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
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
Deadline for June articles is May 5. Email all submissions to Paula Short, editorbslnewspaper@yahoo.com
… for our next Community “Meet the Candidates” Potluck Picnic.
The picnics will be on hiatus from June through August, but we hope to see everyone again in September at a date to be determined. So, let’s make our May potluck the biggest ever as we bid a fond farewell to friends, fellowship, fun, and food until fall!
Two Single-Family Home Applications were reviewed by ARC in March, and both were held for additional information. Nine other applications were reviewed. Five were recommended for approval, one was held for additional information, two were cancelled, and one did not need Board approval.
Effective March 28th there were forty-four (44) new homes in the construction process. Charlotte
County Construction Permit Status is as follows:
• Twenty-seven (62%) are in Active status.
• Fifteen (34%) are in Expired status.
• One is 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.
Eleven (11) new homes received a Certificates of Occupancy this fiscal year (October 2025 – September 2026). Three homes received Certificates of Occupancy in the last month.
The following architectural projects were either approved or conditionally approved by the Burnt Store Lakes Board of Directors during the March 10th Board Meeting:
ADDRESS
NEW HOMES
None OTHER CONSTRUCTION
24216 San Lucas Ln FENCE: Install a 4 ft high, 44 ft long, 13 ft/17 ft wide bronze aluminum picket fence with one 4 ft gate on left side of home by Owner. Install 3 ft from property line and 5 ft from front home elevation.
17296 Cape Horn Blvd ENCLOSURE SHIELD: Install a 6 ft high, 15 ft long, 5 ft wide white vinyl enclosure shield with one side gate on left side of house by Owner. Enclosure shield will be set back 3.7 ft from front of home.
17330 Cape Horn Blvd POOL AND LANAI CAGE: Pool addition for existing home by Masterpiece Pools and Spa.
16579 Cape Horn Blvd ENCLOSURE SHIELD: Install a 6 ft high, 18 ft long, 6 ft wide white vinyl enclosure shield with one side gate on right side of house by Owner.
24289 Toth Ln EXTERIOR PAINT AND TRIM: Repaint home by Owner from Beige with Brown trim to Light Green with Medium Green Trim. Adjacent homes are Beige with Brown trim and Peach with Orange trim.
From My Lanai
AVA RITTER
Normally, at this time of year I am plotting and planning my next laser sharp, April Fool’s attack. Everyone has a favorite holiday. This was mine.
I speak in the past tense because I no longer celebrate the day. And by celebrate, I mean plotting, planning, and preparing at the level of the C.I.A. Then I would launch the attack upon my selected victim. People lived in fear that it was, “their year” or that they may have insulted/inspired me to lob a carefully laid trap their way. I’m talking about a level of creativity and planning unlike anything you can imagine. I, a woman with access to technology
and a little time on my hands, can create a fictional scenario that sucks up the most careful of family and friends into my scheme and leaves them labeled the “April Fool.” A pastor who receives an invitation to join a nudist camp. My new nephew receiving notification that he was not truly married to my niece as the pastor’s license had expired. Oops! Or a young son receiving a note from his doctor that he has pin worms. (He had all the symptoms: pain in the butt.) My beloved daughter driving off to high school with 8 pair of XXL men’s boxers flowing out of the back of her trunk.
The best ploys were always against my sweet husband. (They renamed him Saint Bob). Over the years, he was recalled by the Army after 25 years to head to Iraq. Later, he was invoiced by the hospital for a missing sofa bed in his room, and more tricks and traps than you can imagine.
But it all came to a screeching halt just a couple of years ago. My victims always threatened retaliation. Ha! I scoffed, “this ain’t no amateur night!” I swore if anyone ever caught me, I would resign. Over the decades of mischief, I let my guard down. I became overconfident. And then it happened. AND IT WAS CHURCH-GIRLS WHO BROUGHT ME LOW!
Involved in a church remodel of additional meeting rooms, I carefully planned and executed everything from paint to furniture to rugs. Until the Pastor sent word that “on a whim he would ask the painters to change my room color to orange,” he thought it more cheerful. I stared at the new photo of the room on my screen. I saw orange! My head spun, my ears reddened, my eyes blurred. What was he thinking? IF I would have spoken what I was thinking, all bets would have been off - and likely our church membership. But they began to laugh. Slowly, then loudly they explained it was a Sherwin Williams app that allowed them to show the room photo in another color as though it were already painted.
My evil deed days were at an end. My reign of fear canceled. No more fun.
Now I sit and think foolish thoughts here on my lanai.
Burnt Store Lakes Board Of Directors
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
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Architectural Review
Fred Boland
Communications Jeanie Jordan
Mechanical and Maintenance
Richard Hefright
Long Range Planning Jeanie Jordan
Beautification
Lakes Quality
Richard Hefright
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, May 12 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
The Essential Role Of Gopher Tortoises In Ecosystem Engineering
Gopher tortoises are often referred to as ecosystem engineers due to their significant impact on their surroundings. Their burrowing behavior creates habitats for numerous other species, including snakes, frogs, and insects. These burrows, which can be as deep as 10 feet and extend horizontally up to 40 feet, offer a stable environment that protects many animals from predators, extreme temperatures, and fire.
The presence of gopher tortoise burrows has been shown to enhance local biodiversity. For instance, the Florida mouse, eastern indigo snake, and gopher frog are just a few examples of species that rely on these burrows for shelter. By creating these underground refuges, gopher tortoises support the survival of a wide array of animals, many of which are also threatened or endangered.
