BSL Architectural Review Update – November 2023
By Betty Ingerson, BSL Board of Directors, ARC Liaison
The architectural projects listed in the following table were either approved or conditionally approved by the Burnt Store
Lakes Board of Directors during the Nov. 14, Board meeting.
As of Nov. 28, there were 94 new homes in the construction process. Thirteen new homes have received certificates of occupancy in the current fiscal year (October 2023 to September 2024).
ADDRESS BOARD APPROVED PROJECT NEW HOMES
16491 San Edmundo (right unit) and 16493 San Edmundo Rd (left unit)
16501 San Edmundo (right unit) and 16503 San Edmundo Rd (left unit)
17395 Huancay Ln
16299 Cayman Ln
MULTI-FAMILY DUPLEX: 4,818 Sq Ft (3,180 AC) 1,590 per unit by K. Simon Construction, Inc. Metal roof color Tan. Duplex color Toque White. Trim color Iron Ore. Concrete Driveway. No pool.
MULTI-FAMILY DUPLEX: 4,818 Sq Ft (3,180 AC) 1,590 per unit by K. Simon Construction, Inc. Metal roof color Tan. Duplex color Toque White. Trim color Iron Ore. Concrete Driveway. No pool.
RESUBMITTED HOME: 3,167 Sq Ft (2,183 AC). 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, den, 2 car garage, paver driveway, tile roof, and lake source irrigation by Avant Construction. Tile roof color Florida Blend. Home color Aviar Blue. Trim color Calico Cream. Garage doors color Mushroom Tint. No pool.
HOME: 3,277 Sq Ft (2,058 AC). 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 3 car garage, and metal roof by Avant Construction. Metal roof color Granite Gray. House color Eider White. Trim color Reflective White. Garage door color Scanda. Stone accent on front. Includes pool with 5-ft rear setback waiver and lake source irrigation. OTHER CONSTRUCTION
24292 San Ciprian Rd
23964 Vincent Ave
17105 Barcrest Ln
17268 Vagabond Cir
24182 Santa Inez Rd
16386 Perico Way
16419 Pyreness Ln
ADDITION WITH GARAGE: 2,963 Sq Ft addition to a 2,576 AC Sq Ft existing home (no breezeway) by Timothy Towles, LLC. 1,594 Sq Ft AC, 1,168 Sq Ft for 3 car garage
EXTERIOR PAINT AND TRIM: Repaint home from Yellow with Cream Trim to Sculptor Clay with Dove Trim.
POOL: Replacement pool and cage going into existing footprint by Big Gator Pools and Spas. Cage by Impact Enclosures, Inc. Existing footers being used.
ROOF REPLACEMENT: Tile-to-Tile by Florida Roofing. Newport Plantation Slate Like. Color Taupe with Black Anique.
SHORELINE EROSION CONTROL: Install rip rap system by Superior Waterways.
SHORELINE EROSION CONTROL: Repair existing rip rap by adding fill dirt and installing new rip rap system over previous system by Beautiful Boundaries.
SHORELINE EROSION CONTROL: Install fill dirt to repair shoreline damage and install rip rap system by Beautiful Boundaries.
Our Annual Community Yard Sale is being held on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and a map with the addresses of those residents participating will be available at the main entrance to BSL off Burnt Store Road and at the corner of Vincent and Cape Horn Boulevard.
To that end, if you are planning to sell at the yard sale, please send your name and street address to Paula Short at pjsaved3@yahoo.com to be placed on the map. The deadline for submitting your information is Sunday, Feb. 11.
To ensure a steady stream of bargain hunters, the sale is being advertised on several online event sites.
Join Your Neighbors
located off Rio Togas near
Road Sunday, Jan. 14 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!
Deadline for February articles is Jan. 5 Delivery is week of Jan. 29
Burnt Store
From My Lanai
There are easily 100 reasons why I love living in the Lakes! In addition to the great views (as I sit here and relax), I can’t help but count and recount my blessings.
