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BETTY INGERSON, CHAIRMAN, ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
One (1) Single-Family Home Application was reviewed by ARC in February and was held for additional information. Nine (9) other applications were reviewed. Four (4) were recommended for approval, one (1) was rejected, and four (4) were held for additional information.

Effective February 28, 2026, there were forty-seven (47) new homes in the approved construction process. Charlotte County Construction Permit Status is as follows:
• Twenty-eight (60%) are in Active status.
• Fifteen (32%) are in Expired status.
• Four (8%) are in Review status.
The homes in Expired status are experiencing delayed construction or contractor abandonment issues that have resulted in violations of the Association’s Clean Site Program. The violations are being addressed on a case-by-case basis using Clean Site and Builder’s Completion Deposit Funds to pay for site cleanup. Legal counsel has been engaged as necessary.
Eight (8) new homes received a Certificate of Occupancy this fiscal year (October 2025 – September 2026). Two homes received a Certificate of Occupancy in February.

The following architectural projects were either approved or conditionally approved by the Burnt Store Lakes Board of Directors during the February 10th Board Meeting:


Fred Boland, President
Rob Hancik, Vice President
Dana Reed, Treasurer
Richard Hefright, Secretary
Edie Johnson, Director at Large
Jeanie Jordan, Director at Large
Ronald Paul, Director at Large
Architectural Review Fred Boland
Communications Jeanie Jordan
Mechanical and Maintenance Richard Hefright
Long Range Planning Jeanie Jordan
Beautification Richard Hefright
Lakes Quality Rob Hancik
Drainage and Swales Ron Paul
County Liaison Rob Hancik
MSBU’s and Coalition
County Commissioners, etc.
Deed Restrictions Jeanie Jordan
Enforcement
Document Revisions
Board of Directors meeting is Tuesday, April 14 at 3 p.m.
Meetings are hybrid meetings held in the Community Center and available by Zoom.
16500 Burnt Store Road, Suite 102 (941) 639-5881
This is a friendly reminder regarding the proper use of personal dumpsters within our community.

Please note that dumpsters located on individual properties are privately owned and intended only for use by that homeowner or their contractor. Placing large or bulky items—such as furniture, mattresses, tables, or other oversized debris—into another resident’s dumpster can create significant inconvenience and added expense for the homeowner and may be considered trespassing. Overfilled dumpsters can also cause trash to blow out, creating additional cleanup and negatively impacting the appearance of our neighborhood.
If you have large items to dispose of, please make arrangements through the appropriate waste services or scheduled bulk pickup options rather than using a neighbor’s dumpster.
We truly appreciate everyone’s cooperation in helping keep our community clean, respectful, and neighborly. Thank you for your understanding.
Warm regards,
Dawn Caniff, Community Association Manager




Dear POA Residents, We would like to remind everyone of the importance of exercising caution around lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water within our community.
While serious injuries caused by alligators are rare in Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) provides clear guidance to prevent dangerous encounters:
• Keep a safe distance if you see an alligator.
• Never feed an alligator. When fed, alligators lose their natural fear of people and begin to associate humans with food. This creates serious safety risks for you, your family, your neighbors, and your pets.


It has come to our attention that some residents are feeding the alligators. This must stop immediately.
Feeding alligators is illegal in Florida. If you are caught:
• The first offense carries a $1,000 fine.
• Subsequent offenses can result in jail time.
In addition to being illegal, feeding alligators often results in the animal becoming aggressive and ultimately being removed and destroyed.
If you witness someone feeding an alligator, please report it directly to FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888404-FWCC or visit MyFWC.com/ WildlifeAlert.
Additional safety reminders:
• Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge. Never allow pets to swim in fresh or brackish water—even briefly. Pets resemble natural prey, and attacks happen quickly.
• If you believe an alligator poses a threat to people, pets, or property, contact the FWC Nuisance Alligator

Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). FWC will dispatch a contracted nuisance trapper if necessary. Your cooperation is not optional—it is necessary for the safety of our entire community. Please use sound judgment, follow the law, and do not feed wildlife.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Dawn Caniff, Community Association Manager


