Meadows Connection
Meadows Connection
Welcome to the August issue of the all new Meadows Connection. Effective with the April 2025 edition, Burnt Store Meadows Property Owners Association and our publisher, Seabreeze Communications, announced a new dedicated website for our monthly newsletter, The Meadows Connection. The new dedicated website features a redesigned newsletter, individual articles, an event board, and more.
On the new website, you’ll find a digital flip book reader with a newly designed magazine. You can flip page by page, click on links, and, at the bottom right-hand corner, zoom in or go full screen. If you prefer to read in an article format, scroll down to read all this month’s content on individual pages. On the top menu bar, you’ll find a spot for previous issues, articles, an Event Board for things going on in and around Burnt Store Meadows, as well as a Vendor Page where you can find local service providers. You can either go directly to the new website to
review/download the new digital version or review a PDF version on our BSM website at Meadows Connection Newsletter | Burnt Store Meadows. We hope you enjoy this newly developed site.
Please feel free to suggest articles or areas of interest you would like to see in future editions of the Meadows Connection.
Production Directors
Stephen Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Sales Department
Tom English
Margo Williams
Laura Berrio
Bret McCormick
Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban
Justein Matthias
Anissa Stender
Webmaster
Selina Koehler
Production Manager
Lee Nostrant
Production Department
Elaine Donholt
Ruth Nekoranec
Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout
Karen Kalisz
Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds
Seabreeze Communications, Inc. does not endorse any advertising as it relates to the communities. Advertising is not screened by Seabreeze Communications, Inc.
All
BURNT STORE MEADOWS PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President – Melissa Lockhart
Vice President – Ed Carnell
Secretary – Anthony Nutt
The
reserves
Treasurer – Joyce Tilden
Director at Large – Adele Higgins
The Board of Directors meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room at Star Hospitality Office located at 26530 Mallard Way, Punta Gorda.
The August meeting will be held on August 18th.
Residents are welcome to join the meeting in person or via Zoom. The Zoom link is listed on the website for registered members –Zoom Link to Monthly Board Mtg | Burnt Store Meadows
Burnt Store Meadows Property Owners Association Website
JOYCE
TILDEN, BSMPOA DIRECTOR
COMMUNICATIONS AND WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR
Keeping you informed and up to date on what’s happening in The Meadows.
The www.bsmpoa.com website makes it quick and easy to access and electronically complete forms required for new construction, additions, and modifications to your existing residence. Also, requests for overnight parking permits can be completed online.
As a resident and/or property owner in the Burnt Store Meadows Community, you will have access to “Owner Only” documents and information. In order to access those
documents and sections on the website you must register and be authorized as a property owner.
Registration is simple!
The first time you log in to www.bsmpoa.com simply select the Register option in the upper right corner of the screen.
On the Register page you will be asked to enter the following information:
•Are you a Homeowner, Condo Owner, Lot Owner, etc.
•Name, email, cell phone*, address, and create a password for your account.
* If you don’t have a cell phone, or prefer to use another number, you can change this on your Member Profile once your account is approved.
Once you have entered the appropriate information and select Register at the bottom of the page it takes you to the next page. There you are asked to complete your personal Member Settings. This is where you may select your personal preferences on communications, e.g., receiving emails or text messages from the association for items such as the newsletter. Member Settings is where you can update and change your password and specify your privacy.
We hope you enjoy the website. Please feel free to forward comments or suggestions to the Star Management or the webmaster via the Contact Page on the website.
BIRTHDAYS August
2025 Annual Membership Meeting
The Burnt Store Meadows Property Owners Association, Inc. (BSMPOA) Annual Meeting and Election of Board of Directors will be held on Monday September 15th, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33955.
You should receive your meeting packet in the mail soon. Please take a few minutes to complete and return the paperwork in your packet. It is important to achieve a quorum of the membership so the meeting can be held.
