I noticed it first on my closet floor. A number of small brown balls. Now what?

I chase down palmetto bugs with my bug catcher, I corral and release little lizards from my home back to the lanai, and lately I step carefully when crossing the patio due to an abundance of baby frogs. My security camera goes off in the night when their mama is chasing down insects and deems it necessary to cross over the protective beam. But now something has deposited little brown, seed

sized balls onto my closet floor.

If you know me, you know my closet is a sacred place. It houses my latest fashion conquests. My overabundant collection of designer purses and Oofos sandals, and my ample collection of necklaces and scarves all dwell within.

That some varmint would trespass into my sanctum is untenable. I screeched for my husband to come and examine the probable feces left behind. What could it be?

After much concern and my unflappable husband’s examination, it was determined that my brown seed, hippystyle necklace had given up, and the string had simply severed. This caused the numerous brown beads to slide down the string and spill onto my closet floor. Huh? No exotic Florida inhabitant, no lizard, no rodent, no insect, no reptile had created the fuss, just an older brown beaded necklace. As my husband backed away from the mess chanting, “Another one bites the dust.” I failed to see the humor.

But I will rebound, as I sit re-stringing beads, here on my lanai.

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The Heron Herald, Burnt Store Lakes | January 2026

Red Dot, Red Dot! Oh, Where Art Thou Red Dot? Above the doorknob on your front door, I hope.

Yes, there is a Red Dot Medical Information Program. What is it? It is a program with all your important medical information captured in one place to aid an EMS (Emergency Medical Services) when they are summoned to your home for an emergency. The medical information includes your medications, allergies, and any medical condition(s).

There are specific instructions on how to be part of this program. You can find the information online at www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov and on the Burnt Store Lakes website at www.bslpoa.org.

When you have completed the form, you keep the top copy, place it in the red magnet holder, and place it on your refrigerator. The bottom copy is placed in an envelope and mailed. Your information will be entered in a database for local EMS. Some of our new BSL residents were given information on the Red Dot Program from the Welcome Committee when they moved into our subdivision. I hope you will consider being part of the program.

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BSLPOA Website – BSLPOA.ORG BETTY INGERSON, WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR

HOW TO KEEP IN CONTACT WITH BSLPOA! 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. It is the primary communications vehicle for our Association. All members receive BSL email information notices as they are sent, unless they have personally elected to opt out.

QUICK UPDATES • We have 2,023 members and 1,371 accounts registered on our website as of November 30, 2025.

• The website had 6,382 individual visitors over the last year. Visitors include both BSL members and nonmembers. Certain sections of the website are accessible only to registered BSL members. Most website visits occur on Mondays. This is due to the weekly publication of the BSL “What’s Happening?” emails that summarize emails, bulletins, and website updates that occurred during the previous week.

• The Pay My Annual Assessment section of the website is active. You can pay online via credit/debit card or via ACH directly from your bank. You will need your Assessment Invoice and

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the Account Number listed on your invoice to initiate the process. The website provides a direct link to Bank OZK where you can complete the process. Any questions should be directed to the BSLPOA Office.

• Remember to use the Potluck RSVPs section of the website to sign up for the monthly Potluck Picnics in the community park. Your reservation lets us know you are attending so we can plan accordingly. Come join your neighbors and enjoy conversations and a great picnic as well.

• If you have placed items on the BSL Classified Listing pages, please remember to remove them when the item is sold. Items will be removed after four months.

REMEMBER: 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 Residents’ 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!

The Heron Herald, Burnt Store Lakes | January 2026

QUOTE OF THE MONTH 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

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Caught On Camera – Thanksgiving THANKSGIVING POTLUCK PICNIC IN THE PARK

POTLUCK 50/50 WINNER AND RICH HEDRICK

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The Heron Herald, Burnt Store Lakes | January 2026

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Caught On Camera – Music In The Park RESIDENTS ENJOYING NOVEMBER’S MUSIC IN THE PARK

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The Heron Herald, Burnt Store Lakes | January 2026

PGD Buzz DATA SHOWS PUNTA GORDA AIRPORT OFFERS LOWEST AVERAGE AIRFARE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA We’re excited to announce that PGD was once again named one of the most affordable airports for domestic flights!

