Friday, April 14, 2023
Chamber President John Wright's newspaper column from March 21
Downtown Bash
Saturday May, 27th 5-9pm
FREE Admission!
Live Music Featuring:
Tropical Avenue
Bring a chair, kick back, and relax!
Beer, wine, water, soda, and food will be for sale.
No Coolers Please!
RSVP Now!
Your Chamber's Got Talent
August 17th, 7pm
Chamber Members: SHOW US YOUR UNIQUE TALENT!
Whitney Grace, last year’s winner, will open the show, but won’t be a contestant.
Join us for a fun evening of entertainment from 10 local acts sharing their talent with the community: singing, stand-up comedy, dancing, poetry reading, etc.
There is no charge to enter!
sponsored needed
We’re looking for 2 more sponsors at $300 each.
SIGN UP TODAY!
The Laird's Golf Challenge
June 17th, 12pm to 3pm
last day to sign up is june 8th!
Includes Golf, Lunch Buffet & Festivities
Cash Bar – Prizes Galore
topgolf fort myers
2021 Topgolf Blvd in Fort Myers
May PG Beat Mailing
Chamber Members: If you would like to participate, the investment is just$100 and you will need to supply 1,000 copies of an 8.5″x11″ flyer to be inserted. Inserts can be any stock and one- or two-sided. Your inserts must be in the Chamber office by Thursday, April 27.
Remember: Platinum and Gold Partners in Action can include their insert for free. To reserve your insert in the upcoming mailing, email tzajas@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941.639.3720.
PG Chamber Radio Show Exclusively
For PG Chamber Members:
BOOKING FOR MAY!
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 Support Our Local Businesses!
Partners in Action News
Four Points By Sheraton (Platinum)
T.T.’s Tiki Bar is exactly what you need. Come and enjoy a great meal while having a drink in your hand and toes in the sand. We have two great bands this weekend! Tonight, we have Southbound starting at 6 pm. On Saturday, we have 22N kicking off the fun at 6 pm. Get here early for a good seat, because they pack the house. Please click here to see when all of your favorite bands are performing in April. The Harborside Garden, is now open for private events as well. We are currently booking weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, celebrations of life, corporate events, etc. It can hold up to 300 people for dinner and 500 for a reception-style get-together. Please call KellyWilliamson at 941.637.6770 for more information.
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 Prime Rib every Saturday
4. The Dockside Grill features a different nightly special.
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold)
Open 8 am to 1 pm Saturdays. The following are our specials:
The Nix Team, Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty (Gold)
Waiting to buy could cost you. Click here
The Wyvern (Gold)
The Wyvern (Gold) – Special room offer for teachers and staff in Charlotte, DeSoto, Sarasota, and Lee counties, $199. Based on Availability June 1-August 31 Blackout Date July 4 Valid School ID Required for Check In One Night Stay In A Standard King Room Sunset Champagne Toast for Two 10% off all Food & Beverage
Click here for a special Cinco de Mayo Special Rate! 941.639.7700 Ext 3, 101 East Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda
TIME-Realty (Gold)
Thinking of selling? Let’s talk! Put my 25 years of local experience to work for you. Thinking of moving out of the country?
Let’s talk, I have worked globally for 17 years, where shall we go? Latest listing: https://bit.ly/40oGcZI Della Booth cell
239.699.4493
CAM Realty (Silver)
Virtual office available in Punta Gorda, $99/+tax per month. Provides your company with the image of an office without the cost of dedicated office space. Contact CAM Realty: 941.833.0083.
Charlotte State Bank & Trust (Silver)
In the fall of 2023, our family of banks, which includes Charlotte State Bank & Trust, Crews Bank & Trust, Englewood Bank & Trust, and Wauchula State Bank, is unifying under the Crews Bank & Trust brand. This will increase the number of branches you can bank at from five to 19 locations across Central and Southwest Florida.
Charlotte State Bank & Trust (Silver)
Located in the Isles at 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd. Suite #1135. We offer a fun experience including delicious food, wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, retail wine by the bottle or a unique boutique gift … plus family activities. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am – 9 pm. We serve breakfast flatbreads and mimosas, flatbread lunch specials with a complimentary glass of wine, beer or drink of your choice, a full dinner menu including dessert, our “anytime” date night dinner special for two with a bottle of red or white, our signature “Charcuterie Boards” and so more … Visit www.coastalexpressions.com to view menu and events calendar. 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)
April calendar of events; April Sunset Beach Club events.
