2025 at 4:00 PM EDTEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInPORT CHARLOTTE accused of killing a 15-year-old boy in September 2019 in Charlotte County while the teen was protecting his 5-year-old sister was found guilty Friday of first-degree murder The jury in the trial in Charlotte County Circuit Court also found Cole guilty of armed burglary with an assault or battery The State Attorney’s Office is seeking the death penalty against Cole; his sentencing is set for later this month deputies were called to Starlite Lane and Ocean Boulevard in Port Charlotte where neighbors said an injured man had been seen walking along the streets He had been stabbed several times on his hands and side crossing the canal toward Conway Boulevard Deputies say Cole broke into a home on Conway The homeowner called 911 and deputies took him into custody after a short foot pursuit Cole was then taken to be treated at a local hospital for his wounds The sheriff’s office says they began canvassing the neighborhood and discovered that Cole had broken into a home on Starlite Lane The sheriff’s office did not release how Edman died and initially stated the family wished for privacy, but the teen’s family came forward to say Edman was killed in the home while protecting his 5-year-old sister An obituary for Edman said he “was full of life special trips to Zoomers where he especially loved the bumper cars and riding bikes with his friends He was an avid lover of the outdoors and a forever fan of the Gators He was also a member of ROTC at Charlotte High School where he trained and prepared for his future following graduation.” Cole was initially held on charges of burglary of an occupied dwelling and petit theft for the break-in on Conway as deputies investigated what happened at the home on Starlite Lane those charges were finalized and Cole was additionally charged with second-degree murder Those charges were upgraded to first-degree murder The sheriff’s office says there’s nothing to identify why Cole chose Edman’s home to burglarize and they have found no connection to the family is known to deputies and was on probation at the time of Edman’s murder Prosecutors pointed out during closing arguments that Cole made the decision to walk in to home and pull the trigger We recognise you are attempting to access this website from a country belonging to the European Economic Area (EEA) including the EU which enforces the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and therefore cannot grant you access at this time e-mail us at winkdigitalteam@fmbcmail.com or call us at 239-334-1111 "Woven Reflections," was lauded as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for Florida’s 17th Congressional District PORT CHARLOTTE — A Port Charlotte High School senior will have her art displayed in the U.S Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content Get any of our free email newsletters — news headlines Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Account processing issue - the email address may already exist Invalid password or account does not exist Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account — The Charlotte County Utilities Department has rescinded their boil water advisory for parts of Port Charlotte after a water line at the intersection of Fallon Circle at O’Hara Drive needed repair ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte in Port Charlotte one of the largest faith-based health systems in the United States The national health system has purchased the 254-bed full-service hospital and its related businesses physician clinic operations and outpatient services AdventHealth is renaming the hospital AdventHealth Port Charlotte and welcoming more than 1,300 new team members and more than 80 providers into the organization The new name reflects AdventHealth's national brand and network of care All related care sites and physician practices have also been rebranded to AdventHealth “We are honored to bring AdventHealth’s unique brand of whole-person care to Port Charlotte and are thankful to partner with the team members patients and residents of this community to deliver exceptional care for the body The purchase agreement with affiliates of Community Health Systems and includes the land where ShorePoint Health Punta Gorda is located as well as related businesses outpatient services and the ShorePoint Health Emergency Department in Cape Coral The hospital site in Punta Gorda was permanently closed by Community Health Systems following damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton AdventHealth plans to work with the Punta Gorda community to assess its needs and determine the best way to care for its residents “AdventHealth is thrilled to welcome the talented and resilient teams at ShorePoint Health into our integrated health network building on their strong legacy of serving the Charlotte County community,” said David Ottati president/CEO for AdventHealth West Florida we are committed to addressing the needs of this region with compassion and delivering exceptional clinical outcomes.” AdventHealth has appointed Adam Johnson as president/CEO for AdventHealth