According to figures from NetCredit, PGD was ranked third on the list.

Flight prices vary dramatically from airport to airport due to factors such as competing airlines and availability. PGD, which served Allegiant and Sun Country Airlines in 2023-24 to 50-plus nonstop destinations, had an average domestic fare of $142.09.

Learn more at https://www.netcredit.com/blog/domestic-flight-cost-index/

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Back When Eddie Could See …

AVA RITTER

Once upon a time there was a large pumpkin farm in the southwest portion of Ohio. I went there with our sweet daughter. She was 14 years old, blonde hair, and large blue eyes. Her smile, her greatest feature, could make the angels happy, and certainly warmed my heart. But I digress.

Suffice it to say, we went to procure a few pumpkins and began going up and down the aisles of orange.

And then we saw him. He was only 3 pounds at the time, the supposed runt of a liter of six. His daddy Benji was there, as was his mother, Bella, and he was the last puppy left. I knew he was dangerous, in that we didn’t need a dog. Ours had passed away tragically in June. Now it was Fall, and we were not done grieving. However, what are you going to do when you see that face? We picked him up and never put him down until we reached home. I wrote a rather large check that day to the pumpkin farm, and, frankly, I don’t even remember buying any pumpkins.

We took our little guy to our larger home up on the hill, and the potty training began. If I didn’t already mention it, he was a special breed of canine labeled as Coton. (You should look it up.) He was easy to train as the breed loves humans. He simply wanted to please us. He captured our hearts in no time. He had a herding instinct and loved to boss around our younger children, constantly accounting for their whereabouts. He ran, he played, and he jumped. And when I say jumped, I mean leaped. He had a vertical that was impressive. He didn’t just jump on the sofa but went straight to the top of the sofa. He didn’t jump small distances but made great leaps. He could

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clear four to five steps sailing through the air as though he was super pup. Our children and our friends loved his antics and thought we should apply to Cirque du Soleil on his behalf.

He was amazing. He could spot a squirrel at 20 yards. He loved people but not so much other dogs. He loved my husband, Bob, and my children, but most of all he loved me. They say that a Coton will choose one person as “their own.” I had that privilege and so began the loving friendship of my very own best friend.

That was 17 years ago. And back when Eddie could see.

Cataracts would eventually take his sight, and jumping was no longer a good idea.

But before they wrecked his world he saw so much.

When Eddie could see, he lived in a beautiful, forested area. There were so many birds, deer, squirrels, racoons, and possums. There was sunshine and heavy snow up to his haunches. He would walk proudly on his leash with his family, strutting in double-time-step always wanting to lead the way. He hated car rides and was very verbal about it. He would screech and chirp at the top of his lungs for the entire car ride to the vet or to the groomers. Oddly, the car ride home he was peaceful and silent.

He watched over the children. He watched them grow and then condescended to play with the unruly batch of young teens and preteens. He was there when they came home from school. They never entered a lonely home. He joined them for snacks and bedtime. Eddie was ever vigilant that no one should be missing from the home.

At the end of his day, he would retire to the master bedroom and leap up onto the high mattress, circling twice at my feet. If I got up, he got up. If a child was sick in the night, he seemed to be the first to know.

Otherwise, he remained near me, and we partnered well, raising our children.

He met their friends and welcomed them, too. He was there the first time we met Taylor when Jonah asked her to be his Homecoming date. He was there when

James took Shasta to prom her senior year. He was there when Robby came home and visited from college. He enjoyed those visits as Robby was clearly a dog-boy. They played and laughed together. He was there during the tough times. He was there during the challenges and joys of being a family. Each day he saw us through.

