Friday January 3rd, 2025
Pardon the delay, Friday Facts will be posted soon.
JUMP TO WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR!
PG Chamber Radio Show Exclusively
For PG Chamber Members:
BOOKING FOR MARCH!
PG Chamber Radio Show – Limited Opportunity for 2025! 🎙️
Looking for a unique way to boost your business, advertise an event, or highlight your community involvement? The PG Chamber Business Showcase on Seaview 104.9FM is the perfect platform! Our show airs the first Wednesday and Thursday of every month from 6 AM to 7 PM, giving you the chance to connect with over 87,900 weekly listeners in Charlotte, South Desoto, South Sarasota, and Northern Lee counties.
Here’s how it works:
- Your Spotlight: Reserve two 60-second radio spots for just $110, including promo mentions of your business and affiliation with the Punta Gorda Chamber on the Monday and Tuesday before your slots air on Wednesday and Thursday.
- Flexible Recording: A member of our team will schedule your recording session—whether in person or over the phone.
- Seamless Integration: Your spots will be professionally inserted into Seaview’s programming, ensuring maximum exposure.
💡 Pro Tip: Book multiple months in advance to guarantee your spots and maintain steady visibility!
Interested? Email Val Edmunds at VEdmunds@PuntaGorda-
To register for the show, email Val Edmunds.
Submit Your Friday Facts!
Submissions must be sent by 4pm on Wednesdays
Partner In Action Friday Facts Submission
Regular Member Friday Facts Submission
Member Newsletter Upload
All Newsletter Submissions Can Now Be Submitted Via PDF or Web Link!
ChamberMaster Promo!
Be sure to complete your member listing on the Chamber website! Click here for more info.
Member Networking Events
Ribbon Cuttings
Advertising Deadline for PG Beat is February.
If you are a Punta Gorda Chamber member and would like to advertise in the PG Beat, please submit your ad using the link below. The PG Beat will go out the third week of every month. 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 have received a Coupon Code to enter in the PG Beat via email!
BONUS: Any Platinum or Gold Partners in Action member will receive Four Free ad spaces in the PG Beat for the year! You have received a Coupon Code to enter in the PG Beat via email!
Partners in Action News
Gettel (Platinum) -
A Message to Our Valued Customers
We at Gettel Lincoln in Punta Gorda want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and loyalty over the years. Serving this community has been an incredible privilege, and we are deeply appreciative of the relationships we’ve built with each of you.
After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to close our Lincoln dealership. This decision comes at the request of the manufacturer, who has encouraged us to invest in a brand-new facility. However, after thorough evaluation, we determined that this investment would not make business sense.
We are pleased to share that all our associates have been retained and will continue their careers within the Gettel Automotive Group. For our Lincoln customers, services outside of warranty work will be available at Gettel Toyota of Charlotte County.
Our remaining inventory will be offered at liquidation-level pricing for the remainder of the month, providing an excellent opportunity for those interested in purchasing a Lincoln vehicle.
It’s important to note that no other dealerships in Punta Gorda or throughout the Gettel Automotive Group will be affected by this closure.
Mr. Gettel remains steadfast in his commitment to our local community. We will continue to support vital organizations like the Charlotte County Food Banks, the Charlotte County Education Foundation, and the YMCA of Charlotte County.
Thank you for allowing us to serve you and for being a part of the Gettel family. We look forward to continuing to meet your automotive needs through our other dealerships and services.
Four Points By Sheraton (Platinum)
Merry Christmas!! Come join us bringing in the New Year. Book a room or just join us for some fun. This Friday is VIP with No Filter @ 7:30pm hope to you see you there.
D.I.S Tech Services (Platinum in Kind )
Della Booth, TIME Realty Services, Inc. (Gold)
I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday. Let’s get you caught up
on the November stats. Let us know if you have any questions about
the charts. We love numbers, and are here to help you with all of your
real estate needs, locally, nationally, and internationally.
Have a great day!
I don’t work “9 to 5”, I work “Start to Finish”
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold)
Open 8 am to 1pm Saturdays.
Wyvern Hotel (Gold)
The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty (Gold)
Big Shot Marketing & Design (Gold in Kind)
Learn more about Digital Marketing with techniques you can use TODAY! Click here to get the FREE Digital Marketing Blueprint! We’re committed to growing businesses in the Punta Gorda area by using cutting edge Website Design, Google Marketing, and engaging Social Media Campaigns. Are you ready to grow your business? Reach out to use here.
Charlotte Community Foundation (Silver)
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)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Punta Gorda, FL — Fishermen’s Village is pleased to once again be the host location for the American Cruise Lines 2024-2025 visits to the Charlotte Harbor area.
The newest small ship in the country, American Legend is sailing American’s 8-Day Florida Gulf Coast & Keys itinerary, roundtrip from St. Petersburg Florida. The fully domestic cruise visits:
St. Petersburg, Fl: Marco Island, FL; Key West, FL and Punta Gorda, FL.
