Friday Facts!

Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce Inc Logo

Friday September 22, 2023

Chamber President John Wright’s newspaper column from September 19.

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, come see Leadfoot Grey at 6:00 PM. On Saturday, we have TL Jentgens taking the stage at 6:00. VIP tickets are on sale now at ttspg.comPlease click here to see when all of your favorite bands will play this month. The Tiki Bar is offering 6 summer lunch specials Monday through Friday for only $12.95. Enjoy them while they last! 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 about 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..

TIME Realty Services, Inc. (Gold)

The current 7-day rolling stat shows 198 New Listings, 138 New Contracts.126 New Closings and 289 New Price Decreases. At the end of August, we had 5.1 months of inventory, this is nearing an “equal” market – with neither the sellers nor buyers favored. We have not seen this in many years. You can see by the amount of price decreases that the listing prices need to be reduced to accommodate the current market. Both buyers and sellers need to be aware of prices and the current trends before they take action. Would you like to discuss the market? Have a real estate question? Give me a call and let’s meet for a coffee and talk! Cell 239-699-4493 Celebrating my 25th year as your local Broker. 

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.

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 September Calendar Fishermen’s Village will host the very popular 10th annual Key Lime & Tropical Fest, Saturday, September 23, 2023. Restaurants and specialty vendors will be showcasing key lime, tropical and other delights! Vendor hours: 12 noon-6 pm; Live music throughout the day continues until 9 pm at the Sunset Beach Club featuring Tropical Avenue Band!  Visit www.fishermensvillage.com for full details!

Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine (Silver)

Don’t miss the opportunity to cheer on those special people in your life! Our Handmade Gift Baskets are made with only the finest selection of Wine, Craft Beer, Gourmet Cheese & Crackers, Haley Handcrafted Chocolates, and more – perfect to help them celebrate all of life’s occasions. Christmas is only a couple weeks away, why not let us craft your corporate gift baskets this year! Give us a call at 941-505-0479 to pre-order yours now. 

Punta Gorda Coffee & Tea (Silver)

National Coffee Day is next week!! Make sure to download the app Loyal Zoo and check what exclusive savings and deals we will have to celebrate National Coffee Day AND Our Loyal Members! 

Military Heritage Museum (Silver in Kind)

Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser September 30 at The House of Breakfast. Click here for more information.

Animal Welfare League (Bronze)

Join us in celebrating the Animal Welfare League’s momentous 60th anniversary with “Paws for a Cause” on December 3, 2023! This grand event promises a day of fun and compassion for animals in need. We invite vendors and sponsors to be a part of this special occasion, making a positive impact on the lives of our furry friends. For more details, visit AWLshelter.org/Paws-for-a-cause or reach out to events@awlshelter.org. Let’s come together to support a brighter future for animals.

Charlotte Community Foundation (Bronze)

Join the Charlotte Community Foundation and the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, October 12th, at 10:00 a.m. as we host a Community Conversation listening session. We aim to gain an understanding of the issues and topics of greatest concern to Charlotte County residents. These conversations can pave the way for deeper connections among community members and valued stakeholders, ultimately fostering a stronger and more collaborative community for everyone. We eagerly anticipate receiving your input. Kindly RSVP to ahuddleston@charlottecf.org by October 6th. 

Charlotte Florist (Bronze)

Flowers aren’t just for Birthdays and Anniversaries… Send a gorgeous arrangement or unique gift item for upcoming National Days and events including: The First Day of Fall (09/22), National Daughter’s Day (09/25), National Good Neighbor Day (09/28), National Boyfriend Day (10/03), World Smile Day (10/07), Boss’s Day (10/16) and Sweetest Day (10/21). Place your order online at www.portcharlotteflorist.net or give us a call at (941) 627- 2236. We would love to help you brighten up someone’s day! 😊     

Charlotte Players (Bronze)

Meet the 11th Annual Comedy for a Cause Cast. Jennifer Miles is a paralegal at All Injuries Law Firm where she assists injured clients with motor vehicle accidents, personal injury accidents and workers’ compensation cases. Show your support for Jennifer at https://bit.ly/CFAC-Jennifer Natalie Proctor is the Branch Manager at Lake Michigan Credit Union (LMCU) in Port Charlotte. Support Natalie support athttp://bit.ly/CFAC-Nataliewww.charlotteplayers.org.

