BSL Architectural Review Update – March 2024
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 March 2024 Board Meeting.
As of Feb. 29, there were 93 new homes in the construction process; 30 new homes have received Certificates of Occupancy in the current fiscal year (October 2023 to September 2024).
ADDRESS BOARD APPROVED PROJECT
NEW HOMES
17349 Yosemite Ct. SPEC HOME: 3,828 Sq. Ft. (2,801 AC). 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, den, concrete driveway, metal roof color Brown (SRI 35/38) by Enrique Guerero. House Dark White, trim Brown. Lake source Irrigation. No pool.
17370 Ophir Ln. SPEC HOME: 2,755 Sq Ft (1,950 AC). 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, paver driveway, and 2 car garage by Ferrara Construction Services. No pool. Tile roof color Cayon Dusk Blend. Home color White, trim color Gray. 16285 Cape Horn Blvd. SPEC HOME: 3,360 Sq Ft (2,217 AC). 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, office/den, 3 car garage, concrete driveway, and tile roof Brown/Black by FCF Construction Corp. No pool. Home color Alabaster. 16456 Cape Horn Blvd. SPEC HOME: 3,360 Sq Ft (2,217 AC). 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, office/den, 3 car garage, concrete driveway, and tile roof Brown/Black by FCF Construction Corp. No pool. Home color Site White.
OTHER CONSTRUCTION
17425 Muscat Ln.
DRIVEWAY CHANGE: Remove and replace current cement driveway due to lifting caused by Hurricane Ian. Contractor is Ads Construction Group.
24046 Vincent Ave. FENCE: Black aluminum fence with one gate by Fence Dynamics. 4 ft x 6 ft sections, 219 ft total length.
16768 San Edmundo Rd. FENCE: Aluminum Black/Bronze 2-rail, 4 ft high, approximately 372 ft long, pool-code fence with one single gate and one double gate. Installation by owner.
24332 Nicobar Ln. ENCLOSURE SHIELD: 6 ft high x 8 ft long, white vinyl enclosure shield with one gate to block view of garbage cans. Install 4 ft back from home front on left side of home. Installation by owner.
17046 Torreon Ln. ROOF: Tile-to-Metal. Change roof color to Charcoal Gray (SRI 28). NOTE: Previously approved but want to change roof color.
17208 Barcrest Ln.
ROOF: Tile-to-Tile by Construct 4U, LLC. Slate style tile. Roof color Chestnut Brown.
17277 Butternut Ct. ROOF: Tile-to-Metal by Florida Roofing. Roof color Buckskin (SRI 43).
24049 Cedar Rapids Rd. ROOF: Tile-to-Metal by CMR Construction. Roof color Rosa Stonewood Shake in Cedar.
17208 Barcrest Ln.
17378 Cape Horn Blvd.
24378 Belize Ct.
16366 Perico Way
24072 Bundy Ct.
17148 Mint Ln.
EXTERIOR PAINT & TRIM: Paint home Nantucket Dune. Paint trim Roman Column/Turkish Coffee by owner.
EXTERIOR PAINT & TRIM: Repaint home from Cream with Brown trim to Argos (light gray) with Cityscape (dark gray) trim by owner.
EXTERIOR PAINT & TRIM: Repaint home from Light Beige with Dark Beige trim to Perfect Greige with Extra White trim and doors in Spalding Gray by owner.
EXTERIOR PAINT & TRIM: Repaint home from Tan with Light Tan trim to Dark Tan (Renwick Rose Beige) with same Light Tan trim (Renwick Beige) by Avant.
SHORELINE EROSION CONTROL: By Beautiful Boundaries. Install dirt to fill extensive erosion area and then rip rap (6-12″) on 100 ft of shoreline with weed mat under rock.
SHORELINE EROSION CONTROL: By Solitude Lake Management. Install 160 ft of Dredgesox erosion control materials to stop erosion.
17290 Sagehorn Ln. IRRIGATION WELL: Irrigation well installation by Ray Newberry Well Drilling. Located in rear right of property.
Located off Rio Togas near Burnt Store Road. Sunday, May 12 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 is always provided. Come for the food and stay for the fellowship and fun! We hope to see EVERYONE there!
Dogs On Leashes And Waste Removal
In accordance with Charlotte County Ordinance (Section 1-4-31 – Dogs running at large), all dogs must always be leashed. This includes Burnt Store Lakes – notably the park and common areas.