When he was 5 years old, there was another dog.

Louis came to live with us. He was a 10-week-old golden retriever. A wonderful, galumphing version of Scooby Doo. I would love to tell you they were instantly a duo, but, sadly, no. Eddie was in charge and took over the rearing of this ungainly usurper in our home. If Louis stepped a paw out of place, Eddie had something to bark about it. They were the “Odd

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Couple,” the friends who co-existed, and Louis never seemed to question Eddie’s authority in the home.

Soon the children and the noise left the home, one by one, and it was just my spouse and I and the two dogs. We moved from the hill and into a “neighborhood.” The dogs came too, and Eddie led the charge. He seemed to like the new place. It was certainly less steps, and he didn’t have to go as far to go to bed each night.

The backyard was larger, and it had different sights and smells.

Then one day, a new boy came to stay. His name was Henok, and he was afraid of dogs.

In his 18 years he had never been around pets, and dogs were a whole new adventure. It was Eddie that decided he loved him first, and then Louis soon after. I saw Eddie become a puppy again as he had a brand-new playmate. This young man learned about the joys of having a pet and the responsibility of same. They became an odd band of brothers living there together in our home for five years. As Henok was older when he arrived, he was able to help care for our sweet boys and enjoyed playing in the snow with them. They went for walks together and set up a few Christmas trees, too. I’m certain they shared treats and dreams, and Eddie was there when Henok passed his driver’s test. He met Coley, Henok’s girlfriend and it was love at first sight.

In 2020, we had this thing called a pandemic, and life changed drastically for us all. We moved to Florida, and so did our family of dogs.

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They loved the sunshine and the lack of snow.

But I noticed Eddie often sitting by the door staring, as though he was ready to leave and go back home. As time went on, he accepted that we were home. In truth, we were in another house, and home was where our children were.

We were all very lonely. No friends came to call, no one smelled familiar, even family was far away.

Perhaps that is why Eddie began traveling by car, by golf cart, and by airplane so well. He was determined to see them each, again and again.

When Eddie could see, he watched the children grow. He watched them succeed in sports and in school and eventually in love. One day Robby brought home a new girl, Andrea. She wasn’t a dog-girl but seemed special – and she was. Eddie liked her. He approved of her. So, she stayed and became family, too.

Taylor, Jonah’s girl, was there when Eddie’s dear friend Louis passed away. Taylor was sad, Jonah was sad, but my husband Bob was the saddest of all. He was lost and broken when our sweet boy left us for something called the rainbow bridge.

Eddie, however, seemed to know it was all right, and he poured out extra love.

When Eddie could see, he met each grandchild and instinctively knew they were family and would fit his circle of love. When Eddie could see, he traveled by airplane to visit and stay with each of his children and with their children, blessing them with his presence and his soft fur. Our first-born grandchild, Addie, was obsessed with Eddie and always asked about him first. Megan, our second born, thinks Eddie

The Heron Herald, Burnt Store Lakes | January 2026

is a cat and strokes his back and tail accordingly. Eddie was there when Avery came home from the hospital and then went back to the hospital due to jaundice – but Eddie was always there.

Eddie could be in so many places because he liked to fly. He traveled back and forth each month from Florida to Ohio without ever complaining; he was just glad to be with me and I with him.

The cataracts began to take their toll, and now he can only see shadows and silhouettes of his people and his

home. He bumps into walls, and he sleeps on the floor, as jumping on beds is out of the question. He can no longer run to the backyard but has to be carried for his safety. At night he has to be on a leash and held within a safe space, so he won’t become disoriented and lost. His life is so much harder. Day and night are now just feelings, like the sunshine on his fur and the touch of his family.

But when Eddie could see, he ran like the wind, he sailed through the air, leaping to the highest places. He looked into the faces of his children and of his best friend. When Eddie could see life was wonderful and not frightening.

When Eddie could see, he was in charge and took the world by storm. Life was the very best when Eddie could see.

