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BSLPOA Architectural Review Update – March 2025
BETTY INGERSON, BSL BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ARC LIAISON
There were four Single-Family Home Applications reviewed by ARC in March. Two of these were recommended for approval, one was held for additional information, and one was cancelled by the contractor. Fifteen other applications were reviewed. Twelve were recommended for approval, two were held for additional information, and one unauthorized construction was recommended for fining.
Effective March 31, 2025, there were 64 new homes in the construction process. A total of 30 new homes have received Certificates of Occupancy this fiscal year (October 2024 to September 2025). Seven of these were received during the month of March.
S en ior L i v i n g
The following architectural projects were either approved or conditionally approved by the Burnt Store Lakes Board of Directors during the March 11, 2025 Board Meeting:
ADDRESS
NEW HOMES
24292 Peppercorn Rd
24306 Nicobar Ln
OTHER CONSTRUCTION
24327 Saragossa Ln
23926 Vincent Ave
16760 Acapulco Ave
17511 Malarky Ln
17476 Cullagan St
17299 Carroway St
16464 Belo Ct
16144 Limegrove Ct
17361 Ophir Ln
24348 Nicobar Ln
24268 Vincent Ave
24311 Contra Costa Ln
BOARD APPROVED PROJECT
SPEC HOME: 3,077 Sq Ft (2,205 AC). 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage, concrete driveway. Metal roof color Dove Gray. Home color Silver Ash, Trim Lunar Surface with Teton Blue above porch area by JSP Coastal Construction. No pool.
SPEC HOME: 3,029 Sq Ft (2,095 AC). 3 bedrooms, office, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage, paver driveway. Metal roof, color Charcoal Gray. Home and trim color Original White by FCF Construction Corp. No pool.
POOL: Pool addition for new home under construction. 61.4 ft by 12.4 ft pool and 20 ft paver lanai by JTS Custom Pools.
POOL: Pool addition for new home under construction. 65 ft by 14.5 ft pool and lanai by Legacy Construction Group.
POOL: Pool addition for new home under construction. 22 ft by 43 ft pool in back yard by TTM Builders. This was originally UNAUTHORIZED CONSTRUCTION.
EXTERIOR PAINT AND TRIM: Paint home Cucumber (pale green) from Yellow. Next door homes are tan and white.
EXTERIOR PAINT AND TRIM: Paint home Sun-bleached (light beige) with Pediment (beige) trim from light lime green with dark lime green trim. Next door homes are white with cream trim and cream with white trim.
EXTERIOR PAINT AND TRIM: Paint home NorthStar (light gray) with White trim from aqua with white trim. Next door home is brown with a dark brown trim.
FENCE: Fence enclosure for pool. Installed 3 ft inside rear and side property lines by owner. Black aluminum, 4 ft high, total length 200 ft with two gates. 3/4/25 Per County, the fence will comply as eligible for the pool enclosure.
FENCE: Black aluminum fence, 4 ft tall, 25 ft by 10 ft with one gate by owner. Installed on the right side of home by pool.
FENCE: Black aluminum 3 rail puppy picket fence, 4 ft tall, 52 ft by 23 ft with two gates by USA Fencing. Located in back of pool.
IRRIGATION WELL: 4 in wide well installation located approximately 13 feet from left side property line and approximately 20 ft from front property line by Labelle Well Drilling.
ROOF: Tile-to-Tile, Color Grass Valley Range Copper (streaked flat tile), by Massey Construction.
Shoreline Erosion Control: Lay weed mat along water line, lay 3 ft of 6 to 12 in riprap on top to control erosion by JA Lynch Landscaping.
How Bad Will The 2025 Hurricane Season Be?
Here’s Everything We Know So Far
WeatherBell, a meteorological consulting firm that predicted an active 2024 hurricane season, has already put out its preliminary look at the 2025 hurricane season – and it has some good news! The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be a bit less active compared to last year – similar to the 2018 season.
Floridians’ ears might perk up at the mention of 2018, which produced Hurricane Michael, a
Category 5 hurricane that devastated the Florida Panhandle. Hurricane Michael caused an estimated $25.5 billion in damage when it made landfall in October.