As a matter of courtesy, pet waste should be picked up and deposited in the waste containers the Association has provided at various stations throughout the community or taken home with you for deposal.
There have been several complaints regarding these issues, so please be considerate of your neighbors. Dawn Caniff, Community Association Manager
for June articles is May 5 Delivery is week of May 28
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, May 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
Memorial Day - May 27
Hydrology/Hydraulic Study Update
Over the last two years, the need for a hydrology/ hydraulic study for the Burnt Store area became evident due to concerns about the effects of new development on the watershed and impact on older established communities and Charlotte Harbor. This study is one of several priorities that the Burnt Store Corridor Coalition (BSCC) identified for inclusion in an updated and revised Burnt Store Area Plan (BSAP).
The topic was first raised by the Burnt Store Village-Woodland Estates Street and Drainage Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU) and subsequently became an action item for the South Charlotte Stormwater (SCSW) MSBU Advisory Board. In response to concerns by residents from the southernmost communities, including Burnt Store Lakes, Pirate Harbor, Burnt Store Village, Woodland Estates and Burnt Store Colony, the county convened a special meeting of the SCSW MSBU in early January. Subsequently, the SCSW MSBU Advisory Board recommended that the county move forward in developing a scope of services and requesting bids for the study.
Why is the study needed? Though assurances have been made by the county that all newly approved developments must meet established standards, post-development drainage must go to the location in which pre-development drainage is going. Therefore, no new water should be going to any of the established waterways once these new areas are developed While the burden is on the new developments to comply with this
standard through retention/detention ponds and other structures, it has been the experience of the established communities that water flow into their communities has been negatively affected. This study is intended to help the county, as well as new developments and existing communities, to better understand changes in the watershed and make recommendations regarding how best to address these issues to minimize negative effects on established communities and the harbor.
What is the process? Per request by the SCSW MSBU Advisory Board and the BSCC, the scope of services was provided for review by subject matter experts (SME) in each of the affected communities. This resulted in a review by the county of concerns, which were addressed at the regularly scheduled quarterly MSBU meeting in April 2024. At the time of this writing, the request for proposals, including the scope of services, will be published in local newspapers, and disseminated to engineering firms knowledgeable about drainage and hydrology/hydraulics. Once proposals are received, a committee comprised of county staff and representatives from the MSBU and/or SMEs will be convened to rate the proposals. Once the proposals have been ranked with respect to level of understanding of the issues and proposed deliverables using a common rating scale, prospective vendors will be interviewed by the review panel and negotiations regarding cost will commence. It is expected that the process of securing a vendor will take between 60 and 90 days depending on the length of negotiations.
Mary Ellen Kiss, Ph.D., Chair of the South Charlotte Storm Water MSBU Advisory Board and John Fleming, Chair of the Burnt Store Corridor Coalition
Burnt Store Road Expansion Program Update
Both Charlotte and Lee Counties have as a priority the widening project of Burnt Store Road from Van Buren Avenue to the county line at Vincent and the additional 1,000-plus feet into Charlotte County. This commitment was affirmed at various Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) meetings, the Burnt Store Corridor Coalition (BSCC) Community Forum and at Board of County Commissioners meetings from both Charlotte and Lee Counties. In addition, individual meetings were held with our federal and state legislators, as well as with individual commissioners from both counties. Below is a summary of the status of the project.
▪ The Project Development and Environments (PD&E) study that was viewed by the public in August of 2022 is expected to be completed by the end of 2024 by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). At that time, another public hearing will be held and the project will be turned over to Lee County.
▪ This PD&E phase is being completed in conjunction with initial stages of the Design-Build Phase, which is being done by Lee County. During this time, a consultant will be hired to finalize the design plans. This preliminary design phase is being funded with federal and county funds and expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The design phase will also take into consideration the 1,000 feet that needs to be completed in Charlotte County.
▪ The total project is expected to cost approximately $217 million.
▪ Actual construction is expected to take two years. The start and completion dates of construction are dependent on the availability of funds. Currently the BSCC along with
the MPOs and County Boards of Commissioners from both counties are working with the state and federal governments to move this project forward as early as possible.
▪ The construction of the project will most likely be done in segments due to the high cost and available funding. No determination has been made on the segments or from which end the project would start first.
