Charlotte Harbor Aquarium Committee proposes raising between $32 million and $35 million to build a 50,000-square-foot aquarium in downtown Punta Gorda. A consulting firm estimates the aquarium could attract between 130,000 and 300,000 visitors each year. Howard Kunik, Punta Gorda City Manager, commented, "Mote operates its facility in Sarasota self sufficiently, so why not … Keep reading... about Idea: Charlotte Harbor Aquarium
Venice Christmas Boat Parade
The 25th annual Christmas boat parade took place in Venice, FL on December 7. The parade started at 6pm. It began near the Albee road bridge in Nokomis, traveling partially out the jetty, then through Roberts Bay and all the way down to just north of the circus bridge on the island of Venice. … Keep reading... about Venice Christmas Boat Parade
Gardening in SW Florida
Gardening in Southwest Florida can be a real joy and sometimes a challenge. I have not had a great deal of luck with tomatoes and my citrus takes a lot of attention, but some plants thrive. I use plastic buckets as planters for my vegetable garden. It allows me to control the soil and watering much better. In the adjacent photo there is a bucket of broccoli that I planted just … Keep reading... about Gardening in SW Florida
Art in the Palms – Palm Island
The annual Art in the Palms arts festival on Palm Island took place November 9. There was an impressive assembly of artists as well as music and food. It is always a fun event and I like to take the Palm Island Resort shuttle to Rum Bay restaurant for lunch and a walk on the beach. There are no bridges to Palm Island so you must take the ferry. It is a short ride of just a few … Keep reading... about Art in the Palms – Palm Island
Thanksgiving on the Beach
Thanksgiving day in Southwest Florida was sunny and breezy with temperatures in the high sixties. It was too chilly for me to go swimming but it was a perfect day to visit Englewood Beach, relax on the sand and yes, wade ankle deep while searching for shark's teeth. I found a few small ones and a pile of great shells. The beach was uncrowded. It is rarely "crowded". Even in … Keep reading... about Thanksgiving on the Beach
Direct flights Portsmouth, NH to Punta Gorda
Allegiant Airlines has announced non-stop flights between Punta Gorda, FL and Portsmouth, NH. Beginning February 12, 2014, flights will originate at Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, flying direct to Punta Gorda, FL. Flights will take just under three hours. Promotional fares will start at $129 each way. Allegiant Airlines released a statement by President Andrew C. … Keep reading... about Direct flights Portsmouth, NH to Punta Gorda
Philippines Fundraiser
Dr. Mark Asperilla has shown his incredible generosity, donating his time, medical skills and funds to charities throughout the world. Dr. Asperilla has traveled extensively, caring for the poor and less fortunate, often traveling to his native country, Philippines. The disastrous typhoon that struck the country on November 8, 2013 has spurred his activism and generosity once … Keep reading... about Philippines Fundraiser
Affordable North Port
North Port, FL has been ranked one of the most affordable communities with a population under 60,000. Based on cost of living, crime, median household income, unemployment rate, median home price and homes for sale per capita, North Port was ranked most affordable in Florida. North Port has a cost of living 10 points below the national average with a median household income of … Keep reading... about Affordable North Port
Venice FL Infrastructure Projects
The City of Venice, FL has announced plans to upgrade its reverse osmosis water treatment plant. The project is one of the largest in the city at almost $7,000,000. Venice officials said that the project is necessary due to population growth and real estate development in the area. The city will issue bonds to pay for about 50 projects. … Keep reading... about Venice FL Infrastructure Projects
Are Investors Flipping
This morning a customer said to me, “I hear that people are starting to “flip houses” again. What is going on is not what she had in mind. “Flipping” has always been part of the real estate market and probably always will. When a savvy investor find a home that is in need of repair with a good prospect of appreciation, he or she buys. They complete repairs and maintenance, add … Keep reading... about Are Investors Flipping