Get around faster with our traffic shortcuts




WHEN PRESSED TO REVEAL THEIR SHORTcuts around the maddening Southwest Florida seasonal traffic, some people aren’t talking. March in Southwest Florida means spring break, spring training and a certain kind of insanity on the roadways that’s been known to send both locals and even longtime winter residents over the brink. So, it’s understandable that when some find small relief away […]

Gene Gorman’s book recounts his rocky road to ‘miraculous’ success




Gene Gorman realizes it’s a miracle that he’s alive. “A fellow had saved my life in Vietnam,” he said. “His name was Frank Hardy, a lance corporal in the Marines. I was a sergeant and his squad leader. We were on a combat operation and we were going up this jungle mountain. He spotted an enemy machine gun and pushed […]

COLUMN: LETTERS



Editor’s note: It a robust week for letters. Here we share several, abridged for length only. On low minimum wages: Roger: “This was right on and should be required reading in business school.” — Tom McCarter, Sanibel Island Dear Mr. Williams: Thank you for your article “Consider My Influence” that appeared in in the Charlotte County Florida Weekly the week […]

The education of Scott Walker



Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker belongs to an embattled minority that happens to be most of the population. The root of this paradox is that Walker is an outlier among the political class in not having graduated from college, at the same time that a solid two-thirds of the country lacks a four-year degree. Such is the domination of not just […]

From Crispus Attucks to Michael Brown: race and revolution



March 5 marks an important but oftoverlooked anniversary. On a winter’s day 245 years ago, in the year 1770, an angry crowd formed in Boston, then the capital of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. People were enraged by the extortionate taxes imposed by the British Parliament. In order to quell the public furor, the British sent troops, who violently quashed […]

On writing my first adventure novel



These past seven weeks, I have been going to school. Not to learn about math, reading, calculus or anything like that. I went to learn how to better put the ideas in my head on paper. This is so I can better communicate my views of nature, love of life, the outdoors and my adventures to you, my readers. My […]

Beagle Mania

Got beagles on the brain after Westminster? Consider adopting one from a rescue group

When a particular breed wins Westminster or stars in a popular movie or television show, fans consider the exposure a double-edged sword. Of course they’re proud that their Whiffenpooch is in the news, but they also know that too much publicity can bring unwanted attention from high-volume commercial breeders (also known as puppy mills) or pet owners who decide to […]

Pets of the Week



These animals are available for adoption at the Animal Welfare League, 3519 Drance St., Port Charlotte. All animals are micro-chipped, neutered and current with their shots, except rabies. The shelter is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. To view adoptable pets, visit awlshelter.org. These pets are available for adoption at the Suncoast Humane Society, 6781 San Casa […]

Animal Welfare League receives community support



The Animal Welfare League recently broke ground to kick off the renovation of its intake building. The new building will be known as the Hoffer Animal Care Center. On hand were those responsible for the undertaking, including Diane and Erik Hoffer of the Hoffer Foundation; members of The Farr Law Firm; and Punta Gorda Vice Mayor Kim Devine. Contributions from […]

THIS WEEK ON WGCU-TV



THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 8 P.M. Magic Moments The Best of ’50s Pop Co-hosted by singers Pat Boone and Phyllis McGuire with Nick Clooney, the variety show spotlights the performers who continue to warm the hearts and ears of lovers of vintage American music. FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 8:30 P.M. Charlie Rose: The Week A weekly retrospective of the defining moments in […]