Today I realize it is Friday, and therefore, I will soon be pulling out my golf cart and heading across the street to the Burnt Store Marina Farmers’
Board Of Directors
Sandy Funk ~ President
Liaison – Long-Range Planning
Thomas Freimark ~ Vice President
Liaison – Beautification and Enhancement
Elisabeth Geltz ~ Secretary
Liaison – Drainage and Swales
David Todd ~ Treasurer
Liaison – Lakes Quality
Richard Hefright ~ Director-At-Large
Liaison – Mechanical and Maintenance
Betty Ingerson ~ Director-At-Large
Liaison – Communications
Liaison – Architectural Review
Richard Mathis ~ Director-At-Large
Liaison – Safety and Preparedness
Board Of Directors
Community Standards
Board of Directors meeting is Tuesday, Jan. 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
Market. In season, every Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., they put on a “show.” I’m not certain if it’s because I enjoy fresh empanadas, the rich and tasty cheese for sale by Stamper’s Cheese, or the Veggie Vendors and the vegetable stand that is my favorite. I always purchase a dozen brown-shelled eggs for a reasonable price, in addition to fresh herbs, tomatoes, berries, and anything that looks good. All this goes into my bag, and I pay a pittance for the pleasure of good eating.
Sometimes I linger in the clothing booths. One lady shared she had a business on Matlacha for years until Ian took it
away. She now travels with her beautiful clothing, bags, and baskets to farmers’ markets to keep her business alive and intact. I always buy from her. Her tenacity is inspiring. This year, two additions include Shari’s Soft Pretzels and Double Trouble Baking. My sweet tooth is my guide. I hope you enjoy the convenience of the free-flowing atmosphere and the treasure of having such bounty at our fingertips. Enjoy!
I’ll just keep counting my blessings while I sit here, on my lanai.
It Was A Nice Idea!
Chapter 6: Resolutions
By Matthew Szuchy, Itwasaniceidea@gmail.com
I hope everyone had a happy holiday! Now that January is upon us, it is time for that stupid tradition of making resolutions. Even if that is not your thing, I’m sure you have thought about what you need to change. It is that time of year when we have to think about all those great things we do, and stop doing them, and all those dreadful things we don’t do and have to start doing. Things we love that we need to stop: drinking, eating, sitting around, making fun of people behind their backs – you know, the usual great things. Things we hate but have to start doing: exercising, getting more in touch with family, dieting, paying bills on time, etc. Actually, those are my things, but I’m sure yours are similar. Anyway, I thought about this and how to best approach doing the right things in a way that will not be that bad.
For example, eating right. You have to limit your steak and other indulgences. Everything in moderation. I love surf and turf. But what about having steak one night and lobster the next? Sometimes working on the psychological factor can be helpful. It makes
you feel better about yourself, while really not changing at all.
For example, instead of drinking two 750mL bottles of Chardonnay in a day, just drink one 1.5L bottle. Psychologically you feel better because you are only drinking one bottle instead of two. Hey, it’s a start. I did start playing pickleball. It is exercise for sure, and truthfully, it is really fun! If I’m getting up and out of the house before 7:30 a.m., it has got to be fun! Before this, the only time I was up at 6:30 a.m. was when I hadn’t gone to bed yet! I had pictures taken of me in action on the court so I could show my friends up north, because they know me and would not believe it without proof! And pickleball is a two-for-one! Since the people I play with are so nice, there is no need to talk about them behind their backs – unless it is about good things.
My start on making good choices and sticking to my resolutions is going to work. It may not be perfect, but it is a start. So, it really is a nice idea!
Stay tuned for Chapter 7: The Winter.
Ava Ritter
Dear friend,
“I Just Don’t Believe That…”
When I meet people in town, they usually say, “Oh, yeah, I know you, you’re that doctor with the beard on TV.” Well, perhaps I should tell you a little more about myself, the picture from television and why I use it in my ads.
Let’s start with me, the guy with the beard. Ten years ago I was living here in Florida. At that time my mother was down visiting from New Jersey for the season when she showed up in my clinic with a frozen shoulder. She was desperate and in pain having lost practically all use of her dominant arm. She could hardly fix her hair, reach for a coffee cup or even fasten her brassiere. Basic hygiene had become extremely difficult for her. She was afraid, because the two orthopedic surgeons that she had consulted told her, “Your only option is to have your shoulder replaced.” I remember saying to my mother, “I just don’t believe that.”
