SUPERHEROES NEEDED
From the Section 22 HOA Board – HOA and COA Laws
MIKE SAGE, DIRECTOR
If you live in PGI Section 22, in addition to belonging to the PGI Section 22 Homeowners’ Association, chances are you belong to another homeowners’ association (HOA) or a condo owners’ association (COA) or both. There are over 45 HOAs and COAs within Burnt Store Marina (BSM). Some, like my wife Deby and I, belong to both a COA and HOA, some belong to a COA and two HOAs, some belong to two HOAs and some simply belong to PGI Section 22 HOA. If you are not confused enough I need to mention that not all people who live in Burnt Store Marina live in PGI Section 22. There are three communities that are actually part of PGI Section 23 and therefore are not part of the PGI Section 22 HOA.
Hopefully, this article will help you understand what HOAs and COAs are by sharing your rights and
obligations as to each type of association. The most important thing to understand is that under Florida law, a HOA and COA are two legally different animals. HOAs are governed by Chapter 720 and COAs are governed by Chapter 718 of the Florida Statutes. Since moving to BSM, I’ve had the honor of being a board member of Harbor Towers COA and the PGI Section 22 HOA. Though the laws are similar, it would be a serious mistake to assume that the laws controlling HOAs and COAs are identical.
PGI Section 22 is governed by a homeowners’ association. PGI Section 22 HOA is controlled not only by Chapter 720 of the Florida Statutes, but also by its Articles of Incorporation, its Declarations, its Bylaws and its Rules and Regulations.
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HOAs are tasked with maintaining roads, controlling access to the community, governing the use and maintenance of the common property, operating and owning amenities, and providing and enforcing architectural guidelines.
PGI Section 22 is run by a seven-person Board of Directors, who are unpaid volunteers, elected to a two-year term. Under recent changes to Florida law, there is now an eight-year term limit for board membership. The Board is not only responsible for enforcing the HOA’s rules, making decisions about the use and upkeep of common areas, and operating the association’s amenities, but also handling of the association’s finances.
One of the most important jobs of a HOA Board is agreeing on an annual budget and determining an assessment to fund the operation of the HOA.
An HOA can also appoint committees to help manage HOA responsibilities. For example, in the PGI Section 22 HOA, the Architecture Review Committee (ARC) is empowered with enforcing architectural standards. The Irrigation Committee operates and maintains the community irrigation system. The Section 22 HOA manages roughly six million dollars a year, including the operation of our amenities.
PGI Section 22 is run by a seven-person Board of Directors, who are unpaid volunteers, elected to a two-year term.
Every owner in PGI Section 22 has rights, under Florida law, which are important to be cognizant of. At the heart of Florida HOA and COA laws is transparency:
• There must be open Board meetings. This means owners have a right to attend Board meetings in a convenient venue. Florida law mandates the procedure for HOA Board meetings.
• A timely notice of a Board meeting must be published anytime the board meets. This means any meeting,
whether formal or informal, such as Section 22 weekly workshop meetings. The notice must include the time, place and nature of the meeting.
• It is a violation of Florida’s “Sunshine Law” for a majority of the Board to meet and discuss any board issue without proper notice, even if the meeting is unintentional or unplanned.
• Owners are entitled to be at any Board meeting, and must be given an opportunity to speak, and give meaningful input into HOA issues. There are a very limited number of exceptions to this right, such as emergencies and pending litigation.
• When the Board formally meets, there must be an agenda provided in advance.
• Members of a HOA have a right to access
the HOA’s official records. These include contracts, financial records, and HOA governing documents.
• Once a request for documents is received, the HOA has ten business days to provide those documents or incur a $50 a day fine until the documents are provided. A Board is entitled to post these items on the HOA website as long as all members have access to the website. Posting financial records, governing documents and contracts on a website can fulfill the request requirement.
• Owners have a right to elect Board members in an election that complies with Florida law and the HOA Bylaws.
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• The HOA must hold an Annual Meeting in accordance with the HOA’s Bylaws. Board members must openly organize the Board, and ratify standing committees and their membership. All HOA members are entitled to speak.
• The HOA must adopt a budget, send a copy to all owners and then have a public meeting where owners are permitted to comment on the budget before it is officially approved by a vote.
Members of HOAs and COAs not only have rights, they also have obligations. Members must pay their assessments, follow Florida law, and the rules of the HOAs and COAs. HOAs and COAs are empowered to enforce violations against members who fail to follow the rules or fail to pay their obligations. HOAs and COAs have the power to fine members, and deny privileges to offenders who violates rules and the law. If a member fails to pay his or her financial obligations, a
HOA or COA can seek legal judgment against the debtor, file a lien, and can literally foreclose on the owners’ property.
A Condominium Owners’ Associations (COA) is a slightly different animal from a HOA. In a COA, a condominium owner owns their unit, which sits on common ground. In Florida legalese the unit and other dedicated spaces, such as carports, are called limited common elements. This means the owners have an
exclusive right to the use of that space. They also have a divisible ownership of common areas, such as a swimming pool, tennis courts, sidewalks, and parking lots. These areas are called common elements because owners have a non- exclusive right to use these common areas. The COA’s documents and Florida law defines what are owner’s and the COA’s obligations when there are required repairs for damages for such things as broken pipes.
Like an HOA, a COA is operated by a voluntary unpaid Board of Directors. COAs are controlled by Chapter 718 of the Florida Statutes. The COA is controlled by Florida Statute and Board governance documents, such as the COA’s Declarations, Bylaws, and Rules and Regulations. The COA assessments pay for shared maintenance of the COA property, such as the pool, landscaping and parking lots. It can also provide for common services, such as insurance, trash, water, cable and internet services.
COA owners have similar rights as HOA owners. These include open meetings, defined agendas, notice of meetings, the right to speak, the right to see COA documents and transparency.
COA owners have similar rights as HOA owners. These include open meetings, defined agendas, notice of meetings, the right to speak, the right to see COA documents and transparency.
to be obsessed with tinkering with this area of the law. Don’t assume that the law you acted on two years ago hasn’t been changed or modified. HOA and COA management companies belong to large trade groups and are typically affiliated with law firms that specialize in this area of the law. They are generally good sources for evolving areas of the law.
HOA and COA laws are constantly charging. Our Florida legislature seems
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No area of Florida law has received more attention recently than COA law. Hurricanes have driven up the cost of insurance to almost unaffordable levels. Equally important legislation following the Surfside Condo collapse is causing Draconian consequences to condo owners. This legislation was entered into with good intent, but has resulted in what I love to call “the rule of unintended consequences.” The legislation dictated COAs over a certain age, size and location undergo a structural examination. Equally important it also mandated what is known a “SIRS” study. A SIRS study is a Structural Integrity Reserve Study. Under the Surfside legislation, COAs, who must complete these requirements, are being forced to assess, in some cases, tens of thousands of dollars in special assessments, or
double or triple monthly fees to fund structural reserves for their condo community as a result of the SIRS studies.
No area of Florida law has received more attention recently than COA law. Hurricanes have driven up the cost of insurance to almost unaffordable levels.
Governor Ron DeSantis has been calling for a special session of the Florida legislature to deal with the COA crisis, saying it was never the intent to force COA members into near bankruptcy to comply with a law intended to help, not hurt, COA owners. So far the Florida legislature has not reacted to Governor DeSantis’ request. It’s important we let our state legislators know the importance of reforming the Surfside legislation by providing fair laws that help us, not hurt us.
The over 45 HOAs and COAs in Burnt Store Marina are governed by voluntary boards and their committee members. Each board and committee member is a non-paid owner who serves with a goal to make our community a better place to live. Board and committee members are our neighbors and our friends. It’s easy to forget the amount of time board and
committee membership can require. We certainly all have a right to disagree with our HOA and COA decisions. When you disagree, do so with respect for the time and effort that the board or committee has put into a thankless job. Better yet, volunteer to be a board or committee member! On behalf of the seven members of PGI Section 22 Board, I would to thank each board and committee member who serves on our communities’ HOAs and COAs. I thank you for volunteering your time and your energy.
As we say in Navy semaphore “Bravo Zulu” or in plain English “well done”!
REMINDER
Section 22 HOA Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 25 at 9 a.m.
Location: Linkside Patio
Section 22 HOA Board Workshops
Every Tuesday at 9 a.m.
Location: Linkside Patio
Mark Your Calendar – Out and About
INSIDE THE GATES DATES
Saturday, March 1: Deadline for the April Beacon. Article and picture submissions are welcomed. Become part of The Beacon family.
Saturday, March 1: Community-wide garage sale, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, March 25: Section 22 HOA Board Meeting, Linkside Café, 9 a.m.
OUTSIDE THE GATES DATES
Friday, March 7: Fort Myers River District Art Walk, 1 to 5 p.m. Visit many galleries, exhibitions and performances.
Saturday, March 8: 2nd Saturday Flea Market, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve St.
Saturday, March 8: 2 nd Saturday Dance Party, 2 to 5 p.m. Lessons start at 2 p.m., party starts at 2:45 p.m. Punta Gorda Women’s Club, 118 Sullivan St. $15 USA Dance Members, $25 USA Dance Member Couples, $17 non-members single, $30 non-members couples. Call Laura for information, 330-501-2366.
