Friday Facts!

Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce Inc Logo

Friday January 12, 2024

Chamber President John Wright’s Newspaper Column From Jan. 9

PG Chamber Radio Show Exclusively For PG Chamber Members:
BOOKING FOR FEBRUARY!

Our monthly radio show on Seaview 104.9FM during the Bob Alexander
Radio Show is on 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 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. Only 10 businesses per month. It’s a great way to promote your business, advertise an event, or show community support.

Staff Updates!

Members can send their Friday Facts to
vjohnson@puntagorda-chamber.com

Members-Only 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!

Ribbon Cuttings

DON'T MISS THE GERRO FASHION SHOW!

CHAMBER MEMBER REMINDER!

The PG Beat will be going digital beginning January 2024. Currently, you receive this quarterly in the mail. We shall be providing the PG Beat E-Newsletter monthly. Instead of just going out to members, any community members who requested to receive our correspondence will now also receive this. Another benefit is that the pricing to include your insert has been reduced from $100 to $75 ($50 for Non-Profit). All you have to do is click the link below to the Punta Gorda Chamber website and submit your ad and payment. If you would like to be included for February, the due date will be end of business today. Going forward, the PG Beat will go out the third week of every month, so the deadline will be the Thursday before. Below is a sample of the flip book that will be sent out each month via email. Please click below to submit your PDF (8.5 x 11- no more than 250mb)! Excellent way of reaching 14,000+ to promote your business, promotions and/or events!

BONUS: Any Platinum or Gold Partners in Action member will receive Four Free ad spaces in the PG Beat for the year! You will be receiving a Coupon Code to enter in the PG Beat via email! 

Clerk Update - New Requirements for Recording Property Deeds go into effect Jan 1, 2024

Charlotte County Sheriff's CCSO Star News

Sheriff’s Office – Press Release

Charlotte County Facilities Construction & Maintenance

Charlotte County Facilities Construction & Maintenance is conducting a feasibility study for accessibility to/from the bridgeless barrier islands (Palm Island, Little Gasparilla Island, Don Pedro Island, Knight Island/Thornton Key). This study seeks community input on the need for additional modes of access between the islands and mainland. A Public Drop-In Input Event will be held Jan. 11 at the Mac V. Horton West County Annex, 6868 San Casa Drive, Englewood. Stop by anytime between 11:30 -1:30 to provide input and ask questions or provide input online: www.surveymonkey.com/r/ISLANDS (closes Jan. 26).

Partners in Action News

Four Points By Sheraton (Platinum)

Happy New Year! The Tiki is kicking off the new year with a bang. On Friday night, we have Last Train playing at 7:00 PM. On Saturday, we are heating things up with the Beach Bumz, who are a Jimmy Buffet/Beach Boys Tribute Band. Get here early to have some dinner and get a good seat before the show starts at 7:00 PM. Please click here to see when all of your favorite bands will play this month. The Tiki Bar is featuring different specials every week, so make sure to take advantage of our chef’s creativity. They also have Happy Hour daily Monday- Friday from open until 6:00 PM. We offer $3 draft beers, $4 house well cocktails, and $5 house wines. Don’t forget the hotel parking lot has 3 electric car charging stations for your convenience. Stop by and enjoy a drink and great views while your car is charging. Lastly, visit our Dockside Grill inside the hotel. We offer Happy Hour daily from 4-7 pm. We also have an AYCE Fish Fry on Friday nights and Prime Rib Saturdays. 

The Harborside Garden is now open for private events. We are also booking weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, celebration of life, corporate events etc. It can hold up to 300 people for dinner and 500 for a reception style get together. Please call Kelly Williamson at 941-637-6770 for more information. 

Della Booth, TIME Realty Services, Inc. (Gold)

Happy New Year🎉 to everyone! We wish your health, happiness, and prosperity for 2024. The 7 day rolling statistic shows: 163 new listings,105 new contracts, 128 new closings (this is a higher number due to the end of Dec closings), 277 price decreases. If the market leaves you feeling confused, you are not alone. If you would like to meet for coffee and discuss

the market or your real estate goal please let me know. You can reach me on my cell at 230-699-4493 or at djbooth@time-realty.com

Downtown Farmers Market (Gold)

Open 8 am to 1 pm Saturdays..

Lori Ann Mertens - Keller Williams Peace River Partners (Gold)

Are you in need of a Complimentary Market Analysis for your home value in this crazy market? Or if you just need one for insurance.

