Heron Herald
A Look Inside
OCTOBER 18, 2025
Miranda
Justein
Selina
Production
Elaine
Ruth
Katie
Dianne
Karen
Michelle
BSLPOA Architectural Review Update – August 2025
BETTY INGERSON, BSL BOARD OF DIRECTORS, ARC LIAISON
There were six Single-Family Home Applications reviewed by ARC in August. None were recommended for approval. All six were held for additional information. Eight other applications were reviewed. Five were recommended for approval and three were held for additional information.
Effective August 29, 2025, there were 52 new homes in the approved construction process. Unfortunately, approximately 25% of these are experiencing delayed construction issues that have resulted in violations of the Association’s Clean Site
ADDRESS
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 cases of contractor abandonment.
Forty-one new homes received Certificates of Occupancy this fiscal year (October 2024 to September 2025).
The following architectural projects were either approved or conditionally approved by the Burnt Store Lakes Board of Directors during the August 2025 Board Meeting:
BOARD APPROVED PROJECT NEW HOMES
NONE APPROVED
OTHER CONSTRUCTION
17594 Vellum Cir.
POOL: Pool addition for existing home by Five Aces Pool & Spa. Pool fits within required setbacks.
17110 Watchtower Ln. IRRIGATION WELL: 4 inches wide, 200 ft deep irrigation well installation by Irrigation Plus. Located in right front side of owned lot. 17109 Watchtower Ln.
IRRIGATION WELL: 4 inches wide, 200 ft deep irrigation well installation by Irrigation Plus. Located in left front side of owned lot.
24344 Penhollow Ct.
EXTERIOR PAINT & TRIM: Repaint home from White with White Trim to Cotton Blossom with Chinese Jade and Varnished Ivory Trim. No adjacent homes.
17496 Malarkey Ln. ROOF: Tile-to-tile roof replacement by Reedy Roofing. Color Mission Terracotta Range.
HIGHEST PRICES PAID
Rolex•Cartier•PatekPhillippe•Tiffany•BvlgariWristWatches
Mid-Century1950’s- 1980’sFurniture•PaulEvans•PhillipLaverne•Nakashima•Dunbar
BRUCE KODNER GALLERIES
PERSONALITY TRAITS OF PEOPLE BORN IN OCTOBER
v People born in October crave stability in everything they do. They are known for their brilliance along with their attractive looks. They are charismatic and often get what they wish for.
v Social: They are social animals. They love to make friends and be around people. Because of their enthusiastic and charming nature, they become very popular in their group.
v Fair: October-borns believe in justice. They want fair judgment and equality. They try to understand everyone’s point of view and don’t want to be unfair to anyone. They take time to make a decision because of their diplomatic nature.
v Easygoing: They are the peacemakers and hate being in a situation of conflict. They can make people comfortable around them.
v Independent: These people tend to be passionate about their work and fiercely independent as well. They don’t like to be shown the path, because they themselves make the path. They often prefer to live on their own.
v Competitive: Although these people aren’t selfish at all, they can be competitive if their popularity is at stake. They can be manipulative to mold things according to their wish.
Annual Meeting Reminder October 18, 2025
SANDY FUNK, PRESIDENT
All Annual Meeting packets were mailed on September 10. If you have not received yours, please call the office at (941) 6395881. Included in the mailing:
• Notice of the meeting
• Voting Instructions
• Proxy Voting*
• Ballot for Board of Director Voting and Candidate Bios
• 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Budget Information
• Amendments to the Deed Restrictions
• Sidewalk Survey
• Long-Range Planning Project Survey
• Property Owner Update Form
• October 2024 Annual Meeting Minutes
*In addition to voting for three Board of Directors, the budget, and rollover of funds, there is an additional Yes/ No question regarding whether or not to approve amendments to the Deed Restrictions. Please read the amendments and summary page included in your packet.