Now at that time I was a chiropractor who worked primarily on the spine. Frankly… I didn’t know how I was going to help her. I just knew there was a nonsurgical solution out there and I was going to find it.
And boy did I find it! I found the answer to my mother’s shoulder problem and much, much more. And where did I find it? Of all places, I found it at the birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo, Mississippi. Immediately I hopped on a plane and flew into Memphis, rented a car and drove out to a chiropractic neurologist who was willing to teach me how to fix my mother’s frozen shoulder. I spent three days in his clinic shadowing him, learning a new technique I had never even heard about before. Eager to help my mother, I developed this new skill set quickly. When I returned to Florida I wanted to be able to immediately fix my mother’s shoulder.
And that’s exactly what happened. After I performed the first Non-Surgical Operation on her shoulder, her pain went away significantly and she recovered to nearly full range of motion. She was so happy that she avoided surgery and got her life back.
It’s strange how life is, because that same doctor who showed me how to fix my mother’s shoulder opened up his treasure chest of knowledge and showed me how to help people with chronic knee, neck, low back pain and those suffering with neuropathy in their hands and feet, all without the use of Drugs, Surgery or Injections.
I spent the next several months flying back and forth to Mississippi learning all that I could.
Many years later we now have over one thousand successful patient testimonials. Many of them were told by their doctors that their only option was to have their knee or shoulder replaced or to take toxic drugs for the rest of their lives to mask their neuropathy symptoms.
Al was one of those patients who was told he had ‘bone on bone’ degeneration. His knee stopped unlocking properly, similar to what I’m describing in the photo, and he was facing knee replacement surgery. He was suffering from chronic degenerative knee pain, couldn’t walk properly and was easily holding onto 60 pounds of excess body weight. His doctors would have eagerly scheduled him for a knee replacement surgery had he decided to go in that direction.
Immediately after the Non-Surgical Operation I performed on Al’s knee, he was squatting and walking up and down the stairs normally without pain.
Al is now in his early 70s touring Alaska in his RV. He has dropped over 60 pounds and is biking 15 - 20 miles per day and loving life. He regularly sends me great pictures from his adventures.
Joyce was told by her oncologist, “There’s nothing that can be done.” She would have to live with the chemo-induced neuropathy in her hands and feet. Hot and cold were indistinguishable and the numbness and tingling made it impossible for her to walk any distance.
Joyce was a cancer survivor only to have come out on the other side with another debilitating condition. She and her husband showed up in my clinic and told me what their medical doctor had said. I told her the same thing I told my mother, “I just don’t believe that.”
After a thorough neurological examination and report of findings she trusted me enough to follow my protocols. Within two weeks her numbness and tingling in her feet subsided and the feeling was coming back.. After 12 weeks she was feeling the sand between her toes as she walked along the beach again. At her one year checkup Joyce’s sensory loss had improved over 80% overall to within the normal range… She is all smiles these days!
You should know that I don’t heal anyone of anything. What I do is perform a specific non-surgical operation that resets the communication between the brain and knee or shoulder, instantly decreasing pain and inflammation, increasing strength and flexibility and helping with tissue healing. For our neuropathy patients we have a 4 step, proven approach that heals your nerves and reverses your symptoms. We get tremendous results. It’s as simple as that!We get tremendous results. It’s as simple as that!
Today in the United States medical doctors are prescribing more drugs than ever before. These drugs are designed to cover up symptoms as your condition gets worse underneath the surface. The toxicity from the daily use of these chemicals ultimately leads to nasty side-effects and more drugs to treat the new symptoms. The current “healthcare” system was built to maintain your condition, not fix it. It’s a brilliant business model for the pharmaceutical industry and the hospitals, but a horrible strategy to follow if one is looking to age gracefully.
That’s where my practice comes in. I have found a way so that more people are able to afford the treatment they need, even those on a fixed income with or without health insurance coverage. One Non-Surgical Operation in my clinic could cost what you’d pay for just the deductible of a joint replacement surgery.