We’re all grateful that Eddie is still alive, and at 17.5 years old, he’s darn near immortal!

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Seven Tips To Avoid Scammers Who Clone Facebook And Instagram Accounts HOW SOCIAL MEDIA CLONING SCAMS WORK Cloning accounts, also known as duplicate or copycat accounts, is not new, but the problem persists for a simple reason: Fake accounts are effective and easy to create.

Scammers simply copy your name, photo, and personal information to create an account that appears to be yours. Next, they scan your friend list and send friend requests to people you know.

Because the request is seemingly from you, your friends and family are not only likely to accept it but may trust the impostor’s messages, which can include not only political rants but phishing schemes and links that download malware, as well as requests for personal information and, you guessed it, money.

“It may be something along the lines of I’m stuck in Europe, and someone stole my wallet. Can you please send me $100?” says Josh Kirschner, founder and CEO of Techlicious, a site that publishes reviews and articles on consumer technology. If a friend of yours receives that message and thinks it’s really from you, they might send that money.

Conversely, Kirschner adds, when you accept an impostor’s friend request, that person now has “a channel into your Facebook feed. They can start spamming your account. They can post links to fraudulent websites or send you information about Bitcoin investments or whatever it may be.”

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Although cloning can occur on any social media platform, it seems most prolific on Facebook and Instagram. In the third quarter of 2024 alone, Facebook took action against 1.1 billion fake accounts, Statista reported in February.

If you’ve ever received a friend request from someone who’s already a friend — or had a pal message you, “Did you just send me a friend request?” — you’ve probably dealt with a cloned account. Here are some ways to fight back.

HOW TO IDENTIFY AND AVOID SOCIAL MEDIA CLONING SCAMS 1. Stop and think before accepting a friend request.

Any time you receive a friend request, make sure you’re not already friends. If not, consider calling, emailing, or texting the person to make sure the request is real.

Also, look at their friend list. “If they only have six friends or they don’t have any post history, that’s a red flag,” Kirschner says.

“Also consider whether the request appears odd, based on what you know about the person,” says Michael Sherwood, vice president of product at Malwarebytes, a cyberprotection software company.

“Maybe your mom is messaging you at 4:30 in the morning,” he says.

“Ask yourself: Does this feel like a normal message?”

2. Hide your Facebook friend list.

Scammers clone Facebook accounts because they want to connect with your friends. To prevent your friend list from being public, go to Facebook and click on your profile picture in the upper-right corner of the page.

Next, select “Settings & privacy” followed by “Settings.”

Scroll down to “Audience and visibility” and click on “How people find and contact you.” Where it says, “Who can see your friends list,” select “Only me.”

3. Make your posts private, too.

While you’re navigating Facebook’s “Audience and visibility” settings, also click on “Posts.” Change the setting so that your posts are visible only to friends.

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If you’ve ever received a friend request from someone who’s already a friend — or had a pal message you, “Did you just send me a friend request?” — you’ve probably dealt with a cloned account.

“If you post something publicly and your friends go in and comment or react, then scammers will be able to see your friends that way as well,” Kirschner says.

4. Choose the “Private” setting in Instagram.

You can’t hide your followers on Instagram as you can on Facebook, but you can still prevent scammers from spotting your people. Just go to “Settings and activity,” click on “Account privacy,” and make your account private. After that, only your followers can see what you share.

5. Limit your profile information.

Scammers can use the information in your profile—where you went to school, where you work, where you live—to not only create a cloned account but also to connect with potential targets. The fake – you might target not just friends but people who went to the same high school or work at the same company.

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6. Know the difference between cloning and hacking.

You probably know someone who has posted, “If you get a friend request, ignore it — my account has been hacked.” But if someone stole your username and password and logged in as you, they wouldn’t need to send out friend requests.