We are considered to be in a “equal market” not a Buyers or Sellers market.

Our team is ready on your timeline when you want to BUY, SELL or INVEST in South West Florida.

Serving South West Florida since 2002.

Lori Ann Mertens, Realtor

United Home Group

Keller Williams Peace River Partners

Each Office Is Individual Owned and Operated

941-457-7072 call or text is best

Serving South West Florida since 2002. Going the Distance to make a Difference. 

Big Shot Marketing & Design (Gold in Kind)

We are committed to providing tangible results for our clients. That means generating leads, increasing online purchases or reaching any digital marketing goal you’re looking to achieve. Your website should be making you money. It’s that simple. If your website isn’t generating leads or closing sales, then it’s time to rethink your digital marketing strategy. In order to have truly effective marketing strategies, you need to understand who your ideal client is, and how to reach them.

CAM Realty (Silver)

Virtual office available in 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. Area’s only Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer. Plantation shutters, blinds, shades, drapery and more. Call 941.637.0015

Fishermen's Village (Silver)

Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine (Silver)

Pre-Orders are already being taken for all our Valentines Day Specials! Give us a call to order your HHC Chocolate Covered Strawberries, 30 Piece Valentines Day Hearts, Valentines Day Solid Chocolate Pops, and more!!! Don’t forget, we can make it easy and create you a handcrafted basket with all your Valentines Day gifts all in one and ready for gifting.

Punta Gorda Coffee & Tea (Silver)

A fan favorite has made its way back on the menu…our Patti’s Peppermint Frappe is back! This delicious Frappe is crafted with our House-made Peppermint Syrup and our Rich Mocha Sauce all blended together with a double shot of espresso. This is ONLY available until the end of the month, try it before it’s gone!  

Animal Welfare League (Bronze)

Charlotte Players (Bronze)

Charlotte Players-Rumors. Join us for the first play of 2024 running January 12-28. The Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself at a large townhouse. Though only a flesh wound, four couples are about to experience a severe attack of Farce. Gathering for their tenth wedding anniversary, the host lies bleeding in the other room, and his wife is nowhere in sight. As the confusions and miscommunications mount, the evening spins off into classic farcical hilarity. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

Rumors Press Release

Charlotte Players- Tribute to Steve and Eydie on January 23rd. Direct from Boston…Valerie & Jim will bring back the wonderful musical memories of Steve and Eydie. The Grammy and Emmy-winning artist’s careers spanned over five decades and are remembered for such hits as: We Got Us, I’ve Got to Be Me, This Could Be the Start of Something Big, Too Close for Comfort, and Blame it on the Bossa Nova. For tickets or more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

Gulfshore Opera (Bronze)

C.A.R.E. of Charlotte County (Support)

Join us for the spectacular 2024 C.A.R.E. Ball on January 27th! An enchanting evening awaits, filled with elegance and purpose. Your presence is requested, and with fewer than 60 tickets left, secure your spot for a night of celebration. Reserve your place at this year’s most eagerly awaited social gathering here!

Frank Desquin Family (Support)

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support)

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens presents Glass in The Gardens exhibit – Curating a kaleidoscope of color throughout The Gardens with handblown glass creations (thru April 18, 2024). Immersing visitors in the international art of Duncan McClellan, Marlene Rose, Susan Gotts, Catherine Woods, and Sabra Richards fused with local creations by Janie Duke and Kathy Fitzgerald. Gardens at a Glance

Rev up your excitement and join us at the 2nd annual Car & Art Concours de Caractère Sunday, January 14th from 10-4pm, where sleek designs, roaring engines, and automotive marvels take center stage. Get ready for a high-octane experience that’ll drive your passion into overdrive and peak your senses with the breathtaking backdrop at the Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens | 5827 Riverside Dr. Punta Gorda, FL 33982 | 941.621.8299 | Visit PeaceRiverGardens.org for tickets – General Admission Required | Members – FREE | Adults $20 | Seniors – $17 | Children – $15 

Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic (Support)

DIS Tech Services (Support)

We manage IT systems for other companies. Whether you have 5 computers or 150, we have the tools and management skills to help your business succeed. Give us a call at 941-867-9772 or 217-492-8042 to see how we can help you.