We encourage owners to try and attend the meeting in person. It is a great opportunity
to meet the Board and many of your neighbors. City of Punta Gorda Police Chief Pamela Smith and Lt. Justin Davoult will provide an informative presentation regarding the COPG Police Department and its programs.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Star Hospitality Management Office at (941) 575-6764 or any BSM Director. Director contact information is listed on the BSMPOA website at BSM Board Members | Burnt Store Meadows.
We look forward to seeing you!
What’s Happening in Punta Gorda
Code Violation Reminder
In a recent community drive through it was noted that more than 200 properties are in violation of our community code. This very large list included homes and vacant lots that need mowing and weeding. The rain has caused
Each Tuesday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., join us as the Punta Gorda Pipes and Drums salute the evening on Sunset Beach at Fishermen’s Village!
in garage or walled area out of view
wheel barrows, ladders, etc.)
The date of warning letter begins a single 12-month period.
30
30
everything to grow, and residents need to keep on top of it.
As a reminder Item 16 in our Deed Restrictions states “No weed, underbrush or other unsightly growth shall be permitted to grow or remain upon the premises on the owner’s land, and no refuse pile or unsightly objects shall be placed or remain anywhere
on the property. In addition, all the landscaping, including grass shall be kept as befitting a high-quality lawn and plants, grass, shrubs, etc., that might die or become other than luxuriant and well-formed shall be promptly replaced.”
Below is a chart with the fines that could be assessed if properties are not in compliance.
violations in a 12-month period are subject to increased fines as indicated above.
City Hall Annex 126 Harvey St Punta Gorda 941 575-3352 M-F 8 am to 4:30 pm
2025 Hurricane Season
The 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season started on June 1 and runs through November 30. NOAA predicts a 30% chance of a near-normal season, a 60% chance of an abovenormal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season in the Atlantic basin this year:
While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depression also can be devastating. The primary hazards from tropical cyclones (which include tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes) are storm surge flooding, inland flooding from heavy rains, destructive winds, tornadoes, and high surf and rip currents.
Below is the Charlotte County link to all things hurricane related, you’ll find information on Evacuation, Sheltering, and Terminology. Additional links to the National Hurricane Center, FEMA Emergency Supply Kit, and Hurricane Zones for evacuation purposes are included.
Downtown Punta Gorda Farmer’s Market
Your local Farmer’s Market with produce, seafood, meat, ethnic cuisine, arts, crafts, live music, working artists and much more.
Featuring over 70 vendors. Located in beautiful downtown Punta Gorda. Every Saturday, rain or shine (unless it falls on Christmas Day, an active Hurricane Warning day or other unforeseen event).
May to September – 8 a.m. to noon
October to April – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hurricanes | Charlotte County, FL
Calling All Pet Owners!
Tell us about your pet(s)! Every month we will feature one family’s pet(s) in an article in Meadows Connection. All you must do is write between 200 to 600 words about your much-loved dog, cat, or other animal and include a couple of high resolution pictures. Some ideas to show off your beloved pet include – how you named him/her;
a description of his/her looks; favorite activities and toys; what makes him/her special to you, or whatever else you’d like to share with readers. This is limited to Burnt Store Meadows owners and residents.
Your submission doesn’t have to be a literary masterpiece; we will edit and format it for the monthly newsletter. Have fun writing about your pet and send to joyce.tilden.bsmpoa@gmail.com for submission in the Meadows Connections.
Please join us for
Burnt Store Meadows
Food Truck Fridays Located
400 block of Royal Poinciana
Friday August 8th
5:00 to 8:00 pm
~ The One Food Truck Stop ~ Freshly made All American Burgers and more
Have a suggestion for a Food Truck? Let us know Menu posted on the BSMPOA website www.bsmpoa.com
Sponsored by the BSMPOA Social Committee
To make the Meadows Connection interesting and readable to our residents, we invite you to share your stories, experiences, and perspectives. We welcome articles about books, travel, pets, sports, TV and movies, Tech, and/or content that will get our community talking and sharing. Just avoid topics such as politics and religion in keeping with our policy to avoid controversy.
