Latest news with #PuntaGorda
CBS News
3 days ago
- CBS News
Florida black bear caught on camera taking a dip in hot tub, napping 6 hours under lanai
Residents of an affluent community in Southwest Florida were shocked to find an uninvited guest in their midst over the weekend, one with fur, claws and a taste for luxury. On June 8, landscapers at Punta Gorda Isles spotted a black bear running through a backyard and called 911, according to CBS affiliate WINK. Punta Gorda police officers then went to the residence to warn the homeowner about the bear in his yard. Bear caught on security camera lounging in hot tub and lanai Homeowner Lynn Martin said at first he thought they were joking — that's until he checked his home security cameras. The bear was caught on video taking a dip in his hot tub. It then moved to a couch underneath a lanai, a a type of covered outdoor area commonly found in Hawaiian and Florida architecture. "He just took the pillows off of the couch and was getting ready to take a nap," Martin said. And nap it did — for nearly six hours. FWC responds with bear trap and hazing techniques Punta Gorda police contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. They sent officers who placed a trap on the property. FWC officials then used hazing techniques to encourage it to leave. The bear eventually moved to a nearby vacant lot and climbed a tree. FWC placed a trap at the base of the tree and maintained a presence in the area. People who live in the neighborhood said the bear clearly meant no harm. "He's not looking for any trouble, that's for sure," Martin said. The following day, the bear was spotted napping in another tree in the neighborhood. The FWC waited for the bear to wake before trapping it. The bear was then safely relocated back to its natural habitat. Deadly black bear attack reporter near Naples This was not the first encounter with a black bear in Florida this year. On May 5, black bears attacked and killed a man and his dog near Naples, according to the FWC. Robert Markel, 89, and his dog were not killed at the same time, according to the FWC which believes more than one bear was involved. That night, FWC officers killed the three bears in the area. DNA samples from the scene and the bears were sent to Gainesville for testing. Necropsy results revealed that one bear contained the partial remains of Markel, according to the FWC. Testing showed that the same bear's DNA was present on Markel's body, inside his home and on the dog's body. Wildlife officials have not explicitly said that bear is the one that killed Markel, an autopsy by the Collier County Medical Examiner found that Markel's cause of death is consistent with a bear attack. Florida man bit by bear while protecting dog near Pensacola A few weeks after Markel's attack, a man in Gulf Breeze, near Pensacola, reported that he had been bitten by a bear while protecting his dog. The man said he had just gotten home from work and was letting his dog out when the wild animal charged at them in his backyard. The man said after the bear bit him, he kicked it in the face. He said that's when the bear charged him again. He said he was able to make it to the house, shut the door on the bear and call 911. The man was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released. Florida's growing black bear population leads to more encounters Florida's black bear population, once classified as threatened, has rebounded in recent decades. The state has more than 4,000 black bears, according to the FWC. Bear sightings and interactions with people have become more common, particularly in rural areas of north and central Florida. The FWC has an interactive bear map to show bear related calls. FWC tips: What to do if you encounter a bear "First things first, stand your ground. Make yourself look large, talk to the bear in a calm fashion. Do not run, do not play dead. If you have small dogs or small children, pick them up. Make yourself look large. If a bear is touching you, you need to fight back. So if you're in Florida and you know you're having a conflict with a bear, fight back, because people have successfully been able to fight off bears," Mike Orlando, the FWC's bear management program coordinator, said. He added it's important to never intentionally approach a bear and never feed one, either intentionally or unintentionally.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Curaleaf Strengthens Florida Presence with Punta Gorda Dispensary Opening
New location in Southwest Florida brings store count to 67 statewide, and 153 nationwide STAMFORD, Conn., May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (TSX: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) ("Curaleaf" or the "Company"), a leading international provider of consumer cannabis products, today announced the opening of a new medical cannabis dispensary in Punta Gorda, Florida. Curaleaf Punta Gorda, located at 100 Madrid Blvd., Suite 511, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, will begin welcoming medical patients on May 23, 2025. This expansion marks the Company's 67th store in Florida, bringing its nationwide store count to 153 stores. Curaleaf Punta Gorda, located in the heart of Charlotte County, is the Company's third dispensary in the region. The new location is situated amid historic landmarks, unique shopping and dining, and scenic outdoor attractions, including the popular Harborwalk trail and Fishermen's Village waterfront destination. The dispensary will offer Curaleaf's Select product line, including Select BRIQ all-in-one vapes and the new Select RSO X-Bites. It will also feature additional brands from the company's portfolio, such as Anthem pre-rolls, the brand-new Grassroots Dark Heart Collection, and Reef, a Florida-exclusive flower brand launched this year to provide even greater consistency and high-quality flower for medical patients. All of these products, and more, are sold exclusively at Curaleaf Florida medical dispensaries. Curaleaf Punta Gorda will operate from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET on Sundays, with knowledgeable team members onsite to guide registered medical patients through their shopping experience. "Our reach continues to grow across Florida, with 67 stores serving patients in both metropolitan hubs and hyperlocal communities, including our newly opened hemp-focused retail store, The Hemp Company West Palm Beach, which we recently launched to meet adult hemp consumers where they are," said Boris Jordan, Chairman and CEO of Curaleaf. "With a strong statewide presence, we have developed a deep understanding of the unique needs of Floridians and take pride in offering a retail and product experience that reflects our commitment to serving both registered medical patients and now, adult hemp consumers. Our Florida flower brand, Reef, is a testament to this dedication, and its growing popularity has driven us to continually enhance quality to meet