“A lot of people get their account cloned, and they think they’ve been hacked, and they’ll start changing their passwords,” Kirschner says. “But it’s not hacking if no one’s stolen your password or your ID. It’s simply a fake version of your account. Your original password and login are still fine.”

7. Report cloned accounts.

Facebook and Instagram both allow users to report cloned accounts. One catch: “A lot of times when people clone accounts, they will actually block you so you can’t see their account, which prevents you from reporting it,” Kirschner says. If you can’t see it, ask your friends to confirm the cloned account’s existence and report it to Facebook or Instagram.

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Traveling Library Updates The Charlotte County Traveling Library has now updated its hours and will continue visiting the Burnt Store Lakes Property Owners Association Community Room at Turtle Crossing Plaza on the first Thursday of each month from 3:30 to 5 p.m. This free, public outreach service brings the library directly to our community—an excellent resource for anyone who may have difficulty getting to a library branch.

2026 Visit Dates (Thursdays, 3:30 To 5 p.m.)

January 8 (second Thursday due to the holiday) February 5 March 5 April 2

What You Can Do During The Visit: Check out books for children and adults Return library materials Place holds for future pickup Apply for a new library card (photo ID required) Ask questions and receive reading recommendations

What To Bring Your library card (if you have one) and a photo ID for new card applications.

Location Burnt Store Lakes Property Owners Association Community Room Turtle Crossing Plaza 16500 Burnt Store Road, Unit 101

Cost Free and open to all.

We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming visit!

Beware Of Alligators!

Inhabitants of Burnt Store Lakes and nearby areas have encountered alligators from time to time.

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If you cross paths with an alligator that …

… please call the BSL POA office at (941) 639-5881.

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,

Do not feed or harass it. Doing so is dangerous and illegal.

Visit the Burnt Store Lakes Property Owners Association website for more information.

The Heron Herald, Burnt Store Lakes | January 2026

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What Happened On Rio Togas Road?

BETTY INGERSON

Last month I awoke to a parade of large trucks carrying what looked like an erector set, an old-fashioned furnace with several flexible arms, and huge box truck that contained what looked like the largest roll of toilet paper I have ever seen! Then a huge crane truck showed up. Everything was parked along my front yard and up the street towards Burnt Store Road. My Yorkie was having a fit with all the commotion!

It took me a bit to figure out what was going on, but it quickly became apparent they were going to work on the culverts that run under Rio Togas connecting Ibis Lake to Stork Lake and ultimately Bear Branch Creek. Over the last few years, the rip rap at the outflow from Ibis Lake had started to sink into the ground. There are deep holes between the sidewalk and the rip rap, and a portion of the sidewalk has collapsed.

The culvert was failing. A collapsed culvert can bring down an entire roadway,

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detouring traffic and costing taxpayers money in emergency repairs.

Charlotte County decided that the culvert needed rehabilitation, and rather than dig up and replace the culvert, they opted for a culvert lining process for repair. This method allows culverts to be restored instead of replaced. Culvert lining eliminates the traffic disruption, increased cost, and permitting difficulty that comes with conventional replacement.

So, what happened next?

First the crane placed the “erector set” at the end of one culvert pipe. Then the box truck opened up, and the crane lifted one end of the “toilet paper” (which was actually a flat, flexible, resin-saturated tube) and workers fed it down through the “erector set” where it was pulled into the existing culvert and fed through to the other end where it was sealed shut. Once fed through the pipe, the “furnace” was moved into place, and the “arms” were hooked up to the liner tube. The “furnace” was turned on, and the liner tube was expanded with air pressure

and exposed to heat to stiffen it. Once hardened, the liner formed a seamless, jointless pipe inside the existing culvert. The noisy curing process took up the rest of the day. Once the liner pipe was hardened, the closed ends of the pipe were removed, and we have a newly rehabilitated culvert that will last for many years to come.

A couple of days later they started the entire process over again to repair the second culvert. The only

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thing left is for the riprap, deep holes, and sidewalk to be repaired.