CeJay Associates (Silver In Kind)
New service:
Website Rescue. Did you lose your website? Has your website been hacked? When it comes to rescuing a website, time is important. Contact us to discover your recovery options. Learn more by calling 941.204.0007 or go to https://cejaywebsites.com/services/
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine (Silver)
Last week we celebrated seven years at Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine! We would like to thank everyone who has supported us through everything, your love and loyalty have kept us striving to do more and create masterpieces!
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea (Silver)
Have you joined our Complimentary Loyalty Program yet? Using the app Loyalty Zoo, you’re able to see all the tiers that we have for our loyalty guests. These change very often so make sure to keep an eye out! Everyone earns 1 point for every dollar spent in the shop; and even better is these points NEVER expire, so why not get yourself into the program?
Military Heritage Museum (Silver in Kind)
“Remembering the Doolittle Raid,” April 18, 11 am followed by the documentary “Dangerous Missions – One Hour Over Tokyo.” Weekly Summer Camps for 4th- 8th graders begin June 26. Space is limited; registration is required. Click here for more information. Special announcement from Gary Butler about 2023 Giving Campaign through April 30. All donations at or over $100 will be matched.
WENG Radio (Silver In Kind)
Chamber members can broadcast information about their business to the public. Click here for the special rate.
Animal Welfare League (Bronze)
Are you passionate about animals and looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in their lives? The Animal Welfare League (AWL) is seeking new volunteers to join our team and help us with our cat care program in local pet stores, dog walking, and morning cat care at the shelter.
Charlotte Community Foundation (Bronze)
Now accepting Q2 grant applications. Letters of intent must
be submitted by April 30. ‘Tis the season: Why tax time is often the best time to get serious about your charitable plans.
Charlotte Players (Bronze)
Kids onstage Summer Workshop Registration is open! Camp dates: June 5-9 and 12-16. Show dates are June 16 and 17. $225 for enrollments received before May 22 and $250 for enrollments received after May 22. Check out https://www.facebook.com/KidsOnStageCP/ for more information or call 941.255.1022. Sponsored by Gene Gorman’s Auto Sales. Partnership with Punta Gorda Symphony. Dolly’s Kids Grade 1-2. Stars 3-6 Grade. Thespians 7-12 Grade. “Love, Lies, and the Doctor’s Dilemma,” April 20-30. Joan Scheller lives with the great love of her life, Sandy. In an effort to hide their relationship from her overbearing sister-in-law, the former movie star Olivia St. Claire, she introduces him as her psychiatrist. One little white lie leads to another. At The Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. For more information and tickets call 941.255.1022 or go to www.charlotteplayers.org. You’re invited to a fun-filled, cruise-themed, benefit event at the Langdon Playhouse on Thursday, April 13. We will be auctioning off a European River Cruise, a Total Wine & More party package, plus more! There will also be door prizes and refreshments, so bring your friends and family! Please click here for more information or visit us online at www.charlotteplayers.org
Gulfshore Opera (Bronze)
Don’t miss the GO Season9 Grand Finale: “Don Giovanni” at BB Mann in Fort Myers on April 21 and Artis-Naples on April 30. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with GO next month.
HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital (Bronze)
Has received recertifcation from DNV Healthcare as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, reflecting the highest level of competence for treatment of serious stroke events.
PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda (Bronze)
Reservations are necessary for Monday Night Guided Practice. Sign up by 9 am Mondays. The first 26 registered may attend. New players, please email gloria.reilly@pickleplex.org
C.A.R.E. of Charlotte County (Support)
Nationwide, 81% of women and 43% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime. Wear teal every Tuesday during the month of April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month. C.A.R.E. is dedicated to helping survivors and spreading awareness through our 24-hour HELPLINE 941.637.0404. C.A.R.E. presents the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Luncheon on April 19 at noon at the Isles Yacht Gold in Kind Partners Silver Partners Club. Founder and Visionary Leader of The Inner Truth Project, Mindi Fetterman will be the guest speaker. There is a $20 suggested donation that directly supports C.A.R.E. For questions and reservations call 941.639.5499.
