Misunderstood. Mistreated. Maligned. Muscovy.

Fed by some, abused by others, Muscovy ducks are in Florida to stay


“UGLY.” “UNGAINLY.” “A Nuisance.” “Bullies.” “They defecate prodigiously.” “Not a very interesting species.” “Not that bright.” “Garbage ducks.” “Lazy.” These are all ways Florida’s Muscovy duck has been described — even by people who like them — with “ugly” being the most common. On an adult Muscovy duck’s head, especially a male, there are “patches of red bumpy flesh surrounding […]

Veterans Day remembrances set across Southwest Florida

Charlotte County isn’t waiting for Nov. 11 to start honoring its veterans. The annual Veteran Appreciation Parade — featuring floats, bands, dancers, all makes of cars, motorcycles and a special presentation of WW II veterans by the Royal Order of Ponce de Leon — will march through Punta Gorda on Saturday, Nov. 4, kicking off more than a week of […]

The day formerly known as Armistice Day



So here we are in 2017, 99 years later, and still in a damn war. Or two. Or three. It’s hard to keep count. And guess what? Come Nov. 11 we’ll celebrate The Day Formerly-Known-As-Armistice-Day — Nov. 11, 1918. Remember that day, the one that marked the conclusion of “The war to end all wars?” Now we call it Veterans […]

Conservancy calls for state legislators to ban fracking



As the 2018 state legislative session approaches, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and our more than 6,000 supporting families are asking our elected officials to prioritize and pass bills that protect our most valued resource: our water. These efforts are reflected in our top legislative priority, a statewide ban on well stimulation treatments (commonly known as fracking), which has been […]

The Facebook farce



The Kremlin knows a bargain when it sees it. We are supposed to believe that it bought the American presidential election last year with $100,000 in Facebook ads and some other digital activity. Frankly, if American democracy can be purchased this cheap — a tiny fraction of the $7.2 million William Seward paid to buy Alaska from the Russians back […]

Nine ways Southwest Florida has become a film buff’s destination

EXPLORE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

It’s only November, and already the regional film scene is in swing. One film series runs year-round, another kicks off this month and others are seasonal. Three film festivals showcase Southwest Florida’s rising reputation for serious cinematography. Punta Gorda Short Film Festival, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, Punta Gorda. Entering its fourth year in 2018, this brainchild of public […]

Four-legged warriors

On Veterans Day, don’t forget to remember to honor canine service members


Warriors and dogs have been partners for more than 2,000 years. “Courage at both ends of the leash” — those words are engraved on one of the many memorials throughout the world honoring military working dogs. ¦ Canine loyalty, intelligence, mobility and ingenuity are among the attributes that make dogs valuable to the armed forces. The most common breeds are […]

Pets of the Week

These animals are available for adoption at the Animal Welfare League, 3519 Drance St., Port Charlotte. All animals are microchipped, neutered and current with their shots. The shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. To view adoptable pets, visit www.awlshelter.org. These pets are available for adoption at the Suncoast Humane Society, 6781 San Casa Drive, Englewood. […]

Discovering your career path

FLORIDA SOUTHWESTERN STATE COLLEGE

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” — Steve Jobs Scenario A: You’ve been in your profession a few years. In order to advance, you need to get additional education. Scenario B: You’ve been in the workforce a few years, but you’ve decided it’s […]

Ford F-150 Raptor — ability with a hint of civility

BEHIND THE WHEEL


If you’re a truck person, it’s hard not to get excited by a machine like the Ford F-150 Raptor. The beefy stance and terrain chewing appearance makes everyone else assume your driveway is an off-road racing circuit. But the redesign for 2017 adds an unexpected element — civility. The first Raptor was intended more as a halo model for the […]