This article is an update to the one printed in the September issue of The Heron Herald regarding construction of a Dog Park. All newspaper articles must be submitted to the editor one month prior to issuance. Subsequent to the article submission, the ad hoc committee formed to research construction of a Dog Park and presented their findings and associated costs to the Board of Directors at their meeting on August 12. The committee reported that an engineering study is required due to the environmental sensitivity of the land. The cost estimate for the study is $60,000 to $70,000, with total construction estimated at approximately $167,000. The Board expressed concerns about the high costs and the potential for rushing the decision. As a result, the Board motioned and approved postponing the Dog Park vote at this Annual Meeting until further evaluation is completed. Enclosed you will find a community survey to gauge interest in various amenities before moving forward. Also included is a survey on future sidewalk construction in various areas of the community. Please return these surveys along with your voting materials or drop them by the office.
Please remember that it is extremely important for all property owners to read the contents of the packet and return the proxy as per the instructions if you are not going to attend the meeting in person. If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the office or a Board of Director.
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
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, October 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
BSLPOA Website – bslpoa.org
BETTY INGERSON, BSL BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMMUNICATIONS LIAISON AND 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.
QUICK UPDATES
• We have 1,956 members and 1,326 accounts registered on our website as of September 2, 2025. All members receive BSL email information notices as they are sent, unless they have personally elected to opt out.
• Now that fall is upon us, the Potluck RSVP’s page of the website is once again active. Please remember to use this page to let us know you are attending the monthly Potluck Picnics in the community park. Come join your neighbors and enjoy a great picnic.
• Please check out the 2025 Annual Meeting Section of the website for the most recent information on the October 18 meeting. A summary of the meeting will be posted after the event.
• 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 Resident’s Directory and find helpful information regarding community activities, governing documents, forms, policies, deed restrictions, and other contact information. Please 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.
From My Lanai
AVA RITTER
I’m not going to lie to you. It’s hot out here. My lanai has gotten a little steamy. I own an air conditioner, and it works just fine.
But this morning when I awoke, the terror factor within my home elevated! It was still not quite sunrise as I moved toward our bathroom. I noticed something long, large, and dark on the mirror. There was a loud scream, and then I realized it came from me – another horrible Palmetto Bug. Always, when you least expect them, and always bigger than the last one you saw. I hate those things!
I remember them touching my hand once when they were resting on a soup can in my pantry. My husband once stepped on one in the night. He still hears that crunching sound when he sees one; the way they skitter in the night. Honestly, I think people would think twice about moving here if they knew such gargantuan bugs lived here. We should post a warning on social media, but nobody talks about them, until now. I stand alone to warn you “newbies,” you snowbirds, and you vacationers. Those monsters are not for the weak.
I will give you some advice. I have a secret weapon. I purchased a unique bug catcher on Amazon, and it has proven to be the kryptonite I needed. I often buy it for neighbors as a housewarming gift. They look at me oddly, but very soon they will thank me.
I sit here feeling wary as I hide on my lanai.
Permanently Exempt From Sales Tax In
FOOD AND GROCERIES
• Most food products for human consumption intended for home consumption, including staples, unprepared foods, canned and packaged foods, and noncarbonated beverages
• Bakery products sold by bakeries without eating facilities
• Water delivered via pipes, conduits, or for irrigation
• Bottled or canned drinking water, including water with added minerals, but not carbonated or flavored water (unless flavored at a treatment facility)
Note: Prepared foods for immediate consumption (like restaurant meals and hot deli foods) and soft drinks are generally taxable.
MEDICAL AND HEALTHCARE
• Prescription drugs and certain medical supplies like bandages, crutches, wheelchairs, and hearing aids
• Hypodermic needles and syringes
• Chemical compounds and test kits for diagnosing or treating human disease
• Common household remedies (excluding cosmetics)
• Artificial eyes and limbs, orthopedic shoes, prescription eyeglasses, dentures, prosthetic and orthopedic appliances dispensed by prescription
• Funerals
• Lithotripters and human organs
Florida
• Sales of drugs to or by medical professionals and hospitals for treatment
• Medical products and supplies temporarily or permanently incorporated into a patient or animal by a licensed practitioner (e.g., dental bridges)
• Medical marijuana and delivery devices sold by a medical marijuana treatment center to a qualified patient
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS SUPPLIES
• Certain batteries, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers
• Portable generators of 10,000 watts or less
• Waterproof tarpaulins and sheeting of 1,000 square feet or less
• Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
• Portable gas or diesel fuel cans with a capacity of 5 gallons or less
OTHER PERMANENT EXEMPTIONS
• Admissions to Florida state parks
• Sales of gold, silver, and platinum bullion (effective August 1, 2025)
• Certain baby and toddler products like diapers, wipes, clothing for ages 5 and younger, breast pumps, and strollers
• Feminine hygiene products
• Residential rentals with a lease for continuous residence longer than six months
• Charges for electricity or steam used to operate manufacturing machinery, pollution control, recycling, maintenance, and monitoring equipment
• Utilities (electricity, natural gas, water) used in qualifying production activities by manufacturers and industrial processors who meet certain consumption requirements
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
• Florida has a yearly Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday in August when certain clothing, school supplies, learning aids, and personal computers are exempt.