December Center Court Calendar
January Sunset Beach Club Calendar
Military Heritage Museum (Silver)
As the year comes to a close, support the Military Heritage Museum in preserving history, honoring veterans, and educating future generations. Your year-end gift helps sustain engaging programs, interactive exhibits, and community outreach that inspire and connect people of all ages. Together, we can continue sharing the stories of those who served and ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. Every contribution makes a difference—donate today and leave a legacy of remembrance and education. Thank you for your generosity and support! Visit www.MilitaryHeritageMuseum.org to make your gift!
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Silver in Kind)
The “Beguiled by the Wild” exhibit, featuring the art of Charley Harper, opens today! Immerse yourself in artwork inspired by nature’s beauty, and explore our gallery shop for exclusive, limited-edition pieces and never-before-seen works. Don’t miss this unique experience!
Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine (Silver)
Connect Print & Promotions, LLC (Silver)
it’s that time again … the Holidays are just around the corner
we are excited to announce we have revamped & rebranded our Holiday Cards website — here is the new link:
our site contains an assortment of Holiday & year round greeting cards, plus office materials such as checks —
we would be happy to offer any assistance and answer any questions you have, just ask!
thank you for your continued support!
Instagram.com/
YOU are the brand | We are the STANDARD”
HCA Florida Fawcett (Silver)
Charlotte Players (Bronze)
Charlotte Players-December 31st New Year’s Eve – USO Show. Come ring in the New Year with some of Charlotte County’s talented singers as they present a 90-minute celebration show. Led by Director, Debbie Brandal, this event is guaranteed to be a fun-filled night, complete with champagne (or sparkling juice) at intermission for you to toast the New Year with your friends. Two different show times are available for this event, but no matter which one you choose, you are guaranteed to be home before the ball drops at midnight! For tickets go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.
Chapman Insurance (Bronze)
Gulfshore Opera (Bronze)
PicklePlex (Bronze)
Ambassador positions available. Want to work part-time? Want to get out from behind a desk and enjoy the outdoors? Like greeting people and providing excellence in customer service? Like using your computer skills? Like working in the fastest growing sports industry in America? Then an Ambassador position at PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda may be for you. Flexible hours — morning and evening shifts available. Positions starting at $13/hour. Opportunity for advancement. For more information, contact PicklePlex® Operations Manager Scott Garber at scott.garber@pickleplex.org.
Calenda Real Estate Group (Bronze)
Port Charlotte Florist (Bronze In Kind)
Port Charlotte Florist will have 50% off all Holiday silks decor including arrangements, wreaths, swags, mini trees, Santas, snowmen and so much more starting Thursday December 26th. Check out our new LED products as well. Our arrangements are all unique one of a kind designs great for gift giving or decorating your own home. Log into www.portcharlotteflorist.net and select something today. Order online and also receive rewards points for future orders. Don’t miss out, sale ends January 1st 2025! We are located at 900 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, Fl and our number is 941.627.2236.
Have a Happy New Year everyone!
Thank you so much. Happy Holidays!
Netalia
Phone: 941.627.2236
C.A.R.E. of Charlotte County (Support)
Join us on Thursday, January 16, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Charlotte Harbor Event Center in Punta Gorda, FL, for the Human Trafficking Symposium, an impactful event designed to raise awareness and inspire action within our community. Attendees will hear powerful firsthand accounts from survivors and experts, offering valuable insights into the harsh realities of human trafficking and how we can work together to address this issue. On-site organizations and support services will be available, providing resources for those seeking assistance or ways to get involved. A light breakfast will be served, creating a welcoming environment to connect, learn, and take meaningful steps toward change. This important event serves as a reminder that your voice is a beacon. Together, we can shine a light on human trafficking and make a lasting difference in the lives of others. For more information, call 941-639-5499.
Visual Arts Center (Support)
Shop local for the Holidays. Support the Artists!
Step into a Christmas wonderland bursting with festive flair! Picture holiday ornaments and delightful little gifts crafted by the talented members of the Visual Art Center & on display in Rebecca Hall, Holidays in the Hall.
Dive into a treasure trove of 2D & 3D Art all for $200 or less! Give the magical gift of creativity without breaking the bank! This is an “off the wall” extravaganza—snag it and take it home right away! With so many amazing deals, you won’t want to miss this artful adventure!
There’s a treasure trove of goodies for everyone—let the holiday shopping spree begin!
Punta Gorda History Center (Support)
You are invited to our Sunday – Artisian Market and Artisian Village. Sunday at 9:00 a.m.at the Punta Gorida History Park – 501 Shreve St. Visit our Artisian cottages -Woodturners, Fiber Arts, Potters Guild, Fusion Glass artists. Shop our many artisan vendors, enjoy live music, speciality foods, sourdough breads, authentic Belgian waffles, Naan bread pizza, breakfast sandwiches, empanadas, chocolate crossiants, honey and more! Enjoy a stroll in our beautiful gardens…See you Sunday!!
https://www.puntagordahistory.