BETTY INGERSON, WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR
Our website allows us to welcome you and share the ins and outs, the activities, the benefits, and the advantages of living in Burnt Store Lakes. It is the primary communications vehicle for our Association. All members receive BSL email information notices as they are sent, unless they have personally elected to opt out.
• If you have placed items on the BSL Classified Listing pages, please remember to remove them when the item is sold. Items will be removed after four months.
• Remember to use the Potluck RSVPs section of the website to sign up for the monthly Potluck Picnics in the Community Park. Your reservation lets us know you are attending so we can plan accordingly. Come join your neighbors and enjoy conversations and a great picnic as well.
The Burnt Store Lakes website is the best way to make sure you are up to date on what is going on in the community. We strongly encourage
all new residents and property owners to go to the BSLPOA Website (www.bslpoa.org) and register for access. Once registered, you can automatically stay informed. Select the types of email communications you wish to receive (notifications, alerts, updates, bulletins, etc.). You will also be listed in the online Resident’s Directory and find helpful information regarding community activities, governing documents, forms, policies, deed restrictions, and other contact information. Note that many areas of the website are only available to registered members, so signing up is important!
Update your information if any changes are needed. You are the only one that can update your emails, phone numbers, etc. If you are not receiving your Monday email bulletins, please check your email for accuracy.
Remember:
• Privacy and passwords controlled by member
• Email blasts for instant info sharing
• Weekly bulletin updates listing past notices
• Classified Listings
• Calendar with RSVP available for events
• BSL information – documents, forms, etc. available 24/7/365
Ever wondered where America’s oldest city is? The answer is in Florida. St. Augustine was established by the Spanish settlers in 1565 and took the title of the oldest American-occupied city to date.


Full body LED light therapy—also known as photobiomodulation or red light therapy— is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to support healing, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall wellness. Once limited to clinical settings, this technology is now widely available in wellness centers, gyms, and even at home. As research continues to grow, so does interest in the wide-ranging benefits of full body LED light therapy.
LED (light-emitting diode) therapy uses low-level wavelengths of red and nearinfrared light to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular activity. Unlike UV light, which can damage the skin, red and nearinfrared light are considered safe and do not cause burns when used appropriately.
Full body systems typically consist of large panels or light beds that allow users to expose most or all of their body at once, maximizing systemic effects rather than targeting a single area.
One of the primary mechanisms behind LED light therapy is its effect on mitochondria—the “power plants” of our cells. Red and near-infrared light stimulate the production of adenosine triphosphate
(ATP), the molecule responsible for cellular energy. Higher ATP production supports faster cell repair, improved tissue regeneration, and enhanced overall cellular function.
This boost in cellular energy is the foundation for many of the therapy’s reported benefits.
Inflammation is a key factor in many chronic conditions, including joint pain, muscle soreness, and autoimmune disorders. Full body LED light therapy has been shown to:
• Reduce inflammatory markers
• Improve circulation
• Accelerate recovery from injury
Athletes frequently use full body light therapy to reduce muscle soreness after intense workouts and to speed up recovery times. Individuals with arthritis or chronic pain conditions may also experience decreased stiffness and improved mobility.
Red light therapy is widely known for its cosmetic benefits. By stimulating collagen and elastin production, it can help:

• Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
• Improve skin tone and texture
• Minimize acne and acne scarring
• Support wound healing
Full body exposure allows for comprehensive skin rejuvenation, making it popular in anti-aging and aesthetic wellness programs.


Because full body LED light therapy enhances circulation and ATP production, it supports muscle repair at a deeper level. Many professional athletes and fitness enthusiasts use it to:
• Shorten recovery time between workouts
• Reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
• Enhance endurance and performance

When muscles recover more efficiently, overall performance and training consistency can improve.
Emerging research suggests that red and near-infrared light exposure may positively influence mood and sleep patterns. By reducing inflammation and supporting cellular health, light therapy may help regulate circadian rhythms and promote relaxation.
Some users report:
• Improved sleep quality
• Reduced stress levels
• Enhanced mental clarity
While more large-scale studies are needed, early findings are promising.
Full body LED light therapy promotes vasodilation—the widening of blood vessels—which enhances blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body.
Improved circulation supports:
• Faster wound healing
• Reduced swelling
• Better nutrient delivery to tissues
This systemic effect is one of the advantages of full body treatment over smaller, localized devices.