Every Tuesday: Section 22 HOA Working Board Meeting, Linkside Café, 9 a.m.
Every Tuesday: Bar code installation, front gate, 1 to 3 p.m.
Every Thursday: Bar code installation, front gate, 9 to 11 a.m.
Every Friday: BSM Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Platinum Point Yacht Club parking lot.
Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16: 16th Annual Arts & Crafts Specialty Market, 10 a.m to 4 p.m., Bell Tower Shops, Fort Myers.
Friday, March 21: Fort Myers River District Music Walk, 5 to 9 p.m. Local and regional musicians line the street with music from jazz to blues to rock and roll.
Every Tuesday and Friday: Zumba, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve St. Call Cara Peralta for information, 941-276-1887. $12 per class.
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday: Get Wild with PRWC, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Join the Ambassadors of the Peach River Wildlife Center at Fishermen’s Village to learn about our local wildlife.
Every Wednesday: Long Lunch Sightseeing & Culinary Tours. Walk through Punta Gorda & experience local specialties and view the downtown area. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $49 per person. Contact: https:// swfloridawalkingtours.com/tours-2/ long-lunch-tour/ for information and reservations.
Every Thursday: Fort Myers River District Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Every Saturday: Punta Gorda Farmers Market, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., downtown. Lots of vendors with fresh fruits and vegetables, live music, crafts and other great buys. Visit nearby murals and enjoy some of the great downtown restaurants.
Every Saturday: Cape Coral Farmers Market, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Clubhouse Square, SE 47th Ter. and SE 10th Pl., Cape Coral.
Every Saturday: Saturday Night Ghost Stories, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Stroll around looking at Punta Gorda’s most haunted sites with storyteller guides. Adults $29, children 19 and under $19. Contact: https:// swfloridawalkingtours.com/tours-2/ hauntsofhistorytour/ for information and reservations.
Every Sunday: Punta Gorda Historical Society’s Farmers Market, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at History Park, 501 Shreve Street. Shop for veggies, meats, plants and gifts. Most Sundays you will be treated to live music by Dave Heveron. When the market closes at 1 p.m., take a guided tour of the gardens at the park. Walk the grounds with Florida native gardener, Starr Zachritz, and learn about Florida’s flora. A $5 suggested donation gets you a plant to take home. Call 941-380-6814.
AMERICAN ALLIGATOR WITH FISH AND POND MUCK BY RICK REED
S en ior L i v i n g
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Mike McFeeley
443-858-8354
mmcfeeley13@gmail.com
Vice President: Jerry Newmin 941-637-9883
jnewmin@aol.com
Treasurer: Greg Beaton 704-604-9594
gbeaton@carolina.rr.com
Secretary: Mark Murphy 631-804-2365
murphfsaccts@gmail.com
Directors:
Ed Buns 513-615-2956
Lynda Vail 973-800-6111 lyndamac55@aol.com
Mike Sage 513-378-3326
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Alliant Property
Management:
John Strohm 239-454-1101
Mike Sanchez
apmsupport@ alliantproperty.com
Front Gate: 941-639-8226
24 hours a day burntstoregate@msn.com
RESOURCE HUB
SECTION 22
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Lee County Sheriff Liaison: Sam Flores 239-955-2479 sflores@sherifflee.org
STANDING ADVISORY GROUPS
Architectural Review: Barry Groesch, Chair blgroesch@gmail.com
John Farnham Jim Schinneller
Daryl Ann Lemon
Mitch Wegrzyn
BSMCC:
General Manager: John Abbott JAbbott@bsgac.org
Administrative Office: Lisa Rouse 941-639-4151
Manager of Golf Operations: Bill Connelly 941-637-1577 proshop@bsgac.org
Golf Committee: Bob Paul, Chair
Activities Committee: Lynda Vail, Chair and Board Liaison
BSM ENTRY MANAGEMENT
Mark Murphy, Board Liaison
Communications: Maggie Hart, Chair downhartbsm@gmail.com
Resident Directory: For changes, please contact: Peg Love, peglove810@gmail.com
Daryl Ann Lemon darlemon@comcast.net
THE BEACON MAGAZINE EDITORIAL TEAM
Linda Weiss, Chair 941-661-6409
Lindaweiss91@comcast.net
Maggie Hart 941-769-3039 downhartbsm@gmail.com
Jennifer LeClair 229-349-0180 muckalee250@gmail.com Debi Bretz 239-339-7961 debrabretz@gmail.com
WEB PAGE Joan Ross, Webmaster (bsm22.org)
COMMUNITY PARTNER, PPYC, SAFE HARBOR, BURNT STORE COALITION Jerry Newmin, Board Liaison
FITNESS CENTER
Steve Hocker, Chair hocker12@outlook.com
Anne McColgan
Kelly Beaty
Jim Zachacz
Arnie Boughner
Glenna Benson
Leigh Anne Hall
Mike Sage, Board Liaison
Jen Tait, Manager jen.bsm22@gmail.com
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Lynda Vail, Board Liaison
INFRASTRUCTURE
Mike Lemon, Chair MLemonswfla@comcast.net
IRRIGATION
Rocky Mansfield, Chair 216-956-2581
Joe Baker
Mike Lemon
Gayle Shaffer
IT/CONTRACTS
LANDSCAPE
Michael Lemon, ChairMLemonswfla@comcast.net Daryl Ann Lemon
Mark Murphy, Board Liaison Gate Keeper: 941-639-0334
USEFUL INFO
Main Gate email: securityBSM@gmail.com
Websites: bsm22.orgSection 22 HOA - BSM Fitness, Racquet & Pool Club
burntstoreanglers.comBurnt Store Anglers bsgac.orgBurnt Store Golf & Activity Club burntstoremarina.comSafe Harbor Burnt Store ppycbsm.orgPlatinum Point Yacht Club
Platinum Point Yacht Club Administrator: Dorothy Schroeder Email –office@ppycbsm.org
Alliant Association Management: (Section 22 HOA) Email –info@alliantproperty.com (Resource Hub continued on page 16)
RESOURCE HUB
HOA /CONDO ASSOCIATIONS AND THEIR PROPERTY MGMT COMPANIES
PGI SECTION 22
HOA
Sub Association
Admiral Pointe I
Admiral Pointe II / Sailfish Pass
Admiralty Villages
Capstan Club
Commodore Club
Courtside Landings
Courtyard Landings I
Courtyard Landings II
Courtyard Landings III
Diamond Park
Dolphin Park
Egret Pointe
Emerald Isle
Estates at Cobia Cay
The Esplanade
Golf Fox (2090 Big Pass)
Grand Isle I &II
Grand Isle III & IV
Halyard Club
Harbor Towers
Hibiscus Cove
Keel Club
King Tarpon
Linkside 1
Little Pines Estates
Marina Towers
Mariners Pass
Marlin Run I
Marlin Run II
Marlin Run III
ALLIANT ASSOCIATION
MANAGEMENT
Management Company
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Cambridge Mgmt
1st Choice Condo Mgmt
Gateway Mgmt
Compass Rose
GPM Mgmt
Alliant Association Mgmt
Alliant Association Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Alliant Association Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Compass Rose
TBD
Associa Gulf Coast Mgmt
First Service Mgmt
1st Choice Condo Mgmt
Alliant Association Mgmt
TBD
Compass Rose
Gateway Mgmt
Gateway Mgmt
TBD
Associa Gulf Coast Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Gateway Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
1st Choice Condo Mgmt
MGMT. CO. CONTACT NUMBERS
1st Choice Condo Management 239-470-7368
Alliant Association Management 239-454-1101
Associa Gulf Coast Management 941-258-6209
Cambridge Property Management 239-249-7000
Compass Rose Management 239-309-0622
Gateway Management 941-629-8190
GPM Management 239-542-7712
Professional Realty Consultants 239-772-1010
Star Hospitality Management 239-209-0368
Sub Association (cont'd.)
Marina North Shore
Pelican Way
Prosperity Point Master
Redfish Cove
Rudder Club
South Shore
Spinnaker Club
Sunset Key I
Sunset Key II
Tarpon Pass II
The Resort at BSM
The Soundings
Topaz Cove
Villas at Cobia Cay
Vista Del Sol
Yellowfin Bay
Yellowfin Cove
Management Company (cont'd.)
Associa Gulf Coast Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Alliant Association Mgmt
Compass Rose
Compass Rose
Gateway Mgmt
1st Choice Condo Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Alliant Association Mgmt
Gateway Mgmt
Compass Rose
Individual Homes
Alliant Association Mgmt
Star Hospitality Mgmt
Alliant Association Mgmt
Compass Rose
Professional Realty Consultants
Burnt Store Marina CC News
JOHN ABBOTT, GENERAL MANAGER, BSMCC
March here at Burnt Store Marina Country Club means “Club Championship!” That’s right, every March we get the best golfers together, and for two days they battle it out to see who will be named the BSMCC club champion. On March 12 and 13, our current champs, Ralph Smith and Kelly Millar, will be here defending their titles against all comers who wish to take their crown away. This event is open to all golf members, and even if you don’t feel that you have the game to win, come on out and play. It will be two great days of golf, whether you are competing for the title or not.