You Benefit from a Unique Offer…When you bring in this article, you will receive a FREE CONSULTATION with me to determine whether you are a good candidate for our Non-Surgical Knee or Shoulder Operation. If you’re being seen for Neuropathy we will take a thermal image of your feet at no charge to you. This will give me enough information to know whether I can help you. Once we determine you’re a good candidate and you feel comfortable in my clinic the complete examination is only $197. That’s it, for the entire neurological examination & report of findings. This examination & report could cost you over $500 elsewhere. But, please
call right away because this offer expires on January 1, 2024, and I don’t want you to miss out. By the way, further care is very affordable and you’ll be happy to know that the non-surgical, drug free therapies and procedures performed in my clinic can cost as little as $300 per month. You see, I’m not trying to seduce you to come see me with this low start up fee, then to only make it up with high fees after that. Further care is very important to consider when making your choice of doctor because higher costs can add up very quickly.
“You shouldn’t be forced to choose drugs and surgery just because that’s the only treatment medicare and your insurance company will cover.”
You should know a little about my qualifications. That’s important so that there’s no misunderstanding about the quality of care. I’m the bestselling author of Breaking The Cycle - how to take control of your life when traditional medicine has failed. An amazon #1 new release in three categories. I’m a graduate of Life University School of Chiropractic practicing since 1998. I am a licensed chiropractic physician certified in functional neurology. I’ve been entrusted to take care of avid morning walkers, pro-athletes and business tycoons you may have heard of.
My office is called Active Health Brain & Body and it is located at 6710 Winkler Road, Suite #1. It’s the gray Key West-style building at the corner of Cypress Lake Drive and Winkler Road behind the Bank of America. The phone number is 239-482-8686. Please call my wonderful assistants Megan or Silvia today to make an appointment.
I wish you the Very Best in Health and Life!
Dr. Rob Davis, DC
P.S. When accompanied by the first, I am also offering the second family member this same examination for only $97.
P.P.S. Your time is as valuable to you as mine is to me. That’s why I have a “no wait” policy. It is highly unusual to wait more than a few minutes in my office.
his story of how he avoided a total knee replacement surgery.
My mother and I featured in a local publication for nonsurgical shoulder solutions.
Joyce is all smiles at her one year checkup. No more neuropathy!
The Cooking Lesson
By J. Boughner
On an early afternoon in late October, we went to a fabulous chef’s house for my husband, Arnie’s, first cooking lesson. This was a birthday present from me. We are residents of Burnt Store Marina. Arnie was going to learn how to make Italian sauce, meatballs, Chicken Parmesan, and garlic bread. As he is a dedicated “foodie” this was a perfect gift!
Sandra and Arnie Arnie, Ted, and Sandra
Chefs Sandra and Ted, Burnt Store Lakes residents, had assembled all the ingredients and pots and pans much like your favorite TV cooking show would do. Aprons were donned and Arnie said, “The best cooks are Italian,” (he isn’t but Chef Sandra is). That apron probably helped with the final outcome!
First, they built the sauce. Bunches of fresh herbs, endless amounts of garlic, onions, and copious handfuls of shredded Parmesan cheese were food processed and mixed into the tomato sauce and meatballs. The joy of hand rolling 4 pounds of meatballs was only surpassed by the aromas going on in the kitchen.
Predator Birds
What Florida bird is the apex or top predator? There is a good selection from which to choose.
The birds listed below are most often seen in our area. However, there are many others that are migratory. The answer may fool you and will be at the end of the article. With most of these birds, the female is usually about 15 percent larger than the male.
American Bald Eagle
This is our national bird with a wingspan of about 7 feet and a weight of about 9 pounds. They are not on the endangered list but are protected more than most birds. Audubon Eagle Watch monitors these birds now that Florida Wildlife has stopped broadly monitoring them. We are fortunate to have two eagle nests in BSL. Florida has the third most eagles in the United States. Their diet is fish and land critters, and they can carry about 4 to 5 pounds. They weigh about 10 pounds and are not sexually mature until 5 years of age when their brown head and tail turn white. And no, they cannot pick up your 10-pound dog!
