Last week, the Answer Man wrote about the hackers’ targets pasted on the backs of small businesses, the “sitting ducks,” unprepared to hack back. It was about banks and small businesses nationally losing $2 billion a year to cyber thieves … Find out how to read more online.

You can hardly turn around in Charlotte County without bumping into a hibiscus of some type. The hibiscus is one of the most popular shrubs in our area due to its tropical nature and color. From low, spreading types to … Find out how to read more online.

Dorothy Carter is a woman on a mission. Taking advantage of Senior Discount Day on a Monday afternoon last month at Bealls Outlet in Punta Gorda, the Gulf Cove resident searched for hard-to-find 95 percent discount items to donate to … Find out how to read more online.

Nearly four years ago, I wrote a column for this publication about how I grew up near a college campus. I told of how I was surrounded by play productions, concert recitals, innovative architecture, art galleries and many other cultural … Find out how to read more online.

The appalling tragedy that has come to light recently in Cleveland, Ohio, brings back memories to many longtime residents of our area of a ghastly story about an another abduction that took place 45 years ago, the kidnapping of Barbara Mackle. … Find out how to read more online.

“The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance forever. (Isaiah 32:17)” It is rare that a man will declare himself to be righteous. We think that such a man is unduly prideful to … Find out how to read more online.

How frequently do you monitor your heart rate? I don’t track mine nearly as often as I should. During a recent stay at a local hospital, a nurse questioned my heart’s regularity. Based on my cardiac data, she suggested I … Find out how to read more online.

Wow, it’s the middle of May already? If you’re up early this morning, please head to the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda for County Administrator Ray Sandrock’s “state of the county” presentation during our Third Wednesday … Find out how to read more online.

A freak water-slide accident left Iris Romano unable to work for the last  11 months. The single mother of three shattered her leg and ankle, preventing her from doing her job as a mail carrier. “It’s been a long  11 … Find out how to read more online.

Love bugs are curious creatures that appear a few times a year and then vanish. While more of an annoying phenomenon than anything else, love bugs have curious behaviors and life cycles that are underappreciated and misunderstood by the general … Find out how to read more online.

Larry Brady did what he normally does this time of year. The 70-year-old South Gulf Cove resident went to the Englewood post office to forward his mail temporarily for the next few months he’d be living in New York State. … Find out how to read more online.

ONA — I see empty dog food cans, beer bottles, soda cans, juice jugs and milk bottles in my recycling bin. Howard Solomon might see an octopus window-washing team (“they really stick to it”). Solomon sees art and irony in … Find out how to read more online.

Florida Gulf Coast University’s Renaissance Academy in downtown Punta Gorda seeks instructors and facilitators for its fall 2013 and spring 2014 sessions. If you have a passion for, or a depth of knowledge in a subject area, field of study … Find out how to read more online.

The Charlotte County Big Band recently was recognized at a Charlotte County School Board meeting for having raised more than $3,000 at its concerts over the last year and a half to donate to local schools. Charlotte County public middle … Find out how to read more online.

For those of you with children (or maybe grandchildren visiting this summer), here are a few more student arts activities: • The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra invites elementary and middle school students to enroll in its Summer Music Camp 2013. Whether … Find out how to read more online.

We invite you to discover the variety of meeting rooms and banquet facilities offered by the Cultural Center. Our 7,140-square-foot Conference Center can seat up to 500 for a banquet. The Conference Center boasts four carpeted rooms as well as … Find out how to read more online.

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity invites you to relax this summer and enjoy a little “retail therapy.” With three Resale store locations strategically located around Charlotte County, we offer a large and ever-changing inventory for your shopping pleasure. If you … Find out how to read more online.

Today is Networking at Noon at the Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club. Please call our Port Charlotte office at 941‑627-2222 to see if seats are still available. Bring plenty of business cards to hand out and have your 30-second ­elevator speech … Find out how to read more online.

Did you know Charlotte Harbor was the site of a military skirmish during the Civil War? With the fall of Vicksburg, Miss., and Port Hudson, La., in July 1863, Union control of the Mississippi River became uncontested. Consequently, cut off … Find out how to read more online.