Child welfare strained

Community-Based Care Lead Agencies, which contract with the state’s Department of Children and Families to administer the child welfare system, say they need more foster families, and support for friends and relatives who help provide care, as well as for parents so that fewer lose their children to the state


FLORIDA’S CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM is strained with 6,700 more children than five years ago, an increase linked to higher rates of drug abuse — historically a top reason why kids are removed from homes — and the opioid epidemic. Caregivers and advocates say there is a lack of available foster homes as well as funding and support for preventative services […]

Punta Gorda entrepreneur moves from ‘Apples’ to spice racks



Within the past nearly two decades, entrepreneur and Punta Gorda resident Mark Osterhaus watched as a party game he co-created rose to prominence by captivating the hearts and imaginations of its players. He said it’s common for him to run into people who can recount tales of playing “Apples to Apples,” even across generations. This simple game can be mastered […]

Love, Love, Love



Suddenly in a span of about 10 weeks, a true miracle has occurred in the world around us. World peace? No, not yet. The second coming of our Lord and Savior? Let’s hope not. We’re far from ready to be judged. An end to poverty? Sure, that must be it. NOT! Bi-partisan harmony, good will, keen judgment and selfless sacrifice […]

American slapstick



This is one of those “good news, bad news” situations. First, the good news: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has communicated his continuing trust in President Donald Trump to make good on their deal, whatever it is. POTUS reciprocated by going to Twitter to thank Kim for his “unwavering faith.” Now the bad news: Faith in Trump is wavering […]

The blue-collar recovery



The economic recovery is really beginning to reach into Trump country. The president is famous for his extravagant promises, involving, invariably, the biggest and the best. The landscape is littered with examples, although he never promised to create blue-collar jobs at the fastest clip since 1984, something he achieved in the first half of 2018. A labor market that has […]

COMMUNITY IN THE KNOW

Fred Lang Foundation’s Front Nine to be held The Girls Night Out Bar Stool Open in Punta Gorda officially switched hands this year to become an ongoing fundraiser for the Fred Lang Foundation and Charlotte Behavioral Health Care. The event, renamed the “Fred Lang Front Nine,” is still chaired by Jill Ferguson, a longtime GNO member who is also a […]

Time is a mystery, relatively speaking

THE GREAT OUTDOORS


There is a theory that time is relative. What is it relative to? Scientists are unable to explain the difference in the length of time for different situations. Some things are beyond our ability to measure due to our need for having physical, hard, tested proof that something is — or isn’t — real. Every one of us has experienced […]

Candlelight vigil raises awareness of mental and substance use disorder support services

Mental and/or substance use disorders are a critical challenge that Charlotte County must address immediately. To draw attention to the issue, Charlotte Behavioral Health Care will host a Recovery Vigil to raise awareness for people in need of treatment and recovery support services. The candlelight vigil will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, in Laishley Park, 100 Nesbit […]

50 Years for Winn

Better health and care for cats is a lodestar for Winn Feline Foundation


When you feed your cat; purchase a Maine coon or ragdoll kitten who doesn’t have a mutation for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most commonly diagnosed form of heart disease in cats; or have your cat’s diabetes reversed through a change in diet, you’re benefiting from research funded by the Winn Feline Foundation (winnfelinefoundation.org), which is celebrating its golden anniversary of helping […]

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. All EARS animals are up to date on their shots, neutered and microchipped in your name […]