Port Charlotte which also includes the offsite emergency room located in Cape Coral Johnson most recently served as chief operating officer for AdventHealth Ocala where he helped recruit multiple new physicians and directed more than $70 million in large capital projects to improve the hospital and increase access to care “I’m honored and humbled to be called to lead in Charlotte County,” Johnson said “There is an amazing group of team members and providers in place and it is exciting to have them join the AdventHealth team and culture I am committed to fostering an environment where our people can continue to thrive and provide the highest quality of care to our patients extending the healing ministry of Christ in Port Charlotte and beyond.” AdventHealth is committed to a smooth transition with a focus on supporting team members and providers while continuing to deliver safe Baby Mattie needed a liver transplant but was too sick to even get on the list For the nurses at AdventHealth for Children her organs were shutting down and her little body was fighting a battle that seemed insurmountable AdventHealth is expanding its nursing workforce enhancing hands-on training programs and reinforcing its commitment to exceptional patient care our organization embarked on multiple global mission projects that made a significant impact on the lives of two families in need AdventHealth Carrollwood has been awarded an “A” Hospital Safety Grade by The Leapfrog Group a national nonprofit upholding the standard of excellence in patient safety in hospitals and ambulatory.. Dozens of community members and several organizations came together to help support the AdventHealth Lake Placid and Wauchula Foundations during the 11th annual Clays and Camo fundraiser we honor the extraordinary acts of kindness and compassion demonstrated by our nurses across the region Three remarkable nurses from AdventHealth Avista's surgery center have embarked on.. AdventHealth is proud to join Nemours Children’s Health System as the official medical services provider for the USTA National Campus in Lake Nona A local nurse and a CEO were recognized by the Central Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce The spring 2025 Leapfrog grades have been released and four AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region hospitals have achieved top honors for patient safety AdventHealth North Pinellas achieves elite national status as a straight- ‘A’ for patient safety  All AdventHealth hospitals in Pasco County continue to earn straight ‘A’ hospital safety grades from The Leapfrog Group Our website uses cookies. Please review our privacy policy to find out more about the cookies we use Browsing our website means you accept these terms (This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.) PORT CHARLOTTE – The West Florida division of AdventHealth, a Seventh-Day Adventist nonprofit healthcare system, formally announced the acquisition Monday of the former ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte hospital, a 254-bed full-service hospital, as well as its related businesses It will rename the facility AdventHealth Port Charlotte The $265 million purchase of ShorePoint Health’s hospitals in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda was announced last December The Punta Gorda facility – which closed before Hurricane Helene last September and never reopened – will not be reopened The West Florida Division of AdventHealtlh currently operates about a dozen hospitals in Florida; the facilities in Charlotte County would be the chain's southernmost president/CEO for AdventHealth said in a prepared statement who previously served as Chief Operating Officer of AdventHealth Ocala was appointed as president/CEO for AdventHealth Port Charlotte which includes the free-standing emergency room in Cape Coral In Ocala he helped recruit multiple new physicians and directed more than $70 million in large capital projects to improve the hospital and increase access to care “I’m honored and humbled to be called to lead in Charlotte County,” Johnson in a prepared statement. “I am committed to fostering an environment where our people can continue to thrive and provide the highest quality of care to our patients More than 1,300 ShorePoint Health employees and more than 80 medical providers once affiliated with ShorePoint Health are now part of the AdventHealth system That includes a primary care practice at 1221 Jacaranda Boulevard near Venice – now known as AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Venice – that once cared for Sarasota County patients when ShorePoint Health operated a 312-bed hospital on the island of Venice An AdventHealth spokeswoman said via email that the company leases that office space and that the doctors there are now a part of AdventHealth Community will weigh in on future of healthcare in Punta GordaThe purchase agreement between AdventHealth and ShorePoint Health parent company It includes the land for the hospital in Punta Gorda and the free-standing emergency room in Cape Coral AdventHealth will work with the community in Punta Gorda to determine the best way to care for