Currently, a traffic light or roundabout at the intersection of Burnt Store Road and Vincent Avenue is under consideration but is not finalized in the plans. FDOT is hiring consultants to perform an Intersection Control Evaluation analysis. This analysis will look at all intersection devices regarding traffic signalization, roundabout, directional median openings, and any other type of device in the traffic engineer’s toolbox. Results of this analysis will become available for review by both counties and will be posted on their websites for public use. The 1,000 feet of roadway north of the Charlotte/Lee County line presents unique problems which will be addressed in this analysis.
Charlotte County Public Works has initiated a transportation study to assess a preferred future East/West roadway alignment to connect Burnt Store Road to U.S. 41. The study analyzed alternate alignments, access management, typical sections, preliminary right-of-way, and storm retention needs associated with the proposed roadway alternatives. The study indicated that the East/West connection would be needed within the 2030 to 2035 time frame. Traffic modeling assessments indicated that the East/West connection would need to be widened from two lanes to four lanes by 2045 and segments of Burnt Store Road will need to be widened to six lanes by 2045 as well.
Burnt Store Coalition Contributors John Fleming, Chair, Mary Ellen Kiss, Jerry Newmin
Burnt Store Area Plan Update
Recent History/Background
On Feb. 8 the Burnt Store Corridor Coalition (BSCC) hosted a community forum at the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church. Over 200 residents representing the 12 member HOAs/POAs in Charlotte and Lee counties, as well as other interested citizens attended. Elected officials and representatives from the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), public safety and support staff from both counties served as resources for comment and to answer questions and concerns.
As a result of the community forum, a workshop was scheduled by the Board of County Commissioners of Charlotte County for March 19 to address the need to update the 2005 Burnt Store Area Plan (BSAP). Following this workshop, the Board of County Commissioners scheduled time for a public hearing on April 23. Below is a summary of the major areas of BSCC and resident concern.
1. Revising/Updating the 2005 BSAP: The county should move forward with convening a group of
stakeholders representing the corridor, including residents, owners of commercial properties, wildlife, and environmental experts, as well as county officials in both Charlotte and Lee counties to formulate a plan to update the BSAP.
2. Residential Development: As the county is aware, the current spurt in residential development is of great concern to the established communities. Reference is made in the 2005 BSAP that maintenance for these communities must be a priority to assure that the quality of life in these neighborhoods is upheld to the highest standards. There is particular concern about the watershed and effects of new development on established blueways and the harbor.
3. Burnt Store Road Safety and Lee County Road Widening Project: Associated with the growth of residential development are concerns about road safety Burnt Store Area Plan Update on page 4
“I
Just Don’t Believe That…”
Dear friend,
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 May 31, 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.
Al
telling 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 American Alligator – The Florida State Reptile
Love is in the air for the Burnt Store alligators.
The American alligator has been around for about 100 million years primarily in fresh or slightly brackish water. It was an endangered species until 1987 and is now considered as a reptile of least concern. They are apex predators, which means there are no predators other than humans that would mess with them. Crocodiles are usually not in our immediate area and prefer saltwater, like in the Everglades. Alligators range from South Carolina, around Florida, and over to Texas. Surprisingly, Florida is number two in numbers of gators. Louisiana is number one.
They primarily eat fish, birds, mammals, soft shell water turtles, and amphibians.
Depending on their diet, the males can grow from 10 to 15 feet and the females 8 to 10 feet. The record was a male measuring 19 feet 2 inches, over 2,000 pounds, and 43 years old. Their average lifespan is about 50 to 70 years, again depending on diet.
The males start calling or grunting using “infrasound” in April and May. They may move around several lakes until they find a female. During this time, they are more dangerous.
The female makes a nest of twigs, mud and leaves usually near water. She lays about 30 or more eggs and covers them with branches and leaves. They incubate in about 65 days. The nest temperature determines the sex of the babies; female nest temperature is 88 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and the male is 90 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit.
Our lake shores are not quite suitable for nests because our BSL soil is compact shell based. If you find a nest, stay away from it, because the female will be nearby and very aggressive and she will win the battle.
I have been told that one must worry more about the teenage gators that are 5 to 8 years old because just like human teenagers, they will try anything. The smaller ones
From My Lanai
are afraid of a large person. The big ones are smart enough to take a shot at a person that they know they can catch but smart enough not to. Gators cannot turn quickly when running because their legs are on the side of the body. Please don’t try to see if this works!
Their bite is ferocious – about 3,000 pounds! But you can open their jaw with a few fingers. Again, please don’t try this because you will lose.
Their teeth are designed to grab food but can’t chew. They use their gizzard to masticate the food.