If scrambles are more your thing, we have three fun events in March beginning with our Luau Scramble on the 8th. The twist to this event is that you are only allowed to play with three clubs and a putter, so choose wisely. We start the Luau Scramble at 11 a.m., so that it finishes in time to enjoy a pig roast with live music and plenty of adult refreshments. Our second scramble of the month is the 9-hole St. Patrick’s Day scramble on the 17th at 3 p.m., followed by an Irish buffet. Finally, we have the Mystery Scramble on the 22nd at 9a.m. Teams for this event are chosen the night before at our mystery scramble cocktail party. All of these events are super popular so make sure you sign up early before they fill up.
As usual, our events calendar at Linkside Café is full for the month of March, with great specialty dinners, fun game nights, awesome live music on Thursdays and Saturdays, and so much more. Make sure you check out the “Weekly Blast” to be up to date on all that is going on. If you are currently not receiving the blast, stop by the club administration office and give us your email address, so that we can put you on the list.
We look forward to seeing all of you at the club!
Production Directors
Stephen Miller
Elizabeth Miller
Sales Department
Margo Williams
Miranda Ledbeter
Alyssa Debban
Corey Bank
Justein Matthias
Webmaster
Selina Koehler
Production Manager
Lee Nostrant
Production Department
Elaine Donholt
Ruth Nekoranec
Katie Heystek
Dianne Strout
Karen Kalisz
Michelle Feeney
Andie Reynolds
www.seabreezecommunications.com
Seabreeze Communications, Inc. does not endorse any advertising as it relates to the communities. Advertising is not screened by Seabreeze Communications, Inc.
Call Linkside for reservations
Sign up in Lobby on Board
Sign up at Admin Office.
BSMCC March 2025
BSMCC March 2025 Schedule of Events
Schedule of Events
Golf Tips
BILL CONNELLY, MANAGER OF GOLF OPERATIONS
How many times have you been so frustrated with your game that you have thought about quitting? This game can bring you to the brink of insanity, and, it can also be the most satisfying thing you have ever done as well. We all go through periods where we are not playing well, and we don’t know why. Instead of giving up, try concentrating on making your weaknesses your strengths.
If you are having trouble off the tee, spend some extra time working with your driver, or try hitting a three wood off the tee until you gain your confidence back. If you are struggling around the green, spend the majority of your practice time at the short game areas. Instead of trying to make everything better all at once, break your game down into specific parts, and work on them
one at a time. It may take time to see better results, but it will be easier to improve. Enjoy the process trying to improve, and you will find pleasure in the game again.
Be sure to sign up for the Luau Scramble on March 8, at 11 a.m., the St. Patrick’s Day Scramble on March 17, at 3 p.m. and the Mystery Scramble on March 22 at 9 a.m. Also, remember the weekly 9-hole scramble every Tuesday at 3 p.m.
Below are the results of the Shirts and Skirts Scramble played Saturday, February 1.
Shirts…39
Skirts…34 Congratulations Shirts!
Follow us on Instagram @burntstoregolf for course updates.
Please stop in for lunch and some shopping, we would love to say hello.
Have fun learning to enjoy your game.
@burntstoregolf FOLLOW US!
Follow us on Instagram for course updates.
WHITE PELICANS AT DING DARLING RESERVE BY
KAREN SANDERSON
Fitness, Friends & Fun…Improvements
Abound In & Around
CYNDI MATTHEWS
It’s the height of our season, and the Burnt Store Marina Fitness, Racquet & Pool Club is buzzing with activity! Tennis and pickleball players are enjoying some friendly competition, swimmers are making waves, lifters are pumping iron, and dancers are moving to the beat.
We’re thrilled with the 2024 updates, and improvements to our facilities. Our newly resurfaced tennis and pickleball courts now boast new shade covers, a fantastic viewing area, and upgraded landscaping. Inside, we’ve installed new air conditioning, refreshed the bathrooms and front desk area, and added stylish new flooring to the exercise room. We’ve also acquired a “Beast” machine, combining the benefits of a stair stepper, elliptical trainer, and stationary bike.
Our club welcomed 169 new members in 2024, bringing our total membership to an impressive 854! A warm welcome to all our new faces. We offer equipment orientations, beginner pickleball sessions, and a friendly atmosphere fostered by our existing members. The camaraderie and exceptional staff are what I love most about this club. Everyone is so welcoming. The staff consistently goes above and beyond to
connect new members with others. From the fitness room to the pool and courts, our club is filled with wonderful people and exciting events. Join the fun by playing or cheering on competitors at our court socials, pickleball tournaments, and tennis league matches.
Speaking of tennis, the BSM Racquettes are playing some fantastic games! Congratulations to Floortje Walther, Cinda Rice Brown, Mif Haas, Kelly Millar, Lori Brandt, and Beth Whitley Siebert on their sweep of the Lakeside Plantation Divas!
To better serve our growing and active membership, we have expanded our offerings with more weights, staff, and classes. Join us for new circuit training and step aerobics classes, along with seasonal line dancing. These classes are not only fun and physically challenging, but also beneficial for your mind, body, and spirit. And let’s be honest, a little friendly competition always pushes us to work a little harder!
A big thank you to Steve Hocker, Operations Committee Chairman, for his incredible time, energy, dedication, and even his grilling skills! We truly appreciate everything he does for our club.
Here’s an update from Steve: “The Operations Committee meets monthly to address operational matters. Established in 2017, the committee includes representatives from various club groups and two members of the Section 22 Board of Directors: Greg Beaton, Treasurer, and Mike Sage, Member at Large. Greg and Mike provide valuable support and guidance to the committee, and act as our liaisons with the Section 22 BOD, keeping them informed of our challenges, particularly regarding overcrowding.”
We’re all eagerly anticipating the addition of more pickleball courts, an expanded fitness center, and increased parking. Here’s the latest on these priorities.
As Section 22 BOD President Mike McFeeley noted in his year-end update, “We began the year with 18 financial
ADVANCED WOMEN’S WINNERS:
GOLD - JOAN NICHOL; SILVER - LEIGH
ANN HALL; BRONZE - JULIE KOHNER
priorities. Due to rising prices and labor shortages, we couldn’t achieve all of them. In the coming year, we will discuss several large projects requiring approval and funding.”
While we await final approvals and timelines, we’re pleased to share that our requests have been heard! The three projects directly impacting the fitness club are two new pickleball courts, fitness center expansion, and additional parking.
Due to the club’s overwhelming popularity, we’re implementing new attendance guidelines. We use the Court Reserve app for sign-ups for round robins, socials, and classes. At this time of year, sessions are so popular that many members end up on waitlists. It’s not fair to those on the waitlist if registered members don’t show up.
(continued on page 26)
INTERMEDIATE WOMEN’S WINNERS:
GOLD - JOANNE BLOOM; SILVER - LORI HILLABY; BRONZE - LINDA JACKSON
MEN’S ADVANCED WINNERS:
GOLD - TONY GRAY; SILVER - BOB HILL; BRONZE - DAN JACKSON
Our new policy for Pickleball Round Robin is that if members are not present 10 minutes before the start time, their spots will be given to those waiting. If you’ve signed up on Court Reserve and can’t make it, please call the Fitness Center at 941-575-3260. For aqua or indoor classes, please arrive on time. Late arrivals will not be admitted. Repeating no-shows will be restricted from signing up for classes until the day of the session.
INTERMEDIATE MEN’S WINNERS:
GOLD - DOUG BROSE; SILVER - LES SITZES; BRONZE - JON CRAWFORD
BSM RACQUETTES FLOORTJE
WALTHER , CINDA RICE BROWN , MIF
HAAS , KELLY MILLAR , LORI BRANDT, BETH WHITLEY SIEBERT
Platinum Point Yacht Club –Feasting with Friends
You are invited to PPYC’s Open House Boaters and Non-Boaters Welcome!
LORETTA STEEVES, DIRECTOR
Sunday, November 17, 2024
3:00 5:30 PM
Food and drinks will be provided. Stop in! We would love to tell you about PPYC.
Platinum Point Yacht Club is offering a fantastic promotional: $250 off Ini+a+on Fee plus a PPYC tote bag, caps/visors.
As a member of this year-round club, you will enjoy many OnWater and On-Land activities with new friends. Monday Sailboat Racing
Platinum Point Yacht Club (PPYC) members love to share time together. And what better way to join in camaraderie than over a shared meal? This past month provided so many opportunities for PPYC members to break bread together.
Come check out what PPYC could mean for you AND SAVE! Offer available for the Fiscal Year ending October 31, 2025
PPYC… A Place to Belong!
The first opportunity came at the movable feast known as The Progressive Dinner. Over 150 members joined in this signature event. First, members were assigned to one of twelve homes for appetizers. At the appointed hour, members moved to one of eighteen homes for an intimate dinner of Angus prime tenderloin. All fears of overcooking or undercooking the meat are put aside, as the club provides the perfect recipe that has worked for decades. This opportunity to share a meal, with a small group in other members’ homes, always spawns friendships that continue throughout the year.
The next opportunity to sup and imbibe together was much less elaborate. Each month, PPYC holds a Hot Dog Happy Hour. The Docksiders Bar is open, and live music on the Harborview Deck enhances the mood. This month’s event was called “Bring a Boater.” Many members brought their other boating friends from the marina.