Here’s what to know about the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
2025 HURRICANE SEASON PRELIMINARY PREDICTION
WeatherBell’s preliminary prediction calls for 15 to 19 named storms in total. Between seven and nine of those storms could become Category 1 or greater and between two and three could become major hurricanes.
When it comes to storms that have an impact potential, the numbers look even better:
Tropical storm conditions: 5 to 7
Total hurricanes: 3 to 4
Major hurricanes: 1 to 2
The Atlantic Ocean is experiencing an overall cooling of sea surface temperatures, according to WeatherBell, noting that the main development region is much cooler now than it was at this time in 2024.
“The Atlantic is much cooler than last year, and the swath of warmer water is shown to the north. This suggests less activity in the main development region, but the potential for rapid feedback farther to the north and in close to the coast is there, so it will be a different look, with its own share of issues,” the forecast reads.
WHEN DOES THE 2025 ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON START?
The Atlantic hurricane season always starts on June 1 and runs until Nov. 30. There are instances of storms spinning
up before or after that range, but they’re historically rare.
WHAT ARE THE 2025 HURRICANE NAMES?
The World Meteorological Organization is responsible for maintaining and updating hurricane names. It has currently produced a list through 2029, providing a list of alphabetically organized names from A to W, omitting the
letters Q and U. If we run out of hurricane names, the organization moves to a supplemental list.
Here is the list of 2025 hurricane names:
Andrea (AN-dree uh)
Barry (BAIR-ree)
Chantal (shahn-TAHL)
Dexter (DEHK-ster): replaces Dorian, which was retired after the 2019 season
Erin (AIR-rin)
Fernand (fair-NAHN)
Gabrielle (ga-bree-ELL)
Humberto (oom-BAIR-toh)
Imelda (ee-MEHL-dah)
Jerry (JEHR-ee)
Karen (KAIR-ren)
Lorenzo (loh-REN-zoh)
Melissa (meh-LIH-suh)
Nestor (NES-tor)
Olga (OAL-guh)
Pablo (PAHB-lo)
Rebekah (reh-BEH-kuh)
Sebastien (suh-BASH-chuhn)
Tanya (TAHN-yuh)
Van (van)
Wendy (WEN-dee)
WHEN IS FLORIDA’S HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS
WEEK IN 2025?
Florida hasn’t announced its 2025 sales tax holidays just yet, but history tells us we can expect it to coincide with the start of hurricane season on June 1.
Last year, Florida held a two-week disaster preparedness sales tax holiday from June 1 to 14, which exempted sales tax from a huge list of products ranging from pet supplies and flashlights to portable power banks and generators.
PERSONALITY TRAITS
Individuals born in May display a variety of personality traits that set them apart.
• Dependable: May-born individuals are known for their reliability and trustworthiness, making them valuable friends and partners.
• Sociable: People born in this month enjoy socializing and are skilled at building connections with others.
• Practical: May-born individuals are grounded in reality and often excel at finding logical solutions to problems.
• Persistent: People born in May are determined to achieve their goals, even in the face of adversity.
• Warm-hearted: May-born individuals are often empathetic and compassionate, showing genuine care for others.
In-House
Diagnostics
Dentistry Wellness
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
Kudos to BSL Yard Sale cochairs Ava Ritter and Mary Ann Longo for a another highly successful BSL Yard Sale. Although it no doubt may seem like an easy task to coordinate a yard sale in which the residents who participated are key to making the sale a success – and for that the Yard Sale Committee thanks all of those who signed up! – The prep work for assuring that buyers show up is extensive. It involves advertising on several online sites, making an inordinate number of signs, working with the POA office to create a QR code and map, determining where to strategically place the signs, and finding and organizing volunteers to do the placement. And I suspect that more than that was done.
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, May 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
Perhaps BSL resident Georgia Burbidge said it best: “Ava and Mary Ann, thanks for all your coordination of yesterday’s yard sales. Paula tells me you ladies were the backbone of the operation.”
And a special thanks to whoever drove around and put the directional signs at the end of each road. What a tremendous difference in traffic from former years, even back here in this corner of Burnt Store Lakes. You are all to be commended.
It was a successful day. I got rid of some stuff I just didn’t need any more and even found another neighbor to play bunco with us!
You are awesome. I appreciate your efforts.”