American Kestrel
This is the smallest and most common falcon in Florida. Its wingspan is about 23 inches, and it weighs about 5 ounces. They are most seen on power lines along the unpopulated roads in our area. They eat small critters like mice and moles. Barn Owl
They are not seen very often in our immediate area but are more common a little north of here, in the areas where there are barns or farmers’ outbuildings. They feed on smaller mammals like mice and fruit rats. They have a wingspan of about 37 inches and weigh about 15 ounces. There are three subspecies in the United States.
Barred Owl
These are one of the easiest owls to find in our area. They like pine trees for hiding during daylight hours. They have a familiar eight-note call of “Who cooks for you – who cooks for you all.” Their wingspan is about 44 inches with a weight of less than 30 ounces. They feed on small mammals and small snakes.
Burrowing Owl
These ground-living critters were once part of BSL but have moved on as we get more populated. They live
Just as the first batch of meatballs was done the doorbell rang. Some neighbors stopped over just in time for what Chef Sandra called “the intermission.” A few meatballs were smashed and put between Italian five grain bread and passed around with glasses of wine. Everyone shared stories of how their “nonnas” would make their sauces and meatballs and fried dough.
A very interesting side story surfaced about two cats named Hansel and Gretel and how Hansel couldn’t get the hang of making kittens, so an outsider Himalayan was brought in! Then back to the cooking.
While the sauce needed to simmer for four more hours
and breed underground in their 10-foot-long tunnels or old gopher tortoise holes. They eat insects and small mammals. They weigh about 6 ounces and have a wingspan of 24 inches. Several hundred can be seen while driving around Cape Coral neighborhoods. Their numbers are dropping because of iguanas, feral cats, and human encroachment.
Great Horned Owl
These are the largest owls in the Southeast United States. Their habitat is primarily pine trees, but they will use any tree that provides them with cover. Their five-note call is like “I’m still up – you too.” They have a wingspan of about 54 inches and weigh about 3 to 4 pounds. Like all owls, they are very silent flyers. When they are gliding in for the kill, they make no noise at all! These birds can carry up to three times their weight. However, they would much prefer a fruit rat, which goes down in one gulp. Their grip is about 500 psi, which is the same as a bull shark.
Osprey
This bird species is probably the most frequently seen in our area, with nests on poles all over. They feed primarily on fish that they dive for, grabbing the fish with strong, very sharp 1½-inch talons. Very rarely will you see an osprey carrying food other than a fish. It has a wingspan of about 68 inches and weighs a bit over 4 pounds. People who own sailboats don’t like them because their favorite perches are on the boat’s mast or spreaders, which results in a messy deck.
Red-Tailed Hawk
These birds are more common north of Florida, but they do visit us from time to time. Its wingspan is about 50 inches, and it weighs about 3 pounds. They eat small to medium-sized mammals like rabbits.
to arrive at its amazing flavor, the Chicken Parmesan was coated, sautéed, and put in the oven to bake. Lastly, the homemade garlic bread and tossed salad were prepared.
Finally, dinner was served. It was so delicious. It was like dining at our favorite Italian restaurant. Pavarotti was singing in the background, and candles set the tone. The evening ended with a coconut cake, Tiramisu, and a harvest moon.
Sometimes the best gifts are gifts of sharing experiences where you learn something new with exciting and talented friends. Chow!
Red-Shouldered Hawk
Some of these birds remain here year-round, but many migrate back to Florida. They have about a 42inch wingspan and weigh 25 ounces. They feed on small mammals like the red-tailed hawk.
Screech Owl
Small but mighty, these little 5-ounce birds with a wingspan of 23 inches are quite the predator for their size. They feed on small mammals. The most popular all-white screech owl in the world is Luna at Peace River Wildlife Center. Typical screech owls use their brown feathers to camouflage themselves.
Black And Turkey Vultures
I am not including these in the predator group, because they primarily eat only dead critters. However, they may also go after a living critter that is almost dead.
