Even though an ice skating rink has never existed in Cape Coral, one local developer, along with the help of a Saturn dealership owner, would like to change that. Creighton Development and local Saturn dealer Bob Goodman are ready to build a nearly 1500-seat arena, complete with not one, but three rinks, a four-story hotel, as well as two restaurants.

If you've lived in Cape Coral for even a brief time, then you've probably heard her name mentioned. As one of southwest Florida's most promising athletes, Michelle Shin is beginning to receive the notice that her golf game deserves.

As a recent graduate of southwest Florida's Canterbury School, she is no stranger to challenges. As for her experience on the links, Ms. Shin has played in the U.S. Girls' Junior numerous times, as well as the U.S. Women's Amateur, not to mention other tournaments. Undaunted by the pressure and scrutiny of this past Monday's sudden-death playoff at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club, she emerged victorious to clench the final spot for July's U.S. Women's Open in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

With a vote that didn't come until nearly midnight, the Cape Coral City Council voted Monday to move forward with a plan that, when complete, will deliver utilities to an area of north Cape Coral presently served mainly by well and septic systems.

While some believe that this move by the city will allow for Cape Coral's continued growth, other residents, strapped with debt and still reeling from the real estate collapse, say this will worsen the area's downward spiral.

If you're a fan of our Southwest Florida Community Events Calendar, you know that it's where to find events that are taking place locally. If you, typically, find several events that you want to remember, you might try creating your own calendar. Doing so will give you a quick reference to your own events whenever you happen to be logged-in.

But what if you are planning a local event yourself ? Do you know how to get the word out ? Sending out press releases is a good idea, but there are many options for promoting your event.

Whether you're young or old, it doesn't matter. The price we pay for gasoline affects everyone who drives. As the re-alignment within the auto industry continues, those manufacturers who stay in business will, no doubt, continue to produce vehicles that address our reliance on fossil fuels by getting better mileage.

But what about today? The residents of southwest Florida have felt the fuel crunch more than some others. On almost any day, the price of gasoline in our community looms above the national average. Given our mainly tourism-based economy, that's not a big surprize.

Just as another Memorial Day has arrived, so, too, have all the traditions surrounding it. During the holiday, many Americans will reflect on their personal gratitude for the men and women who have paid the ultimate price for the freedom we all enjoy. Today we remember with reverence those who have gone before us.

One American tradition historically centered on the Memorial Day weekend is the running of the Indianapolis 500 at that city's Motor Speedway, more affectionately known as 'The Brickyard'. From the words; "Ladies and Gentlemen, Start Your Engines" to the dropping of the checkered flag, this race, representing the world's brightest and most talented drivers, is filled with excitement and intensity.

Afternoon rain showers for several days during the last two weeks have put a smile on many SWFL faces, as many lawns were darn nearly dead. Precipitation during our rainy season helps to replenish local aquifers. With summer's official arrival on June 21st, Cape Coral faces many changes. If Mother Nature cooperates, hopefully, Cape residents can put water table issues on the back burner amid other pressing concerns.

In the final analysis of the problems caused by information overload, we must not only identify the causes, but also identify workable solutions. The task alone seems daunting, but it doesn't have to be. While none of us can completely eliminate the endless streams of information in our lives, we can make a truly significant reduction in how much of our time that information consumes.

If it's been a few years since you spent an afternoon at the baseball field, you're not alone. A lot of fans of southwest Florida's own Fort Myers Miracle are too busy struggling with the present economy to even drop in on Hammond Stadium for several innings of baseball. The truth is that when we do return to the ball park, we're not likely to find things quite as we remember.