Clean Site Program Update
At the March 11 Board Meeting the Board of Directors adopted a change to the Rules and Regulations for the Clean Site Program and the Construction Requirements and Guidelines Form. This update prohibits strip sodding as restoration for adjacent damaged lots. The building contractor must completely sod the entire area to be repaired or restored. Strip sodding does not allow efficient commercial mowing due to the uneven surface created by the strip sodding itself, leaving the lot in an unacceptable appearance and creating the potential for damage to the mowers. All construction applications approved after March 11, 2025, must adhere to these new rules and regulations.
These new documents have been updated on the BSL Website in the Current Deed Restrictions and Forms section.
For the Clean Site Program “click”: https:// www.bslpoa.org/p/Rules--Regulations For the Construction Requirements and Guidelines form “click”: https://www.bslpoa. org/p/Forms-Fee-Schedule
Please direct any questions to the BSL Office at (941) 639-5881.
From My Lanai
AVA RITTER
Remember me?
I was on a little break and have now returned to share my thoughts regarding this mini paradise we live in called Burnt Store Lakes. We are going on five years as full-time residents here in the neighborhood, having made an excellent choice. Although we arrived pandemic and vaccine warned, we landed quite well indeed. I would be an ungrateful child of God if I did not declare the bounty that I wake up to each day. So once again, I speak of my view from my back porch (aka, northern speak for lanai).
But you ask, what brought me back to my writing? Well, I have a new muse. Just three weeks ago, my precious father-in-law moved in with us. He just celebrated 92 years on this earth, and we celebrated, too! He is amazing. A Korean veteran. A Purple Heart recipient. A man among men, and no doubt a “bad ass” in his day. Now, however, he spends time on my lanai and has given me “fresh eyes” for the beauty we see. Just now a large hawk imbibed on fresh fish, snatching it up and lifting it from water into the air. Last night an 8-foot gator paddled down the canal.
Stunning sights to see, here on my lanai.
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.
QUICK UPDATES: We have 1,889 members and 1,286 accounts registered on our website as of March 31, 2025. Twenty-one new members registered during the month of March. Our website is clearly being used! The newly implemented BSL Classified Listings page is one of the top visited sections of the website, followed by Pay On-Line, Deed Restrictions, and Rules and Regulations.
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 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
Join Your Neighbors!
Located off Rio Togas near Burnt Store Road.
Sunday, May 18 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!
Charlotte County Plans To Expand Capacity At Burnt Store Water Reclamation Facility
CHARLOTTE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Burnt Store Road area residents expressed concerns about possible supply disruptions and rate increases due to hundreds of new homes that will be hooked up to the wastewater treatment plant serving their communities.
Charlotte County commissioners on March 25 initiated plans to expand the
Burnt Store Water Reclamation Facility’s capacity to accommodate the area’s growing population. Commissioners approved hiring Jon F. Swift Inc., of Sarasota, as construction manager at risk and 2nd Archer Western Construction LLC, of Tampa, to manage the project at a cost of $20 million.
County Utilities Director Dave Watson said there will be “zero impact on existing customers as far as capacity goes.”
Addressing Watson, Commissioner Chris Constance said, “As far as the financial impact on current ratepayers, you’re not going to have an answer.”
Commission Chair Joe Tiseo said the county previously put the project out to bid but said it came in at “tens of millions of dollars over budget.” Commissioner
Ken Doherty said the bid was more than $170 million, nearly double what the county had budgeted.
Poole & Kent Company bid $178,922,100 for the project.
“There’s no way we could pass those rates through to the people,” Doherty said.
Once a new company is chosen, the entire project is expected to take about 18 months, officials said.
Despite reassurances there will be no disruptions, some residents were not
satisfied, speculating capacity will be reached before the project is completed.
Punta Gorda resident Phillip Smallwood said the plant was built to a 500,000-gallon capacity and that the utilities department cut capacity to 250,000 gallons per day to add a digester, which breaks down organic matter in the sludge.
Smallwood, who was a chemical operator for DuPont and later ran a sewer plant in Indiana, said he toured the Burnt Store wastewater facility.
“The plant in the middle of February was running at 333,000 to 348,000 gallons a day,” he said.
