Friday Facts!

Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce Inc Logo

Friday October 13, 2023

Chamber President John Wright’s Newspaper Column From Oct. 3

October 14

Punta Gorda Beef O’ Brady’s

4-7 PM

The Punta Gorda Chamber’s Version of Bingo aka Ch-Ingo!

$40 per person

includes buffet and

one bingo card per game (five games)

*cash bar*

Additional Cards Will Be Available

For Purchase

Presenting Sponsor:

Other Sponsors Include:

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

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.

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!

Four Points By Sheraton (Platinum)

Come out and enjoy the cooler temperatures at the Tiki Bar with dinner and an adult beverage! On Friday, we have The Occasions playing at 6 pm. On Saturday, we have Thunder Beach taking the big stage at 6:00 PM. Please click here to see when all of your favorite bands will play this month. The Tiki Bar is featuring different fall 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 currently 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. 

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. 

TIME Realty Services, Inc. (Gold)

 Happy Friday to you! The 7-day rolling stat shows 212 New Listings, 

113 New Contracts, and 100 New Closings. Watch the numbers as there was also 322 price decreases. This information covers Punta Gorda, Port

Charlotte & North Port for homes, condos & villas. The September final numbers will be out early next week -watch for your newsletter – or sign up here: https://bit.ly/2F5HYuQ

Wyvern Hotel (Gold)

Toy Drive! Monday, December 4, 5-7pm benefitting the school children of Punta Gorda. Free admission with toy donation per person. Complimentary Appetizers, House Wine and Beer. Click here for more information.

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.

Coastal Expressions Wine Bar (Silver)

Coastal Expressions Wine Bar is Located in the Isles at 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd, Suite 1135. Come try our exciting NEW Summer Menu that features wraps, salads, tapas, and our famous flatbreads. Our charcuterie boards pair well with our unique wine selections too. Want an easy and tasty snack…get a charcuterie and bottle of wine to go! Join us for a delicious meal and entertainment: Trivia is every Thursday starting at 6:30 and Wine-O-Bingo is every Friday at 6 pm. Summer hours are Tuesday 11 am to 5 pm, Wednesday through Saturday 11 am to 8 pm. Visit www.coastal-expressions.com to view the menu, events calendar and book your private party. Small or Large groups welcome! Come check us out or call 941-214-8599.

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)

Sunset Beach October Calendar Sunset Beach November Calendar and October Center Court Calendar. Join Fishermen’s Village for the annual Lighting of the Village on Saturday, November 18. Click here for all the fun filled details!

Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine (Silver)

Have you stopped by our booth at the Punta Gorda Farmer’s Market to try our Gourmet Cheese Tasting? The Farmer’s Market is NOW open till 1PM! We have OVER 80 Gourmet Cheese’s available for purchase, don’t forget your Gourmet Chutney’s, Salami’s, Jelly’s, Crackers, and MORE! 

Punta Gorda Coffee & Tea (Silver)

Have you tried our Handcrafted Panini’s lately? We have a variety of Breakfast Bagel Panini’s and Lunch Panini’s available ALL DAY while supplies last! Including a Smoked Salmon, Roasted Turkey, Roast Beef, Mediterranean Blend, and MORE! 

Animal Welfare League (Bronze)

We are thrilled to announce an exciting adoption special, made possible by the generous sponsorship of the Bissell Pet Foundation! Until 15, all Adult & Senior Large Breed dogs, and all Adult and Senior cats can find their forever homes for just $25. This incredible offer not only opens up the opportunity for loving families to adopt their perfect furry companions but also supports our mission of finding loving homes for shelter pets. Don’t miss this chance to make a difference in a pet’s life. Visit AWLshelter.org/adopt today to explore our wonderful adoptable pets.

Charlotte Community Foundation (Bronze)

Halloween Trivia Challenge! October 21 at Beef O’Brady’s, 1105 Taylor Road in Punta Gorda. For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers org. or call 941-255-1022. We are looking for players/teams, sponsors, & prize donors! If anyone has any interest in becoming a sponsor or donate a prize please contact sherrie.moody@charlotteplayers.org. Cost is $50, which includes entry, buffet, individual door prizes & soft drink. Teams of 4-6 players only. The fun begins at 6p. Emcee Chris Hall is looking for volunteers for this event. Contact Chris if interested at chall@ccsofl.net.

