Florida Weekly - Charlotte County

01/26/2025

Sgt. Brandon Rethmel and his family are home at last.

Sgt. Brandon Rethmel and his family are home at last. Rethmel, his wife, Sylvia, and their children are settling in after receiving the key to their new home on Jan. 11, courtesy of Homes for Our Troops, a national nonprofit organization, in a celebration ceremony complete with military jets flying....

01/26/2025

Jim Strickland’s journey to the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame

It took him a long time — six decades of stringing his work ethic to his pragmatism to his passion for learning and adapting — but Jim Strickland did it, making the journey from boyhood on a working cattle ranch to his status as a preeminent “conservation cowboy.” And now it’s come to this...

01/25/2025

Chicago’s James Pankow reflects on family and 58 years of musical legacy

James Pankow may be known as a founding member and resident trombone player/arranger/songwriter in Chicago, but for a gaggle of grandkids living on the West Coast, he’s Papa. It’s a respite he recently enjoyed before bouncing back into his aforementioned musical role as Chicago begins their 58th...

01/25/2025

Prepare to be enchanted by the undeniable charm and artistry of “The Happy House” at 28492 Royal Palm Drive, Punta Gorda (33982) — a custom-built, three-bedroom, two bath and office retreat nestled within the natural beauty of Palm Shores and the Peace River.

Prepare to be enchanted by the undeniable charm and artistry of “The Happy House” at 28492 Royal Palm Drive, Punta Gorda (33982) — a custom-built, three-bedroom, two bath and office retreat nestled within the natural beauty of Palm Shores and the Peace River. Cross the threshold from the cheer...

01/24/2025

Event honors area’s first slain officer, raises funds for Diaz family

Marshal John Bowman was the first law enforcement officer killed in Punta Gorda — and his name won’t be forgotten. At least, not if Stephen Fifer has anything to say about it. Fifer works for Southwest Florida Walking Tours, which will present a memorial tribute to Bowman on Saturday, Feb. 1. He...

01/24/2025

If you saw Annika Starander Weaver — who goes simply by Annika — on the street, you might look twice at her blue eyes, striking blonde hair and physique, but you wouldn’t think you’d crossed paths with Cher.

If you saw Annika Starander Weaver — who goes simply by Annika — on the street, you might look twice at her blue eyes, striking blonde hair and physique, but you wouldn’t think you’d crossed paths with Cher. That makes her transformation into Cherilyn Sarkisian, Goddess of Pop, all the more ...

01/24/2025

Registration for Market Trends 2025 is NOW OPEN! The Next Big Thing is just around the corner – be the first to learn what’s happening in the SWFL real estate markets on Tuesday, March 20! Get your ticket and be a part of this year’s exciting event!

Last year, this sold-out event captivated crowds of 1,200+ professionals, so register now at https://markettrendsswfl.com/.

01/23/2025

Here's what's happening around town this week

The Undercovers reimagines classic hits from Kenny Rogers, Lionel Richie and Smokey Robinson at Gulf Theater at 3 p.m. Jan. 26.

01/23/2025

The first panther death of 2025 rekindles the battle to save the imperiled species

The first Florida panther death of 2025 has already been logged, following a year in which 36 of the endangered cats were killed, the majority by vehicle strikes. It remains to be seen what the year holds for the panther. Legal wrangling over how and who issues wetlands permits for proposed developm...

01/22/2025

Evening water aerobics offered

Evening water aerobics offered Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park pool in Englewood and Centennial Park pool in Port Charlotte will offer evening water aerobics classes beginning Jan. 20. Classes will be held from 6-7 p.m. at Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park pool on Mondays and Wednesdays, and at Centen...

01/22/2025

Gulf Theater’s upcoming “Rogers, Richie & Robinson” presents a trio you’ve never heard before and likely never imagined.

Gulf Theater’s upcoming “Rogers, Richie & Robinson” presents a trio you’ve never heard before and likely never imagined. It’s one you’ll never forget. You’ve heard hits like Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler,” Lionel Richie’s “Hello” and “Easy,” and Smokey Robinson’s “Crui...

01/21/2025

As much of the state has been experiencing significantly colder temperatures this winter, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing reminders about what to do — and what not to do — when seeing certain wildlife that could be impacted by the colder weather.

As much of the state has been experiencing significantly colder temperatures this winter, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing reminders about what to do — and what not to do — when seeing certain wildlife that could be impacted by the colder weather. Manatees M...

01/21/2025

A single Tampa-based tribute artist who styles herself only as “JD” is bringing rocker icons from disparate generations together on the same Punta Gorda stage.

A single Tampa-based tribute artist who styles herself only as “JD” is bringing rocker icons from disparate generations together on the same Punta Gorda stage. Besides sharing their earthy mezzo-soprano voices, why did this artist with the gritty moniker choose these two stars to honor? “Both ...

01/20/2025

“We’re proud of the impact we’ve had in our local communities, and our approach to health care will always extend beyond the walls of the hospital,” said Michael Ehrat, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital.

“We’re proud of the impact we’ve had in our local communities, and our approach to health care will always extend beyond the walls of the hospital,” said Michael Ehrat, chief executive officer of HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital. “Our colleague volunteer efforts and hospital partnerships demon...

01/20/2025

Public relations group celebrates 40 years

Public relations group celebrates 40 years The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association (FPRA) announced its 40th anniversary celebration. The chapter invites members and guests to join them from 5-7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27, at Ter-Tini’s, 1901 Crystal Drive, Fort Myer...

01/19/2025

Dealt a double blow from two hurricanes, the Peace River Wildlife Center - PRWC is coming back with some hard work and help from supporters, volunteers and other wildlife rescues and rehabilitation entities that have become a network of newfound friends.

Dealt a double blow from two hurricanes, the Peace River Wildlife Center is coming back with some hard work and help from supporters, volunteers and other wildlife rescues and rehabilitation entities that have become a network of newfound friends. The cleanup and repair continues at the center at Po...

01/19/2025

Numismatist sees unprecedented surge in gold buyers amid economic uncertainty

When numismatist Mike Joyce began to see the spike in customers coming into his long-established shop to buy gold, he wasn’t entirely surprised, even with the historically unprecedented escalation in price. People have been buying a lot of gold. “They’ve been spending from under $1,000 for sil...

01/18/2025

Seminole Casino announces celebrity headliners for its 2025 music series

The 2025 concert lineup at Seminole Casino Hotel in Immokalee is set to be a musical extravaganza featuring a diverse range of top names in music and entertainment. The lineup spans various genres, including country, rhythm and blues, and classic and pop rock. The star-studded roster includes Lee Gr...