Frank Desquin (Support)
The annual Hibiscus Festival is coming May 5-7 at Gilchrist Park. Visit thehibiscusfestival.com for details. Did you know Punta Gorda was once the site of a thriving cigar industry?
Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary (Support)
We offer tours on Monday, Thursday, Saturday at 9:30 am and 12:30pm. Visit our website: http://www.octagonwildlife.org
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support)
Now-May 14: Caribbean Colors Exhibit featuring Leoma Lovegrove. Leoma will be hosting meet and greets so be sure to check events calendar on our website.
5827 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda. Tail Waggin’ Tuesdays: Bring your furry friends every Tuesday to enjoy The Gardens. For each pet, there is a $5 admission fee that goes to AWL. Pay admission at ticket booth.
Sunday, April 16: Groovin’ In the Gardens, 6-8 pm
April 22: Plant Sale, 10 am-2 pm
For more information visit www.PeaceRiverGardens.org or call 941.621.8299. For upcoming events, click here.
Valerie's House - Charlotte County (Support)
A nonprofit organization that helps grieving children and families who have lost a loved one to go on to live fulfilling lives. Our vision is that no child grieves alone. If you would like a tour of Valerie’s House, please contact Christine Carey (christine@valerieshouse.org 239.841.0382). We will also be having a FREE Remake Learning Days “Minute To Win It” family event at the Family Services Center with food & prizes on April 27 (5-7pm). We hope to see you there.
Virginia B Andes Volunteer Community Clinic (Support)
Save the date: Country for a Cause, Saturday, September 30, 6 pm Charlotte Harbor Event Center. Featuring the Boogie Men.
Member Information
Meals on Wheels of Charlotte County – “Take A Swing Against
Hunger 3.0″ Golf Tournament, Saturday, April 29, Deep Creek
Country Club. Click here for information.
Players Circle Theater – The Foreigner – OBIE WINNING BEST
COMEDY. You’ll fall in love with Charlie, the pathologically shy
Englishman who, after being deserted in a rural Georgia fishing
lodge, must fend for himself. Running April 18- May 7.
Tuesday, April 18: The Foreigner – Obie Winning BEST PLAY! –
7 pm Preview Show $30
Wednesday, April 19: The Foreigner – Obie Winning BEST
PLAY! – 7 pm Preview Show $30
Thursday, April 20: The Foreigner – Obie Winning BEST PLAY! –
7 pm Preview Show $30
Friday, April 21: The Foreigner – Obie Winning BEST PLAY! – 8
pm Preview Show $30
Players Circle Theater, 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort
Myers 33903. Box Office: 239.800.3292
Playerscircletheater.com
Suncoast Humane Society – Adoption Event, Join us
tomorrow from 10 am – 2 pm. Pet Food Pantry now open! It
provides temporary nutritional needs for those struggling with
feeding their companion animals. For questions, please reach
out to our Volunteer Department at volunteer@humane.org or
call 941.474.7884 ext. 422
Gold Theatricals – Get your tickets today for “Assisted Living:
The Musical!” A Vaudeville-style musical that takes place in a
retirement home! THREE SHOWS at the The Charlotte
Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda: May 13 at 2 pm and 7
pm, May 14 at 2 pm (Mother’s Day!) Tickets
at: www.goldtheatricals.com or by phone 800.514.ETIX
(800.514.3849)
Punta Gorda Historical Society – April 12 concert was
canceled and rescheduled for May 17 with The Tradesmen.
Ramos Center for Interventional & Functional Pain Medicine
– Welcomes Dr. Carl Tandatnick to their team of Interventional
Pain Physicians. Dr. Tandatnick is the ninth physician to join the
comprehensive team at the Ramos Center and brings with him a
wealth of knowledge and experience. Dr. Tandatnick will be
treating Ramos Center patients in their Sarasota and Charlotte
County offices with a focus in Port Charlotte.
Martella Law Firm – Have you ever lived through the headaches
and challenges of handling a probate for a deceased loved
one? Would you like to make things easier for your family when
you’re gone? If so, 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 how a Revocable
Probate Avoidance Trust can save your family, time, money
and headaches.