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

Enjoy a day on the greens with us September 23rd for Golfers Who C.A.R.E.! Our non-profit is hosting a 4-Person Golf Scramble, bringing together golf enthusiasts of every level. Play, have fun, and support a great cause. Click here for more details, registration info and sponsorship opportunities!

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support)

Now through November 11 visit The Gardens and let your soul be Enlighted! This fall, our impressive collection of water lilies will be in full bloom coinciding with an art gallery of McKnight’s distinctly creative use of light on her subjects! ENLIGHTED: an emerging exhibition of nature’s most spiritual flower intertwined with the beauty of Jessica McKnight’s photography.

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 New!!! We recently purchased a home here in Punta Gorda for our families for group nights. We would love your help! We are needing help with painting, cleaning, donating furniture, and renovations. 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 – Yoga Month with The Yoga Sanctuary

All of September Celebrate the rejuvenating power of yoga this September with The Yoga Sanctuary, as we embrace the serenity and mindfulness of National Yoga Month. Complimentary bite-size classes, weekly discounts and tools to help you deepen your yoga journey – inquire about the details!

Fall Equinox Sound Bath Saturday, September 23  1pm 

$25 The Fall Equinox is one of two moments throughout the year when day and night are exactly equal in length. Days then grow even shorter and we continue our journey toward winter. It is a time of reflection and transition. Come join us at The Yoga Sanctuary for a special Fall Equinox Sound Bath. Allow the vibrations of the crystal bowls to nourish and support your body, mind, and soul as we move into this quieter time of year.

Stop & Smell the Flowers: A day-retreat at Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens October 23, 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.

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.

Punta Gorda Symphony – Punta Gorda Symphony Tickets on sale now! Don’t miss the chance to secure your seat for the upcoming season. Season tickets are a fantastic way to enjoy all six performances of the season with a 10% discount. New this season, choose a Flex Pack, four concerts of your choice and a 5% discount. Individual tickets are available to each concert, including Premium, Regular and Student/Youth pricing. All performances will be held at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center at 3:30 PM. Be sure to join us for a season of Sensational Artists and Memorable Performances. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website at www.PGSymphony.org or call us at 941-205-5996.  

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 costime 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.

Suncoast Humane Society – You’re invited to the Art for Animals Auction event to benefit Suncoast Humane Society. Join us at The Waverly Restaurant and Bar on September 30th from 5pm – 8pm for a fun-filled evening of art, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. Take advantage of the discount ticket pricing of $65 available until August 31st – tickets are limited so don’t wait! Sponsorships are available! Please click here for more information.

Punta Gorda Historical Society – VISIT THE MARKET – The Sunday Market and Artisans Village at History Park, 501 Shreve Street. Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday!

Suncoast Humane Society – Join us for the Art for Animals Auction event to benefit Suncoast Humane Society at The Waverly Restaurant and Bar on September 30th from 5pm – 8pm for a fun-filled evening of art bidding, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. Take advantage of the discount ticket pricing of $65 available until August 31st – tickets are limited so don’t wait!

Connect Print & Promotions, LLC – September is the time to plan your print marketing strategy for the rest of the year, including the Holiday Season, we have you covered, 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 – Helicopter Golf Ball Drop December 2

National Recovery Month Celebration.

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!

ARCHway Institute – Mark your calendars! ARCHway’s discovery dinner is October 20, 2023

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

Animal Welfare League

Looking for a rewarding part-time position? Join AWL Kennel Tech team! As a dedicated member of our animal welfare family, you’ll provide essential care for shelter residents, ensuring their comfort and well-being. Responsibilities include feeding, cleaning, and assisting with adoptions. If you’re passionate about animals, detail-oriented, and a team player, apply now at awlshelter.org/jobs. Make a positive impact while working flexible hours. Your compassion could make all the difference!

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

John Guarino M.D. PA
Matthew Tufts M.D.
Vincent Brown M.D.

