Beauty’s movie partner

Key Lime Festival at Fishermen’s Village

Do you love key lime anything, art and fresh air? If so, this festival is for you. Saturday, September 24, Fishermen’s Village will host the Key Lime Festival, a mix between an arts and crafts fair and foodie heaven. Florida artisans will showcase Key lime-themed wares in the Village promenade, and Village restaurants will offer Key lime-themed chef specialties. Live music, family fun activities and contests from 10 am to 4 pm. Below is a list of the scheduled events: • Trop Rock Singer Bill Crowley: 12 to 4 pm, first section • Steel Drum Musician/Singer John Patti: 12 to 4 pm, Center Court • Singer Dennis McCaughey: 12 to 4 pm, third section • Steel Drum artist Dave Lapio: 12 to 4 pm, Sunset Beach Club Tiki

Bar

• Glitter, Festival and Matte Tattoos: 12 to 6 pm, near Center Court • Hair Tinsel Artist: 12 to 6 pm, first section • Local Knowledge Band: 5 to 9 pm, Center Court • Singer Tommy G: 5 to 9 pm, Sunset Beach Club Tiki Bar Call or visit their website at www.fishermensvillage.com/events for additional information.

Key Lime Festival When: September 24, from 12 pm to 9 pm Where: Fishermen’s Village; 1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda Cost: Free

Strategies for Relieving Fascia Pain

By Mark Grevelding

Feeling tightness or pain when you move? It may not be your muscles or joints. Daily aches and pains can also be caused by restricted fascia. Evolving research is paying much more attention to fascia and the role it plays in keeping your body limber, pain-free and less prone to injury. Fascia is a thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber and muscle in place. Without fascia, all movement would cease including the ability to stand. Recent studies show that fascia may be almost as sensitive as skin, with restricted fascia triggering pain and other maladies. Healthy fascia slides and glides as you move, as described in an online article by John Hopkins Medicine. Fascia tightens up when it becomes stressed. As it does so, it gets thicker, stickier and drier. The collagen fibers in the fascia dry up and create a restriction, limiting mobility and causing painful knots and adhesions. If you have ever experienced foot pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis, you know all too well what this kind of fascial pain feels like. People often think their knee pain is jointrelated when in fact it is inflammation in the connective tissue that runs from the pelvic bone to the shin bone. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of movement can cause collagen fibers in the fascia to dry up and become restricted. Hence the old adage, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” Repetitive movement can also cause fascia pain, as can dehydration, poor diet and stress. Additionally, fascial damage can also occur after an injury or surgery. If you want to keep your fascia healthy, start moving more. An active lifestyle and exercise are your best defense for keeping your fascial system in optimal “slide & glide” condition. Daily stretching or activities such as yoga are the best things you can do to maintain healthy fascia. Aside from stretching, it is also important to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Heat and massage therapy are also recommended for easing fascia pain. If you enjoy exercising in a pool, my UK colleague just posted a gentle stretching routine on the Poolfit app called Fascial Movement for Active Aging. Mark Grevelding is the founder of PoolFit, a fitness app and website that includes over 130 water fitness & in-home workouts suitable for older adults.

Fall Travels for Floridians

As the balmy summer temperatures begin to fall away, many folks may be organizing fall travel plans within the state. Whether you’re looking for a long road trip or a quick getaway, here are just a few destinations to visit if you haven’t already:

ST. AUGUSTINE

By Rebecca Fending

Are you a history buff, or know a travel buddy who is? St. Augustine may just be the destination of your dreams. Founded in 1565, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African-American origin in the United States. Forty-two years before the English colonized Jamestown and 55 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, the Spanish established at St. Augustine this nation’s first enduring settlement. For instance, the breathtaking Castillo de San Marcos, pictured here, was started by the Spanish in 1672 and remains the oldest masonry fort in North America.

The lore behind this city doesn’t stop there. With roots in the Civil War, the Underground Railroad and acting as the original stone fortress built by Spaniards to strengthen their defenses against the British, visiting St. Augustine is like stepping back in time to learn more about our country’s history.

Learn more at www.floridashistoriccoast.com.

KEY WEST

Similar to the historical roots of St. Augustine, Key West has its own draw for those who love nature, sunsets and history.

Key West or Cayo Hueso (Island of Bones) was discovered by Ponce de Leon, named Las Martines and claimed by Spain in 1513. In 1815, Don Juan de Estrada granted Key West to Juan Pablo Salas for meritorious service to the crown. John W. Simonton, from Alabama, bought the island from Salas for $2,000 in 1821. From there, this Florida gem has only improved.

Shopping, dining and iconic sightseeing make this a destination for travelers from far and wide. Hang out on the beach and watch the sunset or rise, visit Ernest Hemingway’s house or just enjoy the crystalline waters. Learn about all the offerings Key West holds at keywest.com.

STAYING LOCAL

If you’re really just looking for local things to do during the season, opt for enjoying local parks and nature reserves! Florida has countless gorgeous nature areas, such as Ocala National Forest, Bowman’s Beach (for the shelling fanatics) or even Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. Easily plan a day trip to a destination in your area to help fill your fall with breathtaking views and fresh air. Don’t forget to stretch, bring water and pack comfortable shoes if you’re planning on walking!

Judge Blocks Rule Change That Could Have Decimated SWFL Wetlands

Information and image from SW Florida Daily News According to SW Florida Daily News, the southwest Florida wetlands, streams, and marshes are better protected, thanks to a ruling by a federal judge. The Washington Post reported a federal judge denied a Trump administration rule change that would have made it easier to replace wetlands. This week, the judge said rolling back protections would be harmful to the environment. Florida Gulf Coast University Ecology Professor Win Everham says this is a victory for Southwest Florida. “It’s frustrating that it bounces back and forth. I want us to make the right decisions, and I want us to stick by it.” Everham says wetlands are vital for our area. Rain water will fill up in these areas. They can help alleviate flooding. They also create a habitat for wildlife. The fish and plants in these areas naturally filter the water. We need places like this to keep the water clear. “If we didn’t have this our roads would flood, and the people downstream from us would flood,” Everham said. The professor says all our water is connected. If polluted water flowed inland into our rivers and the Gulf of Mexico, we could see more red tide and algal blooms. If we had less wetlands, he believes we could see water quality problems more often.