its residents building on their strong legacy of serving the Charlotte County community,” David Ottati Community Health Systems, Inc, exits southwest FloridaOnce the largest private hospital system in the county, Franklin, Tennessee-based CHS Inc. rebranded the two Charlotte County hospitals and the former Venice Hospital as ShorePoint Health in November 2021 It closed the 312-bed Venice facility in September 2022 shortly after the November 2021 opening of the Venice campus of Sarasota Memorial Hospital on Laurel Road The facility was sold nine months later, with a deed restriction that a hospital could not reopen on that site without consent by CHS AdventHealth spokespeople have said previously they are  unaware of any plans in Sarasota County the three Kiwanis clubs in the east half of Charlotte County raise money to give college scholarships to local high school kids Chef Jason Osborne demonstrates assembling a takeout Baby Kale Salad to student Peyton Pope Papa G’s staff takes a moment before lunch service: Chell Pender Student Tim Petit-Frere makes pâte à choux in the CTC kitchen CTC’s SkillsUSA 2025 states team huddles in the Papa G’s dining room Pastry specialist Naomi Aviles and Aydan Brady who met and were engaged while attending CTC’s culinary program now work together in Punta Gorda’s unWINEd kitchen Both took gold in this year’s SkillsUSA states competition Key among dishes that won unWINEd Wine & Beer Bar first place at 2025’s Taste of Punta Gorda was now-Head Chef Aydan Brady’s octopus with bell peppers in lemon herb sauce Lunch prep is a bustle of controlled chaos a mixer whirs and chef’s knives stutter in ratatat rhythm An ongoing call-and-response is punctuated with cries of “Heard!” and “Yes Send restaurant news and recommendations to columnist Sue Wade at suewade47@aol.com Average price ranges are $ = inexpensive (under $10) TALLAHASSEE — House and Senate leaders said late Friday they had reached agreement on a “framework” for a budget deal that would include $2.8 billion in tax cuts with lawmakers expected to return to the Capitol during the week of May 12 to negotiate details made the announcement on the final scheduled night of a contentious 60-day legislative session Lawmakers had to approve an extension of the session because they did not finish the budget Just keep reading this print of the newspaper or pick up a book or anything else away from a screen 28 to purchase a 158-acre golf club that was damaged by Hurricane Ian for $3 million and later discussed making the land part of the Parkside neighborhood The deal for Port Charlotte Golf Club will close if no major problems are discovered following 90 days of due diligence Owned by The Golf Links of Charlotte Harbor LLC the land is at 22400 Gleneagles Terrace in Port Charlotte near Conway and Olean boulevards and the Parkside area After the Promenades Mall was purchased in 2024, the new owner renamed it Promenades at Parkside and planned a walkable neighborhood on the mall’s 26 acres Part of the mall was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian in September 2022 with some stores never reopening with the future development being touted as Port Charlotte’s downtown The golf course opened in 1959 as The Golf Links of Charlotte Harbor and later became Port Charlotte Golf Club Hurricane Ian tore up the course and destroyed its structures Commissioner Chris Constance suggested expanding the Parkside Community Redevelopment Agency due to the land’s proximity to the Parkside neighborhood Commissioners agreed the acquisition was a good deal for the county Kipa said two appraisals of the property produced an average value of $3.8 million The use of the acreage will be determined by some of the county’s department personnel and the public Deputy County Administrator Emily Lewis said Some of the land’s use could include a park or sports facility Constance suggested a nine-hole golf course Port Charlotte Golf Club’s course had 18 holes Lewis said during the due diligence period the county will also consider stormwater and drainage issues “The opportunity to acquire 100-plus acres of green space does not come along every day and this was a great price,” Commissioner Joe Tiseo said he noted the golf club was paying between $70,000 and $80,000 in taxes and that revenue will be coming off the tax rolls He said the county will lose the revenue stream and it will be using funds to maintain the park for an unknown period of time “until we have a plan.” Deutsch lauded the addition of more green space for the county and said that approximately a third of the county consists of green space that will never be developed Typical ebbs and flows of the single-family home market do not have much of an impact on the ultra Four restaurant chains and a cake shop will join seven other businesses coming this year to the new Tree Farm.. the May 5 opening of the Hospital for Special Surgery at NCH takes the health care.. Not only has Chef Brian Roland physically and emotionally returned to public life in Southwest Florida after his life-altering tragedy.. Beeline is counting on thirsty folks making a beeline to its new upscale cocktail bar at