He said the 1,800 new homes that will be built in a planned development are in addition to a
recreational vehicle park in Lee County also hooked up to the wastewater treatment plant. The RV park has the capacity to handle 520 RVs and is currently half full, but is “expected to be full next year,” at which time it will be using 18,750 gallons a day, he said. The new hookups will put the plant’s usage at 538,000 gallons per day, Smallwood told commissioners. “Even if you convert the plant back to 500,000 a day, it will be over capacity one year from now,” he said.
Watson and Charlotte County Utilities Manager Jeremy Frost explained if capacity is reached before the project is completed, a package
plant would be brought in to provide extra capacity. Smallwood explained a package plant comprises portable units that are brought in on semitrucks and can handle the functions of a wastewater treatment plant.
Constance read letters from John Fleming and Mary Ellen Kiss, founders of the Burnt Store Corridor Coalition, which represents more than a dozen communities situated along Burnt Store Road, sharing similar concerns. Fleming referred to Frost, who “pointed out that the Burnt Store facility had the shortest timeline to reach full capacity and there was a chance capacity would be reached before a new plant could go online. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the timeline may be as early as November 2025 if certain factors like a bad rainy season or another hurricane occur.”
Watson said he will provide a utilities presentation in May, which will provide an update on the wastewater facility.
The county budgeted the wastewater plant’s expansion for fiscal year 2025 under its capital improvements portion, and funding will be supplied by the Utility Wastewater Connection Fee fund.
INGREDIENTS
PATTY CATALANO STRAWBERRY CLOUD SMOOTHIE
This smoothie is super creamy, fruity, and refreshing with just three ingredients. It is almost too pretty to drink. Coconut-flavored yogurt does double duty by adding flavor to the smoothie and giving the glass a gorgeous wispy cloud look. This recipe makes two smoothies.
2 cups frozen strawberries (about 10 ounces): Start with frozen strawberries so that the smoothie is chilled without adding ice. Use good quality frozen strawberries for the best flavor, and if the strawberries are large, cut them in half before adding to the blender.
1/2 cup coconut-flavored yogurt, divided: Coconut-flavored yogurt adds extra creaminess and a subtle tropical flavor. Swirl a few tablespoons against the side of the glasses to give this cloudlike smoothie its signature look.
1 3/4 cups unsweetened dairy or nondairy milk: Use any type of dairy or nondairy milk that you like in this recipe, preferably unsweetened to let the fruit flavors stand out.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place 1 3/4 cups of unsweetened milk, 1/4 cup of the coconut-flavored yogurt, and two cups of frozen strawberries in a blender. Blend at high speed until smooth and creamy, for about one minute.
2. Spoon the remaining 1/4 cup coconutflavored yogurt down the sides of two tall glasses (2 tablespoons per glass). Divide the smoothie evenly between the glasses. Serve with straws.
Note: This smoothie is best served immediately. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to one hour.
Recipe by Patty Catalano, a contributor to TheKitchen.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking, and submitted by Betty Ingerson
If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share, please submit it to bslnewspaper@ yahoo.com.
The Game Of Pace
Pickleball is a growing sport that’s more than just a game; it’s a lifestyle!
Pickleball. It’s a sport, sure. But sometimes it almost seems like a religion, a culture, a way of life — a conversation starter, a community builder, even a civics lesson in good manners, good cheer, and a good attitude sporting an invisible but intentional “Welcome to All” sign.
Best of all, it’s for everybody.
“You can play it from 8 to 88,” notes Becky Haskin. With her husband, Brian Haskin, she took up the sport more than a decade ago while visiting Florida from their home in Michigan. The Haskins ended up buying property on the Southwest coast and maintaining a winter home here — all because of pickleball.
In a fairly short period of time, pickleball has become one of the most loved recreational activities by a wide group of people, who flock to the courts for a quick pickup game or to compete in tournaments like those in Boca Raton and Naples.
“It’s like that movie Ratatouille, where anyone can cook,” said Ivan Baron, tournament director of the World Pickleball Open. “Anyone can play pickleball, male or female, young or old. It’s very inexpensive — get a paddle, find a court, and have some fun.”
However, it’s not as inexpensive as it used to be. Now paddles can cost over $250, and enthusiasts say there are more than 1,000 on the market. But take heart, as you can still buy a starter kit with two paddles for under $60 on Amazon.