Of course, PPYC is a yacht club, so we often
have raft ups. If you are unfamiliar with this concept, one boat serves as the anchor boat, and other boats merely tie on until there is a long string of boats tied together. Captains often invite their non-boating friends to come along. Food and beverage always abound, and this month’s event was held as a Lunch Cruise Raft Up.
FOOD, FRIENDS, AND FUN ON A PPYC RAFT-UP
Another opportunity for non-boaters to get out on the water was provided in a Lunch Cruise to Cabbage Key. After an early lunch, all who had come along had the chance to
explore this historic island inn, and the surrounding one hundred acres of tropical vegetation. The inn tagline says it perfectly: “a chance to get away from it all.”
Another place to eat and have fun with friends is wellknown to our community, The Broadway Palm Dinner Theater. This month, a PPYC group traveled to Fort Myers to see The Buddy Holly Story. More than fifty years after “the music died,” the tale of this rock-and-roll icon was brought to life in this musical journey through Buddy’s impressive rise to fame. PPYC members, who are always prone to dancing, were, of course, up in the aisles and cheering for more.
When it comes to food events in February at PPYC, I couldn’t leave out the time-honored tradition of a Valentine’s Day Pancake Breakfast. This event gave sweethearts throughout the community an opportunity to start the day romantically,
with breakfast cooked and served by the men of PPYC.
The other signature event in February centering on food and fellowship came at the Gourmet Cocktail Party and House Tour. The new home of PPYC member, Susan Harrington, on Sugarloaf Key was the site of gala festivities, aptly titled, “Just Our House.” The evening featured a food-lovers dream cocktail party with specialties by executive chef Michael Shapiro. The evening also featured music by Ron Lorenzo. But of course, the highlight of the evening was a tour of this magnificent home.
If any of these opportunities to feast with friends and make new acquaintances, both on-water and on-land, appeal to you, contact Dorothy Schroeder, our Club Administrator, on-site Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays or call her at 941-639-0733.
PPYC – A Place to Belong.
Burnt Store Marina Dog Park
BSM DOG PARK COMMITTEE
Our BSM Barking Lot’s Grand Opening on Sunday, January 26 was a huge success, with over 100 people in attendance. Current Section 22 Board member Mike Sage was Master of Ceremonies. Former Section 22 Board President, Joe Averdick, came back to give a short speech. Joe gave credit to his wife Liz for the idea of the dog park, and thanked all the volunteers who saw the project through. Current Section 22 Board President Mike McFeely talked about what a benefit it is to our community, and how its
completion has added to our property values. Burnt Store Presbyterian Minister Jaco Bester provided a lovely blessing and prayer for the dogs, dog park and the owners present. Lee County Sheriff Department Lt. Jevon Matthews and Deputy Hendricks provided an exciting talk and presentation of just one of their 20 highly-trained dogs’ capabilities.
Thanks to the generosity of our members, over 35 individual door prizes were given out. Lee County Sheriff’s Ice Cream truck passed out pup cups and ice cream cones to the
delight of all. Before and after the ceremonies, Lori Luscher, Chairwoman Cyndi Gottschalk, and Debi Bretz passed out the members’ new FOBS.
We want to give a big Thank You to Major Andrew Scott from our Gate Access crew for helping with parking. We couldn’t have done it without him!!! Once again, our thanks to all that came to help us celebrate this team/community effort!!!
WOOF! WOOF!
ICE CREAM TRUCK WITH JOE AVERDICK AND WIFE
DOG PARK GRAND OPENING
Bocce Buzz... That’s the Way We Roll!
CAROLE ROMAINE, INDEPENDENT HOME OWNER
The Bocce League looks forward to the comfortable temperate days of March, to continue welcoming new friends, and working on learning rules and developing new strategies.
You all know the “Bocce Kiss” rule. Here are a few more:
To begin play when the pallino is rolled, it must not roll the entire length of the court to touch the back rail. Also, on this initial roll, the pallino must cross the middle court marker. In both instances of miss rolls, the pallino is rolled again by the opposing team.
LEE COUNTY LEASH LAWS AND DOGGIE ETIQUETTE
It is a Lee County law, as well as a Burnt Store Marina rule, that all dogs are to be on leashes whenever outside residences.
The open lot at the corner of Cape Cole and Matecumbe is not a dog park. The Commodore residents own the whole part that is landscaped. Please keep your dogs off that property.
And… It is good manners and common courtesy to pick up after your pets.
If a bocce ball rolls the entire length of the court without touching another ball or side rail, or if the ball winds up off the court, it is considered dead and removed from the round.
However, there is no rule about trying to psych out your opponent. It is okay to distract your opponent verbally. Playful banter can be part of the game, as long as it is in good fun and sportsmanship. This is another reason why bocce is more than just a game; it is a lively social event. It is easy to learn, but challenging.
Come test your knowledge of the rules. Let’s roll!
The bocce court is adjacent to the northeast side of the parking lot at Burnt Store Marina Country Club. Play is from 2:30 to 5 p.m., followed by dinner at Linkside Café or other local restaurants. Dinner is optional, and you do not have to be a member of Burnt Store Marina Country Club to play bocce.
You will find an enthusiastic group of bocce players every Tuesday. Grab your lawn chair and join the fun. There is a nominal fee of $1, collected each week for maintenance of equipment, and end of season party and prizes.
You are welcome to play bocce at your leisure. There is a guest set of bocce balls
in the back of the golf cart barn. It is in the unlocked plastic container clearly marked for general use. Please be sure to return the equipment back to the cart barn when you are finished playing. So, gather your guests and spend a couple of hours having some bocce fun!
THE BOCCE GROUP DINNER AT VIC'S
THE GROUP GREW AS THE WEATHER WARMED UP
DINING VENUES
LINKSIDE CAFÉ @ Burnt Store Marina C.C. 941-637-6405 | www.bsgac.org
23415 Vincent Ave, Punta Gorda
Open to the public
*Lunch – Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
*Dinner – Tuesday & Friday, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
*Call for information for specialty dinners.
*Reservations are recommended, as seating is limited. Walk-ins are gladly accepted.
CASS CAY RESTAURANT & BAR
941-347-7148
www.casscayrestaurant.com
Open Daily, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
*Nightly entertainment THE TRADING POST - 239-789-3463 www.facebook.com/tradingpostbsm
Sunday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Featuring deli, breakfast & lunch, ice cream, pizza, beer & wine and ice.
NANDAY PARAKEET IN SARASOTA BY RICK REED
Enjoying Your Walk
JAN MCLAUGHLIN, FORMER BEACON EDITOR
One morning a fellow walker stopped me and asked what the distance was around Prosperity Point, and how far was it from there to the front entry gate. With lots of residents returning and enjoying our pedestrian paths, I offer the following. All distances were measured with a GPS while riding in a golf cart.
• Islamorada Entrance Gate to Cape Cole Blvd. – 0.82 mile
• Cape Cole Blvd., golf clubhouse gate arm to Islamorada Blvd. – 0.60 mile
• Cape Cole Blvd., golf club gate arm to Matecumbe Key entry – 0.72 mile
• Matecumbe Key Blvd., construction entrance to Cape Cole Blvd., 0.72 mile
• Matecumbe Key Blvd., Cape Cole Blvd., to South Shore – 0.55 mile
• Courtside Landings’ Loop, start/stop at entrance – 0.48 mile
• Prosperity Point sidewalk loop, start/stop at Matcumbe Key Blvd, 1.26 mile
• Admiral’s Point loop (includes Key Largo Lane Circle, Sable Key Circle and Key Largo Circle) start/stop at Marathon & Cape Cole Blvd., 1.06 mile
• Tarpon Pass loop, start/stop at Islamorada Blvd., 0.76 mile
Wonderful resources for walkers abound on the Internet. These sites offer a wide selection of audio music apps for beginners to advanced walkers, exercise videos, gear (including shoes), accessories and resource information.
Architectural Review Committee
BARRY GROESCH, CHAIR
Are you thinking about updating your home?
Any changes to the exterior of residences in Burnt Store Marina (BSM) are required to have Architectural Review Committee (ARC) approval. This applies to all homes, including homes in a condo association. If this approval is not granted through ARC, you may be asked to modify or remove the changes made. All requests are made by completing an ARC form and adhering to Section 22 Home Owners Association (HOA) Restrictions. Remember to write legibly, and complete the entire form, including having your condo representative sign off (if required). Delays will occur if it cannot be deciphered, or the form is not completed in its entirety. Thanks.
Section 22 restrictions and applications are available for download at BSM22.org. Submit your ARC applications to your condo association, if required, then to Alliant Property Management, 13831 Vector Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33919, Email: apmsupport@alliantproperty.com.
DID YOU KNOW?
An ARC did you know, moment...
Did you know…if you want to update your exterior light fixtures, an ARC application is required. For all projects, go to the BSM22.org website to get your application.
The following applications were approved last month by the Section 22 HOA ARC:
• James Pepper, 1309 Islamorada Boulevard, exterior lanai repaint.
• Karen Bailey, 2050 Matecumbe Key Road, hurricane shutters installation.
• David Moore, 2045 Big Pass Lane, front door repaint.
• Edward Gorka, 421 Islamorada Boulevard, roof replacement.
• Gina Simon, 200 Islamorada Boulevard, window replacements.
• Irene Fares, 440 Gasper Key Lane, window replacements.
• David Duehmig, 1302 Islamorada Boulevard, front door repaint.
