Friday Facts for December 16, 2022

Friday Facts!

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Chamber Member and Chamber Friends:

Here Are Your Friday Facts From The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce

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Chamber President John Wright’s
newspaper column from December 13.


 

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For Our Members Only

PG Chamber Radio Show: Exclusively For PG Chamber Members.

PG Chamber Radio Show Exclusively for PG Chamber Members: NOW BOOKING FOR JANUARY!

Our monthly radio show on Seaview 104.9FM during the Bob Alexander Radio Show is the first Wednesday and Thursday of each month. The process is simple. Bob will call you, set up  a recording time and it’ll be done over the phone and inserted into the programming of this very popular show. You get the option to record two slots or record one to air twice during the show. Bob will let you know during which hour it will air. The cost is $110 (payable to the PG Chamber, not iHeart). To register for the show, email John Wright. The rest we’ll take care of for you. Only 10 businesses per month, so don’t delay. A great way to promote your business, advertise an event or simply to show your community support.

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For Our Community and All Of Our Members

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Shop Local At The Chamber Office TODAY!

Last week’s Pop-UP event was so successful, we are doing it again. Today, we will open our doors for local shopping in the chamber office from 10 am to 4 pm, exclusively to HipNotique, Waterside Wreaths & Gifts and Eggstra Special. Cash and credit cards are accepted. Here’s your chance to do some last-minute holiday shopping, knowing you are keeping it local and helping businesses.

· HipNotique is a unique boutique with flair that sells ladies clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry as well as holiday stocking stuffers and novelty items such as handmade soaps and Punta Gorda souvenirs. Check out their merchandise online at hipnotique.net. They also have a store at the Franklin Shops in downtown Fort Myers that recently reopened.

· Waterside Wreaths & Gifts features seasonal wreaths and gifts for everyone on your shopping list. It’s owned by Cathy Perry.

· Eggstra Special features eggshell art at it’s finest created by local artist Virgi Bondi.

Do a little bit of your holiday shopping, knowing you are keeping it local as well as helping local store owners to feel the love!

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The Laird’s Golf Challenge

Join us Thursday, February 2nd for something totally new!

TopGolf – 2021 Topgolf blvd. (Just off I-75) in Fort Myers
Entry Fee: $100 Per Person (4-6 people per team)

Includes golf, lunch buffet & festivities cash bar. Prizes Galore

Noon-3pm

Deadline to enter: Thursday, January 26th

For more information, call (941) 639-3720 or email izajas@puntagorda-chamber.com

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Sullivan Street Craft Festival

January 21-22, Sat-Sun, 10am-5pm

Outdoors on Sullivan Street in Punta Gorda, FL

FREE ADMISSION

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Chamber Calendar of Events Members ONLY

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Networking Events

**Please remember to RSVP directly to events by emailing reception@puntagorda-chamber.com, by calling us at 941.639.3720 or by paying for lunch online. We LOVE to see you but we appreciate knowing you’re coming to provide our host with an accurate count to better accommodate us. Thank you for your assistance!

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Tuesday, Dec. 20: After Hours, 5:30-7 pm. – Perch 360 at The Wyvern. Please RSVP.

Wednesday, Dec. 21: Special Christmas Networking Lunch, Noon-1:30 pm – Four Points by Sheraton (Tiki), Punta Gorda. Cost is $20 per person pre-paid. Please bring a wrapped gift valued at $15-$20 as we play our usual Secret Santa gift exchange! We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover and AMEX. Tickets can be purchased online at puntagordachamber.com, call 941.639.3720 or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com

Wednesday, Jan. 11: Business Over Breakfast, 7:15 am – Tamiami Tavern, 10361 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, hosted by Gettel Automotive of Charlotte County. Please RSVP.

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All the Following Information is for Our Community.

Please Support Our Local Businesses!

