This episode originally aired on August 6, 2020.
Charlotte County is celebrating its centennial next year. It was created on April 23rd, 1921, when Governor Cary A. Hardee signed a bill passed by the Florida Legislature that divided DeSoto County into five counties: Charlotte, Hardee, Highlands, Glades and DeSoto.
It’s got a deep history, most of which is well documented thanks to people like former state lawmaker Vernon Peeples. But, as the county begins preparing celebrations our guest is looking for stories about Charlotte County that may have fallen through the cracks. James Abraham is a writer, teacher, owner of Book-Broker Publishers of Florida, and a retired journalist.
In his words: "From Fishin’ Frank’s place exploding like a bomb to Charlotte County deputies finding a kidnapped heiress, residents have stories that rival those told by louder voices in bigger cities. Did you work for General Development? Did you ever drink at the Lighthouse or Slip Not? Ever stay at the Pineapple Motel or seek medical care at Intermedic? Remember when they broke ground at PGI? Or Deep Creek? Or Southport Square? And what about the old Garden of Eatin’ at the Cultural Center or Phil and Linda Wilson’s breakfasts in Charlotte Harbor?"
You can email your story or photograph, with your contact information, to book-broker@hotmail.com.