Port Charlotte Sun

Please wait....

| Subscribe

| Today's Ads

| Place Ad

| Electronic Edition

| Jobs

| Real Estate

| Port Charlotte Weather

ARCADIAN

ENGLEWOOD

NORTH PORT

PORT CHARLOTTE

PUNTA GORDA

VENICE

DIRECTORY

Website Comments
Business News
Carriers
- Carrier Access
- Carrier Application
Community Calendar
Community
- Charlotte County Airport
- Arts & Humanities Council of Charlotte County
- Babcock Wilderness Adventures
- Chamber of Commerce
- Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Island Visitors Bureau
Contact Us
Customer Service
Editorial
- Columnists
- Editorials & Letters
- Submit Letter To Editor
Education
- Charlotte County Extension Service
- Charlotte County Public School System
- Charlotte Technical Center
- Edison State College - Charlotte
- Florida Gulf Coast University - Charlotte
- James and Barbara Moore Observatory
- Southwest Florida College
Electronic Edition
- Free Trial
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Login
- Subscribe
Entertainment
- Boating and Fishing
- Charlotte County Motorsports Park
- Charlotte Stone Crabs Baseball team
- Charlotte Sports Park
- Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
- Fishermen's Village
- Florida Lottery
- Let's Go!
- Movie Listings
- Kidstar Park / Sun Flea Market
- Puzzles & Games
- Sea Grape Art Gallery
- The Cultural Center of Charlotte County
- TV Listings
- Visual Arts Center
Florida Public Notices
Fox News
Government
- Charlotte County - Punta Gorda MPO
- Charlotte County
- Charlotte County Extension Service
- Charlotte County School District
- SWF Water Management District
Health
- Charlotte Behavioral Health Care
- Charlotte County Health Department
- Charlotte County Medical Society
- Charlotte County Human Services
- Charlotte County Senior Services
- Charlotte Regional Medical Center
- Fawcett Memorial Hospital
- Florida Blood Centers
- Peace River Regional Medical Center
Manage Subscription
- Access Account
- Create Online Account
- Forgot Password
Obituaries
Points of Interest
- Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Inc.
- Cultural Center of Charlotte County
- Florida Military Heritage & Aviation Museum
- Peace River Wildlife Center
- Port Charlotte Town Center Mall
Police Beat
- Charlotte County Sheriff's Office
- Police Beat
RSS
- PortCharlotte News
- PortCharlotte Business
- PortCharlotte Columnists
- PortCharlotte Editorial
- PortCharlotte Obituaries
- PortCharlotte Police Beat
- PortCharlotte Sports
Social Services
Sports
- Latest Sports News
- Professional Sports
  - Charlotte Stone Crabs
  - Tampa Bay Rays
  - Baltimore Orioles
  - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  - Tampa Bay Lightning
  - LPGA
  - MLB
  - NASCAR
  - NBA
  - NFL
  - NHL
  - PGA
Weather

Today's Top Stories

News Alerts:

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Fertilizer law advances

PUNTA GORDA — The City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved on first reading an ordinance that would regulate the use of fertilizer within the city. By doing so, the city aligned itself with all other coastal Southwest Florida cities and counties that already have fertilizers ordinances. The goal is to … Find out how to read more online.

LATEST LOCAL NEWS

Ready for some Pirate pomp
Wed May 16 2012 08:40PM

Port Charlotte High School holds its graduation Wednesday evening at the Lee Civic Center in Fort Myers. … Find out how to read more online.

New Human Services building opens
Wed May 16 2012 08:40PM

PORT CHARLOTTE — Despite the soggy, dreary weather, it was nothing but bright smiles and happy faces at the grand opening of Charlotte County’s new Human Services Department building Wednesday … Find out how to read more online.

Two charged with trafficking counterfeit credit cards
Wed May 16 2012 02:00PM

ENGLEWOOD — Charlotte County Sheriff’s Economic Crimes Unit detectives arrested two Naples residents for trafficking in counterfeit credit cards and trying to use them at Walmart in Englewood. Arrested were … Find out how to read more online.

Four arrested on cocaine charges
Wed May 16 2012 12:54PM

PORT CHARLOTTE — Charlotte County Sheriff’s road patrol deputies arrested four Port Charlotte residents on cocaine charges Tuesday at 10:50 a.m. Deputies were patrolling an area on Lockwood Street in … Find out how to read more online.

State, National and World News

2 US Navy ships collide in Pacific
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

SAN DIEGO (AP) — An 844-foot-long U.S. Navy vessel collided with a refueling tanker Wednesday in the Pacific Ocean, causing damage to both ships, but there were no injuries or fuel spills, military officials said. The midmorning accident between the … read more.

Study finds java drinkers live longer
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

MILWAUKEE — One of life’s simple pleasures just got a little sweeter. After years of waffling research on coffee and health, even some fear that java might raise the risk of heart disease, a big study finds the opposite: Coffee … read more.

Does advertising on Facebook pay?
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

NEW YORK — Responding to extraordinary demand, Facebook said Wednesday that it would sell more stock in the company’s initial public offering. But ahead of the IPO, a debate emerged between two of the nation’s largest automakers: Does it pay … read more.