Charlotte Florist (Bronze)

Our upcoming design class is one that you won’t want to miss! Grab a friend (or two 😉) and join us Wednesday, October 25 from 5-7pm for our spooky Halloween BOO-quet design class. This month’s design features a creepy haunted arrangement filled with creepy crawlies and spider webs. This class is $65 which includes all design materials, a glass of wine and a snack! Reserve your ticket here>>> www.portcharlotteflorist.net/design-class/ or call (941) 627-2236 

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

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month! Join us October 17th from 11:30am-1pm at Isles Yacht Club for the annual DVAM Luncheon. Amanda Price, CEO of the Florida Partnership to End Domestic Violence, will be our guest speaker. Click here or call (941)-639-5499 for more information. 

Charlotte County Homeless Coalition (Support)

Saturday, November 11 – Drive Out Hunger Golf Tournament at the Riverwood Golf Club. Click here for more information. The Mistletoe Ball will be held on December 9 and there are sponsorship opportunities available to fit most everyone! Click here to see how you can help!

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support)

Embrace the beauty of art & nature! Join us for a painting session with Vino’s Picasso in our enchanting Garden overlooking the koi pond. Let your creativity bloom amidst the flowers. Don’t miss the opportunity to paint in paradise,

get your tickets before they wash away – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/727062973927?aff=oddtdtcreator 

Exciting news! Our new operating hours are here to serve you better during the winter months. Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens is now OPEN Tuesday – Sunday | 9am-4pm, weather it’s for a morning stroll, lunch or during our Tail Waggin’ Tuesday’s, we’ve got you covered! See you during the new extended hours. Peace River Botanical & Sculpture | 5827 Riverside Dr. Punta Gorda, FL 33982 | 941.621.8299 | Peacerivergradens.org

Visual Arts Center (Support)

Valerie’s House Charlotte County is a nonprofit organization that helps grieving children and families who have lost a loved one. Exciting News!!! We recently purchased a home here in Punta Gorda for our families for group nights. Would you like a tour? Please contact the Valerie’s House Charlotte County Director, Christine Carey, if you are interested (christine@valerieshouse.org 239-841-0382). 

Member Information

The Yoga Sanctuary – Dive In with Yin Sunday, October 15 – 1pm $45 What is Yin Yoga? What can Yin Yoga teach us as yoga students? This style of yoga includes many different approaches, philosophies, and viewpoints. In this workshop, we will touch on the physical benefits of the practice, explore Taoist theories within Yin Yoga, and gain understanding of the ways Yin Yoga can help us be more in tune with our bodies. The workshop ends with a 90-minute practice that puts theory into motion! Open to all levels, no experience is required.

The TYS Book Club: Finding Balance & Inspiration Through Life’s Journey October 18 – 7pm Free and open to all

The TYS Book Club is free and open to the community. Each month we choose a book that has made an impact on our lives, or perhaps helped us through a challenge, a transition, or a pivotal time. For our October 18th meeting we are reading: The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Life by Frank Ostaseski. Limited copies of the book available in our boutique!

Stop & Smell the Flowers: A Yoga Day-Retreat at the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens Saturday, October 21 – 9am – 3pm $150 Sometimes in the day-to-day rush of life’s routines and obligations, we can easily get caught up in the daily grind and forget to appreciate the simple joys of life. Join The Yoga Sanctuary for a day-long retreat of quiet tranquility in the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens! The day-retreat will include 2 full yoga practices, a delicious catered lunch, and a full garden tour lead by the Peace River Botanical Gardens docents! You will also have space and time to connect to the nature around you. This day-retreat will leave you ready to move back into the world with renewed vigor, spontaneity, and a sense of equanimity in the face of whatever life offers.