Other Birds
The following birds are not common in our area or only visit us when the weather is too cold up north: swallowtailed kite, snail kite, northern harrier, broad-winged hawk, peregrine falcon, and a few others.
The apex predator is the Great Horned Owl. It is the prime (apex) local predator of all the other birds listed and of most medium mammals. It can carry up to three times its weight of about three times 4 pounds, or 12 pounds. It is the only bird that can take on a bald eagle and win.
Some may remember the eagles Ozzie and Harriet in North Fort Myers. Ozzie was taken out by a great horned owl. Eagle Watch says several eagles are taken out by these owls each year. Two years ago, a great horned owl took out the two baby eagles from the owl nest in our BSL park. The photo included in this article is one attacking a critter.
Our smallest predator bird is the loggerhead shrike weighing in at 1.8 ounces and with a 10-inch wingspan.
The largest living bird in the world is the Andean condor at 30 pounds and a wingspan of 12 feet.
Pictures of our magnificent birds can be found at Audubon. com or Merlin Bird ID.
Bill Kimber, Florida Master Naturalist, kimber.bill@yahoo.com
Bella, the great horned owl at Peace River Wildlife Center
Gliding in for a kill!
The grand finale!
Allison James Estates & Homes
Burnt Store Lakes 24342 Saragossa Ln.
$649,999
BSLPOA Website
Golf Fox Condo 2080 Big Pass Lane Unit B
Burnt Store Lakes waterfront pool home featuring 3 bedrooms + 2 baths + 3 Car Garage and over 2200+ sq ft of living space. NEW Roof installed 2023 Pirate Harbor 24397 Treasure Island Blvd.
$789,000
Best View in Marina South Shore. Furnished Turnkey/3 Bed/2 Bath/ Private Garage, Glass Enclosed Lanai Included in the 2,592 Sq. Ft. Expansive 2,000 Ft. Waterfront Views of the Harbor and Marina.
Pirate Harbor 24231 Captain Kidd Blvd.
$660,000
Gulf Access Canal-Front Home Two Bed/Two Bath/Oversized Garage Incredible Views + Boat House + Concrete Seawall
Punta Gorda Isles 2001 Bal Harbor Blvd. #2201
&
$829,000
Access Canal-Front Home Four Beds/Two Baths/Three Car Garage 100 Ft Seawall with Boat Lift w/ Canopy & Davits with Concrete Dock
Punta Gorda Isles 2327 Via Veneto Drive
$400,000
Gulf Access Canal-Front Vacant Lot. Sailboat Water, No Bridges! Huge Lot. Close to Downtown and Riverfront Over 70 Ft. Concrete Seawall
$350,000 Ground Floor End Unit Two Bedroom, Two Bath, Private One Car Garage and Glass Enclosed Lanai Low Monthly $480, Turnkey Furnished Burnt Store Lakes 17440 -17462 Belie Way
$59,500 Per Lot
Colleen
Did You Know… Squirrels Are Behind Most Power Outages In The United States
The American Public Power Association (APPA) says that squirrels are the most frequent cause of power outages in the United States. The APPA even developed a data tracker called
“The Squirrel Index” that analyzes the patterns and timing of squirrels’ impact on electrical power systems. Turns out, the peak times of the year for squirrel attacks are from May to June and October to November.
Typically, the squirrels cause problems by tunneling, chewing through electrical insulation, or becoming a current path between electrical conductors.
“Frankly, the No. 1 threat experienced to date by the United States electrical grid is squirrels,” said John C. Inglis, the former deputy director of the National Security Agency (NSA), in 2015.
January Events
Saturday Wine And Craft Beer Tasting
Date: Saturday, Jan. 13
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Website: www.pgchocolateandwine.com
Event Description: Wine tastings are back! We have an International Wine and Craft Beer Tasting every Saturday, year-round, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We focus on small boutique international vineyards and small international brewery craft beers. Reservations are encouraged but not required. It includes a wonderful 15-minute tasting with our shop owner Steph Herndon as your guide. Then, take a seat outside from noon until 3 p.m. and listen to some “Sweet Sounds of Saturdays” with live music from local musicians!