Physician’s Assistant

Seeking PA for well-established group of 3 surgeons (General, Bariatrics, and Endoscopy) in Charlotte County. Full-time employment with 1 weekend per month of call. Full benefits package includes malpractice insurance, health insurance, 401K, and 3 weeks of vacation/year. Salary is negotiable based on experience, with a productivity bonus offered after the first year. Duties include surgery assistance, independent patient care, and directing our screening colonoscopy program and bariatric program. Email CV/Resume to office@guarinomd.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.

Fishermen's Village

Multiple Positions

Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda’s premiere shopping and dining destination, is currently seeking full time and part time maintenance employees. Join our team!
For full details and to apply, Visit: https://www.Indeed.com/cmp/fishermen’s-village/jobs

The Suites at Fishermen’s Village (luxury accommodations located on the second level) is seeking Custodial and Housekeeping team members. For full details and to apply visit: Https://www.indeed.com/cmp/the-suites-at-fisherman’s-village/jobs 

COMMUNITY NEWS

ATTENTION VOTERS!

Vote-by-mail ballot requests must be RENEWED after each General Election Cycle. To vote by Mail in 2023-2024, you must submit a new Vote by Mail Request.

Click here for more information.

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.

The Charlotte County Historical Society Presents the 20th Annual Maine Lobster Feast & Libations!

Sunday, October 7 – Isles Yacht Club

Cocktails at 5:00 pm & Dinner at 6:00 pm

CCASH BAR ONLY, credit and debit cars cannot be accepted

Click here for more information.

Charlotte County Government Calendar

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Sept. 13, 2023) – Charlotte County government meetings for the coming week.

Monday, Sep. 18, 2023, 2 p.m. — Greater Port Charlotte Street & Drainage MSBU Advisory Board, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Tuesday, Sep. 19, 2023, 9 a.m. — County Commission Monthly Workshop, Charlotte County Administration Center, 18500 Murdock Circle, Room 119, Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Tuesday, Sep. 19, 2023, 5:01 p.m. — Final Budget Public Hearing, Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Wednesday, Sep. 20, 2023, 10:30 a.m. — Pirate Harbor Street & Drainage MSBU Advisory Board, Punta Gorda Charlotte Library, 401 Shreve St., Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Thursday, Sep. 21, 2023, 9:30 a.m. — Rotonda West Street & Drainage MSBU Advisory Board, Mac V. Horton West County Annex, 6868 San Casa Drive, Englewood, FL 34224

Thursday, Sep. 21, 2023, 1:30 p.m. — County Commission Pre-Agenda, Charlotte County Administration Center, 18500 Murdock Circle, Room B106, Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Thursday, Sep. 21, 2023, 2 p.m. — Northwest Port Charlotte Street & Drainage MSBU Advisory Board, Port Charlotte Public Library, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte, FL 33952

Friday, Sep. 22, 2023, 8 a.m. — Building Industry Oversight Committee, E. Jay Carlson Community Development Building Conference Room, 18400 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33948

Newsletters

Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County – Newsletter

 

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

 

Calenda Real Estate Group – Newsletter

 

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter

 

Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office – Crime Prevention Newsletter

 

Copperfish Books – August Newsletter

 

Drug Free Charlotte County – Summer Newsletter

 

Downtown Farmers Market – August Newsletter

 

Edison and Ford Winter Estates – August Member Magazine

 

EnVision Quest – August Newsletter

 

JLW Business Advisors, LLC – SWFL Non-Profit Insiders Newsletters

 

Loveland Center – Newsletter

 

Military Heritage Museum – Gulf Theater August Newsletter and August Military Heritage Museum Happenings & Highlights

 

The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty August Newsletter

 

Punta Gorda Airport – PGD Buzz

 

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – Sweet to the Core!

 

Punta Gorda Historical Society – September Newsletter

 

Punta Gorda Mural SocietyJuly Newsletter

 

Punta Gorda Rotary Club – Newsletter

 

Sandstar Remodeling – August Newsletter

 

Sea Grape Gallery – August Newsletter

 

Senior Friendship Centers – Connections

 

Suncoast Humane Society – Humane Connection Newsletter

 

TIME Realty Services Inc. – Newsletter

 

Valerie’s HouseNewsletter

 

Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic – Quarterly Newsletter

 

The Yoga Sanctuary – September 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!