• Most standard clothing and footwear are exempt, but accessories and specialized clothing may be taxable.
• Most services are not taxable, with exceptions for some cleaning, pest control, and labor to real property.
Important Note: Sales tax laws are complex and can change. For the most current information, consult the Florida Department of Revenue’s website or a tax professional.
A Billion Here, A Billion There
FLORIDA INVESTS IN THE FUTURE WITH BUDGET BOOSTING EDUCATION, ENVIRONMENT, AND PUBLIC SAFETY
Each year, the 160 men and women elected by Floridians to the state’s House (120 members) and Senate (40 members), along with the governor, pass a state budget.
While spending billions of dollars on behalf of everybody else might sound fun, appearances can be deceptive.
“From a policy perspective, the differences between the governor and the leadership over significant issues meant they had to spend a second session of the Legislature to enact a budget—and that is their only constitutional responsibility,” said Peter Bergerson, professor emeritus of political science and government at Florida Gulf Coast University. “A state’s budget is the most important document in state government, because this is always an indication of priority values, regardless of political posturing or campaign promises. The real deals are represented in appropriation—this is where the values are.” In passing the budget, “their job is to educate, medicate, and adjudicate. Particularly from an educational standpoint, this session was a disappointment for sure.”
Bergerson noted that current federal values in education were reflected in policy decisions about it, from public schools to public universities.
Nevertheless, new appropriations provide money to several state universities and have established spending of more than $9,000 per student in Florida public schools. That’s a first in the state, although a level long since passed by some other states.
Teachers got a raise, like police, whose starting salary must now be $60,000 per year.
But that was a small part of what happened between March and June 30, when the governor signed off. This budget making period evolved from a history of steadily increasing populations and steadily, even dramatically, increasing budgets.
In 2005, when 17.8 million people called the Sunshine State home under Gov. Jeb Bush, the budget was $55.4 billion, money designed to keep Florida aloft in public safety, education, infrastructure, environment, and health care.
Ten years later, in 2015, with 20.2 million residents and Sen. Rick Scott then serving as governor, he signed off on a budget of $78.7 billion while cutting the state’s regulatory arm of environmental stewards roughly in half.
And this year, finally, with 23 million people living in a state where Gov. Ron DeSantis began his penultimate year at the helm of state government, the budget hammered out now tops off at $117.4 billion—a lot more than a decade ago, but a little less than the Legislature anticipated with its $117.9 billion plan, and less than last year’s budget. The governor vetoed $567 million in proposed spending.
To put all that money in perspective, according to one estimate, $1 billion alone could buy 1,900 middle-range homes, a private island like Pumpkin
Key, or a fleet of expensive jets, including as many as 20 Boeing 737s or Airbus A320s.
And that’s only $1 billion. With $117.4 billion, you could restore the Everglades completely five times over at the estimated price of $23 billion by mid-century, when all 60 or so projects in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan or CERP may finally be complete.
None of it’s nearly as much as Elon Musk is said to be worth, at roughly $400 billion, but it’s enough to do a few things in the state: provide a couple of billion in tax relief for some people; offer pay raises to teachers, cops, and judges while increasing the number of circuit court judges; pay off $830 million in state debt while giving state employees a 2% raise; maintain billions in a state reserve fund; and toss a little money this year to the arts, which have demonstrated a return of between $6 and $9 for every dollar spent.
Last year, the governor vetoed all culture and arts funding in Florida, about $32 million proposed in that budget. This year, he let about $18.3 million pass to 184 organizations that met the new required rankings in the culture and museum grants category, and some much smaller sums for other arts categories.