Mercato in North Naples... The 72-unit Verandas III opened and is fully occupied on Airport Road marking the final phase in the redevelopment of.. In revealing their intentions publicly for the first time they told USA TODAY Network it would easily surpass their current Florida locations in size by close to 40% like the signature Buc-ee's Beaver Nuggets (similar to caramel popcorn) It has its own fudge counter where it makes more than 20 types including including blueberry cobbler plus the usual varieties of chocolate and caramel Even home decor and clothing are part of the inventory Buc-ee's headquarters disclosed its latest Southwest Florida mission with the USA TODAY Network Those involved in the endeavor say honchos are expected to visit with county commissioners in May The Buc-ee's would be part of a trio of villages in a new Harborview development centered around the exit, with north, east and west components. Benderson Development is tweaking plans to allow for the mega petrol station where residential had been originally slated in West Village which is adjacent to a preserve on the river "The existing approved one is for residential only, but the proposed one for the West Village has commercial development," Charlotte County Principal Planner Jie Shao said "The new proposal for the West Village is only for commercial." That shift is part of what commissioners would be voting on next month: "What we're doing is reconfiguring making the project more marketable and more available to be developed under today's standards and needs," said Benderson attorney Derek Rooney of GrayRobinson who noted more from Buc-ee's will be learned at the commission meeting "There is an interest from Buc-ee's for the West Village "There will be representatives from Buc-ee's to address that concern The only change reflected in the proposal that's different (would) be further defining what a multi-pump facility like a Buc-ee's would allow (That) is the only change that affects the potential for a Buc-ee's." Commissioners would be voting on rezoning and other preliminary measures related to the venture but not the Buc-ee's effort itself just yet public records requested by the USA TODAY Network show they will have specifics in their hands on what the organization would unofficially like to do on 27 acres the expanse could have room for more than 850 vehicles between the pumps the vacuuming and washing slots and parking places that include those for the disabled or with electric vehicles The schematics that received the county planning and zoning board's backing show a parking stall ratio of one for every 90 square feet of building area in the southwest corner of the exit Asked by the USA TODAY Network if it would serve as his most immense Buc-ee’s national director of real estate and development said it would be among the giants in an exclusive club: "The Port Charlotte store is no larger than our other 'large store' locations Depending upon how the jurisdiction measures Port Charlotte will be plus/minus 74,000 square feet." Spreading more than 75,000 square feet, the Buc-ee’s in Luling, Texas is "the largest Buc-ee’s location in the country," Beard said the colossus replaced the original built in 2003 Commissioners will be considering other village aspects including "specific landscaping requirements" and up to three 100-foot tall signs at the exit with at least one of them with a beaver potentially perched at the top with the words "Port Charlotte," according to the documents they will have tall signs so when people travel on I-75 "And also they added general signage for the convenience food and beverage store with the gas pumps in the West Village with graphics." the 650 acres of the villages would include about 3,850 housing units in the north and east sectors 350 hotel rooms and more than 700,000 square feet in overall commercial and office space Talks of developing the property date to at least 1992 with commission discussion back then and numerous concepts have been floated over the decades "I am a pro-development person," said Stephen Vieira the planning commissioner who represents the region where the enterprise is slated for a target completion of 2035 There might be a different discussion concerning the West Village but as far as the East Village and the North Village go I see that as reasonably good development to occur in the area." environmental worries and congestion along what's largely two-lane Harborview "The Buc-ee's we're talking about is going to be the 10,000-pound gorilla environmentally," said Deep Creek community resident Greg Dyer light pollution ― we're talking about signs God knows what that's going to look like when you're coming over 75 and people are living over there whether it's environmental with the light pollution or in general." Even those who explore Buc-ee's on their travels would rather not see it in their backyard like long-time local Sharon Brandt: "My kids love using the gas pumps ― if you can get to a gas pump without standing in line But what worries me most is I've been able to travel on Harborview Road for 45 years to get into Port Charlotte "There is no way with the traffic