Charlotte County Imagination Library – Join us for a night of fun and golf on October 19th from 6p-9p. Help us raise funds for our local Imagination Library non-profit that send free books every month to preschool kids! Located at Top Golf 2021 Golf Way in Fort Myers. Two ticket prices are available: Golf, food/soft beverages,raffle,50/50, jazz for $100, or everything but golf for $45. For tickets or more information go to it.ly/44iO40n, Purple House Salon: 312 Sullivan St Punta Gorda or email

chris@charlottecountyimaginationlibrary.org.

Punta Gorda Women’s Club – November 5 2:30 – 5:00 pm Murder Mystery Fundraiser. $45 includes appetizers from FM Don’s. Be a guest or play a role. Costumes encouraged. For more information, and RSVP contact Barb 941.807.2227

Gianna’s Salon & Spa – Welcome to Gianna’s Salon & Spa located at 4300 Kings Highway, Suite 204 Port Charlotte, Florida 33980. Gianna’s has been an established Salon located for over 20 years in the School House Square Plaza and is currently under new management. Owners Katie and Gary are cordially inviting you to stop by and check out some of our services which include Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, Massage, Eyelashes, Facials and Hairstyling all under one roof. We welcome Appointments and Walk-ins. Please join us for some Halloween glamor to compliment your Trick or Treat costumes to be the life of any party. Our talented staff is eager to meet and impress you with our services. Gift certificates are available. We are on Facebook at Gianna’s Salon & Spa and our telephone number is 941-624-6575. Hope to see you soon!

The Local Lighting Shop – Thursday, Oct. 19 5:30 – 7:30 PM Illuminating the Layers. We will have an expert lighting consultants to answer questions, raffles, appetizers and refreshments.! Click HERE for more details.

Gold Entertainment – We’re bringing the laughs to Punta Gorda! Click here for show dates and more information.

Punta Gorda Elkettes – Fall Harvest Luncheon and Silent Auction Saturday, November 18 11:30 – 3:00pm at the Port Charlotte Board of Realtors. For more information including how to get tickets, click here.

Hampton Manor of Punta Gorda – TRUNK or TREAT! Friday, October 27, 5:00-7:00pm. Free Admission. Music, pumpkin decorating, candy, popcorn, giveaways and more! Click HERE for more information.

Punta Gorda Rotary Club – A Healing Field of Honor is hosted by the Punta Gorda Rotary Club Foundation, November 10-12, at Laishley Park! Picture 1,000 American flags flying in ceremonial formation. An individual or an organization sponsors each flag in this Memorial Day weekend display at Laishley Park in honor of a fallen hero, veteran, active-duty military member, first responder, doctor, nurse, teacher, or any other hero. It’s an awe-inspiring panorama. Purchase and dedicate a flag (or more) or become a sponsor at https://www.healingfield.org/event/puntagordafl23. For more information, contact Alyson Burch by calling or texting 941-875-3829 or emailing Jaburch12@verizon.net.

Meals On Wheels – Saturday, October 14 – Golf Tournament at Deep Creek Golf Club to benefit Meals on Wheels of Charlotte County. $100 per player includes 18 holes of golf with art, 2 drink tickets, lunch buffet, one mulligan an more. Click here for more details.

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Join Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity for our 25th Annual Turkey Trot! The 5k Run/Fun Walk will take place on Thursday, November 23, at FSW Punta Gorda Campus. Register before October 15 for just $35 and receive an exclusive Turkey Trot t-shirt. All funds raised benefit our Homeownership Program to help local families achieve the dream of affordable homeownership. For additional information and to sign up visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/PuntaGorda/CCHabitatTurkeyTrot

Emerge Gardens – Emerge Gardens – where every family has access to clean, healthy produce locally grown. Come visit us, 6427 Elliott Street Punta Gorda, FL Tuesday thru Friday 9am to 4 pm or order on-line store to purchase boxes of fresh cut herbs and variety of lettuce & greens. We are also a Florida Dept. of AG Certified Nursery offering many varieties of in seasonal seedling stock of fruit, vegetable, herbs, flower seedling in rockwool, and or coco coir medium that are ready for transplant in tower garden, garden tower or straight into soil. We use no herbicide or pesticides. You can also pick-up every Saturday at

Punta Gorda’s Farmer’s Market 8am to 12 noon. we believe in the power of plants.

