If the summer hurricane season should produce a tropical storm that threatens southwest Florida's coastal communities, you'll want to assure your family's piece of mind during that time. Having a Hurricane Supply Kit is a necessity where preparations are concerned.

"Hurricane preparedness" is an expression often heard around southwest Florida. If you're new to our part of the country, it's part of our standard vocabulary. The reason for this is our hurricane season makes it necessary. The frequency with which we see tropical storms develop into hurricanes require that we maintain a state of readiness in the event of storms or severe weather.

In keeping with our continuous effort to keep our members up-to-date, we're pleased to present a pretty cool video ! Due to the present recession, many Americans won't be able to take much, if any, of a vacation this summer. And for once there's something ( other than reruns ) worth watching.

As America moved westward during the Gold Rush years, that migration saw a lot of what has come to be known as "frontier justice". Most often, bands of renegades would be hunted down and hanged for crimes of murder and other heinous acts. If two gunfighters had a dispute, they would, often, choose pistols for a duel !

As we move closer to the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, we can see a battle shaping up. It's likely to be one of our nation's most derisive battles. With so much of our nation's future success at stake, the coming General Election in November promises to be nothing short of a showdown !

According to a massive European-based study, Garlic and onions could help protect against stomach cancer. The new study, part of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC), followed 521,457 subjects in 10 European countries with an average age of 52. It is said to be the largest cohort study on fruit and vegetable intake and the incidence of stomach (gastric) cancer in Western countries and the first to look at cancer of the esophagus.

Many Cape Coral residents may not remember the origins of Cape Coral 's Youth Center. From the idea's inception to the ribbon cutting ceremony in September of 2003, the William "Bill" Austen Youth Center has become an integral part of Cape Coral's parks. Originally proposed by former Police Chief, Arnold Gibbs, many volunteers and supporters worked diligently to make the idea a reality. With it's many activities, programs and outstanding facilities, our community is a better place because of its existence.

For these reasons, the William "Bill" Austen Youth Center is our August Park of the Month.

A mere week has now passed since the night of Officer Andrew Widman's untimely death at the hands of a known criminal and wanted man. His wife, Suzanna and her three small children have had to face the loss of a husband and father. It has been an especially difficult week for Lee County. But due primarily to the actions of the Fort Myers Police Department and the Lee County Sheriff's Office, it would not be a week that would pass without hope.

Corn is a wonderful whole grain food that is a good source of vitamin B1, Vitamin B5, folate, fiber, vitamin C, Phosphorous, Manganese and a nutrient called beta-cryptoxanthin.

In addition to preventing birth defects, Folate can also help to lower your risk of heart attack, stroke and peripheral vascular disease. It has been estimated that consumption of 100% of the daily value of folate would, by itself, reduce the number of heart attacks suffered by Americans each year by 10%. Folate-rich diets are also associated with a reduced risk of colon cancer.

The summer in southwest Florida is known as the off-season. It's a time when locals regroup, vacation, and often try to relax before the coming tourist season is, once again, upon us. While a lot of events are slated for the more populous months, some of our best festivals and activities are actually reserved for the summer months.

Because the beach is always a popular option where "things to do" is concerned, we thought it important to point out some activities that are taking place during our off season and offer a lot of enjoyment without requiring huge amounts of cash.