I have seen at Buc-ee's ― let alone all the housing ― there is no way that our little road is going to be able to get us to Port Charlotte and my grandson loves to go there for the barbecue says infrastructure is among the considerations and there are talks with the state Department of Transportation: "Harborview Road from Melbourne Street to I-75 there's a planned widening from two to four lanes (and) construction is partially funded by FDOT in fiscal year 2026 but not completely funded so I do want to acknowledge that "The I-75 and Harborview Road interchange is part of FDOT's planning and feasibility study along the I-75 corridor Improvements are planned at that I-75 interchange with Harborview Road and they're being considered as part of this project once we're moving into that final site plan stage Conversations with DOT have already started including analysis of that interchange." Others who live nearby say it's part of the pain that comes with development which helps bring dollars into the region and employment Buc-ee's typically hires at least 200 full-timers with benefits that include a 6% matching 401(k) retirement setup and three weeks paid vacation "I will be impacted by the traffic," said Deep Creek resident Lisa Black (and) this brings money to the county and the city of Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda (This) part of Florida is seeing a lot of growth which is why they feel like this is warranted I know this is hard for people to realize." An April staff report notes that the land around where Buc-ee's would emerge could be affected by hurricane storm surge as "the entire West Village is located within the Coastal High Hazard Area" designated by the federal government Benderson representatives say the plus is that homes would no longer be part of that West section the proposal that we're bringing forward (includes) a limitation to commercial uses (and) reducing the number of residential units in the coastal hazard areas," said Project Director Jem Frantz of RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture in Bonita Springs "Benefits have come without request for increased density (by Benderson which) has owned the property for some time now has plans to continue to own and stick with the property through all the development of the commercial areas." In the Know: Owner unloading 10 Fla. malls. Where are they? List includes Lee, Palm Beach, Pensacola How long does it take to construct a super-sized Buc-ee's?From start to finish, construction of a Buc-ee's takes about 15 to 18 months, according to Scott Ray 365-days-a-year completed product is usually boosted by a 1.5 megawatt backup generator Buc-ee's even has its own mammoth fuel trucks so Ray said there is no concern of running out of gasoline "Outside of the military and a few large fuel depots those are the largest tanks you can buy and transport over roadways," he said "Most of our locations are designated as an emergency responder meeting point They've got plenty of power to charge phones Fire storm: With major surge in hurricanes impacting SWFL, apartments now offer 'sustainability' With the planning board's support of the rezoning and other facets tied to the Harborview undertaking May 27 gathering of the County Commission in Room 19 of its Port Charlotte administration building Whether Buc-ee's ends up eventually being part of it all it's just wait and see on how the process evolves "Potential is always just potential," planning board member Clint Baker said Buc-ee’s stores sell everything from outdoor gear to Texas barbecue PUNTA GORDA — While reviewing changes on a 653-acre Harborview Road development, Charlotte County Planning and Zoning Board members learned a Buc-ee’s representative will be at an upcoming County Commission meeting to see if the plan is approved At the Planning and Zoning meeting, the board cleared the way to rezone a plan to allow Buc-ee’s to have specific signs and outdoor sales for its store and gas station off Interstate 75 elaine.allen@yoursun.com Two people are in custody and a third is wanted after a shooting in the parking lot of a Walmart in Port Charlotte according to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office Deputies report Anthony Mojica flashed a gun inside the store at someone The victim told deputies Mojica had had a previous conflict with them After the victim and his girlfriend left the store Mojica and a 16-year-old jumped out of a car and chased them Deputies later found the getaway car at Leiva’s home both Leiva and the 16-year-old were found and arrested The teen faces a misdemeanor assault charge Mojica remains at large with several felony charges pending including aggravated assault and discharging a firearm near a person The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting near the Walmart on Murdock Circle in Port Charlotte This is what it looked like around 5:30 Saturday evening—squad cars and crime scene tape covered the parking lot Deputies said there was a shooting near the Walmart and it drew a big law enforcement presence It never ceases to amaze me — when there is a need Whether it was providing masks for students during