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Partners in Action News

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Four Points By Sheraton (Platinum) –.T’s Tiki Bar has another great weekend planned! Take a break from all of the holiday shopping and come have a drink with us! Tonight, we have Mixed Signal playing at 7 pm. On Saturday, Smudge Kitten takes the big stage at 7 pm. Click here to see what band is playing the rest of the month. Don’t forget to make your Christmas and New Year’s reservations by calling 941.637.6770. We will be serving a traditional holiday buffet under our new Tiki on Christmas Day for $39.95 per person. On New Year’s Eve, we have Majesty of Rock ringing in the new year. VIP tickets include party favors, champagne toast and seats up close to the stage and private bar for $79.95. The VIP Experience includes everything the VIP tickets do, as well as an all you can eat buffet for $99.95 per person. There is no other place to be than TT’s Tiki Bar! The following are our specials:

  1. Join us for Happy Hour in the Dockside Grill from 4-7 pm every day of the week. We offer $3 draft beer, $4 house wine and $5 premium cocktails
  2. Join us for Happy Hour at T.T.’s Tiki Bar from open to 6 pm Monday to Friday. We offer $4 drafts, $4 well cocktails, and $5 house wines. 
  3. The Dockside Grill serves all you can eat fish and chips every Friday for $12.95 
  4. The Dockside Grill serves Prime Rib every Saturday
  5. The Dockside Grill features a different nightly special

TIME Realty (Gold)

November numbers are in and show the impact of the hurricane and changes to the market. Charlotte County: 280 sales, down 54% YOY, median price $350K, up 9%, 55% cash, 33% conventional loan, 38% of sales were under contract in 0-10 days, 2.2 months of inventory and median days on market is 33.
Zip 33950 – 36 sales, down 51% YOY, median price $462,500 down 9%, 75% cash, 22% conventional loan, 33% of sales were under contract in 0-10 days, 2.2 mo of inventory and median days on market is 41. The market is changing to a more equitable market. With the inventory so low, it’s still a seller market, but with price adjustments. Have questions, or want to see the info for your zip code? Reach out and I will be glad to share. Della Booth, 239.699.4493 
 
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold)  Open 8 am to 1 pm Saturdays. Produce, seafood, olives, pickles, guacamole, bakeries and more! More vendors in the parking garage breezeway.
 
CAM Realty (Silver) –Virtual office available in Downtown Punta Gorda, $99/+tax per month.

Provides your company the image of an office without the cost of dedicated office space. Contact CAM Realty: 941.833.0083.

Creative Window Treatments (Silver) – We are here for your window treatments needs. Charlotte Sun Best Place to Buy Window Treatments 18 years running. Area’s only Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer, Plantations Shutters, Blinds, Shades, Drapery and more. Call 941.637.0015.

WENG Radio (Silver In Kind)Chamber members can broadcast information about their business to the public. Click here for special rate.

Coastal Expressions & Wine (Bronze) – Located in the ISLES at 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd in the Plaza at Suite #1135. If you haven’t been here before, we are more than just a WINE BAR, we offer a unique fun experience including enjoying delicious food, wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, retail wine by the bottle or that unique boutique gift … plus family fun activities by day or night.

Daily, (Tuesday 10 am – Saturday 9 pm) we offer Wine Tastings, Wine Flights, Wine and Food Pairings.

Daily, we also serve breakfast flatbreads and mimosas, Flatbread lunch specials served with a complimentary glass of wine, beer or drink of your choice, a full dinner menu including dessert, our date night dinner special for two served with a bottle of red or white, of course our signature “Charcuterie Boards” with flavors of gourmet meats and cheeses from around the globe, our “ANYTIME” date night special for two served with a bottle of red or white, and so much more…

Visit our website at www.coastalexpressions.com to view our wine/beer and food menu, including our full “events calendar” with activities of fun things to do with your friend, spouse or when family is in town. Come check us out or give us a call to inquire at 941.214.8599.

Charlotte Players (Bronze) – The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! through Dec.18. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941.255.1022. Located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. New Years Eve Celebration. Join us Dec. 31 at 7:30 pm with some of Charlotte County’s talented singers as they present a 90-minute concert. Accompanied by Music Director/Pianist Ken Crisp and a drummer, this concert has something for everyone — something old, something new, something country, something pop, something Broadway and more! Tickets are $29. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941.255.1022.

Gulfshore Opera (Bronze)  Invites you to join the wonderful Giving Tree tradition! This year there is a special opportunity, beyond your Maestro Club donation, for you to make an impact. Your gift supports our important social youth engagement programs (Harmony Choir and Talented Teens) and full scale productions!