Location: On the 41 side of the Downtown Punta Gorda Herald Court Centre, underneath the free parking garage
Contact Information: On Facebook at Punta Gorda
Chocolate and Wine, by message or phone at (941) 505-0479, or by email at pgchocolateandwine@gmail.com
Fees/Admission: Free!
Bingo Blowout
Date: Saturday, Jan. 13
Time: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Website: www. volunteercare.org/bingo
Event Description:
Fundraising event for Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic. Also includes a chance auction, 50/50, lottery tree, cash bar, and extra bonus game!
Location: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Event Center, 24411 Rampart Blvd., Port Charlotte
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 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
Contact Information: Barbara Wastart at bwastart@ volunteercare.org
Fees/Admission: $50 which includes 10 game bingo cards and lunch. Tickets are on sale at www.volunteercare.com.
Punta Gorda Harbor Hustle 5K
Date: Sunday, Jan. 14
Time: 8 to 10:30 a.m.
Website: www.ymcaswfl.org
Event Description: Start the new year off on the right foot and join our family-friendly 3.1-Mile Run/Walk and 1-Mile Dash along beautiful Charlotte Harbor! All proceeds will benefit the YMCA of Southwest Florida Children and Families Scholarship Fund. Location: Laishley Park, 150 Laishley Road, Punta Gorda
Contact Information: Call (941) 505-0999.
Fees/Admission: Adults: Prior to event $35. Day of race $40. 17 years and under $15. 1-Mile Dash $10.
“The History Of Punta Gorda Through Its Murals”
History Class
Date: Tuesday, Jan. 30 and Wednesday, Jan. 31
Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Event Description: Join the Punta Gorda Mural Society as we present the history of the area as told through the murals throughout our beautiful city. Visit all the murals from the comfort of your classroom seat while we present 450-plus years of local history using the murals as a guide. Hear about the Mural Society and get a sneak peek of upcoming projects. Class size is limited so register early at www.puntagordamurals.org.
Location: Punta Gorda Charlotte Library, 401 Shreve St., Punta Gorda
Contact Information: Kelly Gaylord at www. puntagordamurals.org
Fees/Admission: $30
Go Slow, Look Out Below
Manatees are on the move to warmer waters.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is reminding you that it’s a critical time for boaters to be on the lookout for manatees as they travel to warmer water sites around the state.
Manatees need to access water that is warmer than 68 degrees Fahrenheit to survive the winter. As temperatures start to dip, manatees travel to Florida springs, power plant discharge areas, and other warm water until temperatures rise again in the spring.
Manatees, though large, can be challenging to see in the water. Boaters can better spot manatees by wearing polarized glasses, going slow, and abiding by all manatee protection zones.
During colder months, seasonal manatee zones require boaters and personal watercraft users to reduce
speed in or avoid certain areas to prevent collisions that can injure or kill manatees. Manatee protection zones are marked by waterway signs; maps of these zones are available online at MyFWC.com/MPZ.
Boat strikes are a major threat to Florida manatees. FWC law enforcement officers patrol state waters, informing boaters of seasonal manatee speed zones and taking appropriate enforcement actions when necessary. Boaters and personal watercraft users are reminded to comply with the regulatory signs on waterways.
When viewing manatees as they congregate at warmwater sites, it is important to give them space. Disturbing manatees at these sites can cause them to swim out of protected areas and into potentially life-threatening cold water. Manatees are a protected species, and it is illegal to harass, feed, disturb, or harm them.
If you see an injured, distressed, sick, or dead manatee, report it to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at (888) 404-FWCC (3922) so that trained responders can assist.
PLUMBING SERVICES
• Whole House Repipes
• Backflow valves
• Comfort height toilets & grab bars
• Shower faucets
• Sinks, faucets & under sink infiltration
• Garbage Disposals • Pool heat pumps • Water heaters
The mission of the Peace River Wildlife Center is to contribute to the survival of native Florida wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation, and education.
What’s New With Peace River Wildlife Center (PRWC)?
➢ During the month of November, PRWC admitted 136 animals. This brings our year-to-date total to 2,251.