• David Duehmig, 1302 Islamorada Boulevard, landscaping.
• Mary Murphy, 1001 Islamorada Boulevard, window replacements.
• Thomas Stilling, 1408 Islamorada Boulevard, landscaping.
• Cheryl Mantz, 1001 Islamorada Boulevard, window replacement.
• Jennifer Calenda & Tom Crow, 23965 Vincent Avenue, roof replacement.
• Yellowfin Cove Home Owners Association, 4031 Big Pass Lane, mailbox cluster replacement.
• Mark Francis, 24103 Redfish Cove, Hurricane shutter installation.
Superheroes Needed!
Would you like to be a superhero in your community, helping your neighbors? The Burnt Store Marina Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is made up of your neighbors who have completed a Federal Emergency Management Agency approved program. This program provides them with the basic skills and equipment to prepare for, and respond to our
neighborhood needs in the aftermath of a disaster when emergency services may not be immediately available.
Free on-line and hands-on training is provided to help you and your neighbors prepare for disasters such as hurricanes, severe weather, fires, or other large-scale emergencies. Burnt Store Marina CERT is a vital part of our community-based disaster resilience, providing
an organized, trained group of volunteers who can assist in reducing the impact of disasters on our community.
To learn more about the Burnt Store Marina CERT, contact Jerry Newmin (jnewmin@aol.com) at 941-637-9883 or you can attend the CERT meeting on March 10 at 10 a.m. at the Cass Cay Tiki Hut.
Rules for Driving Golf Carts
There has been some confusion about operating golf carts in Burnt Store Marina. Please be aware that there are rules for golf cart use, and a violation will get you a citation from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Effective October 1, 2023, golf carts may not be operated on any “streets” by someone who is under the age of eighteen (18), unless the driver has a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license. The term “street” is defined by Statute to include “…any privately owned way or place used for vehicular travel….” In other words, the BSM community’s roadways would be subject to the legislative change and its new requirements.
• Drivers of golf carts must observe the same rules as those designated for drivers of motor vehicles.
• Drivers must keep their carts on the right side of all streets, and obey all traffic signage.
• No one without a driver’s license or learner’s permit is allowed to drive on streets within Burnt Store Marina.
Jazz On the Harbor Event April 3 to Support
A.N.A.’s Friends formerly Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Foundation
BARBARA BERMAN, COURTYARD LANDINGS 3
Southwest Florida currently has over 1,300 children in the dependency court system with close to 100 children in Charlotte County alone. These children, through no fault of their own, have been placed under court supervision, and removed from their homes because of Abuse, Neglect or Abandonment (A.N.A.). Each case typically takes from one to three years to be resolved. These vulnerable children, many of whom live in temporary homes until a safe, permanent solution is achieved, experience many changes, often very rapidly. Their futures are very uncertain and their young fragile lives are extremely stressful because they do not know what will happen next.
During this very uncertain time, dedicated trained GAL volunteers become the “voice” for these
children in the courts, and their temporary living placements, schools, the case management system, and with other community agencies. In many cases, the GAL volunteer is the one constant in the child’s life. The volunteers assess the needs of the child, and can submit requests on the child’s behalf to A.N.A.’s Friends. Meeting these needs helps to stabilize the children, by providing a sense of normalcy with items such as beds, tutoring, clothing, strollers, happier birthdays, sports participation, field trips and many other things not funded by any other source.
A.N.A.’s Friends raises the funds necessary to meet these needs, and to recruit and train GAL volunteer advocates. On April 3, the Fifth Annual Charlotte County signature fundraiser,
Jazz on the Harbor will be held at the Isles Yacht Club in Punta Gorda. The $100 ticket includes an elegant dinner, music by Best of the Bay award winners, the La Lucha trio, and, of course, a glorious sunset. The public is most welcome, and your attendance or sponsorship for the upcoming Jazz on the Harbor event will help meet the needs of our Charlotte County kiddos. The soldout event last year raised $37,780 and we expect this year will also sell out. In other words, get your friends together, and get your tickets so you won’t be disappointed. For further information on becoming a volunteer, to sponsor or attend the Jazz on The Harbor evening, please call Barbara Berman at 443-632-4885 or call the A.N.A.’s Friends office at 239-245-7787 or online at ANAsFriends.org.
JAZZ ON THE HARBOR
A.N.A.’s Friends Presents the Fifth Annual E n j o y a n e v e n i n g o f g o u r m e t d i n i n g a n d e n t e r t a i n m e n t f r o m j a z z t r i o L a L u c h a
A P R I L 3 , 2 0 2 5 - 5 : 3 0 P M
I S L E S Y A C H T C L U B $ 1 0 0 P E R P E R S O N
T i c k e t s a l e a n d s p o n s o r s h i p i n f o r m a t i o n c a n b e f o u n d b y v i s i t i n g w w w . a n a s f r i e n d s . o r g o r b y c a l l i n g ( 2 3 9 ) 2 4 5 - 7 7 8 7 T h i s e v e n t i s o p e n t o t h e p u b l i c
Burnt Store Marina
2025 Wisconsin Party
Monday, March 24
3 – 6 p.m.
Safe Harbor Tiki Hut at the Marina
Provided: location, settings (plates, knives, forks, napkins), brats and buns
Bring an ample dish to pass (appetizer, side dish or dessert) plus, your beverage of choice, plastic glasses and $5 per person
R.S.V.P. to Rick Uihlein at rickuihlein@gmail.com or phone 414-425-2202. Please pass the word to other “cheeseheads,” and invite them to come.
The facility has limited space, so please reserve your spot by March 18.
Blood Donation News
ANN SINGER, ADMIRAL’S POINT
Thank you for supporting the January 13 blood drive! ONE BLOOD values the partnership with Burnt Store Marina, and thanks you for your dedication and commitment to this lifesaving mission.
We had another record breaking donation day, with 32 units of blood donated by 35 volunteers.
Each unit of blood can save up to three lives, and likely transfused into a patient within 48 to 72 hours. The flu season and dangerous winter storm season are here, and the demand for blood products remains high.
ONE BLOOD has added more staff on the BIG RED BUS in Burnt Store Marina. There are now 52 appointment times available, increased from 39. Walk-ins have a better opportunity, but appointments are highly recommended during this peak season. Call Ann Singer at 319-290-5955 or Jo Bucci at 941-445-8260 to schedule an appointment. To schedule an appointment online, log onto ONEBLOOD.ORG, establish a username and password, and follow instructions to schedule.
THANK YOU TO OUR LOYAL JANUARY 13, 2025 DONORS
Blood is essential to life. It cannot be made or manufactured. Generous blood donors are the only source of blood for patients in need of a blood transfusion.
Anthony Stonger
Bartlett Rouse
Christine Hornak
David Welsh
Dennis Frank
Delores Bell
Geni Stevenson
John Dunker
Jonathan Crawford
Kimberly Blair
Linda Cross
Marna Parker
Mary Sarno
Barbara Honcharski
Charles Allan
Cynthia Libby
Denise Cunningham
Diane Frank
Frank Dileo
Joel Miles
John Osborn
Karen Spring
Linda Cristinziano
Lori Smith
Mary Johnson
Michael Rossie
Peggy Crawford Rachelle Jensen
Robert O’Clare
Robert Seeley
Ronald Johnson
Zachary Cummings
Robert Organ
Robert Veilleux
William Stevenson
DON’T MISS THE BUS IN 2025 ALWAYS ON MONDAY
8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Monday, March 10, 2025
Our next blood donation day in 2025 is Monday, March 10, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make your appointment online, or plan to walk in. During peak season, I recommend making an appointment, especially for the morning slots. The number of appointment slots has been increased recently from 39 to 52. We look forward to seeing many new donors plus our seasoned donors!
Be sure to eat before you donate and drink lots of fluids before and after. We all need to stay hydrated in Florida, no matter the activity or time of year. Bring your photo ID. Incentive gifts to successful donors will be a OneBlood St. Patrick’s T-shirt, $20 e-gift card, and a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich gift card.
The Big Red Bus is located in the Cass Cay/Tiki Hut/Trading Post parking lot.
To schedule an appointment, log on to OneBlood.org. Establish a username and password, then follow directions to make an appointment. Have questions, contact Ann Singer 319-290-5955 or Jo Bucci 941-4458260.
Every person has the power to save a life. Donating blood only takes a little of your time and it can mean a lifetime for patients in need. Bring a friend, bring a neighbor on March 10.
HELPFUL TIP
Be sure to eat before you donate and drink lots of fluids before and after.
Peace River Audubon Society (PRAS)
RICK READ, BURNT STORE RESIDENT AND AUDUBON SOCIETY MEMBER
PHOTOS BY RICK REED
From time to time, you may have heard a flock of birds making whistling noises as they fly overhead. They are Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks. These photos were taken at Ollie’s Pond in Port Charlotte during our annual January 1 bird walk. They are black underneath with long necks and legs. They are here year-round, so there’s always a chance of seeing them. I have also seen them in BSM in a canal that passes under Matecumbe Key Road near Hibiscus Cove Ct. I think these birds are very cool!
UPCOMING EVENTS
• Tuesday, March 11, 8 a.m., Field Trip to Celery Fields Park, 6799 Palmer Blvd, Sarasota. Meet at the bird feeders. Bring scopes.