the pandemic delivering food and gift cards to families in crisis or gathering household essentials and hurricane supplies you’ve helped us meet the moment with generosity and grace For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInPUNTA GORDA (WWSB) - A Port Charlotte man has been arrested after police say he was in possession of pornographic material involving children an instant messaging service called Kik became aware of possible child pornography files on their servers Tampa Police detectives were also investigating a suspect who they allege was involved in an undercover chat session with detectives where Bogard thought he was texting with an underaged girl Detectives say the chat was sexual in nature and had messages expressing interest in meeting for sexual activity a search warrant was served for content belonging to the username The content indicated the account belongs and is being used by Ashton Bogard due to numerous selfies showing his face and entire body which includes his tattoos there were approximately 27 videos of child pornography an arrest warrant was granted for his arrest Bogard was located and arrested for possession of child pornography He has since bonded out of Charlotte County Jail but was immediately re-arrested on Tampa Police Department charges PORT CHARLOTTE — Prosecutors dropped a felony assault charge against a man accused of shooting his granddaughter to death during a domestic dispute in March locked himself in a bedroom while his 38-year-old granddaughter banged on the door and eventually opened it Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInPORT CHARLOTTE (WWSB) - Charlotte County deputies said they are investigating a shooting that took place near a Walmart in Port Charlotte Deputies also stated that there are many law enforcement agents in the area of Edgewater and Gardener We plan to update this story as we get more information here on mysuncoast.com This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page 2025 at 4:40 PM EDTEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInPUNTA GORDA (WWSB) - A Port Charlotte couple has been arrested after an infant in their care had to have emergency surgery to repair damage to its skull the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office said Charlotte County detectives were called to Golisano’s Children’s Hospital in Fort Myers about an infant with life-threatening injuries The infant was in “extremely critical condition” and was in emergency surgery when detectives arrived The child’s injuries included multiple skull fractures were interviewed separately and detectives say their explanations about how the infant was injured were inconsistent Detectives determined that both Hochsprung and Ransom agreed that they were the only two people with the child at the time of the injury and that it occurred at their home in Port Charlotte March 23 Deputies also found that Ransom had conducted internet searches for “dent in baby forehead” and “do babies snore?” at around 5 p.m This indicated that Ransom was aware of the injuries and still did not seek medical attention for the child until the following day Hochsprung and Ransom were placed under arrest on charges of child neglect with great bodily harm The child underwent successful surgery but the infant is facing a lengthy recovery and is expected to have significant medical issues for the duration of its life hold up proposed license plate designs in the Florida House Coming soon to a parrothead’s bumper near you: Florida is close to offering a Margaritaville license plate to pay homage to Key West’s favorite son More than one year after lawmakers in Tallahassee passed a bill permitting the special plate a final design has emerged with nearly enough pre-sale orders to make it a reality This story was produced by Fresh Take Florida a news service of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Bowland on Harbor Boulevard in Port Charlotte has been sold to New York-based Bowl 360 which will continue to operate it as a bowling center with plans to upgrade the facility with modern state-of-the-art technology and entertainment Terms of the sale of the popular entertainment hub that has been open for six decades weren’t disclosed Their son Marc is the vice president of operations Bowland underwent several upgrades and repairs from storms who heads the call center for the family businesses and Its Nemo’s restaurant and arcade and virtual reality games were popular with people of all ages who’s owned bowling centers in Southwest Florida for 45 years said the sale is the latest move in transitioning his family’s business operations to focus on their new venture — FastTrax featuring Florida’s largest indoor go-kart track duck pin bowling and food and beverage options FastTrax will be located next to their HeadPinz bowling center in south Fort Myers near Southwest Florida International Airport The Ciniellos will continue to operate their HeadPinz bowling center in East Naples but the Bowland brand is being “retired,” Ciniello said “We have made many lifelong friends here over the years,” Ciniello said “While selling something you’ve worked so