Please limit your words to between 200 to 600 words and feel free to include a couple of jpeg photos with high resolution. We’ll be happy to give you a byline!
Have fun writing and send to joyce.tilden.bsmpoa@gmail.com for submission in the Meadows Connection.
August In Your Southwest Florida Yard
In Florida, August is a hot and humid time for gardening. To make the most of the water, monitor your irrigation system’s zones and timings. Appreciate the cooling qualities of shade trees. Plant heat-tolerant plants and plan for the future.
WHAT TO PLANT
Annuals/Perennials/Wildflowers: The hottest days of summer limit planting to heat-tolerant vinca, coleus, pentas, salvia, and celosia. Remove spent blooms, cut back, and fertilize flowering plants to extend the bloom season. See
▪ Ask IFAS: Annuals: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topics/annuals
▪ Ask IFAS: Perennials: https://edis.ifas.ufl. edu/topics/perennials
▪ Florida Wildflower Foundation https:// www.flawildflowers.org/
Herbs: Herbs that are best started from plants (not seeds) include ginger, Mexican tarragon, turmeric, and rosemary. See
▪ Ask IFAS: Herbs: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ topics/herbs
Vegetables: Start seeds of eggplant, okra, peppers, pumpkin, squashes, and tomatoes for the fall garden. See
▪ Ask IFAS: Vegetable Gardening in Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/vegetable_ gardening
WHAT TO DO
Palms: Check older fronds for yellowing, which may indicate a magnesium or potassium deficiency. Apply an appropriate palm fertilizer if fertilizer ordinances permit. See
▪ Ask IFAS: Palm Care: https://edis.ifas.ufl. edu/topics/palm-care
▪ Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Fertilizer Ordinances App: https://ffl.ifas.ufl. edu/resources/apps/fertilizer-ordinances/
Vegetables: Solarize the vegetable garden for 4–6 weeks in preparation for fall planting if not done in July. See
▪ Ask IFAS: Soil Solarization: https://edis.ifas. ufl.edu/topics/soil_solarization
Ornamental plants: Rapid growth and leaching rain may result in nutrient deficiencies in some plants. Fertilize to correct if ordinances permit (see below). See
▪ Ask IFAS: Nutrient Deficiencies (Landscape Plants): https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawngarden-nutrient-deficiencies
▪ Ask IFAS: Lawn & Garden Care: Fertilization: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/lawn-gardenfertilization
▪ Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Fertilizer Ordinances App: https://ffl.ifas.ufl. edu/resources/apps/fertilizer-ordinances/
MEXICAN SAGE - CREDIT: TYLER JONES, UF/IFAS
Plant This, Not That
You might be surprised – some plants commonly found in Florida landscapes are considered invasive. “Invasive” is a specific term and refers to non-native plants that cause, or are likely to cause, environmental or economic harm, and/or harm to humans.
Invasive plants may look beautiful, but they can quickly take over and could even damage nearby natural areas. Here are some suggested plant “swaps” you can make to remove invasive plants and replace them with Florida-Friendly alternatives. These plants will not only look great, but they’ll be also better for the environment.
(All of the invasive species identified and categorized on this list are from the Florida Invasive Species Partnership and the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas.)
CAST IRON PLANTS
Plant This: Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior). This Florida-Friendly foliage plant will do
Invasive plants may look beautiful, but they can quickly take over and could even damage nearby natural areas.
well indoors or outside in a shady space. With large, lance-shaped, waxy leaves, the cast iron plant is tough and durable. And the slow spreading habit of this plant makes it an effective groundcover that’s easy to care for. It’s a perfect alternative to add to a shady landscape.
BUILDING
Not That: Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata). Also known as brown string hemp or mother-in-law’s tongue, this popular indoor plant is easily identifiable by its light green to yellow striped leaves. It’s a low-maintenance plant perfectly suitable for interior spaces. But planted outside in a Florida landscape, it will spread, crowding out other plants.