As you can see from the photos, it was interesting to watch, and I learned a lot about the process. I guess you are never too old to learn something new!

Florida Fun Fact FLORIDA PRODUCES MORE CITRUS FRUITS THAN ANY OTHER STATE IN AMERICA One of the most interesting facts about Florida is that the state produces more than 70% of all the oranges in the U.S. However, this production has been declining due to hurricane winds and diseases in recent years, and, unfortunately, these famous groves are now consistently churning out smaller crops of citruses each year.

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The Heron Herald, Burnt Store Lakes | January 2026

IOWA PARTY January 27, 2026 If born in Iowa, lived in Iowa, married someone from Iowa, went to school in Iowa, Everyone is invited to the ANNUAL Burnt Store State of Iowa Potluck Grand Isle Social Room (between Buildings 11 and 1V) Tuesday, January 27, 2026 5:00 PM Bring a potluck dish to share: Appetizer, entrée, starch, vegetable or dessert!

And your own beverage. $5.00 per person – pay at door Wear you School Colors Please RSVP (Limited Seating) Ann Singer 319-290-5955 amsinger122@aol.com

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You are invited to PPYC’s Open House Boaters and Non-Boaters Welcome!

Sunday, January 11, 2026 3:00 ─ 5:00 PM Food and drinks will be provided.

Stop in! We would love to tell you about PPYC.

Platinum Point Yacht Club is offering a fantastic promotion:

Offer available on new memberships enrollments until March 31, 2026

As a member of this year-round club, you will enjoy many On-Water and On-Land activities with new friends.

Competitive Sailboat Racing and Golden Conch Regatta Weekly Friday Happy Hours Extensive navigational knowledge of SW FL waters Bi-Monthly Potlucks - Sunset Socials and Grill Nights Monthly Cruises - To different SW FL marinas Monthly Themed Parties - Many with dancing And many special-interest game and activity groups

Come get to know us AND SAVE!

PPYC… A Place to Belong!

For more information, contact: 941-639-0733 office@ppycbsm.org Platinum Point Yacht Club 3601 Cape Cole Blvd, Punta Gorda, FL

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The Heron Herald, Burnt Store Lakes | January 2026

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.

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HONEY NEVER EXPIRES! As long as honey is sealed and stored properly, it can last an eternity. This is because the combo of honey’s low water content, high acidity, and antibacterial properties keep it from spoiling. Maybe that’s why modern archaeologists have discovered pots of edible honey in ancient Egyptian tombs, according to the book, Letters from the Hive: An Intimate History of Bees, Honey, and Humankind.

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January Events INDOOR ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW Date and Time: Saturday, Jan. 3 and Sunday, Jan. 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Website: https://www.charlotteharborecc.com/ events/2020/indoor-arts--crafts-show Description: Two days of arts and crafts with over 120 vendors Location: Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda Fees/Admission: FREE Entry

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA WOOD ART EXPO AND COMPETITION Date and Time: Friday, Jan. 9 and Saturday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Website: https://www.charlotteharborecc.com/ events/2020/sw-florida-wood-art-exposition-andcompetition Description: One of the premier wood art shows in the country since 1986, the Southwest Florida Wood Art Expo is an annual event that showcases the work of wood carvers, wood turners, and furniture builders as they compete for the top spot. A dynamic show with hundreds of entries for competition, vendors of all kinds (wood, tools, blanks, dust equipment, art supplies, and more), demonstrations, raffle, artists’ displays, and sales. This is a collaborative effort between the Peace River Woodturners and the Southwest Florida Woodcarvers.

Location: Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda Fees/Admission: One-day ticket, $10; two-day ticket, $19

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The Heron Herald, Burnt Store Lakes | January 2026

For a list of exciting January concerts, please log in to The Military Heritage Museum at www.militaryheritagemuseum.com and to the Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee at https://casino.hardrock.com/immokalee.

January Holidays

MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2026

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2026

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