hard to build is never easy I’m thrilled that the center will remain a hub for entertainment and bowling fun for the Charlotte community.” Bowl 360 Group officials said the company vows that much like Bowland it will continue to provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all ages as we know there’s a tremendous demand for this style of cutting-edge fun,” said Ciniello while the Bowland brand fades into the history books We are so excited for the future of the HeadPinz and FastTrax entertainment centers.” Charlotte County Commissioners voted to purchase the 158-acre Port Charlotte Golf Club property for $3M The course closed after it sustained damage in Hurricane Ian in 2022 The now overgrown course is hardly recognizable from the meticulously maintained greens and fairways that it once boasted Watch Fox 4's Alex Orenczuk report on Charlotte County's plan for the former Port Charlotte Golf Club: “It actually hosted LPGA events,” said Stu Orr “It opened in 1959 and it was a gorgeous golf course.” Orr told Fox 4 the course had always bounced back from hurricane damage members of the club helped clear debris and make repairs He said the club offered to help make repairs after Hurricane Ian decided it would be too expensive to make the course operational again “Oh it was extremely disappointing,” said Orr “We really tried extremely hard to make it happen again.” The property had changed hands several times since it first opened commissioners unanimously voted to purchase the property Although there is no plan for the property yet Deutsch said several ideas have been suggested including sports fields and courts and the property is big enough that we have a bunch of things that are being suggested but you probably won't see anything happen there for several years,” said Deutsch extensive research and planning will have to be done before a decision is made about the property’s future “What will need to take place is that we will have to go through a programming component that will be county wide through many different departments,” said Perdue there will be public input and the board of county commissioners will ultimately make the decision on what gets built there.” The county has 90 days to inspect the property before the sale officially closes TALLAHASSEE — A Tampa Christian school has gone to the U.S Supreme Court in a battle about whether the Florida High School Athletic Association violated First Amendment rights when it blocked the school from offering a prayer over a stadium loudspeaker before a 2015 high-school football championship game Cambridge Christian School will ask the Supreme Court to overturn a decision last year by the 11th U.S Circuit Court of Appeals that sided with the athletic association — The Charlotte County Fire Department said the brush fire in Port Charlotte’s Gulf Cove neighborhood is 100 percent contained but they’ll be staying overnight to monitor hot spots multiple residents said the flames got very close to their houses Neighbors tell Fox 4 community corespondent Stephen Pimpo just how close the flames got to their houses: “I came around the back of the house and by the time I got to the front everything was on fire here and I told my wife we might have to leave,’” said Gulf Cove resident George Lyons adding that he and his wife were not among those who ended up leaving The Charlotte County Fire Department said they they got the call for the 12-acre brush fire at around 2:30 p.m They say it started near El Salvador Road and Stone Street it was like two blocks over and within minutes the wind picked up really bad and it started coming this way,” said Lyons Charlotte County Fire Marshal Scott Morris said multiple other agencies were on-scene assisting North Port Fire and Rescue and the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office “The breeze today was really quite a bit and it made the fire move really fast,” said Morris “And (having) as much brush as we had around here around the houses.” Click here to see a live look at the fire: The Florida Forest Service said seven buildings were threatened but the fire department said only one home had some minor damage there were still hotspots popping up as late as 7 p.m along with smoke that covered streets like Montgomery Drive Watch below to see viewer video from Kailyn Rivera: Ken Wells says he and his family evacuated their home for a short time before coming back it’s been one natural disaster after another,” Wells said The Charlotte County Fire Department said they did not issue official calls to evacuate Morris said that the smell of smoke could last for days in Gulf Cove He also reiterated that all of Charlotte County remains under a burn ban across from the Woodward Avenue entrance to Florida State University campus People sit in front of a makeshift memorial outside the student union at Florida State University who was killed this month during a mass shooting at Florida State University called Wednesday for more information about the death During a news conference on the FSU campus attorney Bakari Sellers said the family wants answers about the shooter’s motive and how he got the gun that was used