“It’s just a fraction of the state budget, like one one-hundredth of a percent, so small as to be negligible,” said Tom Hall, a longtime arts advocate and commentator for public
media’s WGCU on the southwest coast. “When you look at that compared to the money arts organizations contribute to the state economy, it really is short-sighted. They’re basically paying lip service to the arts.”
Of over 900 Florida arts organizations that sought state aid and qualified by previous standards, fewer than 250 received it, arts proponents say. Still, that’s better than last year.
There’s some money for homeless populations and veterans in the mix as well.
“We were very scared about what the state and federal budgets were going to mean for our clients,” said Angela Hogan, director of Gulf Coast Partnership in Charlotte County, which works with the community’s most vulnerable populations, including homeless veterans. “Ultimately, for the next year, we’re okay,” she said. “After that, we may see some dramatic change, the same we’ve seen on the federal level. But the state was good and fair to folks experiencing homelessness.”
For veterans plagued increasingly in recent years by suicide, the Legislature and governor agreed
to spend $300,000 to expand the suicide prevention program in Florida, home to currently more than 1.4 million veterans. It will also fund suicide prevention training for VA officers.
The 2025/26 budget also addresses the environment, which all Floridians rely on personally and economically. It stands out as one of the most significant and singularly bipartisan issues.
Despite other budget cutbacks, many environmentalists were pleased with funding allocated to numerous projects. “Since taking office, Gov. DeSantis
has signed seven state budgets that consistently prioritize environmental protection, demonstrating his administration’s long-term commitment to safeguarding Florida’s natural resources,” said Alexis Lambert, secretary of the state DEP, in a statement. “Those investments reflect a smart balance between conservation and growth, recognizing that protecting our environment is not just good policy— it is essential to keeping Florida a place where families, businesses, and communities can thrive.”
The DEP characterized a budget that “emphasizes the Everglades and improvements in water quality, while hardening Florida’s coastlines and strengthening the state’s infrastructure to withstand natural disasters.”
Allocations include $1.4 billion for targeted water quality improvements and restoration. The budget earmarks $200 million for resilience along the coasts and inland, $50 million for finding alternative water supplies, and $50 million more for beach renourishment.
Those commitments in money win the praise of a broad range of environmentalists.
“The high-profile projects, such as elements of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration plan—that’s great,” said James Douglass, professor of marine and earth science at Florida Gulf Coast University. “But there’s an acrossthe-board need for state support for local governments trying to implement piecemeal environmental fixes such as septic upgrades, and they’re stymied for lack of funds they hoped to get from the state. It’s just not possible for some of these small, underfunded municipalities to implement these small but sometimes very necessary fixes to address the pressures of a growing population.”
Douglass continued, “We have these 1960s-level wastewater treatment plants not keeping up with the modern era, and they’re decaying. High fecal bacteria levels and nutrient levels in waters are coming from leaky pipes and lots of little spills— that takes money to fix, and we’re not getting it from the state level.”
Annual state budgets are big, complicated affairs that may ultimately nod to the needs of many while fully pleasing few.
Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg Weiss, who hails from District 2 in West Palm Beach, has a somewhat promising view of the big picture.
“We are in better shape than we have been in the past—there were fewer vetoes than we received in past sessions. What’s important to me is water and the C-51 reservoir—and there’s $65 million in the budget for that.”
The C-51 will help store stormwater to be released in the dry season and may help restore the Lake Worth Lagoon and the Loxahatchee River. It could ultimately include 60,000 acre-feet. “The Lake Worth Lagoon Initiative will receive $897,000 this year, which is money for restoration and studying or testing the water,” Weiss said. “And the Loxahatchee River Preservation Initiative got $486,000—adjacent to that is the restoration of the Kennedy Bunker historic site, which received $500,000.”
The Kennedy Bunker is on Peanut Island and dates from the days when President John F. Kennedy spent time in the area early in the 1960s and might have needed a secure facility and protection from an atomic or nuclear attack.
“Another thing on my radar is smart signalization,” he said. “Last year, they budgeted $1.5 million, and this year, they expanded the project with another $3 million for north-south traffic signals from I-95 to Flagler. It’s safer and more efficient. Computers observe what’s happening in real time on the roadway, and as one signal releases cars (and the
light turns from red to green), the next one knows the cars are coming, as well.”