Martella Law Firm – Have you thought about what will happen to your business if something happens to you? Who will be legally authorized to run things when you are down? Who will inherit your business if you or a partner passes? Do you want to be partners with your business partner’s spouse? If you haven’t thought about these questions, give Mark Martella, Esq., of the Martella Law Firm, PLLC a call at 941-867-6865 (or e-mail him at mark@martellalaw.com) to schedule a complimentary, confidential, one hour consultation to discuss your options to be prepared for when “life happens.”

Punta Gorda Symphony – Saturday, October 14, Rocky Horror Picture Show Outdoor Movie Event at the Alliance for the Arts. Gates open at 6pm nd the movie starts at dusk! Must be 18+. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Coolers are not permitted. Click here for more information.

Gardenia Home Watch LLC – Hello PGI neighbors,

My name is Nancy Cornett, my business is Gardenia Home Watch. I do Home watching, a little bit of Home Cleaning also. You can check me in my web site, GardeniahomewatchLLC.com. My phone # is 603 203 1249. Even though I am new to this area, I have found new friendly clients!! (thanks to the Chamber of Commerce Punta Gorda.) Please reach out to me if you need any help, big or small, I would be to glad to help.

Florida International Air Show – November 4 & 5 www.floridaairshow.com for tickets. 2023 marks our 42nd year at the Punta Gorda Airport. Fun for the whole family – vintage aircraft on static display, military/civilian demonstrations; Interactive Kid Zone, Variety of delicious Food Trucks, Exhibits and Craft Vendors.  

Nutegra Mental Health and Nutrition, Inc. – Introduction Seminar November 10, 9:00am – 4:30 pm Isles Yacht Club. The Obesity Epidemic ; Treatment and Coaching. Click here for more information.

Burnt Store Presbyterian Church – Burnt Store Presbyterian Church will celebrate Reformation with a Kirkin’O’ the Tartan Service at 4 pm on Sunday, October 29. While this special service honors Scotland and our Scottish heritage, it is truly a Scottish-American custom. Click here for more information. 

Burnt Store Presbyterian Church is thrilled to announce a Scottish-Irish Celebration on Sunday, October 29 at 5:30 PM, featuring Brian Gurl and Carlann Evans. An evening of Celtic music including Michele Pruyn, Karen Romig, Isaac Mingus and bagpiper Gary Rinstrohm. Click here for more information.

Crossroads Hope Academy – A night with Jimmy Wayne. Fall Festival Weekend Kick Off! Friday, November 17, 7:00PM at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church Sanctuary. Tickets are $40 starting October 1. Tickets available at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, Deep Creek Church, New Life, First Presbyterian PG, Murdock Baptist and Crossroads Academy. For more information, please contact Kathy at KBrownMayes@gmail.com

Charlotte County Imagination Library – Join us for a night of fun and golf on October 19th from 6p-9p. Help us raise funds for our local Imagination Library non-profit that send free books every month to preschool kids! Located at Top Golf 2021 Golf Way in Fort Myers. Two ticket prices are available: Golf, food/soft beverages,raffle,50/50, jazz for $100, or everything but golf for $45. For tickets or more information go to it.ly/44iO40n, Purple House Salon: 312 Sullivan St Punta Gorda or email

chris@charlottecountyimaginationlibrary.org.

Gilded Lily Band – October 22 – a family friendly musical event held at TT’s on the Harbor raising funds for the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. Click here to see how you can help!

D.I.S.Tech Services Inc. – 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.

Burnt Sore Animal Hospital – Bark-Tober Fest October 21, 5-8pm. Come on out and join us for food, fun, prizes and our course our fur baby costume contest! Dress your fur baby in costume and enter to win some amazing prizes. All proceeds are donated to Kerr’s Angel Fund. For more information, contact Kerrsangelfund@gmail.com

Big Shot Marketing & Design – 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.