New panel to focus on higher education access
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

TALLAHASSEE (AP) — The chairman of the Board of Governors on Wednesday added to the growing list of committees, task forces and other panels examining higher education in Florida. Dean Colson announced that his new seven-member commission will focus on … read more.

Divers mark 10th anniversary of Spiegel Grove
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

KEY LARGO (AP) — Divers marked the 10th anniversary of the conversion of a retired Navy ship into an artificial reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary on Wednesday, heading down to the Spiegel Grove to spread the ashes … read more.

Greek turmoil spreads pessimism across markets
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

NEW YORK (AP) — The unending turmoil in Greece spread fallout across the financial markets Wednesday. The Dow Jones industrial average fell for the ninth day out of 10, and gold, oil, and the euro all dropped to multi-month lows. … read more.

Anger, drama at Ratko Mladic’s genocide trial
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — He’s no longer the swaggering general who held Sarajevo “in the palm of his hand” during Bosnia’s 1992-95 war. Yet as his long-awaited genocide trial began Wednesday, Ratko Mladic still managed to reopen old wounds … read more.

Army reviews whether women can go to Ranger school
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — Army leaders have begun to study the prospect of sending female soldiers to the service’s prestigious Ranger school — another step in the effort to broaden opportunities for women in the military. Gen. Raymond Odierno, Army chief … read more.

Evacuations and drills pared near nuke plants
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

(AP) — U.S. nuclear power regulators are requiring fewer exercises for major accidents and recommending that fewer people be evacuated right away. The changes come in the first overhaul of the community readiness program since its creation after Three Mile … read more.

Oil drops to lowest in 6 months
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

NEW YORK (AP) — The price of oil dropped to a six-month low Tuesday on concern that economic uncertainty in Europe could hurt demand for crude. Benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude fell 80 cents to end the day at $93.98 … read more.

Zip line industry emphasizing safety in wake of accident
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

ATLANTA (Cox Newspapers) — When Aimee Copeland prepared for a ride on a homemade zip line in a friend’s backyard near Carrollton, Ga., several weeks ago, the University of West Georgia graduate psychology student did what millions of people do … read more.

Defense rests without calling Edwards, mistress
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

GREENSBORO, N.C. (AP) — John Edwards’ defense team rested Wednesday without calling the two-time Democratic presidential candidate or his one-time mistress to the witness stand, a sign of confidence after presenting little more than two days of testimony and evidence. … read more.

Students: Tenure deprives them of quality education
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

LOS ANGELES (Los Angeles Daily News) — In a sweeping challenge of teacher employment rules, eight students have filed suit claiming that California law violates their right to a quality education by protecting bad teachers from being laid off or … read more.

JPMorgan $2 billion loss raises questions
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

WASHINGTON (AP) — A key House Republican on Wednesday said that the $2 billion trading loss at JPMorgan Chase raises critical questions about how banks control their risks. But Republican lawmakers rejected calls from Democrats for stricter oversight of Wall … read more.

Health linked to education gap
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

(Bloomberg) — Higher levels of education in the United States correlate with longer life expectancy and less obesity, according to the government’s annual health report. Obesity, which leads to chronic ailments such as diabetes and heart disease, was twice as … read more.

NJ gov., mayor channel Seinfeld in video parody
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and the mayor of New Jersey’s largest city are channeling the Seinfeld-Newman rivalry in a video parody that spoofs the mayor’s heroics and Christie’s vice presidential potential. The Republican governor finds … read more.

Hurricane Andrew remembered at storm conference
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

BC-FL--Hurricane Conference, 1st Ld,130 Hurricane Andrew remembered at storm conference %reldate(2012-05-16T16:47:44 Eds: APNewsNow. Updates with comment from hurricane center director. Will be updated. Adds byline. By JENNIFER KAY Associated Press FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The National Hurricane Center’s director … read more.

Chain of clinics started by Gov. changes name
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

TALLAHASSEE (AP) — A chain of urgent care clinics started by Florida Gov. Rick Scott is changing its name. Solantic announced this week that it’s jettisoning the name it has had since Scott helped start the clinics more than a … read more.

Endorsements slow as Romney closes in
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

(AP) — As Mitt Romney closes in on nailing down the Republican presidential nomination, endorsements from prominent Republicans are slowing to a trickle. And some endorsements come with noticeable reservations. That’s because most top Republicans have already endorsed him. And … read more.

12 students affected by rash at high school
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

HOLLYWOOD (AP) — Twelve students and two teachers who came down with a rash during class at a south Florida high school have been released from the hospital. Broward County Public Schools officials say the students were all in the … read more.

India prepares for ‘some austerity’ as rupee collapses
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

NEW DELHI (Washington Post) — Facing a collapse in investor confidence and a decline in the rupee to a record low against the dollar, India’s finance minister said Wednesday it was time for “some austerity” — but not time to … read more.

Military hopes for ‘great leader’ from Egypt vote
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

CAIRO (AP) — Egypt’s military ruler said Wednesday he hopes that a “great leader” will emerge from the country’s upcoming presidential election, and said it will be a free and fair vote that will reflect the will of the people. … read more.