Weiss said there were vetoes, too.
“A request for housing for the homeless for $1 million got vetoed. With everything going on with the economy and the cost of housing, we expect it to become much more challenging. If we can prevent homelessness in the first place, that’s the No. 1 goal. The second is to get people into housing—people living in cars, people dealing with substance abuse and behavioral concerns that are on the streets, and homeless veterans. And to provide housing for them is expensive.”
So, what’s likely to happen next year? Probably disputes about taxes.
A proposal has been put forward to eliminate property taxes in the state, and a significant portion of city and county budgets depends on them.
“The debate and discussion over a state income tax was the No. 1 policy issue I saw this year,” Bergerson said. Currently, there is no state income tax.
Should there be? Next year, 161 men and women elected by other Floridians may have to decide.
Avoiding Customer Service Scams
HOW IT WORKS
• You receive notice of an issue with one of your accounts or services, such as an overdue bill or suspicious charge, along with a link or a phone number to contact customer service for assistance.
• You need to connect with a customer service representative about a problem, and you search for the number using your web browser (“Company” customer service, for example).
• You have an issue with a company and turn to its social media outlets to complain.
• In each scenario, you get to talk to a helpful customer support representative who offers assistance for a fee or by requesting remote access to your device.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
• Criminals create phony websites and then buy ads to get their site to the top of customer support searches, impersonating major brands like Amazon, CashApp, Facebook, and many others.
• Fraud perpetrators will send an urgent and worrisome notice by email, text, regular mail, or by phone to manipulate recipients into acting quickly by clicking a nefarious link or calling a scam call center.
• No legitimate representative will ask you to install an app on your device that allows remote access.
• Be wary of requests for sensitive information and payment, especially if payment is in an unusual form, like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wiring funds.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
• If a notice is from a company you do business with, and have an online account or app access, log in to see if there is a problem rather than using a link or number the notice provides.
• To find a company’s customer service number, type the company’s web address into your browser or find it on a recent paper statement.
• If you were defrauded and it involved withdrawing or wiring funds or purchasing gift cards, contact the financial institution or the gift card issuer immediately to see if they can pause all or some of the transaction.
• If you were defrauded in a customer support scam, report it to local law enforcement or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
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,
Sting Operation
… 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.
LOCAL BEEKEEPERS AND HONEY PRODUCERS SHARE THE BUZZ BEHIND THE HIVES
Often stung by a bad reputation and feared by nearly one in ten people, the tiny honeybee has a knack for landing in sticky situations. Who could forget the “killer bee” headlines buzzing through the news in the late ’90s?
“Many people confuse honeybees with wasps or hornets and assume aggression. In truth, honeybees are docile, focused, and critical to our ecosystem. Bees are not out to get us; they are just traveling and trying to get home,” explained Iam Hedendal, founder of Florida Honeybees in Delray Beach.
Beekeeping isn’t a walk in the park—it’s a full-blown labor of love that’ll keep you busier than a bee.
“Honeybees are special,” added Brad MacKenzie of Sanibel Honey. “No other food we eat comes from an insect.”
Thankfully, local apiarists suit up to tend to the queen, wrangle the hive, and keep the honey-producing world thrumming.
“I first became interested in bees when I was 12, after my uncle gave me two hives for just a dollar each. I still have them,” said Allen “Buddy” Walker, owner of Walker Farms in Fort Myers. “You really have to love the business. We are constantly battling destructive insects and having to find FDA-approved chemicals to fight them, but it’s worth it.”
Across the globe, there are over 20,000 bee species, and Florida is home to more than 300 of them, including native bees and the rare blue striped Osmia calamintha. Although honeybees aren’t indigenous to Florida, they prosper in the state’s mild climate annually.
“Our bees thrive in the subtropical richness of South Florida, where something is always blooming. From
Bees aren’t just dying off; they’re being harmed by human activity and pollution
mango and avocado to saw palmetto and Brazilian pepper, nectar flows nearly year-round. But we also face challenges like extreme heat, pesticide drift, hive beetles, and relentless ants, not to mention overdevelopment removing wild forage and nesting areas,” said Hedendal.