➢ Our rehabilitation team released 16 animals back into the wild during the month of September.
➢ Our education center and gift shop at Ponce Park are open to the public for visits from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.
➢ Our wildlife hospital located at 223 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for injured animal care.
➢ Education center and hospital hours may vary during times of inclement weather. Please contact the office by email, telephone, or consult our website before planning your visit during adverse weather conditions. The education center and gift shop at Ponce Park will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., on New Year’s Day. The wildlife hospital will be open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on New Year’s Day for injured wildlife intake.
➢ PRWC is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that receives no state or federal funding. We depend on the generosity of donors like you to help us care for our native Florida wildlife.
Bobcat Update
By now, many of you know about the juvenile bobcat PRWC admitted on Oct. 31 with a fractured pelvis and believed to have been hit by a car. She was thin and dehydrated but, in otherwise, surprisingly good health.
Happily, after several weeks of strict cage rest, her pelvic fractures are healing nicely and are well aligned. This is particularly important for her since a misaligned pelvis would make childbirth difficult or impossible.
Because PRWC lacks the appropriate caging for her to continue convalescing, she will be transferred to another wildlife rehabilitation center with more room to grow while recovering – after which, she’ll be returned to the wild.
Our entire rehab crew did an excellent job caring for this feisty little “tornado with claws.”
Stuck In A Serious Situation
On Nov. 20, an adult eastern screech owl was found entangled in sticky fly paper. It was brought to us exhausted from trying to
PPYC Open House
Platinum Point Yacht Club, 3601 Cape Cole Blvd., Punta Gorda, Fla. Open To The Public
You are invited to Platinum Point Yacht Club’s (PPYC) Open House on Sunday, Jan. 7 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Food and drinks will be provided. Stop by, we would love to tell you about PPYC. Boaters and non-boaters are welcome!
Platinum Point Yacht Club is offering a fantastic promotion:
• Discounted dues for singles and couples this season!
• Available until March 31, 2024.
• Also includes a PPYC tote bag and two caps/visors. As a member of this year-round club, you will enjoy many on-water and on-land activities with new friends.
Boat ownership is not required as PPYC offers a variety of activities. Ongoing events in season are Monday sailboat racing, monthly overnight cruises, monthly parties, jam sessions on Sunday evenings, Happy Hour Tuesday and Friday, games, special interest activities, and more. If you are considering joining PPYC, don’t miss the opportunity to receive PPYC’s promotions in your first season. For more information contact Club Administrator Dorothy Saviste at (941) 639-0733, office@ppycbsm.org or Membership Chair Vanessa Jordan at (817) 235-7361, vlwjordan@gmail.com.
escape, only to get itself more and more coated in glue. It was left alone for a short period of time to recover from the stress, but we wanted to start treatment as soon as possible. We gently applied coconut oil to its feathers as we teased the glue trap off, trying not to pull the feathers out. Then many warm water baths with Dawn dish soap ensued to get the oil off his feathers. Oil, Dawn, rinse, and repeat. It had to rest for long periods of time between bathing sessions.
The exciting thing for us was that after the first night here, the owl ate the mouse we offered. Most patients are reluctant to eat when brought into captivity. This little one must have had a strong will to live and hasn’t looked back. It was eventually placed in an outdoor cage and quickly built up strength for release back to its home territory.
Please keep this in mind when hanging or discarding sticky traps. Using this type of pest control can unintentionally wreak havoc on other forms of wildlife. What To Get For The Person Who Has Everything
Here’s a gift that will last a lifetime! Perfect for the person on your gift list who has everything or for a special remembrance, life event, or anniversary!
Leave a legacy by purchasing a brick paver for PRWC’s future home. Purchase today by logging onto www.polarengraving.com.
Peace River Wildlife Center, 3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, (941) 637-3830, www.prwildlife.org.
Adopt An Animal
Become an integral part of PRWC through annual memberships or adoptions. Learn more by logging onto www.prwildlife.org.
Take Legolas the gopher tortoise home with you –symbolically, of course – by clicking on the “Adoption” link at prwildlife.org.