SNAKE PLANTS IN FRONT OF AN OFFICE
COONTIE PLANT IN A HOME LANDSCAPE
Plant This: Coontie (Zamia integrifolia). This native plant has existed in the Florida environment for thousands of years. It’s easy to spot by its fern-like look with glossy feather-shaped leaves that come directly from an underground stem. The center cone at the base of the plant contains bright orange seeds. It does well in any light, from
full sun to full shade, and is a fantastic addition to a Florida-Friendly landscape.
ASPARAGUS FERN
Not That: Asparagus fern (Asparagus aethiopicus). Introduced by the horticulture industry back in the 1970s, this invasive is continued >
now commonly found in landscapes across Florida. It can easily be identified by the tiny thorns along the woody stem and its berries, which start green and turn red in the winter, usually around January. Asparagus fern is listed as a category I invasive, meaning it is considered invasive in every part of the state and should be removed.
SUNSHINE MIMOSA IS A FLORIDAFRIENDLY GROUNDCOVER.
Plant This: Sunshine mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa). This fast-growing Florida native is a good alternative groundcover for areas with full and partial sun. It produces small lavender-colored flowers with lots of pollen that help support pollinators. Sunshine mimosa prefers warmer temperatures and blooms continuously from spring to fall. It has bright green, fern-like leaves that look fragile but are resilient to light traffic.
It produces small lavendercolored flowers with lots of pollen that help support pollinators.
THE ONLY GOOD WANDERING DUDE IS CONTAINED IN A PLANTER.
Not That: Wandering dude (Tradescantia zebrina). Your neighbors won’t appreciate this plant in your landscape since it will likely end up in their yard, too. To identify wandering dude, look for the unusual leaves, with a green and white-striped pattern on the top and purple color on the underside. Forming dense mats, it is considered invasive in South Florida and removal is recommended. Your neighbors will thank you.
VITEX FLOWERS ATTRACT POLLINATORS.
Plant This: Chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus). Also called vitex, this Florida-Friendly tree
will grow to around 20 feet tall in full sun with beautiful purple, pink, and white blooms. It is drought tolerant and will attract butterflies and other pollinators to your landscape. Vitex blooms in late spring through the fall and will go dormant during the winter. It’s a beautiful addition to your FloridaFriendly landscape.
THIS GOLD RAIN TREE TOWERS OVER A HOUSE.
Not That: Golden rain tree (Koelreuteria elegans). Invasive throughout Florida, this tree can grow up to 25 feet tall. It is a popular landscape tree because of its copious yellow flowers and rosecolored seed capsules. The papery capsules are easily dispersed by the wind, spreading this fast-growing tree into natural areas. Removal and replacement are recommended.
The papery capsules are easily dispersed by the wind, spreading this fast-growing tree into natural areas.
For more information on how to select Florida-Friendly native plants and avoid invasive species, read “Plant This, Not That: A Guide to Avoiding Invasive Plant Species,” available for purchase at the UF/IFAS
Extension Bookstore.
AVOCADO AND SHRIMP SALAD
INGREDIENTS
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
1 avocado, diced
1/2 cucumber, sliced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
FOR THE DRESSING
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (optional, for sweetness)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
Salt and pepper, to taste
NUTRITION
Serving Size: 1 salad
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6 g | Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 22 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
Recipe of the Month
This Shrimp and Avocado Salad is a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm weather or a healthy lunch option. Succulent shrimp paired with creamy avocado, crunchy veggies, and a tangy citrus dressing creates a vibrant and satisfying salad. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats for a nutritious meal!
Prep Time: 10 Minutes | Cook Time: 10 Minutes
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the Shrimp
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, orange juice (if using), Dijon mustard, honey or agave syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced avocado, cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Gently toss the salad to combine.
4. Add the Shrimp and Dressing
Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything.
5. Serve Garnish with fresh cilantro (if using) and serve immediately for a light, fresh meal.
Trans Fat: 0 g | Carbohydrates: 12 g | Fiber: 8 g | Protein: 25 g | Cholesterol: 210