To control their numbers, there is a Florida hunting season with special permits issued to the pros. Florida Wildlife will take out an aggressive critter if it has hurt something or is so tame that you can walk up to it. Fatal human attacks are, gratefully, very rare, with only 29 attacks in the last 50 years. Places like Gatorland in Orlando have people that used to wrestle the gators. That ended when a “professional” had his head almost taken off by a small 5-footer. He was airlifted to the nearest hospital and is lucky to be alive today.
Alligators are a “keystone” species, because when the males gather, they make a fairly deep and wide hole which keeps them hydrated during the dry season. This also provides water for other critters in need of a drink. Myakka River State Park has one of these holes south of its big lake. If I remember correctly, special permission is needed to go there.
Residents living on one of our lakes see gators frequently. If you need to see alligators, go to a place that provides a safe viewing. The baby gators are cute but don’t do something you or your kin might later regret. Remember they can outrun a horse – can you or your pet?
Bill Kimber, Florida Master Naturalist, kimber.bill@yahoo.com
As I write this, it will soon be spring. It has rained all day today, and yesterday there were snow flurries. Not enough to stick but just enough to annoy. My elderly dog shoots me a dirty look as I insist he go outside in this weather. It hasn’t been 50 degrees Fahrenheit and the nights are even colder. At night, I huddle beneath an electric blanket. The brown tree branches look disappointed to be so naked and the sun is somewhere behind all those gray clouds.
Did I mention it’s March, and I’m in Ohio for a few weeks? Yes, I was called upon by my daughter-in-law to watch my grand girls, because their usual sitter had to have back surgery. Having picked up the eldest child weighing in at 32 pounds, I can understand why. So, I am
Burnt Store Area Plan Update from page 2
and the efficacy of the evacuation route from Pine Island Road to major evacuation corridors within the Punta Gorda area, e.g., I-75 and Route 17. The need to move up the time frame for the completion of the road widening project is of importance for traffic safety in both Charlotte and Lee counties and to ensure the efficiency of this evacuation route. See related article about Burnt Store Road (BSR) Expansion Projects.
4. Neighborhood Commercial Development: The absence of neighborhood commercial development to provide access by residents in south Charlotte and north Lee counties, especially those communities proximate to the county line, continues to be a major concern. Development of properties proximate to the county line would provide access to key services and amenities, such as urgent care, groceries and personal services. Residents living in communities south of Heritage Landing and the new developments of Turn Leaf, Starling, Firelight and Heritage Station among others in Charlotte County, as well as Burnt Store Marina, Tranquility and communities in northwest Cape Coral would benefit. This would reduce travel to the existing commercial centers at Burnt Store Road and Route 41 in Charlotte County and Burnt Store Road and Pine Island Road in Lee County.
5. Wildlife Protection/Wildlife Corridor: The recent addition of wildlife protection signs and cleaning
here enjoying the smiles, the giggles, and the growing of two that won’t be small forever. I’m a grammy on the go, and I go to where I am needed. But, when they go back to their parents, when I pick up the toys left behind on the floor, when I turn the TV from Sesame Street back to prime time, I take a full breath and a swig of my signature
as I miss the view from my lanai.
of some culverts is a positive step in helping our wildlife traverse the existing landscape. However, other actions will need to be taken to ensure protection of our dwindling wildlife population because of the new residential development along the BSR Corridor. This must be a priority for the updated BSAP.
6. Hydrology Study: This study would focus on the watershed that begins east of BSR with a terminus through communities bordering Charlotte Harbor. These are among the earliest communities to be developed along the corridor, most of which were platted in the 1970s and 1980s. These include Burnt Store Colony, Pirate Harbor, Burnt Store Village, Woodland Estates and Burnt Store Lakes. While not within the boundaries of Charlotte County, this watershed also affects Burnt Store Marina, which shares drainage conduits with Burnt Store Lakes. This study is moving forward as intended. See related article about the Hydrology/Hydraulic Study.
The BSCC supports moving forward with convening of a task force of stakeholders for the purpose of updating the BSAP that was developed 20 years ago. Because Burnt Store Road is a cross-county throughway, participation by our Lee County and Cape Coral neighbors must be included in the process.
John Fleming, Chair of the Burnt Store Corridor Coalition, Dr. Mary Ellen Kiss, Ph.D.
sweet tea
Ava Ritter
It Was A Nice Idea!
Chapter 10: What’s Next?