Member Information

Connect Print & Promotions, LLC – …January 🗓️ is the time for new beginnings, resolutions and your print marketing refresh … we have you covered Punta Gorda!

commercial printing ✅ 

logo/graphic design ✅ 

next-level promotional swag ✅ 

branded apparel ✅ 

signs & graphics ✅ 

YOU are the brand | We are the STANDARD”

888.978.3437 📞

info@connectpromo.net 📧

www.connectpromo.net 🖥 

www.Facebook.com/connectpromo

www.Instagram.com/connectprintpromotions

Gianna’s Salon & Spa – At Gianna’s Salon & Spa taking care of your feet is a priority for us. According to leading Podiatrists there are several health issues with feet which regular pedicures may help with avoiding. Fungal infection, for instance, can cause your toenails to become discolored or even fall off. Ingrown toenails can lead to bacterial infection or painful open

lesions. Athlete’s foot can lead to itching, blisters, and pain. Please consider scheduling a pedicure appointment with us to care for your feet. Our professional, talented staff look forward to working with you in keeping your feet healthy and looking their best. We also offer a deluxe pedicure. We are located at 4300 Kings Highway, Suite 204, Port Charlotte, Florida within the School House Plaza. (Telephone 941-624-6575) You can also visit us on Facebook at Gianna’s Salon & Spa.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates – Member Magazine

Gold Entertainment – Remember the simpler times? Be transported back to the good old days with “Remembering Red: A Tribute to Red Skelton” at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center on Carmalita Street, Friday January 19th. Brian Hoffman, the only Red Skelton tribute artist authorized by the Skelton estate, is bringing his award-winning nostalgic trip down memory lane to Punta Gorda. This is a MUST-SEE for Baby Boomers, and anyone who enjoys comedy!

Also coming to PUNTA GORDA:

LIVE at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center

February 2: Latin King of Comedy Paul Rodriguez

February 3: Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken, The Twenty Tour

February 14th: Til Death Do Us Part…You First! A special Valentine’s Comedy Show

LIVE Laishley Park:

February 17: Here Come the Mummies with Frank Bang, former Buddy Guy Guitarist

INFO & Tickets for all shows: https://GoldEntertainment.US or by phone 800-514-3849

Have a group or live in an active community? Inquire about community and large group discounts today at: info@goldentertainment.us

Interested in sponsoring a show? Drop us a line: info@goldentertainment.us

Charlotte Harbor Rotary Club – January 6 – The Goldtones are back and on January 27, American Made are making an appearance. Click here for all the details!

Sea Grape Gallery – January 2024

Charlotte County Technical College – Charlotte Technical College is excited to introduce its brand-new Electricity Evening Program designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the dynamic field of electrical construction. With the registration deadline fast approaching on December 15th, 2023, and classes commencing on January 8, 2024, this program is an excellent opportunity for those seeking employment or advanced training in various electrical

construction industries. For more information, click here.

Punta Gorda Boat Club – FREE Boating in Charlotte Harbor Seminars Monthly December 2023 through February 2024. 

The Punta Gorda Boat Club has developed a four-hour seminar designed to educate local boaters on a host of issues regarding our beautiful waters. If you are new to Charlotte County or just want a little more info on how to safely navigate your boat within our waters, this seminar is for you. If you plan to use your boat to navigate the Peach River, Myakka River, Charlotte Harbor, Gasparilla Sound, Lemon Bay, Matlacha Pass or Pine Island Sound, this seminar will interest you as well. Click HERE for more information.

Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.

Boys & Girls Club – Because you cared

Habitat For Humanity – Annual Build Campaign

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau – Partner Update

Biz Kids – Biz Kids Market

The Yoga Sanctuary – 

Saturday, January 13th 10am – 3pm – FREE to all

Embrace the tranquility of The Yoga Sanctuary as we open our doors to everyone – friends, family, and neighbors alike. Immerse yourself in free mini-sessions of yoga, connect with like-minded individuals in the community, and discover the diverse world of yoga and healing modalities offered at The Yoga Sanctuary. Take advantage of exclusive Open House discounts on our services and retail items. In addition, you’ll be a part of something bigger! 10% of all profits from the day will be dedicated to supporting the Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies. 

Yoga for Golfers: A 3-Week Series

Mondays, January 15th – 29th 1 – 2:15pm $65 for the series

Enhance your game and discover how yoga is the perfect cross-training tool to develop balance, mobility, and focus – the keys to high performance and low scores on the course. Led by Heleen Schouten, certified Yoga for Golfers teacher, you will learn about your unique body mechanics, how to prevent injury and how to enjoy your golf game. Each week you will have some optional home practice to explore between sessions, allowing you to notice the difference after 3 weeks. Take your game to the next level with simple yoga techniques you can use both on and off the course. No yoga experience required. 