Season calendar click here.

2023 events click here.

Military Heritage Museum (Bronze) – Christmas at Wartime Exhibit – Now through Feb. 4 in the Atrium. Sweetheart Luncheon and Fashion Show, Feb. 13, $35 per person. For the Gulf Theater season schedule, click here.

Last-minute gift ideas.

Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (Bronze) – “Share The Love For The Kids Home Tours,” February 4, 10 am-4 pm, click here.

Let’s Go Fishing! An introductory course in Florida Fishing is being offered at the PGI Civic Association. Topics include fishing techniques, tackle selection, rigging, knot tying, lures, baits, cast nets, fish identification, tides and fishing regulations for fishing in fresh and salt waters of Southwest Florida. Rods, reels, lures, nets and other fishing equipment will be demonstrated during the class and there will be a number of useful handouts issued to students. The instructor is local fishing guide Capt. Ralph Allen. The course is open to the public and is held on Wednesday evenings from 7-9 pm for six weeks beginning on Wednesday Jan. 11, 2023. Cost is $50 and advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.

Animal Welfare League (Support) – This December AWL is teaming up with the BEST FRIENDS network to offer a National Adoption Weekend Event, Dec. 9-11 Adoption Fees reduced:

Adult Cats: $25

Senior Cats: $25

Adult Large Breed Dogs: $50

Senior Large Breed Dogs: $50

You can view all available pets @ awlshelter.org/bestfriendsweekend

Small dogs, Kittens and Puppies are not included in this special event pricing. All animals must be adopted on site. Animals located at our local pet stores are not included

C.A.R.E. (Support) –  During this holiday season remember the children who are directly affected by domestic violence or sexual violence in the home. Dealing with an unstable home and the constant stress of uncertainly can be overwhelming. C.A.R.E.’s holiday gift drive is happening until December 21. Call 941.639.5499 for information. For monetary donations http://carefl.org/giving/donate/

Frank Desquin (Support) – Did you know, although a huge celebration today, the proclaimed date of Jesus’ birth has not always been so, and that the first record of Christmas in today’s Charlotte County dates from 1876? Click here

Peace River Botanical and Sculptural Gardens (Support) – The last four nights of Gardens Aglow are Dec.18-21 from 6-9 pm (last entry 8:15). A walking tour of thousands of lights, animated displays, s’mores and hot cocoa stations, crafts and nightly Santa visits. A variety of characters and selfie stations will be throughout the 27-acre property and carolers will be roaming. The Gardens has a holiday gift shop and, new this year, a tent filled with themed, artificial Christmas trees filled with gift cards, liquid spirits, bath & body supplies, fishing equipment with a tarpon charter and more will be raffled off at the end of the event. Tickets can be purchased at https://peacerivergardens.org/events/gardens-aglow/ or at the Gardens in advance. It is recommended to pre-purchase tickets, as this event typically sells out. 

Visual Arts Center (Support) – Stop by the VAC to find one-of-a-kind ornaments and artwork. Admission to our galleries is free. On Friday, Jan. 6 and Saturday, Jan. 7 the VAC will host an Open House. Join us for a variety of live art demonstrations including pottery throwing, watercolor, mosaics, jewelry making, and more! The open house marks the beginning of our new class season and class registration will be open. Members of the Visual Art Center receive discounts on classes as a member benefit. For art appreciators the Visual Art Center Galleries are always free to view, and we invite you to browse not only while at our open house but also to visit often as our exhibits change regularly. Local art is always for sale, and did we mention there will be mimosas?! Mark your calendar now and join us.

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Member Information

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Nino’s Bakery – OPEN FOR ONE DAY ONLY – Christmas Eve Day, Dec 24, from 10 am-3 pm. Purchase 1 and 2 pound Christmas Cookie trays ($25-$45) and Nino’s famous Cannoli ($3.50 each) – crispy pastry filled with sweet ricotta, dipped or sprinkled. We will also offer French Bread ($2 each) and Dinner Rolls ($3.50/dozen)! Cash only please. (Internet still spotty.)
We are still closed and working every day on renovating the Bakery. But we will offer these goodies to the community on a first-come-first-serve basis from a kiosk outside our storefront. 3078 Cooper St (Ext.), Punta Gorda.
 