LED light therapy is generally considered safe when used as directed. It is non-invasive, painless, and does not require downtime. However, individuals with certain medical conditions, those taking light-sensitive medications, or those who are pregnant should consult a healthcare provider before beginning treatment.
Consistency is key. Most protocols recommend multiple sessions per week over several weeks to achieve noticeable results.
LED light therapy is offered in a few niche med spas and wellness centers around Southwest Florida, including select locations at Massage Envy. Prices can range anywhere from $30 - $85 per
treatment at most facilities, which can add up quickly when you are going twice per week; however, Massage Envy offers an unlimited use package for $100 per month, making this great service affordable to almost anyone. Massage Envy utilizes the Lightstim Full body LED bed, which is the only full body led bed cleared by the FDA for treatment of chronic pain and inflammation.
Full body LED light therapy offers a range of potential benefits—from enhanced cellular energy and reduced inflammation to improved skin health, faster muscle recovery, and better overall wellness. While ongoing research continues to explore its full capabilities, current evidence and user experiences suggest it is a promising, low-risk option for those seeking a non-invasive way to support whole-body health.
As with any wellness treatment, results may vary, but for many individuals, full body LED light therapy has become a valuable addition to their health and recovery routine.
This article is a paid advertisement. The content was provided by the sponsor and does not necessarily reflect the views of this community or Seabreeze Communications.


OLDEST GOLDFISH LIVED TO BE 43 YEARS OLD!

In the U.K., a goldfish named Tish, the beloved pet of Hilda and Gordon Hand, died in 1999, making her the longest living goldfish, according to Guinness World Records. The Hand family got Tish in 1956, after their son Peter won the fish at a fair.
“An ordinary life with ordinary sacrifices, freely and courageously lived, is not ordinary at all, but extraordinary.”
~ Attributed to Rev. James Allan Francis ~
This quote reflects the idea that even ordinary lives can be extraordinary.




Let us know if you would like to be connected with a neighbor. Neighborhood Watch is accepting resident profiles as a community service for those who may need assistance from time to time, particularly in the event of a severe storm or hurricane.
To obtain a copy of the profile and/or to obtain additional information, contact Louise Barrett at (508) 728-8002 or at lbarrett10@comcast.net.
The BSL website (bslpoa.org) also has the profile forms and information available.
Furthermore, you can register online at the State of Florida Special Needs registry for “special needs” status if you have a physical, mental, or sensory disability and require assistance during an emergency. Charlotte County Emergency Management, along with the Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County, will strive to provide special needs sheltering and/or transportation to a general shelter.

AVA RITTER
When did we become too impatient to read the comics?
I woke up this Sunday morning with a memory of past days—back when the paper was likely already on the front porch. And once my dad relinquished the last section, I would be handed the comic’s page. I would lay it flat on the ground and sit Indian style to harvest the giggles and the deeper contemplations it would provide.
But we all move too fast for comics now. Now our screens light up with constant suggestions of our personal algorithms, and we quickly swipe to get to the next piece of information. If we giggle, it’s likely at someone else’s expense.
Peanuts taught us that Charlie Brown was just a good guy who seldom got a break. He was a guy that tried to do what was right. His best friend Linus carried a baby blanket and sucked his thumb. His other friend Schroeder was a virtuoso on the piano. Pig Pen (no real name given) had questionable hygiene habits, and Lucy was a thorn in his side. He admired the “little red-haired girl” but only from afar.
I learned much from them and from “Lil’ Abner,” “Ziggy,” and even “Garfield.” I marveled that “Hi and Lois” had children
that never grew up! I took the time to examine each square of information, sepia toned colors, and intended lessons.

But now it’s Pokémon, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and Bluey dancing across the screens. I miss the show. I miss the simplicity and probably miss the message buried within. It was another time. And I contemplate the memories as I sit and smile on my lanai.


The BSL Annual Potluck Picnic was held on Sunday, February 15th, with a significant number of residents in attendance. The BSL POA provided fried chicken tenders and hot dogs, potato salad, coleslaw, a veggie tray, mac and cheese, rolls, and cake, along with water and ice. In addition, some residents added to the bounty by bringing additional salads and/or desserts. Needless to say, no one went home hungry!


If you couldn’t attend, this what you missed.
























Join Your Neighbors!

Located off Rio Togas near Burnt Store Road.
Sunday, April 12
1 to 3 p.m.
Please bring a meat dish, casserole, side dish and/or a dessert to share with 12 to 15 people and bring your own beverage.
Plates, silverware, napkins, and water will be provided.
Come for the food and stay for the fellowship and fun!
We hope to see EVERYONE there!