Honeybees from Europe were introduced to the U.S. and have since expanded their range across the country, including Florida. Africanized
honeybees, a more aggressive hybrid, have also extended into southern parts of the country, raising concerns about their impact on other bee populations.
Ron Bender, owner of Naples Bees, clarified, “Feral bees are well-suited to the area and excellent honey producers. I believe that genetic diversity is crucial for the health and productivity of a hive. Many issues with bee decline stem from a lack of natural genetic selection, exacerbated by widespread managed queen breeding, particularly in commercial beekeeping. Letting ‘survival of the fittest’ take its course is nature’s way of helping species survive and adapt to change.”
MacKenzie said many commercial bees are stressed by being transported across states to pollinate crops like almonds, which aren’t ideal for them. “This contributes to the spread of diseases and colony collapse disorder. Although reports of 70% bee losses may sound alarming, they are somewhat misleading. Commercial beekeepers manage thousands of hives, so the remaining 30% still amounts to millions of bees.”
“Bees aren’t just dying off; they’re being harmed by human activity and pollution. It’s not only about losing bees but also about poisoning the planet,” added MacKenzie.
The Florida Department of Agriculture warns that habitat loss, pests, diseases, and the use of insecticides threaten many bee species. One, the rusty patched bumblebee, has declined by over 90%. Other species at risk
include Franklin’s, Oregon, yellow-banded, and American bumblebees.
Florida’s honeybees aren’t endangered but face similar threats. Local experts cite chemical pesticides and natural disasters as the primary threats to bees.
“In the Naples area, there seems to be no shortage of bees. I sometimes have more bees than I can host and offer hives to other area beekeepers,” said Bender. “If not for widespread spraying, wild bee populations would be even larger. The biggest threat comes from pesticides—especially mosquito sprays—that cause many deaths and setbacks for foraging bees. Remote beekeepers also contend with bear attacks, with electric fences being the only effective protection.”
MacKenzie shared that over recent hurricane seasons, all 50 hives across his bee yard and residential sites on Sanibel Island were destroyed.
“Wild colonies have been heavily impacted by development and pests, but backyard beekeeping and education are helping managed hives increase. Pesticides, especially neonicotinoids and landscape sprays, are devastating. They disorient foragers, weaken colonies, and cause mass dieoffs. Predators like raccoons also cause major disruptions,” said Hedendal.
Successful hive management requires a balance of space: too little causes swarming, too much invites pests like wax moths and hive beetles. To maintain stability, Bender adjusts hive boxes based on colony size, queen activity, and seasonal changes.
MacKenzie noted that chemicals can make bees more aggressive and explained that bees primarily protect the brood and respond to vibrations and scent. He joked, “I always play The Grateful Dead when tending the bees; it helps them recognize me when I’m collecting rent (honey).”
“Patience, humility, and observation are key. You’re not ‘in charge’ of bees—you’re in partnership with them,” said Hedendal. “Every beekeeper faces challenges like Florida’s fast-paced seasons, swarming, mite control and the emotional toll of colony loss.”
According to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Florida ranks among the nation’s top five honey-producing states, generating 17 million pounds annually, which is valued at $27 million. One pound of honey takes 3 million flower visits; one teaspoon is a lifetime’s work for 12 bees.
Bender noted that a healthy hive can produce several pounds of honey annually, with his Naples apiary yielding 800 to 1,000 pounds over two to three harvests, though not every hive produces honey each time. Using “BeeCams” to monitor entrances and observe behaviors like orientation flights, he emphasized that successful beekeeping requires hands-on care, multiple hives, and “always leaving enough honey for the bees’ own needs.”
“The bees I keep do very well in Southwest Florida,” said Bender. “I have had success letting the ‘bees be bees.’ They like it hot, with hive temperatures reaching up to 95 degrees. But once it dips into the 70s, their activity significantly slows down. Swarm traps help catch new colonies. “We inspect hives every three weeks to check queen health, brood, honey stores, and pests. During nectar flows, once 80% of a frame is capped, it’s ready for harvest. We extract honey using centrifugal force, bottle it fresh, and label it by season or floral source,” Hedendal said. “Maintenance is nearly year-round, with five to six harvests per hive depending on bloom cycles. The honey is strained but never filtered or heated, preserving enzymes and pollen.”