Nadine’s Closet – We’re having a sale. We sell custom, unique bold jewelry, hats (including vintage hats) and music boxes. This week, all hats are 25% off and to continue to celebrate Army’s win over Navy last weekend, we are still offering all active military and veterans 15% off all items in the shop. Boutique hours are Friday 12-5 pm, Saturday 10 am – 2 pm, or a private shopping experience by appointment. We are located downtown at 103 W. Marion, Punta Gorda, enter in the back and go up the stairs. A little hard to find but worth the trip!
 
Chabad of Charlotte County – Chanukah is coming, and we want to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very happy and inspiring eight-day Festival of Lights. Chanukah begins Sunday. Public Menorah Lighting is Dec. 22 at the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall at 6 pm. For more information about all Chanukah activities, click here.
 
Fishermen’s Village – Ring in the New Year Fishermen’s Village style! This family friendly event runs from 6-midnight on Dec. 31 and will keep you entertained throughout the night. December calendar of events and Sunset Beach Club events
 
Punta Gorda Symphony – From Composers Luncheon to the Holiday Concert – Everything You Need To Know. Exciting things are happening! Click here for concert details.
 
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – YES! We are OPEN all week! Come down and get those perfect Coffee Bean Stocking Stuffers, Drinking Chocolate, Tea Bags, Loose Leaf Tea and more!! Don’t forget to grab that special someone a Gift Certificate to use in the upcoming year! 
 
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Can you believe this is the last weekend before Christmas?! If you are looking for Custom Gift Baskets, Handcrafted Molded Chocolates, Wine, Craft Beer, or Charcuterie Boards we have you covered. We will be open NORMAL hours ALL of next week! Monday through Friday 10 am-6 pm and Saturdays 9 am-4 pm. Give us a call at 941.505.0479
 
Pomegranate and Fig – New Spartina has arrived.
 
Players Circle Theater – Invites you to the touching comedy about advice columnist Ann Landers. Playing now through Dec. 18. Audiences are loving Betty Nordstrom’s fantastic portrayal of American treasure Ann Landers! 
Monday Dec. 19. Danny Sinoff – Swings Christmas. Show at 7pm. Tickets $15 general seating $25 VIP table seating.  
The Players Circle Theater is located at The Shell Factory in North Fort Myers, just 5 miles from Charlotte County line, 16554 North Cleveland Ave. Elegant, intimate theatre. Free parking. Dinner is available before the show. Tickets $30-$50.
For tickets and showtimes, call 239.800.3292 or go online at Playerscircletheater.com. 
 
FGCU Academy – 2023 Winter Program Guide – It’s Here!
 
Harbor Social – Save the date for our 80’s ugly Christmas sweater party on Dec. 17. Starts at 8 pm with a DJ. New Year’s Eve with Joey Gilmore starts at 8 pm. 
 
The Grill at 1951 – Italian Christmas Feast of the Seven Fishes Wine Pairing (Dec. 19), New Year’s Eve and other live events this month. Click here for details.
 
Pedelec Electric Bicycle – Next month I have some office space to rent. It is behind my shop, the building between Beef O Brady and Funky Junkie. Size: 10x20ft, 200 sqf. Starting offer $500/month plus electric power and utility. Call Phil at 941.276.3126.
 
Burnt Store Presbyterian Church – There is music in the air! 2023 Concert Series: Jan. 23 (Bachelors of Broadway), Feb. 13 (Shake Baby Shake), March 13 (1969).
 
Punta Gorda Historical Society – December Happenings You Don’t Want To Miss.
 
Valerie’s House – Is a nonprofit organization that helps grieving children and families who have lost a loved one in Charlotte, Sarasota, Lee and Collier County. The holidays are the most difficult time of year. If you would like to donate presents for our Valerie’s House-Charlotte County children, we will have a drop off box at the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce office and the Family Services Center (21500 Gibralter Drive, Port Charlotte 33952). For more information about our program, check out our Valerie’s House’s website www.valerieshouse.org
 
TEAM Punta Gorda – Save the date: March 25, Pedal and Play in Paradise. A Cycling Celebration in Punta Gorda.
 
Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) – U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will return to Punta Gorda Nov. 4-5, 2023. Early ticket specials will begin today and run until Dec. 31. Click here to get tickets.
 
Charlotte County Rotary Club – A fundraiser concert featuring Goldtones will be Jan. 21 at the Military Heritage Museum’s Gulf Theater. It’s to raise money for scholarships for Charlotte High School, Port Charlotte High School, the Technical Center and military veterans.
 
ARCHway Institute – With your help, this year’s Helicopter Golf Ball Drop raised $26,330 to support ARCHway’s efforts to provide education, peer support, financial assistance and peer workforce development, with the ultimate goal of helping individuals achieve long-term recovery from substance use disorders. We had 42 event sponsors and a total of 661 participants. There were 2,144 golf balls purchased and we had 15 winners with a purse value over $13,000.Congratulations to the winners! 
Help us raise $15,000 to give the gift of recovery this holiday season with Holiday HOPE.
 
United Way of Charlotte County – The United Way has created a NEW program called “United at Work.” Following Hurricane Ian, a private investor wanted to help needy employees of Charlotte County businesses (and non-profits), to ensure the local workforce would be able to take care of hurricane-related needs not covered by any other means, allowing them to return to work each day. Click here for details.
 
Crossroads Hope Academy – Saturday, Dec. 17, the boys will have dinner at a local Italian restaurant and receive gifts with money raised from donors. Make checks payable to: Steven Cortazzo, 461 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda FL 33950. Phone 201.421.9028. He has a GoFundMe to make donations easier. https://gofund.me/22894e1b
 
YMCA of Southwest Florida – Hope After The Storm. Our Y has been working tirelessly to ensure people are safe and have access to food and basic necessities. With your support, we can help those most affected by the storm to reclaim stability and help others in their greatest time of need. Together, we will overcome disaster, rebuild our communities and bring hope.
 
Senior Friendship Center – The Golden Age of Friendship
tickets are on sale now! Thursday, January 26, 2023
 
All Dry Services of Florida Gulf Coast – We are a customer service company that specializes in mold and water remediation for businesses and homeowners. Part of a national five-star organization, we are locally owned and operated with over 23 years of collective team experience. Our services include water and flood damage, mold remediation, sanitizing and deodorizing, leak detection and air fogging services. Call 703.307.7379  
 
Charlotte County Imagination Library – An affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and a program of Gilstad Literacy Foundation, Inc., Imagination Library has received multiple grants and donations to support the program that mails a free book to enrolled children every month from birth until age 5. All children in this age range living in Charlotte County are eligible and can be enrolled at www.charlottecountyimaginationlibrary.org or
 
Sea Grape Gallery – Still closed but repairs have begun. In the meantime, please visit our website, seagrapegallery.com to view our art and artist contact information.
 
Yogaz – A clothing line launched in Florida on Pine Island in January of 2022 with rave reviews from customers. Yogaz founders Barbara and Buck Pelton have relocated to Punta Gorda and the Yogaz clothing line is now available at Punta Gorda’s local markets. For more information, go to yogaz.com or yogi@yogaz.com or call 507.382.7232
 
ERC – We help businesses recover the payroll taxes they paid for the employees they retained during the pandemic. Basically, it’s a refund of your payroll taxes. This is a $400 billion program. We want to qualify as many businesses as possible so they can get their share of that $400 billion. It costs nothing to find out if your business qualifies for this refund. I’ll do it for you – contact me by phone or text at: 941.200.1204 or send me an email at: bob.wenz@americanercprogram.com. All I need is your name, phone number, and email address, plus the legal name of your business to see if your business qualifies. Get qualified now!
 
Kelting Inspections – A proud partner of Hometown Heroes as we understand that we cannot thank our veterans enough for what they have done for our country. For this reason we offer discounts for veterans and active duty military all year long! Call us today at 941.655.8888 to schedule.
 