the expectations of our patients. As we expand our footprint, we remain dedicated to delivering products and services that our valued Florida communities can trust." This week, Curaleaf Florida announced a new patient discount structure, offering new patients 60% off their first three visits. Curaleaf also offers everyday discounts to senior citizens, students, veterans and their spouses. Furthermore, patients can benefit from a generous referral component, giving current patients $10 off and awarding $10 to referred friends who are currently registered Florida medical patients. Curaleaf Punta Gorda will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration on Friday, May 30, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET, featuring live music, giveaways, gifts with purchase, and promotions. For more information on Curaleaf's locations, patient resources, delivery program, and products in Florida, please visit About Curaleaf HoldingsCuraleaf Holdings, Inc. (TSX: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) ("Curaleaf") is a leading international provider of consumer products in cannabis with a mission to enhance lives by cultivating, sharing and celebrating the power of the plant. As a high-growth cannabis company known for quality, expertise and reliability, the Company and its brands, including Curaleaf, Select, Grassroots, Find, Anthem and The Hemp Company provide industry-leading service, product selection and accessibility across the medical and adult use markets. Curaleaf International is powered by a strong presence in all stages of the supply chain. Its unique distribution network throughout Europe, Canada and Australasia brings together pioneering science and research with cutting-edge cultivation, extraction and production. Curaleaf is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CURA and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol CURLF. For more information, please visit Forward Looking Statements:This media advisory contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward–looking statements or information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "proposed", "is expected", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information concerning the opening of a dispensary in Punta Gorda, Florida. Such forward-looking statements and information reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the company with respect to the matter described in this new release. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which are based on current expectations as of the date of this release and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Additional information about these assumptions and uncertainties is contained under "Risk Factors and Uncertainties" in the Company's latest annual information form filed on March 3, 2025, which is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at and in other filings that the Company has made and may make with applicable securities authorities in the future. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as to the date of this press release and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. We caution investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release. Contacts: Investor Contact:Curaleaf Holdings, Lyon, Chief Investment OfficerIR@ Media Contact:Curaleaf Holdings, Rahmil, VP Public Relationsmedia@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Curaleaf Strengthens Florida Presence with Punta Gorda Dispensary Opening
New location in Southwest Florida brings store count to 67 statewide, and 153 nationwide STAMFORD, Conn., May 23, 2025 /CNW/ -- Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (TSX: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) ('Curaleaf' or the 'Company'), a leading international provider of consumer cannabis products, today announced the opening of a new medical cannabis dispensary in Punta Gorda, Florida. Curaleaf Punta Gorda, located at 100 Madrid Blvd., Suite 511, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, will begin welcoming medical patients on May 23, 2025. This expansion marks the Company's 67th store in Florida, bringing its nationwide store count to 153 stores. Curaleaf Punta Gorda, located in the heart of Charlotte County, is the Company's third dispensary in the region. The new location is situated amid historic landmarks, unique shopping and dining, and scenic outdoor attractions, including the popular Harborwalk trail and Fishermen's Village waterfront destination. The dispensary will offer Curaleaf's Select product line, including Select BRIQ all-in-one vapes and the new Select RSO X-Bites. It will also feature additional brands from the company's portfolio, such as Anthem pre-rolls, the brand-new Grassroots Dark Heart Collection, and Reef, a Florida-exclusive flower brand launched this year to provide even greater consistency and high-quality flower for medical patients. All of these products, and more, are sold exclusively at Curaleaf Florida medical dispensaries. Curaleaf Punta Gorda will operate from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET on Sundays, with knowledgeable team members onsite to guide registered medical patients through their shopping experience. 'Our reach continues to grow across Florida, with 67 stores serving patients in both metropolitan hubs and hyperlocal communities, including our newly opened hemp-focused retail store, The Hemp Company West Palm Beach, which we recently launched to meet adult hemp consumers where they are,' said Boris Jordan, Chairman and CEO of Curaleaf. 'With a strong statewide presence, we have developed a deep understanding of the unique needs of Floridians and take pride in offering a retail and product experience that reflects our commitment to serving both registered medical patients and now, adult hemp consumers. Our Florida flower brand, Reef, is a testament to this dedication, and its growing popularity has driven us to continually enhance quality to meet the expectations of our patients. As we expand our footprint, we remain dedicated to delivering products and services that our valued Florida communities can trust.' This week, Curaleaf Florida announced a new patient discount structure, offering new patients 60% off their first three visits. Curaleaf also offers everyday discounts to senior citizens, students, veterans and their spouses. Furthermore, patients can benefit from a generous referral component, giving current patients $10 off and awarding $10 to referred friends who are currently registered Florida medical patients. Curaleaf Punta Gorda will host a grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration on Friday, May 30, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET, featuring live music, giveaways, gifts with purchase, and promotions. For more information on Curaleaf's locations, patient resources, delivery program, and products in Florida, please visit About Curaleaf