Honey is rich in antioxidants that may boost heart health, memory, and brain function. Wildflower honey can help alleviate allergies but is less popular due to its distinctive flavor. Beekeepers harvest only fully capped honey, prioritizing quality, and reuse leftover wax for candles and lip balms. “Nothing goes to waste,” said Bender.
MacKenzie explained, “Honey from grape seeds tends to be lighter in color, while honey harvested from mangrove blossoms often produces a darker honey with richer notes. Both types have unique benefits and distinct flavors
that reflect their floral sources. Harvesting too early can lead to lower-quality honey.”
Beyond producing the natural sweetener, bees contribute an estimated $65 million yearly through pollination, supporting healthy plant growth and the state’s fruit and vegetable crops.
Each hive consists of three main types of bees: a single queen responsible for laying eggs, thousands of female worker bees that handle all the tasks needed to maintain the hive, and seasonal male drones whose sole purpose is to mate with new queens.
Bender described how hive behavior changes throughout the year. During nectar flows, when flowers bloom and nectar is abundant, bees stay calm and focused on foraging. However, during nectar shortages, hives can become more defensive and may even rob other hives for honey. Bender noted he checks his apiary daily without a bee suit but always suits up and uses a smoker when opening hives to manage bee behavior if needed.
“Spring brings explosive growth, swarming, and queen production. Summer is the peak for nectar gathering. Fall is prepping for dearth. Winter in Florida is mild but still requires attention. They follow nature’s calendar, not ours,” said Hedendal.
“Hives are like people in that the individual hive has its own temperament. Some hives are more defensive than others, but I’ve yet to run across a hive that cannot be
Across the globe, there are over 20,000 bee species, and Florida is home to more than 300 of them
controlled by proper use of the smoker,” shared Bender. “A defensive hive is more likely to be a very successful hive in that it has a low tolerance for many of the pests that beehives have to contend with. Everything boils down to the genetics of the queen, because that determines the genetics and resulting traits of the total bee population.”
“Every hive I rescue gets a second chance. I believe in the sacredness of these creatures. The honey? It’s the real deal—award-winning, seasonal, and always raw. Local bees, local flavor, local heart,” said Hedendal.
Beyond agriculture, these iconic pollinators also aid in healing. For example, the VA HIVE Program utilizes beekeeping therapy for military veterans. And MacKenzie shared how he partners with a group that uses beeswax as a natural adhesive to mend cracked turtle shells.
The Palm Beach and Southwest Florida
Beekeepers Associations support all levels of beekeepers, host workshops, promote hive health, advocate for sustainability, and connect the public while celebrating honeybees’ dynamic function.
“Even after all these years, I still love catching swarms, spotting queens, and harvesting quality honey,” said Bender. “I am always amazed by the bees’ skillful work.”
Inspiration For Cul-De-Sac Residents
Created by Jeanie and Dave Jordon on San Lucas, their beautiful landscaping greatly enhances their cul-de-sac!
If you, too, have a cul-de-sac with the center landscaped, please send a photo of it to bslnewspaper@yahoo.com to provide inspiration to other cul-de-sac residents!
Caught On Camera
BSL RESIDENTS TODD AND TERRILL BYRD RESCUING AN INJURED PELICAN ON LAKE HERON FOR TRANSPORT TO PEACE RIVER WILDLIFE CENTER. UNKNOWN.
The SWFL organization of MomCo/MOPS will host a booth at the Friendship United Methodist Church for the Annual Fall Craft & Vendor Show on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at 12275 Paramount Dr., Punta Gorda, in the heart of Tropical Gulf Acres. There will be a veritable smorgasbord of crafts, decorations, baked goods, jewelry, creative bags, and children’s clothing. 100% of the proceeds go to support these young mothers and their preschool children. Please come see us.
You will be impressed!
(Contact Ava at 937-673-8465 for details.)
Florida Fun Fact
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL., IS HOME TO THE ORIGINAL SPRING BREAK
Today, Spring Break is a national phenomenon where college students and party-lovers flock to beaches every spring.