Police move against new protest in Moscow
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian police are arresting opposition demonstrators who had moved to a central Moscow square after police dispersed a protest camp that had occupied a park for nearly a week. The Wednesday night detentions on Kudrinskaya Square are … read more.

Greece gets caretaker PM until next vote in June
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A senior judge was sworn in Wednesday to head Greece’s caretaker government for a month as it lurches through a political crisis that threatens its membership in the 17-nation eurozone. The political uncertainty is worrying Greece’s … read more.

Assad says terrorists are behind unrest
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

BEIRUT (AP) — In his first interview since December, Syrian President Bashar Assad insisted Tuesday his regime is fighting back against foreign mercenaries who want to overthrow him, not innocent Syrians aspiring for democracy in a yearlong uprising. The interview … read more.

Romney endorses Mack in Fla. GOP Senate primary
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

TALLAHASSEE (AP) — Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney says Connie Mack IV is his choice in Florida’s GOP primary race for the U.S. Senate. Romney announced Wednesday his endorsement of Mack, a congressman from Fort Myers, over former Sen. George … read more.

Fla. says more than 53,000 dead on voting rolls
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

TAMPA (AP) — Florida is calling on county election supervisors to remove more than 53,000 dead people from the state’s voting rolls. State officials this year checked Social Security files and concluded that people who died were still registered to … read more.

Paralyzed woman uses her mind to control robot arm
Wed May 16 2012 08:52PM

NEW YORK (AP) — Using only her thoughts, a Massachusetts woman paralyzed for 15 years directed a robotic arm to pick up a bottle of coffee and bring it to her lips, researchers report in the latest advance in harnessing … read more.

Page: [1] 2 3 4 5 6 7

More Local News

Two charged in dealing majijuana
Wed May 16 2012 11:16AM

PUNTA GORDA — Charlotte County Sheriff’s narcotics detectives arrested two Punta Gorda marijuana dealers, catching them with 1,580 grams of marijuana and $7,080 in cash. Arrested were Patrick Charles Deroche, 21, and Megan Marie Shillito, 20, both of 2400 block … Find out how to read more online.

State reps brief area leaders
Wed May 16 2012 08:00AM

PORT CHARLOTTE — More than 100 members from Charlotte County government, the business community and the local School Board gathered Tuesday afternoon at Visani Restaurant to hear their local state representatives give them a status report of the key accomplishments … Find out how to read more online.

Charlotte eyes Redneck Yacht Club traffic woes
Wed May 16 2012 08:00AM

PORT CHARLOTTE — County officials and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office have teamed up with organizers of the Redneck Yacht Club to come up with a strategy to address the volume of cars that clogs up Bermont Road, east of … Find out how to read more online.

County eyes Redneck Yacht Club traffic
Wed May 16 2012 08:00AM

State reps brief local leaders
Wed May 16 2012 08:00AM

Honoring fallen officers
Wed May 16 2012 08:40PM

Gathered at the Robert E. Lister Memorial Lodge 66 in Port Charlotte on Tuesday, law enforcement officers, families and friends paid their respects at the 15th annual Charlotte County Fallen Officers Memorial Service. fallen051712E - A member of the Charlotte … Find out how to read more online.

Community cares
Wed May 16 2012 08:00AM

The Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies recently received donations from the community. A poker run was held earlier this year, with 30 participating bikers, to raise money for C.A.R.E. Kay Hill of Kay’s Kloset consignment store, also recently donated … Find out how to read more online.

New nurses greet Charlotte County
Wed May 16 2012 08:00AM

Charlotte County’s newest nurses graduated from Edison State College Charlotte Campus May 3 at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda. A traditional nurse pinning ceremony, which included a candle-lighting and giving out of new caps, was … Find out how to read more online.

Sunrise Kiwanis Club says thanks
Tue May 15 2012 11:20PM

For the first time since the Sunrise Kiwanis Club’s Shoes for Kids project was begun in 2005, a winter collection drive was held, primarily to solicit support from winter visitors. Nearly 400 pairs were collected in two weeks and the … Find out how to read more online.

Barbecue fundraiser helps local animal shelter
Wed May 16 2012 08:00AM

The Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County held on May 6 a Caribbean barbecue called “Live, Love and Bark, mon!” to benefit the homeless animals of Charlotte County. The event was held in Punta Gorda at Twin Isles Golf and … Find out how to read more online.

Sting not finished yet
Wed May 16 2012 08:00AM

After reportedly offering condoms and pills online to officers posing as a 12-year-old boy and 14-year-old girl, a Longboat Key man recently pleaded not guilty to charges of solicitation and traveling to have sex with a minor, then asked for … Find out how to read more online.

Dog rescue celebrates 300th adoption
Wed May 16 2012 08:00AM

What would be better than a pocket full of gold? How about a yard full of gold — golden retrievers, that is. At the Golden Retriever Rescue of Southwest Florida’s family reunion party, 100 people and roughly 86 rescue dogs … Find out how to read more online.

Page: [1] 2 3

AP Video

Port Charlotte Weather

Weather Forecast | Weather Maps | Weather Radar

Publish Your Photos