Connect Print & Promotions, LLC – your print & brand marketing solutions will never be frightful 👻 when you hashtag #connect, Punta Gorda!

 

YOU are the brand | We are the STANDARD

commercial printing ✅

logo/graphic design ✅

next-level promotional swag ✅

branded apparel ✅

signs & graphics ✅

888.978.3437 📞

info@connectpromo.net 📧

www.connectpromo.net 🖥 

www.Facebook.com/connectpromo

www.Instagram.com/connectprintpromotions

Archway Institute -Fort Myers Discovery Dinner October 20 6:00pm Crowne Plaza Bell Tower. A formal dinner and silent auction benefiting those suffering from substance use and mental health disorders. Click HERE for more information.

Punta Gorda Boat Club – Sunset Social. Do you have your own boat? Interested in swapping stories with other boaters? Want to learn more about boating in Charlotte Harbor? Well then, come join us for our Sunset Social which is held every fourth Friday from 5 to 7pm at our Clubhouse 802 W Retta Esplanade in Punta Gorda. We’ll be happy to tell you more about our Club as well. Bring an appetizer to share and the beverage of your choice. Call Jan at 941-743-2472 for more information, or check us out at puntagordaboatclub.com. Hope to see you there!

Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association

Full-Time BOOKKEEPER Position Available

The PGICA Bookkeeper is responsible for the financial operation of the 501(c)3 nonprofit, 3,600-member, community association. A high-profile role, it requires outstanding customer service, communication, and organizational skills; excellent utilization of QuickBooks and Microsoft Office; a high degree of judgement, initiative, and confidentiality; and a commitment to the mission and values of the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association. Full-Time- $20-$21 per hour; Benefits- Paid Holidays & Personal Time-Off; Employee Discounts. Required Experience- QuickBooks and Bookkeeping. Send resumes to TERIASHLEY@PGICA.ORG

Faith Lutheran Church

Administrative Assistant

Faith Lutheran Church in Punta Gorda offers a Christ-centered opportunity for a part-time (M-F 8:30-1pm) Administrative Assistant to the pastor. MS office 365 proficiency required. Competitive pay based on experience. For more info (941) 639-6309 or faithadmin88@embarqmail.com

D.I.S. Tech Services Inc.

IT Support Technician (Part-time)

Hiring part-time I.T. Technician.  If interested, contact Josh at 941.867.9772 or email jmontgomery@distechusa.com

Parlade Schaefer Schortz CPAs

Tax Associate
Primary responsibility is preparing Income Tax Returns including forms 1040, 1065, 1120, 1120S, and 1041, along with some state returns. The person will review client accounting, make necessary adjustments and prepare financial statements. This position will also assist clients with IRS issues and write responses to the IRS. There will also be some payroll reporting, year-end reporting and administrative work as needed.
For more information, click here.

COMMUNITY NEWS

GREETINGS VOTERS!

As a registered voter here in the City of Punta Gorda, it is vital that you are voter-ready for the upcoming November 7th General Election. First, refer to our website today if you need to register to vote as you only have until October 10th to register for this election. Second, if you wish to Vote-By-Mail, this request must be made no later than 5 PM on October 26. Should you have any questions about this election, or the upcoming 2024 Presidential elections please don’t hesitate to contact our office by calling 941-833-5400 or emailing soe@soecharlottecountyfl.gov!

THE BOO BALL FAMILY REUNION

October 21, 2023 – benefitting The Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte County & Crossroads Hope Academy.

Click HERE for more information.

Introducing Women Excelle: A Premier Women's Summit Celebrating Leadership, Innovation, and Success

Florida SBDC at FGCU (Fort Myers, FL) – Women in business, women starting a business, and aspiring businesswomen are invited to join The Florida Small Business Development Center at Florida Gulf Coast University for a brand new and exciting event designed exclusively for them. Women Excelle aims to equip women with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to thrive in the business world. The event will take place on October 12, 2023, at The Club at Grandezza. 

Click HERE for more information.

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New Executive Director Position

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