As of 2015, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated Charlotte County has a total population of about 12,201 citizens.

Out of those 12,201 people who work, play and live in the county, how many do you really know? As a member of a small community, I’m pretty confident that most citizens who have lived in the county for a number of years are fairly familiar with a large number of individuals on a first-name basis.

However, because we live in an ever-changing world, new faces are moving into the county at any given time.

On the other hand, some old familiar faces may be moving out.

While you may know minor details about those in your community, how well do you really know your neighbors?

Do you know what their dream car is or maybe their favorite food? How about the number of states they’ve visited in their lifetime?

In an effort to bring the community even closer together, The Charlotte Gazette is on a mission to feature one person each week within the county.

The individual does not have to be well-known or have any outstanding talents. In fact, we love to feature the everyday, average citizen who may not find themselves in the spotlight often!

Typically, our readers are familiar with area leaders in our community who are featured often in the publication.

“Know Your Neighbor” is simply a lighthearted way to give back to the community and highlight Charlotte County citizens from all walks of life.

Everyone has a story to tell, and like American poet Maya Angelou once said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

You may just find out you share a lot more in common with your neighbor down the street than even you realized.

Know someone who would make a good feature? Reach out at Italia.Gregory@ TheCharlotteGazette. com.

Italia Gregory is community editor of The Charlotte Gazette. Her email address is Italia.Gregory@ TheCharlotteGa