The Association of Pickleball Professionals — this does not include most pickleball players, who aren’t in it for the money and therefore carry the proud designation of “amateur” — says that more than 48 million Americans, or just over 19% of the population, played pickleball in 2023. Other analysts report a lower figure, but no one disputes the rapidly growing interest in the sport.
While most players are amateurs, that doesn’t mean the sport isn’t now worth a lot of money in local economies, especially in Florida, the state with the most pickleball locations.
There are still too few, but they’re increasing rapidly, with more than 16,200 locations in the United States, with many or most offering multiple courts. In Florida alone, there are 1,228 locations, perfect for a pickleball economy and culture.
“Pickleball is more than just a game — it’s a gateway to vibrant communities, wellness experiences, local culture, and beautiful destinations that can offer yearround play,” said Milton Segarra, president and CEO of Discover the Palm Beaches. “The pace at which pickleball has emerged in the Palm Beaches is very encouraging in terms of growing our sports tourism. With public and private courts expanding throughout the county, hotels and resorts adding or creating courts, as well as newly founded pickleball leagues and tournaments, this popular sport will certainly drive room nights and visitor spending at our local businesses.”
Some features of this sport, which looks to an outsider like people chasing wiffle balls with oversized ping-pong paddles, include its simple rules (it takes about five minutes to learn them). Its function on courts is much smaller than that required for tennis, bringing players into easy conversational range if they choose.
An industry blog, pickleheads.com , says that the 25- to 34-year-old age group is the most common on pickleball courts, with the 65 and over age group a close second.
Statistics are one thing, but the voices of people who love the sport and find ways to make it valuable in their lives are another — and perhaps more revealing.
“If anybody had ever told me how pickleball would change the direction of our lives, I wouldn’t have believed them,” Becky Haskin explained.
“We started playing about 11 years ago (on a visit to the Sunshine State), and now we winter in Florida. Without pickleball, I don’t think we ever would have purchased property here. We’re not beachgoers, but this is something we can have some fun with. We are beyond addicted, and that started from day one. We play every day here.”
Caught On Camera
MARCH POTLUCK PICNIC IN THE PARK
KEVIN DENT, WHO PROVIDED AND COOKED THE FISH FOR OUR POTLUCK PICNIC IN THE PARK WELCOME COMMITTEE TABLE
ADDITIONAL IRRESISTIBLE FOOD!
WHAT TO CHOOSE, WHAT TO CHOOSE?
AND WE MAY BE GOING BACK FOR SECONDS!
Caught On Camera
HE LOOKS SO DOCILE, DOESN’T HE, SUNBATHING ON THE LAWN? BUT AS WE ALL KNOW, LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING!
DEB DENT ON DILL COURT
“STAYING
AFLOAT WITH OTTER-TUDE” IN THE BSL COMMUNITY PARK!
EDIE JOHNSON
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.
THE MISSION OF THE PEACE RIVER WILDLIFE CENTER IS TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SURVIVAL OF NATIVE FLORIDA WILDLIFE THROUGH RESCUE, REHABILITATION, AND EDUCATION.
PRWC WILDLIFE HOSPITAL
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for injured or orphaned wildlife intake only.
223 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Punta Gorda, FL 33950
This facility is for wildlife animal medical care only and not open to the public for tours.
PRWC EDUCATION CENTER AND GIFT SHOP
Open daily to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for visits and tours.
Only ADA service dogs allowed. No pets or emotional support animals.
3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Shop our online gift shop at Shop for a Cause!
WHAT’S NEW AT PRWC?
MARCH RESCUE AND REHAB STATS
Admissions: 210
Releases: 22
Transfers: 10
Year-to-date admissions: 483
MARCH BABIES
It’s baby season, and our wildlife hospital is buzzing with excitement! In addition to our regular intake numbers, the hospital has transformed into a nursery, with fluffy little creatures and baby birds fluttering all around.
While our Virtual Baby Shower may have ended in March, there are still plenty of ways to support the wildlife babies in our care. By shopping from our Amazon wish list, you can provide the essential items we need to nurture and care for these messy, needy little ones. Every contribution brings us one step closer to getting them back where they belong—out in the wild!