• Thursday, March 20, Refreshments at 6:15 p.m., followed by the program at 7 p.m. “Whooping Cranes and threats to our watersheds”, at the Regional Realtors Education Center, 3320 Loveland Blvd, Port Charlotte.
• Saturday, March 22, 7 a.m., Walkabout at Babcock Webb WMA, 29200 Tuckers Grade, Punta Gorda.
• Saturday, April 5, 7 a.m., Caravan/car-pooling to Ding Darling NWR, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, $10/car. Brunch reservation required. Bring scopes.
• Every Saturday, 8:30 a.m., Nature Walk at Audubon Pennington Park, 1153 Alton Rd, Port Charlotte.
You do not have to be a member of PRAS to join us. Participation is free, and registration is not required. Visit the website at www.peaceriveraudubonsociety.org for all the details or give me a call: Rick Read, BSM resident at 574-870-2695 for information or car-pooling.
Tight Lines...Winter Fishing, Try Using Chunks of Bait
JAY LEV, BURNT STORE ANGLERS
As the harbor water temperature remains cool, the many types of small bait fish that anglers rely on are not readily available. Many baitfish, such as thread fins, whitebait, and fiddler crabs head south. Many fishermen turn to the use of artificial baits made of plastic or forms of rubber. Others turn to the use of live and frozen shrimp. The latter is totally dependent on shrimp boats being able to get out to their dragging net grounds and this of course, is based on wind conditions and water temperature. As a result, our local bait shops offer frozen shrimp, ladyfish and mullet caught and frozen at an earlier time in the season. Using frozen bait requires a widely used technique called “chunking.”
Frozen bait generally breaks apart easily and once opened to the air from their packaging lasts only a short time. It is usually difficult to
Using frozen bait requires a widely used technique called “chunking".
keep frozen shrimp on your hook. Many anglers have learned to keep a ladyfish or two caught during the warmer weather in their freezer. It is most important to keep the fish wrapped in a freezer bag so it will not break down, and offer a really bad odor in the freezer. Once you have made sure your bait fish is secure in your freezer, you can forget about not having bait during the winter months.
Before you head out on a cool water fishing trip, when traditional bait is not available, remove your frozen ladyfish from your freezer. An hour or two usually gets the condition of the frozen fish available for cutting. An average size ladyfish, in frozen condition,
can be cut up into a dozen or more slices. These slices are known as bait chunks. By taking a sharp knife and cutting down through the back you can achieve nice chunks of bait. For the average slot-sized redfish or snook, a chunk cut about one inch thick is an excellent size chunk. Hooking the chunk of bait fish is as important as how large the bait chunk you are using. The use of the head and tail section of the bait fish you are using is not a productive bait. The use of a non-offset circle hook is your best bet for fishing with chunk bait. Run the hook through the side of the piece of chunk bait, and out under the spine, until a small portion of the hook is shown. This chunk of bait usually weighs about 1/2 ounce, and should be cast easily without falling off the hook. A chunk of bait like you are using is usually good for about 10 minutes when submerged. It
is important to keep a fresh chunk on your hook. A float is generally not used when chunking. The bait should sit on the bottom.
You can tell when a fish is beginning to test out your bait by watching your line show signs of straightening out, or if the fish takes up the chunk while on the run your line will rapidly tighten, and your fishing rod will show a bend. It is important to remember not to rapidly set the hook with a strong upward motion of your fishing rod. The circle hook is designed to self-hook the fish in its jaw by the angler reeling in line, which sets the hook.
Chunking with cut bait can catch a large variety of fish. If you are in an area where larger fish are being caught, you can increase the size of the chunk of bait. If you are using this technique for shark fishing, the game has changed. Larger hooks, heavy leader with a metal piece connected directed to the hook is a must. Chunks up to six inches can be used. Remember, when the warm weather arrives and schools of ladyfish are around, save three or four for that cool winter day when you would love to go fishing but can’t get live shrimp, white bait or other bait fish. You will always have very productive chunks of ladyfish to lure your fish to the bite.
Tight Lines
BSM22.ORG - BURNT STORE MARINA
WEBSITE
HELP
To be sure that you are up to date on all that is happening in the Burnt Store Marina community, you need to be up-to-date on the use of our website.
Our website lists your Section 22 Board of Directors and how to contact them. In addition, there is news about your amenities, and document and forms. And, you can check out clubs and organizations, and the vendors who service our community.
When you log in to the “residents’ eyes only” section, you will find great contact information for the Certified Response Team (CERT), and what to do in case of emergency. You will also be able to access Section 22 financials, your account information, and the Resident Directory.
To be sure YOUR contact information is up-to-date, you need to log in, or follow directions to register. Then go to Your Profile > Profile Settings. There, you can update your telephone and email information. Then, to OPT IN to the online Resident Directory, turn the BLUE toggles to GRAY.
If you did not receive the current digital issue of the BSM Beacon, you need to go to https:// bsmbeacon.seabreezecommunications. com/about/. Once there, you can input your information to subscribe, and receive future emailed copies. Please note: by contract with PGI Section 22 HOA, your email will not be used in any other way by Seabreeze Communications.
If you are having problems logging onto the resident section of our website BSM22.org, OR, are not receiving Alliant Management email blasts, please contact Alliant Property Management at apmsupport@alliantproperty. com, or call 239-454-1101.
CORNED BEEF SALAD OR SPREAD
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup boiling water
• 3 oz. package lemon flavored gelatin – I have used sugar free
• 12 oz. canned corned beef
• 1 small jar diced pimentos
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 hard-boiled eggs, finely chopped
• 1 cup mayonnaise - I use Dukes Mayonnaise which contains no sugar
• Salad greens
• Crackers
Recipe Box
JENNIFER LECLAIR, PELICAN WAY
In honor of Saint Patrick’s Day, I pulled out this old Betty Crocker recipe from 1975. This is a refreshing and different salad to serve for lunch or a light supper. Add some fruit and a roll and maybe even a dessert to complete your meal. I have also served this at parties as a spread on crackers. The crackers should be plain, like Ritz or the original Triscuits or Water Crackers. Any plain, unseasoned cracker will work. However you choose to serve it, I hope you enjoy.
DIRECTIONS
1. Pour boiling water on gelatin in a large bowl; stir until gelatin is dissolved. Refrigerate until slightly thickened, about an hour.
2. Break up the corned beef with a fork. Stir corned beef and remaining ingredients (except salad greens) into gelatin mixture.
3. Pour mixture into 6½ cup gelatin mold. Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours. Unmold on salad greens. Salad can be stored in refrigerator up to 48 hours.
Gardener’s Wheelbarrow
MAGGIE HART,
MARINERS PASS
March in SW Florida should be clear, dry, sunny and getting warmer. Get ready to make a difference in your landscape whether it is through participation in your association, in your own yard or with decorative pots at your door and in the lanai. Many plants begin to flower this month, including amaryllis, coral tree, Indian hawthorne, red powder puff, allamanda, and bougainvillea.
• Fungus: Moist leaves in the morning that don’t dry off very quickly are highly susceptible to fungus. This condition will affect most plant species, including the turf.
• Tools: Clean and sharpen all tools. Pruning will be much easier and your cuts true and sharp. Clean cuts
lessen the possibility of fungus and bacteria settling into frayed branch edges.
• Pruning: Almost everything overgrown or dead can be pruned. The exceptions include trees and plants in flower or those about to flower. Go after plants that have damaged branches. Cut back by 1/3. A horizontal butch haircut method only encourages top growth, not interior or base growth. Don’t touch bougainvillea until after Mother’s Day.
• Hurricane Pruning: A wellpruned, properly pruned tree is one that has had limbs removed that are crossing each other, are broken or damaged, or are forming a weak link to the trunk. Excessive pruning only produces thick weak growth that will cause problems in high winds.
• Pruning Palms: Palms should only have dead or dying (browning) fronds and inflorescences/fruit removed. The standard of leaving fronds between 9
and 3 o’clock (the horizon line) is best. Removing green fronds stresses the palm by limiting its source of nutrients for new growth. If you look up at the top portion of the palm, where the fronds are attached, and you see a narrowing or penciling, that means it is being over-pruned and the portion available for frond production becomes increasingly narrow. It will look like a sharpened pencil.
• Fertilizing: Purchase the pricier slow-release, complete fertilizer. Micronutrients are mandatory for plants in our area. Buy a good quality palm food and use it on everything…palms, trees, shrubs, ground covers and perennials. Fertilizer contains salts; always try to water first if the ground is dry. Afterwards, broadcast the fertilizer in the area of the plant’s drip lines (not at the trunk) and water it into the ground. Fertilize the soil, not the plant.
(continued on page 52)
• Weeding & Mulching: Three inches of organic mulch will subdue most weeds, but some will come through the barrier. An application of preemergent herbicide will kill germinating seeds but it should be applied prior to the mulch. Keep mulch away from tree trunks and stems of shrubs and perennials.
• Turf Management: If not done already, apply a preemergent herbicide early in the month for control of summer weeds.
• Irrigation Systems: Systems should be checked for proper coverage. This is very important and is an ongoing monthly, sometimes weekly, task. Our community system is known for tiny snails that will multiply rapidly and clog the irrigation water filters, pipes and
sprinkler heads. Whoever is maintaining your irrigation system should be paying close attention. March and April are two of the driest months, and the temperature is heating up. Your landscape requires consistent watering and coverage.