So, what is next? What I mean by that is, I’m retired. I worked in education for 27 years, and the whole time it was my job to think about what the next best idea is to educate our children in a better and different way. Needless to say, I totally ran out of ideas. After all, what is wrong with how we used to do it? Changes in educational technology have to happen, but the basic idea of respect, learning, and doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do should be a “forever.” I got tired and needed to let new ideas and new educators take over. But progress keeps on keepin’ on! I was always one to embrace new technology and new innovations but never the one to think them up. How can you improve on what we have? But somehow, it keeps happening. Phone updates are always happening; just when you get used to where to go and what to press, all of the sudden there is a new place to go and a new button to press!
So, let’s think about one example: coffee. Eons ago, someone pulled a coffee bean from a tree and ate it. “Delicious” they thought and everyone loved it. But then someone said, “Hey, it’s easier to eat if we grind it up!” Everyone was more delighted. Maybe by accident, someone spilled some boiling water over the ground beans and drank the liquid! Wow , even better. Some stopped there, but someone else thought how good it would be to put cow milk in the ground bean liquid. It was a weird concept, but it caught on and worked. Later it was sugar, etc. Who could improve more? Well, they did. Now there is French vanilla, hazelnut, cappuccino, etc. How does it all happen?
Caught On Camera
I remember when the Internet was dial-up. I thought that was so awesome! It took a while to load a page, but it was great for me, and I thought there was no way to improve it. But then there was DSL and then high-speed cable. I had it all. That’s it I guess (I thought). I never dreamed of wireless high-speed, and never thought of Internet on a phone!
Like I said, I’m an early taker on new technology but just am not prescient. I can’t imagine what could possibly be next. Maybe all that has been invented now is all that will ever be invented. I think that is probably where we are at this point. We now have it all! There were sure some nice ideas!
Please remember to drop me a line at itwasaniceidea@ gmail.com. I love hearing from you and I need the encouragement!
Stay tuned for Chapter 11: Eating Out And Cooking Matthew Szuchy, Itwasaniceidea@gmail.com
Michelangelo Wrote A Poem About How Much He Hated Painting The Sistine Chapel
One translation of the poem he sent to his friend begins: I’ve already grown a goiter from this torture, hunched up here like a cat in Lombardy (or anywhere else where the stagnant water’s poison).
Doesn’t sound like he was too thrilled with his task.
One of our resident eagles having dinner on a Rio Togas lanai. Photos by Pat Mount
“Eagles come in all shapes and sizes, but you will recognize them chiefly by their attitudes.” ~ E.F. Schumer Photos by Debbie Dodge
That QR (Quick Response) Code Might Not Lead Where You Think It Does
QR codes are a convenient way to access and share information, but scammers know how to exploit them. If you scan a fraudulent QR code and link to a scam site, you could be risking identity theft or financial loss.
Do you have a smartphone? You’ve likely encountered a QR code. Maybe you’ve pointed your phone’s camera at one or placed your phone against a scanner to let the machine read a QR code on your screen. It’s a quick and useful way to access and share information. However, as with just about every form of technology today, scammers have figured out how to misuse QR codes for their own malicious purposes.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently issued a warning about fraudsters using fake QR codes to trick people into giving away their personal information. There’s even a term for it in the cybersecurity industry: quishing, a variation on phishing, in which fraudsters send fake messages designed to steal personal data or download spyware or malware onto devices.
Here’s a closer look at QR codes, how scammers manipulate them, and what you can do to stay protected against this latest risk.
How QR Codes Work And Where They’re Found
A QR code is a square-shaped grid that looks like a cross between a product bar code and a complex maze. Each one contains a unique pattern of black boxes and lines against a white background. It may also include a logo or icon associated with a brand, although that doesn’t guarantee its legitimacy. The size of the code can range from tinier than a postage stamp to larger than the side of a building.
You’ll find QR codes just about everywhere: on outdoor signs and advertising, on product packaging, in print publications, on restaurant tables in lieu of menus and on digital tickets for events and flights. They help avoid manual lookups of information or typing long URLs to access websites; in a pandemic era, they can even help you avoid touching or sharing physical items like food menus or medical office sign-in sheets.
When you see a QR code, you point your smartphone’s camera at the grid, and it automatically captures and scans it. If the code contains a URL link, the link appears on your phone’s screen. By tapping the link, you’re taken to a web page. If you receive a QR code via email on your phone, you can either print the email or open it on another device, and scan from there.