PICTURED: EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL, GREAT-HORNED OWLET, EASTERN COTTONTAILS AND VIRGINIA OPOSSUM JOEY
Thank you for helping us give these special babies a second chance at life.
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, LUNA, ON APRIL 1
– NO FOOLING!
Luna the *Leucistic Eastern Screech Owl
THE ADORABLE LITTLE LUNA WHEN HE FIRST ARRIVED AT PRWC
*SO ... WHAT IS LEUCISM? WE’RE SO GLAD YOU ASKED!
Here’s a little insight to understanding leucism and how it’s different from albinism and melanism.
Leucism is a rare genetic condition that affects the coloration of animals, resulting in a pale or diluted appearance. Unlike albinism, where animals lack pigmentation entirely due to a genetic mutation that prevents the production of melanin (the pigment responsible for color), leucistic animals still produce some pigment but in much smaller amounts, leading to a lighter or patchy coloration.
While leucism results in lighter overall coloring, albinism causes a complete absence of pigment, often leaving animals with pink or red eyes due to the lack of melanin in the iris. In contrast, melanism is the opposite condition, where an animal produces an excess of melanin, leading to an overall darker or black coloration.
Understanding these differences helps us better appreciate the unique variations in the animal kingdom!
The mission of the Peace River Wildlife Center is to contribute to the survival of native Florida wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation, and education.
LUNA TODAY!
A YOUNG HEART WITH A BIG IMPACT: GREYSON’S GENEROSITY SUPPORTS PRWC WILDLIFE
Four-year-old Greyson, a regular visitor to PRWC, recently learned about the damage our center sustained during the hurricane. With a heart full of compassion, Greyson decided he wanted to help. Teaming up with his mom, he created a heartfelt video encouraging his friends and family to support PRWC’s efforts to care for wildlife in need.
Through his efforts, Greyson raised an impressive $500 to aid the animals at PRWC. His thoughtful act of kindness is a beautiful reminder that even the smallest among us can make a significant difference.
Greyson’s favorite PRWC resident is Luna. Much like Luna, Greyson may be small in size, but his generosity is making a HUGE impact on the animals he cares for. Thank you, Greyson, for showing us all the power of a kind heart!
HELP BUILD A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR WILDLIFE AT PRWC
You can play a vital role in creating a new home for the wildlife we care for. With a variety of opportunities—from habitat and building naming rights to personalized brick pavers— there are many meaningful ways to contribute to the future of PRWC and the animals we serve.
Your support will help us continue our mission and leave a legacy for wildlife conservation.
SAD GOODBYE TO OUR JILLY BEANS
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our beloved education ambassador, Jilly Beans, the Virginia opossum. Unfortunately, Jilly’s health had begun to decline due to an inoperable abdominal mass, coupled with the effects of aging.
Jilly joined us as a surrendered pet in 2022, and since then, she has touched countless lives by helping change perceptions about misunderstood wildlife. Her gentle nature was a constant source of joy and light at PRWC. We were truly privileged to care for her, and she will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her. SEARCH FOR OUR PRWILDLIFE APP
We’re excited to introduce the new mobile-friendly versions of our website, designed to make discovering information and navigating with ease simpler than ever. Whether you’re exploring, accessing key details, shopping our store, or donating, our streamlined mobile experience ensures everything is just a tap away, supporting our mission has never been more convenient. Visit us today and see how effortless it is to stay connected!
Visit our Apple Store or Google Play store apps.
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.
Florida Fun Fact!
Hordes of Florida locals throng at the annual Mullet Toss Festival to toss dead fish over the border of Alabama. The event is hosted by Flora-Bama Beach Bar in Pensacola.
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 Burnt Store Lakes Communications Committee would like to update the Burnt Store Lakes Community Brochure and Website with more recent photos of our wonderful community. If you are willing to take some photos, please contact Jane @ broxx014@gmail.com.
The current brochure can be accessed at https://www. bslpoa.org/p/Community-Brochure.
BEFORE TOILET PAPER WAS INVENTED, AMERICANS USED TO USE CORN COBS (OUCH!)
Alternatively, they’d use periodicals like the Farmer’s Almanac, which was designed with a hole so it could hang in outhouses. Necessity is the mother of invention, after all.
May Holidays
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