When one of the largest companies in the world decides to open a branch in the area, that gets your attention.
This will be a light week for Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce planned events. Perhaps it’s a blessing in disguise with our members so busy in the positive-but-full onslaught of their busy season. The board of directors will converge this evening for the monthly board meeting as we quick…
Jennifer Clark and husband Robert Rance just survived a first birthday at their Charlotte Harbor café, Mean Jeanne’s Riverside Restaurant. Most independent restaurants close within their first year. They hope they’ll keep on going.
By many counts, the trade deal President Trump signed on Jan. 15 with China lacks heft. It doesn't remove all the tariffs, it doesn't impose any major penalties on intellectual property theft, and it punts completely on issues including China's state subsidies to prop up its own companies in…
“It’s going to be like breaking up with everyone you know.”
The Environmental Protection Agency first warned of secondhand smoke in 1991, some 30 years after scientists determined that smoking cigarettes causes cancer. Today, a growing body of research points toward a new indirect health hazard.
Tropical breezes caress you and the sunshine blinds you on a typical day here in Tavernier, a small town in the Florida Keys. I’ve spent more than 10 years in and around the Florida Keys and I’ve seen a steady degradation of the environment. The once iconic views of the Keys are being dimini…
Before you read the rest of this column, turn off the TV, put down your phone (not if you are reading this on your mobile device), close your eyes and for about 20 seconds ask yourself if you consider yourself a rude person.
This week marks 75 years since Soviet troops stormed the gates of hell.
A recent bridge inspection has recommended repairs to the Sailfish bridge in Punta Gorda. Effective Jan. 29, for approximately 30 days, Sailfish bridge will be under construction to repair erosion damage under the bridge.
We see articles of late on rising sea levels, for which the remediation could be very costly to Charlotte citizens. Let’s evaluate the science carefully.
The African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”, means an entire community of people must interact with children for those kids to experience and grow in a safe, healthy environment.
Somewhat new to our area, the perennial known as the leopard plant is an interesting selection that I first saw about six years ago. Besides large, attractive green leaves, the leopard plant also blooms and prefers shade to part-shade conditions. Why is it called the leopard plant? Besides t…
If you’ve played the poker game “Texas Hold’em” I think you’ll appreciate this analogy. If you’re in business – or starting one; it’s like playing poker.
Elections are a form of communication. Voting tells politicians, and the press if they're capable of getting the message, what citizens will tolerate and what they won't. The Democrats haven't voted yet, but they've been campaigning for more than a year and have just had their last debate be…
A visitor to the office had never heard of my favorite author, Lewis Grizzard. So, just to educate him and my readers, and because it is a busy day, I am resurrecting, with some editing, this column from 2013.
The area is once again filling up with seasonal guests. Welcome back! We missed you.
Florida, known for its beautiful beaches, natural wonders and vibrant tourist attractions, continues to grow rapidly. In fact, more than 900 people move to the Sunshine State every day.
This is the time of year when we see an increase in traffic on our roads from visitors and seasonal residents from the north. The beautiful weather also brings people outdoors walking and riding bicycles. We hear many motorists complaining about cyclists riding on the roads and their attempt…
Last week, I was surprised. Now I’m just scratching my head.