Connect Print & Promotions, LLC. – December 🎅🏻 is the month of Holiday celebrations and looking ahead – we’ll set your marketing plan in overdrive for the New Year, Punta Gorda!
commercial printing ✅
logo/graphic design ✅
next-level promotional swag ✅
branded apparel ✅
signs & graphics ✅
888.978.3437 📞
www.connectpromo.net 🖥 (includes Holiday cards)
… it’s ALWAYS about the 👊🏻 people! 
#connect 💚🖨💚 #fortheloveofprinting
 
St. Vincent DePaul – St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Conference – Open to serve our neighbors in need 9 am-12 noon Monday-Wednesday-Friday at 25200 Airport Rd. Walk-ins welcome, no appointment necessary. 
 
BioCide Labs – We can help with mold removal, treatment and prevention. Our main focus is the mitigation and remediation of water-damaged structures. We will walk you through the entire mold remediation process step by step over the phone. We are offering 15% off mold testing and remediation products when you mention the PG Chamber. Call 239.206.2854 or visit BioCideLabs.com
 
Built Right Pool Heaters – We have hundreds of heaters in stock and ready to deliver to you. 941.505.1600
 
Quick Mobile Repair – Offering a quick turnaround time for repairing cell phones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, etc. We are scheduling house calls for any home tech issue. Located in the Cross Trails Center, 615 Cross St. #1104. For information or to schedule appointments, please call 941.655.6681.  
 
Elie Electric Services LLC – We normally are marine based and working on our waterways, however during this time we will be working on land projects to help homeowners. 1512 Nina St., Port Charlotte. 941.763.5348. elieelectricservice.com
 
Copy Life – We have copy machines and printers. Email tmacia@copylifeinc.com or call 404.230.8443.
 
Edison and Ford Winter Estates – The Winter Estates is partnering with The Wine Room and the Banyan Café to offer samples of dessert and sparkling wine at the historic site tonight from 6-7:30 pm in the river pavilion. Register at EdisonFord.org
Visitors are invited to decorate Christmas cookies at Edison and Ford Winter Estates. This new event provides families with a chance to decorate cookies and see the holiday lights all in one night. Cookie decorating class nights are Dec. 19-22 from 6-8 pm each night.  
Gardening events, talks and classes offered. Click here for dates and times.
 
SCORE – How to Write a Business Plan and Avoid Getting Stuck. BizSuccess Tips
 
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition. Arcadia Community Local.

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Community News

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Charlotte County Public Safety Hosting 23rd Annual Santa Pancake Breakfast 
Charlotte County Public Safety will host its 23rd annual Santa Firehouse Pancake Breakfast 9-11 am, Dec. 22 in the parking lot of the Charlotte County Public Safety Building, 26571 Airport Road, Punta Gorda. The public is invited to the freepancake breakfast courtesy of HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital. Guests will see live demonstrations by Charlotte County Fire & EMS and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office and be able to get up close to helicopters and equipment from the sheriff’s office, Florida Forest Service, and more. Kids can do crafts and visit Santa when he arrives on a fire engine at 9:30 am  
Please RSVP on Eventbrite by visiting tinyurl.com/SantaPancakeBreakfast.  
For information, contact Todd Dunn at 
 
City of Punta Gorda Resuming
Yard Waste Loose Piles
Sanitation resumed the clamshell collection of residential loose yard waste piles on Dec. 12. Residents can request the special pick-up by calling the Public Works Department 941.575.5050 or completing the online web request Sanitation | City of Punta Gorda, FL (punta-gorda.fl.us).
If you have any questions, contact the Public Works Department at 941.575.5050 from 8 am-4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
 
City of Punta Gorda: Join Our Team
Are you interested in participating in your local government?Apply now to serve on a city board. For more information, visit the Boards & Committees page on the City’s website www.cityofpuntagordafl.com or contact the City Clerk’s Office at 941.575.3369. For current vacancies click here.
 
Third Annual 5K Freedom Run
The 3rd Annual 5K Freedom Run at the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park will take place at 9 am on Dec. 31. The park is located at 20414 Edgewater Dr. in Port Charlotte, FL 33952. 
 
Last Call To ‘Restore The Floor’
USA Dance 6126 is looking for donations to defray the cost of restoring the wooden dance floor at the Punta Gorda Historical Society on Sullivan Street. The fundraiser ends December 31. Click here for more information.
 