• New Plantings: Almost everything, including coldsensitive tropicals, flowering ornamentals and palms can be planted now. Planting too deeply will kill almost any plant. In addition, planting trees too closely to each other means trouble in the future, with disease, weak growth, misshaped limbs and a huge waste of money and plant material.
• Planting Annuals: Our soil cannot support annuals or most perennials - they often quickly die. To succeed, purchase annual
Spend a little extra by buying a quart-sized plant instead one in a smaller pot. You won’t need as many, and it will establish much more quickly, with less effort on your part.
soil mix and mound it high, adding Osmocote. Plant, water with fresh water (your hose) initially to supplement or replace the irrigation water. A blossom booster and fungicide, applied as directed, is also recommended.
Sheriff’s Report
January 2025
22 Speeding Warnings
9 Residents
13 Non-Resident
11 Stop Sign Warnings
8 Residents
3 Non-Residents
11 Other InfractionsExamples Include:
Equipment Violations
Expired/Suspended License
Expired Plates
March's Off Beat Holidays & Adventures
MAGGIE HART, MARINERS PASS
Most holidays and remembered dates celebrate the birth of someone or something. For instance, the NEA’s Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2 - Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Across the nation, schools, libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together kids and teens with books. Read Across America Day calls for children in every community to celebrate reading on the birthday of this beloved children’s author.
However, Saint Patrick’s Day celebrates the Catholic feast of Saint Patrick, whose traditional date of death is March 17. It is believed that Saint Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland. While the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in
Ireland was in Waterford in 1903, the first American version of a St. Patrick’s Day was in a Spanish colony that is now St. Augustine, Florida. America’s oldest city claims the honor of holding the first St. Patrick’s Day celebration and parade. In 1600, troops shot cannons and guns on the historically religious holiday in an impromptu event to honor a popular local Irish priest. In 1601 the community held the world’s first recorded St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
March 6, National Frozen Food Day, celebrates all those yummy foods and snacks in your freezer. The invention of the freezer made this day possible. You think maybe frozen food manufacturers had a hand in creating this one?
And, March 9 is the beginning of Daylight Savings
Time this year. Begun in an effort to help save energy and provide workers with more hours of serviceable daylight during long summer days, Daylight Savings Time was first introduced in the U.S. in 1918. However, it was not until 1966, when the Uniform Act was passed, that all states had to either observe DST or pass a state law to abstain.
Given a little imagination, any day can become a “holiday.” So, get out and celebrate every day this month. Here is a sample of things to do in March all around Florida:
March 1 - 2: Battle of Natural Bridge Reenactment, Woodville. The 160th anniversary, and 48th annual re-enactment of
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the Battle of Natural Bridge that took place during the Civil War provides living history demonstrations and historic presentations. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations requested for admission –adults $5, children 6 - 12 $1. At Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park, 7502 Natural Bridge Road, Tallahassee, 6 miles east of Woodville. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
March 3: Conch Shell Blowing Contest, Key West. The annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest is sponsored by Old Island Restoration Foundation, The annual contest is a unique and culturally significant event in Key West, celebrating the conch shell’s historic use as a maritime communication device. Contestants of all ages participate, demonstrating their skill in producing sounds from the conch shell. This tradition showcases the island’s rich maritime heritage and community spirit. This event is free and
open to children and adults of all ages. Conch shells will be available for purchase for those who do not have their own. Begins at noon. 322 Duval Street.
March 6 - 8: Sanibel Shell Fair and Show, Sanibel Island. In celebration of this world-renowned shelling island, the annual Shell Fair features shell displays and crafts, food and entertainment. Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The fair takes place at the Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort and Spa. Free Parking and no tolls! For more information, go to sanibelshellclub.com
March 6 - 9: 97th Annual All-Florida Championship Rodeo, Arcadia. This annual rodeo includes Calf Scramble, Mutton Bustin’, Barrel Racing, Shootout and more. Located at the new Mosaic Arena. 2450 NE Roan Street. Arcadia, 34266. Tickets available online at arcadiarodeo.com/marchrodeo.
March 6 - 9: Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, Amelia Island. Car connoisseurs can attend several special events, including the show, cocktail party, sale preview, and a silent auction at the Ritz Carlton, Amelia Island. For complete information, go to ameliaconcours.com.
March 8: St. Augustine’s St. Patrick’s Parade steps off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, at Francis Field. Each year, the parade starts the Celtic Music and Cultural Heritage Festival, always held on the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day. For information about all the St. Patrick’s Day activities, go to visitstaugustine.com/ article/st-patricks-dayhappenings-oldest-city.
March 9: Daylight Saving Time begins. Remember to turn your clocks forward one hour on 2 a.m. Sunday morning.
March 8 - 9: 49th annual Marathon Seafood Festival, Marathon. Celebrate the fishing heritage of the Middle Keys at this event offering lobster, stone crab, conch chowder and fritters, local fish, smoked fish dip, key lime pie and more. Also includes arts and crafts, boat show, nautical market, and live entertainment. At Marathon Community Park. $5 per person, free for children 12 and under.
March 14 - 17: Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, Sebring. Sebring International Raceway hosts race fans from around the world to witness the historic 12-hour classic. Gates open on Tuesday and remain open 24 hours a day through Saturday’s title race. Admission prices vary.
March 30: 14th Annual Cuban Sandwich Festival, Ybor City. This annual
RULES OF THE ROAD
Cuban Sandwich Festival serves up this favorite treat in historic Ybor City. On the agenda are music, dances, more than 150 crafts and cultural exhibitors, and a contest between rivals Miami and Tampa to find the best traditional and non-traditional Cuban sandwiches. Admission is free.
Motor Vehicles: Always drive your vehicle on the right side of the road. There are no “turn lanes” within Burnt Store Marina. Never drive your vehicle in lanes indicated for the use of bicycles and pedestrians. Always stop at stop signs. Never exceed the posted speed limit.
Bicycles: Always ride your bicycle on the right side of the road, even if there is no “bike lane” available. Use hand signals to indicate intention to turn. Always stop at stop signs. Never exceed the posted speed limit.
Golf Carts: Always drive your golf cart on the right side of the road. Use hand signals to indicate intention to turn. Always stop at stop signs. Use lanes indicated for the use of bicycles and pedestrians only when neither is present.
Pedestrians: Always use lanes provided for bicycles and pedestrians. If there is no lane available, use the left side of the street, facing wheeled traffic. Use caution when crossing streets. Wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight when walking or running after sunset.
Access to the Waters of Charlotte Harbor
GRAHAM SEGGER, INDEPENDENT HOME OWNER
We who live on the shores of Charlotte Harbor are blessed to have a water wonderland at our doorstep. The purpose of this article is to help residents and visitors learn more about the various ways to gain access to that water. We’ll start by trying to narrow down a few of the why, what and how factors of water access.
Why do you want to get on the water?
There are many different reasons why you might want to take to the water. Inshore or offshore fishing, whole day or shorter excursions, overnight cruising, secluded beach access on the Gulf coast of Cayo Costa, dolphin viewing, waterside restaurant dining, or just plain water adventures are just a few of the possibilities.
What type of boat would you like to use?
As a trip to any boat show, or for that matter just a
wander around the marina will illustrate, boats come in many types, shapes and sizes. Are you a sailor or would you rather use a power boat, or perhaps even a kayak? Are you proficient enough and confident enough to be your own captain or would you rather sit back and relax as a passenger? Some options may require training certifications. How big a boat do you need to accommodate your group? What is your tolerance for getting a little wet?
To purchase or not Boat ownership may provide the best alternative for getting exactly where you want to go on the water in the fashion you desire, but what if you have a limited budget or multiple boating interests, or excursion dreams? A fishing boat may not be a suitable overnighter, and a sailboat won’t get you to your destination
as fast as a power boat. How frequently do you plan to get afloat and what is your budget? These answers may help guide your decision.
Other water access options include fractional membership or ownership interests, partnerships, multiday or multi-week charters, boat clubs, guided fishing, and hourly self-skippered or captained outings.
Below is a summary of some of the local water access options available for you to consider.
Boat ownership
There are a multitude of used and new boat options available to the willing buyer. Alternatives range from modestly priced older models to “sky is the limit” new boats. Boat brokers are available, and will be more than willing to help guide you, but a good place to browse and get your initial bearings are the websites of yachtworld. com, boattrader.com and boatsforsalebyowners.net.
Jeff and Jean of Two Can Sail
Yacht Sales and Service, Inc. (727-278-2602) live and work in Burnt Store, and are yacht brokers. They have been involved over the years with boat deliveries, commissioning, surveys, training, and particularly enjoy working as a buyer’s broker (which costs the purchaser nothing). Southwest Yacht Sales (239-257-2788), who are affiliated with SailTime, is the Florida dealer for Beneteau. Pier One Yacht Sales have closed their Burnt Store Marina office, but have a large brokerage operation in Punta Gorda (941639-7777).
It is wise to think a little farther ahead when contemplating a purchase. Where will you moor the boat, or if trailering it, store it when not in the water? Remember that you may be in Florida for only five months, but the boat must be stored or moored for twelve. All boats require some maintenance, but older ones can be a “hole in the water” to pour money into. With any, you’ll quickly get acquainted with the terms Boat Bucks ($1,000) and the acronym BOAT (bring on another thousand). Mooring, storage, maintenance and insurance are some of the pricier items.