DON’T HAVE A REAL ID OR ACCEPTABLE ID? YOU CAN NOW PAY A $45 FEE.
If you are unable to provide the required acceptable ID, such as a passport or REAL ID, you can pay a $45 fee to use TSA ConfirmID. TSA will then attempt to verify your identity so you can go through security; however, there is no guarantee TSA can do so.
Please note: Using TSA ConfirmID is optional. If you choose not to use it and don’t have an acceptable ID, you may not be allowed through security and may miss your flight. Fraud or other criminal activity regarding this process will be processed under federal penalties.
1. Click the blue “Pay Now” button to go to the TSA ConfirmID site on Pay.gov to pre-pay for TSA ConfirmID. You will need to enter:
• Traveler’s Legal name (Note: someone other than the traveler may make the payment, but the traveler’s information must be entered correctly).
• Traveler’s start date (the payment is valid for 10 days from the date entered).
• A valid bank account (ACH), debit card, credit card, Venmo, or PayPal to pay the $45 fee.
2. On the payment site, follow the steps to pay the TSA ConfirmID fee.
• Please double check your information, including your travel start date, and email before you submit payment.
• The $45 fee can only be paid through Pay.gov./.
3. Once the payment is processed, you’ll receive a payment confirmation email from Pay.gov.
• Each adult 18 or older without an acceptable ID must complete the TSA ConfirmID process separately
• If you are paying for another traveler, the name on the payment card does not have to match the traveler’s name.
Important: Keep the confirmation email as proof of payment, take a screenshot or print the receipt to show at the TSA checkpoint
4. At the TSA checkpoint, show a printed or electronic copy of your TSA ConfirmID receipt from your email to a TSA officer to begin the identity verification process.
Important: The fee lets you use TSA ConfirmID for 10 days from the date of travel listed on the receipt


Date And Time:
Friday, Apr 10, 2026 // 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Location:
900 West Marion Ave. Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Fees/Admission
$52.00 at https://ci.ovationtix.com/35397
Website
http://www.militaryheritagemuseum.org
Contact Information
Gregg Hansen at ghansen@militarymuseum.org
NEVER STOP BELIEVIN’: TRIBUTE TO JOURNEY

Steve Perry Returns to Journey!? That is the dream of every Journey fan. To see the amazing lineup that dominated arenas worldwide in the late 70s, 80s, and mid 90s.
JOURNEY TRIBUTE Never Stop Believin’ makes that dream come true! This is the ONLY Journey Show on the planet that pays tribute to the look and sound of Journey from the 70s and 80s! The show starts out with Journey playing the Evolution and Departure albums in 1978. It then jumps to the mid-80s look with a costume change mid-show, and you are seeing the Escape - Frontiers albums tour!
Never Stop Believin’ is fronted by the incredible vocals and presence of an amazing singer who looks and sounds just
like Steve Perry! Plus, the band plays the songs note for note with four-part live vocal harmony!
This band has been playing festivals, top venues, and international locations for over 18-years, and is extremely professional on and off the stage. All the Hits: Anyway You Want It, Whose Cryin’ Now, Wheel In The Sky, Open Arms, Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’, Faithfully, Lights, and, of course, Don’t Stop Believin’, and many more!


Help the Symphonic Winds of Charlotte County celebrate America’s 250th birthday with popular and patriotic musical selections that will make you proud to be an American.


APRIL 5, 2026

Date and Time:
Friday, Apr 10, 2026 // 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location:
Outdoor Location to be announced.
Fees/Admission:
Ticket price to be announced. This is an outdoor event and is weather dependent. Bring a folding chair.
Website: https://symphonicwindscc.com/
Contact Information:
Box Office Voice Mail: 941-218-0022 //
Website: symphonicwindscc.com
Send Email
These additional articles of interest can be found at https://burntstorelakes. seabreezecommunications.com/articles/ :
Ed Leedskalnin’s Coral Castle - A Mysterious Castle Built as a Monument to Love
Friday the 13th - A harbinger of bad luck?
Florida Aquarium’s Resident Manatee Is the Oldest on Record
Part 1: Fascinating and Intriguing Facts About U.S. Geography We Never Learned Until Now
Social Media Scam Ads are Everywhere. Here’s How to Spot Them MORE TO SEE - MORE TO READ ONLINE!
