being southern

— DEFINING IDENTITY AMONG A SHRINKING BREED


RISING FROM THE CULTURAL DIN THAT clamors out of years and decades of daily living along the Gulf Coast, the Southern voice has remained distinct and vibrant. But that voice appears to be fading, an observation almost universally accepted by Southerners themselves. The tone and timbre of its long music is often roundly ignored nowadays by many of the 1.2 […]

Barrier island gets a checkup from Dr. Beach




Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman walked barefoot toward the low waves breaking gently on a barrier island in Charlotte County. He took a “representative” sample of sand in his fingertips, assessing its quality and announcingitratedabouta3 ½onhisfivepoint scale that takes into account softness and color. He put an X in the appropriate box, just one of 50 criteria that Dr. Leatherman, billed […]

The color of friendship




“Like him? I don’t like him. Whatever gave you that impression?” exclaims Jerry Kennedy, grinning puckishly. That’s friendship, for you. He’s standing outside his cow pasture tucked up under the southern flank of Babcock Ranch, where he’s made his home for several decades. “Ten-Fo, good buddy, I read you loud ‘n’ clear,” acknowledges Burdie Baker, standing nearby. He smiles and […]

A victory for America




The Russians have a proverb, “God hurries not, but misses not.” In the case of Osama bin Laden, we may have been in a hurry, but still had to wait 10 long years since the day he crushed and incinerated thousands on our soil. It’s hard to know what the condign punishment is for such a savage act of mass […]

Accomplish the mission: Bring the troops home




On May 1, the U.S. president addressed the nation, announcing a military victory. May 1, 2003, that is, when President George W. Bush, in his form-fitting flight suit, strode onto the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Lincoln. Under the banner announcing “Mission Accomplished,” he declared that “major combat operations in Iraq have ended.” That was eight years to the […]

Education most precious: local writer looks back




Education has long mattered here in Charlotte County. The late Leo Wotitzky Sr., the venerable lawyer and legislator who led the fight for the first state school equalization taxing plan, was from Punta Gorda. His support for the tax, which set a benchmark for the fair distribution of state education money, cost him his seat in the legislature. And before […]

This week on WGCU TV



. THURSDAY, MAY 12, 8 P.M. Priceless Antiques Roadshow Revisit some of the most memorable moments from 31 years of the BBC’s “Antiques Roadshow.” . FRIDAY, MAY 13, 8:30 P.M. FGCU Sports Report Catch Florida Gulf Coast University’s weekly sports scores and highlights, as well as interviews, profiles and a preview of upcoming events on the Eagles’ schedule. Hosted by […]

Museum offers slice of Navy SEALs’ history




On May 2, a team of Navy SEALs descended upon Osama bin Laden’s compound in Pakistan, shot him, collected his body and brought to an end the longest and costliest manhunt in history. The program that launched the SEALs started in a sleepy town in St. Lucie County, home to a World War II military base that is now recognized […]

FGCU Great Decisions series offers global insight




The victory over Osama bin Laden brings back vivid memories of Sept. 11, 2001. After the shock and grief, many people began asking “why do they hate us so?” Beginning May 10, Florida Gulf Coast University, 117 Herald Court in Punta Gorda, will host the Great Decisions series on foreign policy. It’s an opportunity for participants to use guided discussion […]

Edison graduates nurses



The 2011 spring class of Edison State College Charlotte Campus Nursing students poses for a picture with program benefactor Regina “JJ” Jones before the pinning ceremony on May 3 in the Edison auditorium. Those who earned an associate’s degree in nursing include Kimberly Abbott, Cassandra Albright, Angela Contini, Amanda DiBlasi, Heather Dwyer, Jennifer Garcia, Mac Greenberg, Micky Gruber, Candace Harden, […]