Holdings Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (TSX: CURA) (OTCQX: CURLF) ('Curaleaf') is a leading international provider of consumer products in cannabis with a mission to enhance lives by cultivating, sharing and celebrating the power of the plant. As a high-growth cannabis company known for quality, expertise and reliability, the Company and its brands, including Curaleaf, Select, Grassroots, Find, Anthem and The Hemp Company provide industry-leading service, product selection and accessibility across the medical and adult use markets. Curaleaf International is powered by a strong presence in all stages of the supply chain. Its unique distribution network throughout Europe, Canada and Australasia brings together pioneering science and research with cutting-edge cultivation, extraction and production. Curaleaf is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol CURA and trades on the OTCQX market under the symbol CURLF. For more information, please visit Forward Looking Statements: This media advisory contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward–looking statements or information. Generally, forward-looking statements and information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'plans', 'expects' or 'proposed', 'is expected', 'intends', 'anticipates', or 'believes', or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information concerning the opening of a dispensary in Punta Gorda, Florida. Such forward-looking statements and information reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the company with respect to the matter described in this new release. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which are based on current expectations as of the date of this release and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Additional information about these assumptions and uncertainties is contained under 'Risk Factors and Uncertainties' in the Company's latest annual information form filed on March 3, 2025, which is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at and in other filings that the Company has made and may make with applicable securities authorities in the future. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as to the date of this press release and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. We caution investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release. Contacts: Investor Contact: Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. Camilo Lyon, Chief Investment Officer [email protected] Media Contact: Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. Jordon Rahmil, VP Public Relations [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Curaleaf Holdings, Inc.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Back-to-back hurricanes have left Florida homeowners with hefty repair bills and a weakening housing market
Glenn Martin is fixing up his home to sell, but he's not happy about it. He's worried all his work will be destroyed before he finds a buyer — and his fear is not unfounded. Martin lives in Punta Gorda, Florida. He's doing repairs because his home was badly damaged in Hurricane Helene last September. It's not the first time. Punta Gorda is located along the Gulf Coast in Charlotte County. The community has been pummeled by hurricanes in the past decade, including Irma (2017); Ian (2022); Milton and Helene (2024) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Martin is scared it will happen again. 'Every piece of furniture is downstairs, ruined. My refrigerator floated up,' Martin told Gulf Coast News. "One thing I'm afraid of right now is working on this house and spending a bunch of money and getting another one of these things next fall. Another storm." But Martin faces a dilemma. He's racing to offload his property because the hurricanes — the source of his problems — are making it much tougher to sell homes in the area. So while he doesn't want to pour money into a house that may be damaged again, he feels he has to in order to make the home more appealing to buyers. Martin's right. Zillow data shows that Punta Gorda's median home lists for $367,585, down 10% year-over-year. Around 82.8% of homes now sell under list price. 'The market is definitely weak right now,' Changzhou Kenzie, the head of economics for Redfin, said. 'You are seeing inventory accumulate. Prices are soft. If you are a potential buyer in Florida, you could probably negotiate a pretty good price for yourself.' Read more: You're probably already overpaying for this 1 'must-have' expense — and thanks to Trump's tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here's how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now Gulf Coast News also reported that there's around a seven-month supply of homes on the Gulf Coast and that, in addition to turnkey homes on the market, there are at least 1,000 fixer-uppers for sale — many with lingering damage from repeated storms. 'Anytime you get hit back to back, it's going to be a challenge,' warned Cindy Marsh-Tichy, a realtor who sells homes in Punta Gorda and nearby areas. The repeated storms have created shortages of contractors and materials. That's one of the reasons Martin is willing to spend tens of thousands to get the work done so potential buyers won't be put off by the prospect of costly fixes. But it's not just the time and costs involved in repairs that may be scaring homeowners away. It's surging insurance costs as well. Dozens of insurers have pulled out of the state due to the repeated hurricane damage, leaving a limited number of insurers to provide coverage. The result? Florida is the most expensive state in the country when it comes to homeowners' insurance — with an average homeowners' premium of $12,000 a year, according to research by Insurify. Plus, while property values have fallen, a home priced at more than $360,000 is likely too expensive for many families. 'If we want more families, we need more affordable, starter homes,' Marsh-Tichy said. For those who can afford a down payment, mortgage rates remain stubbornly high, adding to the monthly costs for the 41% of Americans who say inflation is their biggest financial problem. Unfortunately, as extreme weather events increase, homeowners can expect more storms going forward — and prospective buyers need to consider the risks before closing on a house. If you live in an area with a high storm risk, consider taking protective measures, such as elevating living space above the level of typical storm surges, investing in hurricane or tornado straps and installing flood barriers. And if you're planning to buy a property, check the cost of home insurance and the history of storms around or at a home before signing a deal. You can also check FEMA flood maps to assist in this risk assessment work. That way you may avoid facing Martin's dilemma with a home that needs serious repairs just as its value falls. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