Safe Harbor Burnt Store Marina is quickly recovering from hurricane damage to its dock infrastructure. The new docks are designed to be much more resilient, though there is currently a waiting list for wet slips. Dockage also includes access to a pool, laundry, grills, discounted fuel, reciprocal rights at other Safe Harbor marinas, and many other amenities.
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Below is the 2025 Rate Sheet (30 ft. minimum charge for wet slips, taxes extra, rates subject to change).
WET SLIPS
DOCK
$21.25/ft
$19.50/ft
Electrical service is included in daily & weekly rates, and metered for monthly, six month, & annual agreements. 30 & 50 amp available.
Please contact Dockmaster for rules & regulations regarding inhabited vessels. BOAT RAMP
1 - 2025
Fractional membership and ownership
Fractional membership or ownership are hybrid methods of experiencing some of the benefits of boat ownership without the huge up front cost.
Fractional membership provides you with regular access to a boat which is shared by a limited number of other members. The management company looks after maintenance, insurance and mooring, and your use of the boat is contractually determined and priced based upon your selection of type of boat, period of use and the amount of boating you want to do.
Fractional ownership is different in that you actually acquire an ownership share in a new boat. You may receive a modest return on your investment from charters of your boat to others. Again, the management company looks after maintenance, insurance and mooring and your access is contractually determined.
Southwest Florida (941-2100093) in Burnt Store Marina have a variety of fractional ownership and membership options. Training is required to access both membership and ownership opportunities and you will need some financial acumen to decipher all of the monetary implications.
Charters and sailing schools SailTime makes some of its fleet within Burnt Store Marina available for charter. Assuming you have the appropriate training or experience you can rent a late model sailboat for days or weeks at a time for a true bareboat experience.
Another Burnt Store Marina charter operation is Yachting Vacations Charters (239910-7774) with their 35 ft. catamaran.
Both SailTime and Yachting Vacations (Gulf Coast Sailing School) offer ASA affiliated sailboat training courses which combine learning with lots of quality time on the water.
Boat clubs
SailTime and PowerTime
Freedom Boat Club (888-
781-7363) has a substantial presence in Burnt Store Marina with 30 boats on B dock. Many local residents find this to be an ideal solution for getting out on the water. Mid-January initiation fees during a special $2,500 “Boat Show” discount promotion were $3,500 (5 day), $5,500 (7 day) and $7,500 (two couples - Friends and Family Plan) plus sales tax. Fees are paid monthly throughout the year, regardless of the term of the plan. On an annual basis, fees can vary from $3,408 to $7,719 plus sales tax, based on whether 3-month, 6-month, 12-month, or Friends and Family Plan. Minor insurance protection is provided and more extensive coverage is available for $750 plus tax per year. This membership buys you access to a fleet of newer boats and the training to learn how to use them. Freedom is owned by Brunswick, the largest manufacturer of marine products in the world. In Burnt Store Marina there are (as of January 15, 2025) 6 pontoon boats, one 22 ft sailboat, five bowriders, five offshore boats, 13 center
console fishing boats, and some kayaks. These are day use boats. A membership also grants limited access to other Freedom locations across North America, including Pine Island, Punta Gorda and Cape Haze (last two currently out of operation due to recent hurricane damage). It might be helpful to speak with other members to fully understand the boat access features and limitations of your membership plan before joining.
There is also a “Your Boat Club” outlet (941-263-3335) at Fisherman’s Village in Punta Gorda with a similar operating model. They have four 24-foot tri-toons, two center cockpit fishing boats, 2 bow riders, and a small cabin cruiser.
For those interested in boats and the water, the Platinum Point Yacht Club (941-6390733) in Burnt Store Marina provides a great opportunity to mix with other likeminded individuals. Boat ownership is not required and there are opportunities to get out on the water with lunch cruises, fishing trips,
monthly organized kayak outings and Monday sailboat races, in addition to a myriad of other land based social activities.
Daily boat rentals
LeisureTime Boat Rentals (239-922-5651) in Burnt Store Marina currently have five boats available for daily rental, both pontoon and single hull. They range from 20 to 24 feet, 5 to 12, and $350 to $485 per day.
Fishing guides
The Safe Harbor – Burnt Store Marina Fishing Guides Association consists of 13 guides who will be willing to take fishermen and women out for mostly inshore fishing. See chart at right for a recent list of guides and their phone numbers. These inshore guides will pick you up at the BSM gas dock and supply all the licenses and gear required. Most operate on a catch and release basis for redfish and snook, though some will keep trout, always staying within the regulated limits. Most of the offshore fishing guides operate out of Pine Island ports. A good option
is Randy Frank (239-2437283). Bryan Ball listed on Exhibit 2 also goes offshore with his 36-foot Yellowfin.
EXHIBIT 2 – BURNT STORE FISHING GUIDES
ASSN. (JAN. 21, 2025)
Excursions
For the less confident or mobile person, who just wants to get out on the water, Kingfisher Fleet at Fisherman’s Village has large 55-foot and 64-foot boats that do 90-minute sunset and harbor tours ($39) and all-day trips to Cabbage Key ($59). They also have a 29-foot Harbor Cat that
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carries up to 6 passengers for $475 (2 hours) or $1,040 (6 hours).
Another fun option is offered by Charlotte Harbor Water Shuttle (941-2199217), who provide a water taxi service from Laishley Marina in Punta Gorda to the Riviera Bar & Grill on Alligator Creek, where a meal reservation will be guaranteed for you. For $30 ($15 for children 3-11) you get a 1.25-hour trip to and from the restaurant. Departures from Laishley Marina are 11:30 a.m. for lunch and 4 p.m. for dinner.
Wilderness Boat Tours (317997-4639) offer 2.5-hour tours from Laishley Marina in Punta Gorda up the Peace River for $37 + tax on a pontoon boat, and also offers charters. The bird rookeries are fun to see during the spring.
Seeing dolphins jump out of the water is always a thrill for visitors and residents alike, and if you are lucky can sometimes be experienced with various of the boating alternatives. An inexpensive
option, one hour from the marina, is a water taxi ride to Rum Bay Restaurant (941-697-0566) on private Palm Island. The taxi departs 7092 Placida Road and costs $6 for the 15-minute ride (11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.). The restaurant has a boardwalk through the mangroves, a nice island vibe and the dolphins often jump in the wake of the water taxi.
Jump on Charters with
Captain Benny (239-9559233), also listed on the fishing guides exhibit, has other excursion options from Burnt Store Marina, which can be tailored to your preference, including beaches, shelling, restaurants, island hopping and wildlife viewing. Rates range from $350 (4-hour cruise for 6) to $550 for a 6-hour inshore fishing outing for 4. The boat is a 21-foot, 220 hp outboard with an enclosed head.
For the more adventurous (and perhaps less environmentally sensitive) souls, Peace River Charters (863-884-4000) offer airboat and swamp buggy
excursions in Nocatee.
Tips are normally expected with the fishing and excursion outings.
Kayak Rentals and Tours
Several of our favorite kayak rental outfitters in Matlacha are currently out of business, but will hopefully return in the future. Other options are Carmen’s Kayaks (239333-7332) on Jug Creek in Bokeelia, and Steve Burroughs’ Kayak Eco Tours (813-857-4634) at the Nava-Gator Bar & Grill on the Peace River.
If you own your own kayak, and want ideas for where to paddle in southwest Florida, I recommend the two Paddles in Paradise guide books by Ed and Deb Higgins.
Boat partnerships
A hybrid form of boat ownership worth considering are boat partnerships. Partnerships have elements of fractional ownership and boat club membership, but without the advantages (and costs) of professional management.
I enjoyed two such partnerships over the last number of years. After reviewing all of the considerations listed at the top of this article, I determined that the type of boat(s) I wanted were not available in the club or fractional fleets. I wanted a racing sailboat with better performance than available through Freedom Boat, and a power boat that would allow overnight cruising, anchoring at the gulf beach on Cayo Costa, and enough freeboard to handle the Charlotte Harbor chop when the wind comes up.
Like with any partnership, the choice of your partner(s) is likely more important than the choice of boat. I was very fortunate in both regards. In one case we had a formal legal agreement which spelled out our cost sharing and had a well thought out exit plan clause which we executed recently. In the second case, the agreement was less formal but still worked out well until my partner
had to move back north due to family health issues, and I bought him out.
Whether you are setting sail, cruising, fishing, paddling or just taking a boat ride, I encourage you to get out there and take advantage of the many water access options available on and around Charlotte Harbor.
Note: Graham is on the water regularly on his sailboat (Spirit) and kayak (So Far So Good). Up until recently he and Diane cruised up and down Charlotte Harbor and the SW Florida intercoastal waterway on a Sea Ray Sundancer (Kismet) and on Lake Ontario on a Catalina 400 (Soulstice). For five years Graham also owned and helped market a sailboat (Ceilidh) managed as part of a charter fleet in the Florida Keys. His book about the history and geography of Burnt Store Road, published by the Burnt Store-PPYC Charitable Boating Foundation, is available for download at https://wheredowelive.com/.