Florida Gulf Coast University Innovative Education and
Partnerships – Join us for the SHRM Essentials of Human
Resources in Spring 2023. Build a solid foundation in Human
Resources skills! It’s an introductory course offering a
comprehensive overview of the key aspects of HR.
A Message From Patti van Tonder – Click here on how to
“generate more income faster on auto pilot.”
YMCA of Southwest Florida – Find your reason to give during a
month of giving, April 1-30. Supporting the YMCA allows
individuals, families and seniors the opportunity to grow and
thrive when they need it most.
ARCHway Institute – ARCHway is excited to announce that,
together, we raised $42,000 at our Annual Golf Scramble and
Tennis Mixer held at Twin Isles Country Club in Punta
Gorda. Proceeds from this event support Drug Free Punta Gorda’s prevention efforts in the community, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office “Drug Addiction Recovery Initiative” for treatment at Charlotte Behavioral Health Care, and ARCHway’s efforts to provide education, peer support, financial assistance, and workforce development for peer professionals.
The Yoga Sanctuary – Celebrate Earth Day 2023 and join us for a yoga and kayaking eco-adventure! Paddle in Paradise: A Yoga & Kayaking Eco-Adventure, Saturday, April 22, $85. Drug-Free Charlotte County – 2023 Prevention Awards Breakfast, May 12, 8:15-10 am, Hurricane Charley’s in Punta Gorda. Register here.
Connect Print & Promotions, LLC – April ️ greetings, Punta Gorda! we’ve updated our tagline after many years, what do you think? 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 … it’s ALWAYS about the people! #connect #fortheloveofprinting
Punta Gorda Airport – Travel to Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN through mid-April 2023 with Sun Country! Check out a Minnesota Twins game, Mall of America or other attractions. Low-cost, non-stop flights to and from MSP are scheduled on Mondays and Fridays through Sun Country or Allegiant. Book Your Flight on SunCountry.com
Punta Gorda Murals Society – The next class of “The History of the Punta Gorda Through Its Murals” is April 18 and 19. Only 20 spots available. Click here to register. Classes will be held at the Punta Gorda Charlotte Library, 401 Shreve Street.
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? Join us for our Sunset Social which is held every fourth Friday from 5-7 pm at our Clubhouse, 802 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. 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!
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. Read more about it in this week’s featured blog!
Link: https://bigshotmad.com/2023/02/april-1-newsletter
Sea Grape Gallery – Guest Artists in April:
Susan Marie Denkhaus, watercolor and acrylics
Michelle Sanders, colored pencil
Sea Grape Gallery Artists of the Month in April:
Susan Krasny, oil, acrylic, mixed media
Brenda Berdnik, mixed media
113 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda. 941.575.1718
Senior Friendship Centers – Join us for food, fun and
friendship, April 25-26. Friendship Challenge, Noon to noon,
Sarasota and Venice senior centers.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates – Edison and Ford Winter
Estates offers many opportunities throughout the year for
residents and guests to learn how to make floral
arrangements. Click here for upcoming classes.
Leak Busters Roofing – Free wind mitigation inspection with
every complete roof. Do you need help getting the money you
deserve from your insurance company? We offer in-house
supplementing! Leak Busters Roofing is a trusted provider of
residential and commercial roof repairs and replacements. For a
free Roof Repair or Replace Estimate, please call our Port
Charlotte Showroom, 239.291.9260, or stop by Monday-Friday,
8 am-4 pm, 18501 Murdock Circle, Suite 100, Port Charlotte.
Copperfish Books – If you’ve ever wanted to own a bookstore,
don’t miss this opportunity to acquire Copperfish Books – a fullservice,
thriving business located in downtown Punta Gorda.
Severy Creek Roofing – Good news! We have concrete and steel coated tile in stock and can deliver and install in less than 9 weeks. steve@severycreekroofing.com
Smargasy Inc. – Do you need help with your Digital
Marketing? Let’s talk. Call/text 239.214.8592.