The TYS Book Club: Finding Balance & Inspiration Through Life’s Journey

January 17th – 7pm – Free and open to all

Join us at The Yoga Sanctuary for monthly meetings to share and discuss influential books and authors. The TYS Book Club is free and open to the community. Each month we choose a book that has made an impact on your life, perhaps helping you through a challenge, a transition, or a pivotal time. This month we will exploring The Gifts of Imperfection by Bréne Brown! Join us!

Charlotte-Desoto Building Industry Association – Slate of Officers

Team Punta Gorda – St Vincent de Paul Food Drive

Pretty As A Pearl Boutique – Cute, comfy, affordable clothing & accessories for today’s woman. Sized small thru 2x. Located at 308 Sullivan St, Punta Gorda.

United Way – Free Tax Preparation Assistance!

C.H.E.C. – Butterfly Sanctuary Grand Opening

Charlotte Players – January Press Release

Loveland Center – Winter Dance

TEAM Punta Gorda – TEAM Annual Community Meeting

Meals on Wheels – Mardi Gras on Marion

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, Inc.

Facility and Maintenance Coordinator – Full-Time

  This is a critical position requiring extreme scheduling flexibility, organization, a very positive attitude, good judgement, and outstanding customer service skills. The Facility and Maintenance Coordinator is responsible for: preparing the auditorium and classrooms for daily activities (set-up and break-down); staffing special events; monitoring the cleanliness, repair and safety of the facility, equipment and grounds; and performing minor facility repairs. Reliable transportation is required. The Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

   Weekdays- $17 per hour; Weekends and Holidays- $19 per hour. Paid vacation.

   Please send inquiries and resumes to Teri Ashley at teriashley@pgica.org for review.

Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, Inc.

Administrative Assistant – Part-Time

This position requires scheduling flexibility, organization, a very positive attitude, good judgement, outstanding customer service and communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. Graphic design and QuickBooks skills are also beneficial.

   Administrative assistants help handle the daily activities, financial transactions, and administrative operations of the private 501(c)3 nonprofit Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association. The PGICA is a fun, fast-paced environment and this is a high-profile role.

   Weekdays- $16 per hour; Weekends and Holidays- $17 per hour.

  Please send inquiries and resumes to Teri Ashley at teriashley@pgica.org for review. 

COMMUNITY NEWS

ATTENTION CHARLOTTE COUNTY RESIDENTS!

The next election up will be the Presidential Preference Primary (PPP), set for March 19, 2024.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

The last date to register to vote for the PPP is 29 days prior and is set for February 20, 2024.

PPP early voting will take place March 4-17, 2024.

If you wish to Vote-By-Mail (VBM) for the PPP and you have not yet renewed your VBM ballot choice,

you have until 12 DAYS before the election. March 7th at 5 PM is the deadline!

If you have any questions about the election or the 2024 Presidential elections,

feel free to contact our office. You can call 941-833-5400 or email us at soe@soecharlottecountyfl.gov.

Please note our office will be closed 11/22-11/24 in observance of Thanksgiving.  

Gerro! Gala Fashion Show

Benefiting C.A.R.E.

Saturday, February 17

Punta Gorda Women’s Club

6:30 Social Hour – Wine & Food

7:30 Fashion Show

VIP Tickets $75 (Swag Gift Bag)

Tickets Available at Punta Gorda Chamber Office

Charlotte High School National Honors Society

Newsletters

BIZ KIDZ – January 13 & 14

C.A.R.E. of Charlotte County – January Newsletter

Charlotte Players – January Newsletter

Copperfish Books – January Newsletter

Edison and Ford Winter Estates – January Magazine

Gulf Theater – Season 5 Newsletter

Gulfland Real Estate – January Newsletter

Gulfshore Opera – January Newsletter

Joanne Cumiskey – January Newsletter

Loveland Center – Newsletter

Military Heritage Museum – Museum Happenings & Highlights

The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty –January Newsletter

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – January Newsletter

Punta Gorda Historical Society – January Newsletter

Punta Gorda Rotary Club – January Newsletter

Sandstar Insider – December Newsletter

Sea Grape Gallery – January Newsletter

Suncoast Humane Society – What’s Happening

Topgolf – January Newsletter

Crop Image

New Executive Director Position

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