However, all this fun started in this stunning coastal city during the 1960s. This is all thanks to its charming boat canals, balmy beaches, bar-packed streets, upscale dining, entertainment scene, and a laid-back beach party lifestyle.
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.
YOU’RE TALLER IN THE MORNING THAN AT NIGHT
Here’s a weird fact about the human body: When you wake up in the morning, you’re about one centimeter taller. That’s because at night when you’re lying down, the spine stretches and decompresses. But throughout the day, the soft cartilage between your bones gets squashed and compressed, explain British physicians (and twin brothers!) Chris and Xand van Tulleken, co-authors of Operation Ouch!: The HuManual .
October Holidays
OCTOBER 13, 2025
OCTOBER 26, 2025
OCTOBER 31, 2025
HAUNTS & HISTORY TOUR
October Events
Date: Beginning Saturday, October 11 and every Saturday thereafter through April 2026
Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Website: https://swfloridawalkingtours.com/tours-2/ haunts-of-history-tour/
Description: Join tour guide Steve for a two-hour stroll through historic downtown Punta Gorda, where the past comes alive in both fact and folklore. Discover the city’s story from its founding to today and hear real accounts of ghostly encounters at the sites we visit.
Location: Historic Downtown Punta Gorda
Contact Information: Evie Alexander at swfloridawalkingtours@outlook.com
Fees/Admission: Adults $29 / Youth 15 and under $19 / Children in strollers (3 and under) free
TRIBUTE TO JIM MORRIS: TURNING NIGHTS INTO STORIES
Date: Thursday, October 16
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
Website: http://www. militaryheritagemuseum.org
Location: Military Heritage Museum, 900 West Marion Ave., Punta Gorda
Contact Information: Gregg Hansen at ghansen@militaryheritagemuseam.org
Fees/Admission: $41 at ci.ovationtix.com/35397
CELEBRATING MEAT LOAF
Date: Friday, October 17
Time: 8 to 9:30 p.m.
Website: https://casino.hardrock.com/ immokalee
Description: Seminole Casino Hotel
October Events
Immokalee welcomes Celebrating Meat Loaf –Bat Out of Helloween, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show beginning at 8 p.m. Attendees must be 21.
Location: 506 S. 1st St., Immokalee, FL 34142.
Contact Information: Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee at customercare@shrss.com
Fees/Admission: Tickets start at $68 and are available from Ticketmaster or at www.moreinparadise.com. Parking is free.
FRIENDSHIP FALL CRAFT AND VENDOR SHOW
Date: Saturday, October 18
Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Website: www.friendshipumcpuntagorda.com
Description: Local crafters and vendors will be selling a variety of items for holiday gift giving. Also included will be a Bake Sale, with wonderful home baked goods to usher in the fall and holiday seasons. Burger Bench food truck will be onsite. Register as a crafter/vendor for a fee of only $20 (see contact information below).
Location: Friendship United Methodist Church, 12275 Paramount Drive, Punta Gorda
Contact Information: Paula Short at pjsaved3@yahoo.com or at (941) 246-8989
Fees/Admission: FREE to shoppers!
Date: October 25
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Website: www.friendshipumcpuntagorda.com
Description: Please join Friendship United Methodist Church for a Pre-Happy Halloween Trunk or Treat! Candy will be plentiful, popcorn and s’mores will be available, and hot dogs will be roasted over a fire pit! There will also be a Block Party bounce house/slide combo, games with prizes, a fire truck to explore, and Lizzy the Literacy Bus will make an appearance. Come in or out of costume and join in the fun for all ages!
Location: Friendship United Methodist Church, 12275 Paramount Drive, Punta Gorda Contact Information: Paula Short at pjsaved3@yahoo.com or at (941) 246-8989
Fees/Admission: FREE
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 9 to 10:30 p.m.
Website: www.moreinparadise.com
Description: Internationally known Colombian vallenato artist Jorge Celedón will perform at Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee with doors opening at 8 p.m. Attendees must be 21. A multiple Latin Grammy award-winner, Celedón has always been at the forefront of bringing vallenato music to many countries around the world.
Location: Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee, 506 S. 1st St., Immokalee, FL 34142
Fees/Admission: Tickets are available from Ticketmaster or online at www.moreinparadise.com. Parking is free.
TRUNK OR TREAT
JORGE CELEDON