Hurricane Ian Recovery Information
You’ve Been Approved for a Transportable Temporary Housing Unit. Now What?
How To Apply FEMA Assistance If Your Home Is A Boat
FEMA Recovery Update From Dec.12
General Behavioral Health QR Code
FEMA Assistance for Hurricane Survivors
What to do if your home is still inaccessible due to Hurricane Ian
 
FEMA Extends Assistance Deadline
 The FEMA has extended the deadline to apply for individual assistance until Jan. 12, 2023. Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, using the FEMA App for mobile devices
or call 800.621.3362, 7 am-11 pm.
Follow Charlotte County Emergency Management’s recovery information at www.charlottecountyfl.gov/em www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty
 
Dec. 31: Last Day To Place Storm Debris For Charlotte County Collection
The last day County residents can place storm debris for collection is Saturday, Dec. 31. Any storm debris already placed will continue to be collected. Our debris contractor has increased the number of units deployed and is in the process of adding units in the coming days. Waste Management will resume regularly scheduled yard waste collection on Monday, Dec. 19. Place your yard waste in a garbage can, paper lawn and leaf bag, or in tied bundles. Do not place yard waste in plastic bags.
Four locations for storm debris are open for residential drop-off only, no contractors or businesses:
Placida West Boat Ramp, 12560 Placida Road, Placida
Florida Street, South County Area, 7000 Florida St., PG
Mid-County Mini-Transfer & Recycling Facility, 1
9765 Kenilworth Blvd., Port Charlotte
West Charlotte Mini-Transfer & Recycling Facility,
7070 Environmental Way, Englewood
Locations are open 8 am-5 pm, daily and accept only white goods, storm-related yard or vegetation debris and construction and demolition debris from residential properties. Trailers cannot exceed 12 feet in length.
The Mid County Mini-Transfer and Recycling Facility is now accepting household hazardous waste and hypodermic needles (sharps) from 8 am-5 pm, Tuesday-Saturday.
For storm debris collection information, visit www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov/debris.
For storm-related information, call the Charlotte County Call Center from 8 am-5 pm, Monday-Friday at 941.833.4000 or 941.743.1320. 
Follow Charlotte County Emergency Management’s recovery information at www.charlottecountyfl.gov/em www.facebook.com/oemcharlottecounty

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Election 2022

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VoteYes! For Success

Click here to see why the referendum is so important. Yard signs are available at the Chamber office.

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Employment Opportunities

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Coastal Expressions Wine Bar
Is Looking For Kitchen Help
Local, fun WINE BAR in the Isles of Punta Gorda is looking to expand their kitchen staff. Are you looking for a part-time position with a limited menu for easy prepping and execution? Flexible shifts to work with your “semi-retired” lifestyle! Or are you a high school student 18+ or new college graduate? Excellent opportunity to learn culinary skills in a small kitchen environment. Limited menu allows you to hone your skills in our prep kitchen. The position will include week days and/or evenings plus Saturdays. Occasional special events. Approx. 12-20 hours/week. $12/hr. plus tips. Please send resume to loris@coastal-expressions.com or call 941.214.8599

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Newsletters

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ARCHway Institute – October Newsletter

Animal Welfare League –October Pawsitive Press

C.A.R.E. – October Newsletter

Charlotte Community Foundation – Newsletter

Copperfish BooksHurricane-Delayed October Newsletter

Downtown Farmers Market – October Newsletter

Lifestyles After 50 – September Newsletter

Loveland Center – September Newsletter

Military Heritage Museum November Newsletter

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – November Gardens at a Glance

Pedelec SQB Electric Bikes – October Newsletter

Punta Gorda Airport – November PDG Buzz

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau – Newsletter

Punta Gorda Mural SocietyOctober Newsletter

SandStar Remodeling/AR HomesOctober Newsletter

Suncoast Humane Society – November Newsletter

TIME Realty Services Inc. – September Newsletter

The Yoga Sanctuary – October Newsletter

Valerie’s House – Newsletter

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New Executive Director Position

We are excited to announce our search for a new Executive Director of Punta Gorda Chamber!