Quick start

In eight weeks, Gov. Ron DeSantis has come out blazing on a variety of issues. So far, his actions and comments about water have garnered favor from environmentalists across the state.


WHEN RON DESANTIS CRAWLED RATHER than swept into the Florida governor’s office to become #46 last fall by a threadbare margin of 32,000 votes, he bore all the signs of a Donald Trump acolyte laced with right-wing Republican notions on the economy and business (lower taxes, deregulate), education (privatize), immigration (build the wall, no sanctuary cities), health care and abortion (no […]

‘Downton Abbey’ exhibition showcases costumes, sets



As Americans, we are resolutely proud that we don’t have a royal family, but we’re also a little jealous of their wealth and breeding and the pomp and pageantry that goes along with it. British music, film and television have always been popular imports, but the American obsession with the PBS show “Downton Abbey” took everyone, including PBS, by surprise. […]

Letters



This week readers respond to the column, “Socialists ‘R’ Us, since 1933,” which appears in the March 6, 2019 edition of Florida Weekly. The letters have not been fact-checked. They’re abridged only for length. From Jill Hegley: Thank you! From John Wineland: A friend directed me to your Commentary “Socialists R Us, since 1933,” and I have a problem with […]

Reform school



Reform is inevitably a difficult process, and not just for the reformees. It’s particularly painful for the reformers, no matter how meritorious their cause. Who would admit opposing fundamental changes to a health care system in this country that is glaringly overpriced and significantly underperforms? Who would resist efforts to rescue the planet from boiling away? As the reformers are […]

Don’t root for a Trump primary challenge



The race for 2020 is taking shape, although there are still significant unknowns, including whether Donald Trump will get a serious primary challenge. His fiercest Republican critics say, “Yes — please, please, yes.” They are probably wrong, and it’s certainly nothing to root for. Trump’s dominance of the party begins with his lockdown support of the right, forcing any primary […]

A bit of seafaring blarney for St. Patrick’s Day



For those of you of Irish descent — and/or those of you who celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a little too much liquid — I apologize in advance for the following tale. This is the untold story of Capt. Donegal, an adventure that started in a pub on the east coast of Ireland back in the 16th century (give or […]

Upcoming CHEC programs

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center and the Charlotte County Natural Resource Department will be conducting the following free programs. Unless noted, all walks begin at 9 a.m. For directions or further information, call Cedar Point Environmental Park at 475-0769. All programs can be found at www.ChecFlorida.org. ¦ Friday, March 15 — Join Bob “Coop” Cooper on a guided walk through the […]

When less is more

Smaller incisions, less pain among the benefits


When Rebecca Barocas went to the veterinary clinic to pick up Anja, the 18-month-old German shepherd she had recently adopted, it was hard to tell that the 50-pound dog had just undergone spay surgery. Anja was bouncing around and then bounded into the truck before Barocas could lift her in. Barocas attributes Anja’s high spirits after what is typically major […]

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. To learn more, visit EARS at 145 W. Dearborn St., Englewood, visit www.earsanimalrescue.com or call 681-3877. […]

Fight fire with knowledge aboard boats


Fires are among the more dangerous — yet preventable — accidents that can occur on-board a boat. For that reason, the nonprofit Sea Tow Foundation, in conjunction with marine assistance provider Sea Tow Services, offers boaters these important fire prevention tips. Fast action and a cool head are critical in fighting boat fires, as they can spread rapidly. Following these […]