In addition to providing shelter, the burrowing activities of gopher tortoises help in soil aeration and nutrient redistribution. As they dig, they mix
the soil layers, bringing nutrients to the surface and promoting plant growth. This process benefits the entire ecosystem by enhancing soil health and increasing plant diversity. Gopher tortoises also help maintain open canopy forests through their grazing habits, which prevent overgrowth and encourage the growth of grasses and other lowlying plants. This grazing behavior supports fireadapted ecosystems by reducing fuel loads, making prescribed burns safer and more effective.
Florida Fun Fact
In 1980, Cuban refugees fled to Florida during the Mariel Boatlift, a mass emigration event from Cuba to the United States. Thousands of refugees arrived in Florida, transforming communities and leaving a lasting cultural impact.
BSLPOA Website – BSLPOA.ORG
BETTY INGERSON, WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR
HOW TO KEEP IN CONTACT WITH BSLPOA!
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.
QUICK UPDATES
• 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.
REMEMBER:
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!
REGISTER ON THE WEBSITE TO RECEIVE BSL EMAILS!
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
There’s a flower that smells like chocolate! Native to Mexico, this dark red flower is not edible. It’s a variety of cosmos called “cosmos atrosanguineus” or “chocolate cosmos.”
Punta Gorda Airport
Punta
TRAVEL TIPS: ARRIVE 2 HOURS EARLY
Here at PGD, we are not experiencing delays related to screening. PGD is part of TSA’s Screening Partnership Program. As employees of a contract company, security screeners at PGD continue to be paid during a shutdown. As always, we recommend arriving two hours before your flight, especially if you need to park and check luggage. If you’re wondering how busy the airport will be, just check the page to gauge how many people will be at the airport at the same time you are.
TRAVEL UPDATE: TRAVELING WITH PETS
Allegiant’s Pet-in-Cabin Policy was recently updated. Here are a few things you must know before flying with your pet in the cabin:
• Domestic dogs and cats only.
• All pets must be transported in a soft-sided or hard-sided enclosed leak-proof carrier.
• Soft-sided carriers are strongly suggested.
• A soft-sided carrier may be no larger than 18ʺL x 12ʺW x 11ʺH when fully closed.
• A hard-sided carrier may be no larger than 17ʺL x 11ʺW x 10.5ʺH when fully closed.
• No more than 2 pets per carrier.
CURTIS THE HAWK, PUNTA GORDA AIRPORT “MASCOT”
Beware Of Alligators!
INHABITANTS OF BURNT STORE LAKES AND NEARBY AREAS HAVE ENCOUNTERED ALLIGATORS FROM TIME TO TIME.
If you cross paths with an alligator that …
a. is in a place considered unacceptable, such as a swimming pool, lanai, garage, etc.,
b. you consider a threat to people, pets, or property,
c. approaches people, or
d. doesn’t retreat if approached,
… please call the BSL POA office at (941) 639-5881.
Do not feed or harass it. Doing so is dangerous and illegal.
Visit the Burnt Store Lakes Property Owners Association website for more information.
May Holidays
MAY 1 – 31, 2026
TUESDAY, MAY 5, 2026
Good Neighbor Program
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.
SUNDAY, MAY 10, 2026
MONDAY, MAY 25, 2026
These additional articles of interest can be found at https://burntstorelakes. seabreezecommunications.com/ articles/ : A Guide to Generations by Birth Year Why Everyone Is Talking About The “Fake Spring” Meme and What It Means Ten Pet Myths Vets Say You Should Stop Believing for Your Pet’s Sake Part 2: Fascinating And Intriguing Facts About U.S. Geography We Never Learned Until Now
May Events
THE 22ND ANNUAL PUNTA GORDA HIBISCUS FESTIVAL
Brought To You By: The Hibiscus Committee for the Benefit of the Charlotte County Historical Society
We are excited to bring the Annual Hibiscus Festival back to beautiful Gilchrist Park!
This one-of-a-kind celebration was the vision of local resident Dawn MacGibbon. She and a small group of colorful, fun-loving locals held the first Hibiscus Festival in 2004. They wanted to celebrate and share the unique history and character of their town and its connection to the hibiscus and one of the world’s most renowned hybridizers, Harry R. Goulding.
A character of sorts, Goulding was known to some as an accountant, to some as a rumrunner, and to others as a fisherman, but by far he was known by all for his world class, award-winning hybrid hibiscus plants. Harry would start with 2,000 seedlings a year growing some 60,000 varieties of hibiscus over 60 years. He won many accolades and awards, including the prestigious American Hibiscus Society show’s “Best in the World” category five times.
So, it is with great privilege, love, and honor, every year in the month of May, that a small group carry on this vision by putting on a festival for all to celebrate the history of lifelong resident, Harry R. Goulding, aka King Harry, the hibiscus flower, and the beloved spirit of Punta Gorda, historically known as the City of Hibiscus.
View hibiscus, exotics, trees, organics, etc. and enjoy the food provided by sweet and savory vendors!
There will also be music on Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.
- 3 p.m., and this year’s Hibiscus King and Queen will be announced
Step Into a Night of Elegance and Purpose at The Mutt Gala: The Velvet Paw.
The Animal Welfare League invites you to an extraordinary evening where timeless glamour meets a mission that matters. The Mutt Gala is more than a charity event—it is a celebration of compassion, community, and the lives forever changed through your support. Guests will experience a night designed to inspire, delight, and make a lasting impact. Black tie, 1950 old Hollywood theme, music, dancing, silent auction, cigar bar, and more!