How
Scammers Exploit QR Codes
Scammers might send you an email or text impersonating a legitimate, well-known business, urging you to act immediately by scanning an embedded QR code. They could, for example, pretend to be a package delivery service instructing you to contact them to reschedule a delivery, a retailer telling you there’s an issue with your account information, or a bank claiming there’s been suspicious activity on your account.
Scammers can also place QR codes in public areas – for example, on parking meters, kiosks, or advertising messages –by creating fake signage or pasting their own fraudulent codes over legitimate ones. There have also been reported cases of scammers placing harmful codes in social media messages and instant messaging apps and hijacking the “Login with QR code” feature popular among many apps and websites. Regardless of where you see it, if you click a fraudulent link from a QR code, you could open the door to spyware or malware being secretly planted on your device. Or, if the link takes you to a website that appears legitimate but is a scam, you could be risking financial loss or identity theft by entering your login credentials or personal information. How To Protect Yourself Against Quishing
The FTC offers some tips on how to avoid being scammed by malicious QR codes.
• Inspect the URL before tapping to open it. If you don’t recognize the URL, know that you could be linking to a scam site. Even if the URL appears to belong to a company or organization you know, check carefully for misspellings or other suspicious errors within the URL.
• If you receive an unexpected text or email containing a QR code—particularly one urging you to act immediately— don’t scan it at all. Even if you believe the message is legitimate, contact the company directly via their verified website or phone number.
• Keep your devices’ operating systems up to date with the latest security fixes, and use strong passwords and multifactor authentication on all your online accounts.
Beyond the FTC’s advice on QR codes, it’s important to stay protected in all phases of your digital life. Consider identity and privacy coverage like IDX’s Complete Plan, which offers advanced tools and services to guard against a full range of cyberthreats and to minimize any damage caused by data breaches.
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
May 31 – June
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.
Mary Ellen Kiss
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 At PRWC?
‣ During the month of March, PRWC admitted 274 animals. This brings our total intake for 2024 to 541. We doubled our number of admissions for the year during the month of March!
‣ Our rehabilitation team released 15 animals back into the wild and transferred five to other wildlife facilities.
‣ Our education center and gift shop at Ponce Park are open to the public for visits and tours 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.
Babies By The Bucket Load!
During the month of March, our total admissions more than doubled for the year, mostly because baby season has arrived! PRWC has launched a virtual baby shower to help meet the needs of these cute but demanding fuzzy faces.
If you would like to shop for the adorable babies coming through our door, please go to prwc@prwildlife.org, click on “Support PRWC,” scroll down the menu to “Wish List” and click on it. Your contribution will go a long way in helping towards their care.
Handle With Care, Please
When orphaned wildlife are brought to PRWC, our rehabilitation team takes great measures to prevent young animals from imprinting on humans. This allows the animal to continue developing wild behavior that will set them up for success once they are old enough for release. Our rehabilitation team used a sock puppet to mimic adult behavior with this sandhill crane colt so it would not associate food and resources with them. Fortunately,
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.
we were able to transfer this baby to another wildlife facility with surrogate sandhill crane parents that will finish raising it to adulthood.
Luna the eastern screech owl celebrates his 11th birthday this month.
May Events
Salute To Veterans Golf Scramble
Date: May 4
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 7:30 a.m., registration and continental breakfast/8:30 a.m., shotgun start Website: www.militaryheritagemuseum.org.
Event Description: Veterans and non-veterans of all abilities are encouraged to come and play! Please register by April 29. This event benefits the Military Heritage Museum. Location: St. Andrews South Golf Club, 1901 Deborah Drive, Punta Gorda
Contact Information: Lucy Linet at (941) 205-8546.
Fees/Admission: $90 per player – $360 per team. Includes green fees and cart, continental breakfast and lunch. Prepurchase your entry with a mulligan package and get a bonus mulligan for your team.
YMCA Memorial Day 5K
Date: May 27
Time: 8 to 10 a.m.
Website: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PuntaGorda/ YMCAMemorialDay5K
Event Description: 5K through downtown Punta Gorda along the waterfront. Sponsorships opportunities available! Contact Information: Race Director Andrea at acappuccilli@ ymcaswfl.org or at (810) 599-7909.
Fees/Admission: $30. Military: Active, reserve, retired and veteran service members receive $5 off the registration fee. Please email your name, rank and service to info@ beachbumtiming.com for your special discount code.