All Dry Services of Florida Gulf Coast – Locally owned, our services include water and flood damage, mold remediation, sanitizing and deodorizing, leak detection and air fogging services. Call 703.307.7379
ERTC Refund – Become a Referral Agent and earn $500 for each business you refer to me. The businesses you refer must have been in business before the pandemic and have 5 or more W-2 employees. Think about all the restaurants and retail businesses you visit that you could refer. Also, all the home service businesses, such as cleaners, electricians, home care providers, movers, plumbers, pool servicers and roofers. And don’t forget the bars, car washers, dry cleaners, franchisees, gyms, hotels and senior living facilities. Learn more and get started now – go to my website: www.ercfilenow.com/rf/bobwenz Still have questions? Call or text me at 303.522.7839, or send me an email at: bob.wenz.refund@gmail.com Refer a Business 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. We offer discounts for veterans and active duty military! Call 941.655.8888 to schedule.
St. Vincent DePaul – 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 process over the phone and offer 15% off mold testing and remediation products when you mention the PG Chamber. Call 239.206.2854 or visit BioCideLabs.com
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition. Arcadia Community Local.
Community News
Charlotte High's Leo Club Hosts Ceremony
Tomorrow at 1 pm at Ponce de Leon Park, Charlotte High School’s Leo Club will install new inductees. The club was established in 2011. Members have a passion for community service and develop leadership skills.
Charlotte County Libraries Participate In Suncoast Remake Learning Days
Charlotte County Libraries will be participating in Suncoast Remake Learning Days, a 10-day festival of free, hands-on learning events for children and families, April 21-30.
Public Safety Appreciation Night, May 26
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Explorer Post 29 and Do The Right Thing of Charlotte County, Inc. invite you to become a sponsor for our 2023 Public Safety Appreciation Night in recognition of our Charlotte County Public Safety personnel.
Bags and Brews Adult Charity Cornhole Tournament
Camelot Community Care is hosting a cornhole tournament at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 3. It is our second year hosting this annual fundraiser
FEMA Hurricane Recovery
Hurricane Ian Update
Disaster Recovery Center in Charlotte County Closing April 13
Disaster Recovery Center in Lee County Closing April 13
RIBBON CUTTINGS
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte
Admitting Clerk
Registers patients and processes related paperwork. Duties include interviewing patients, preparing standard registration forms and performing other admission or transfer related tasks. May be expected to perform clerical and secretarial work. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 1-2 years of work experience in a related field. How to apply: https://www.careershealthcare.com/jobs/335082/admitting-clerk/
Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic
Eligibility Coordinator (Part-time)
This person will be responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all eligibility forms there by ensuring patients meet the eligibility criteria to receive services from our Clinic and Pharmacy. They will work directly with staff, volunteers and patients as well as working with doctors in the community securing their Sovereign Immunity paperwork. This person will have great interpersonal skills, working knowledge of Word and Excel and be able to create spread sheets. Please send your resume to nchervinski@volunteercare.org
Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections
Front Desk Deputy Registrar
The applicant will need to be a team player with an emphasis in customer service. Click here for duties, responsibilities and compensation. Send resume to SOE@SOECharlotteCountyFL.gov
Drug Free Punta Gorda
Executive Director
The Drug Free Punta Gorda (DFPG) Board of Directors is seeking a highly qualified and dynamic professional to fill the fulltime position of Executive Director, who will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for the DFPG staff, initiatives, expansion and execution of its mission. Click here for qualifications, job summary, compensation and how to apply
United Way of Charlotte County
Resource Development Director
We work with a great team, and serve an incredible community. All we need is someone to help us obtain the resources to continue making an impact! Click here for more information:
https://www.unitedwayccfl.org/…/now-hiring-resource
D.I.S. Tech Services Inc.
IT Support Technician (Part-time)
Employee goes to the Peace River Sculpture and Botanical Gardens for a few hours: Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 am to noon. Can be flexible. Starting at $15/hour. If interested, contact Joshua Montgomery at 217.492.8042 or email jmontgomery@distechusa.com
Coastal Expressions Wine Bar
Kitchen Help
Are you looking for a part-time position with a limited menu for easy prepping and execution? Flexible shifts? Excellent opportunity to learn culinary skills. Week days and/or evenings plus Saturdays. Occasional special events. 12-20 hours/week. $12/hour plus tips. Please send resume to loris@coastal-expressions.com or call 941.214.8599.