ARCHway Institute (Support)
Gator Wilderness Camp School (Support)
Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary (Support)
ANNOUNCING:
Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary’s Annual Golf Fundraiser! Play St Andrew’s private club for the animals. You don’t golf? You can still help by sponsoring a hole, breakfast, lunch or beverage cart…or raffle donation. It’s always a great day!!
Call 239-543-1130 or Sue at St Andrews. Sign up today!!!
MD Pressure Cleaning & Softwash (Support)
Valerie's House (Support)
Valerie’s House Charlotte County is offering free grief workshops for businesses and organizations that have experienced loss, natural disasters, or traumatic events. These workshops provide a unique opportunity for teams to come together in a supportive environment, led by trained grief professionals.
Each workshop features a guided art project designed to help participants process grief in a healthy way while fostering team bonding. Through creative expression, your team can share emotions, support each other, and rebuild a sense of connection and resilience.
What’s Included:
A safe, structured space for grief processing
Therapeutic art project to encourage emotional expression
Professional support from grief counselors
Opportunities to strengthen team communication and relationships
Details:
Cost: Free
Duration: 2 hours
Location: On-site at your organization or Valerie’s House Charlotte County
Scheduling: Contact amy.huddleston@valerieshouse.
Help your team heal, reconnect, and move forward with strength.
Virginia B Andes Community Clinic (Support)
Bristol Private Wealth Management of Raymond James (Support)
Please contact us to learn more about our Enhanced Saving Program FDIC Insured to 50 Million dollars, competitive interest rate, and liquidity. Toll free number is 855-577-4395. https://
Frank Desguin Family -
Animal Welfare League -
Quick Links
Link To Us
We have had a lot of requests for a Facebook-sized link to our web page from member websites. Click Here to find the logo below, and several other different-sized logos, so that you can link your website to ours.
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Supporting Members
Bristol Private Wealth Management of Raymond James
Frank Desguin Family
Kingdom Center for H.O.P.E.
MD Pressure Cleaning and Softwash
Nutegra Mental Health & Nutrition Therapy
Member Information
Charlotte Technical College (CTC) – Dart Tournament January 11th
Meals on Wheels – Meals on Wheels is putting on a MUSIC BINGO event on January 21st at the 24Twentyone Event Center in PC. This is going to be a fun one!!!! 80’s theme, prizes for best 80’s attire. $25 per person, food and drink can be purchased there. Seats limited so please contact Debbie Amaral-Chow @ 941-457-1638 to reserve your seats.
Roger D Eaton Office – Wedding in a Winter Wonderland!
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (PGICA) –The popular community flea markets will begin October 12 and continue through March 8 at the nonprofit Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (PGICA), 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda.
Registration is open to all vendors, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and households for $35. Registrants will be assigned two parking spaces … one for a vehicle and one for sale items.
Participants must bring their own tables, chairs, tent, umbrella shade, and/or other needed supplies. A limited number of tables are available to borrow on a first come, first served basis.
These are nonrefundable rain or shine events scheduled for January 11, February 8, and March 8.
To register, visit PGICA.ORG or call 941-637-1655.
(The PGICA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit community organization. Your support is appreciated.)
Charlotte Behavior Health Care – CBHC Celebrates Chief Medical Officer’s Recognition as Medical Provider of the Year by the Florida Behavioral Health Association
Punta Gorda Adventures – Once again this holiday season, Punta Gorda Adventures is offering our festive PGI Christmas Canal tours. New for this year, join us aboard our 30 passenger Tiki boat The Oasis.
Two hour public or private sunset/night tours available. BYOB
https://puntagordaadventures.
Music Moves the Soul – Beautiful piano music for your private Christmas party or event..all I need is a piano in the space! Call Jennifer Loftus at 808-283-3774
http://www.musicmovesthesoul.
Punta Gorda Rotary Club
https://www.puntagordarotary.
Burnt Store Presbyterian Church –
Doughbar Restaurant & Pizzeria –
TEAM Punta Gorda – Pedal & Play in Paradise – March 22, 2025
Southwest Florida Honor Flight –
Looking for a way to give back to the community? Like helping Veterans who have given so much for our freedoms?
Volunteers are always needed and we invite you to join us at our monthly Hub meetings to learn more. The 4th Wednesday of each month at 7 pm at Kings Gate Golf Club in Port Charlotte.
Southwest Florida Honor Flight serves: Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Manatee and Sarasota counties.
If you are interested in serving as a guardian on a 2025 flight, please visit our website and complete a Guardian application online. Veteran applications can be found on our website
https://www.swflhonorflight.
Live Your Strength –
The Yoga Sanctuary- Create Your Life: Designing a Vision Board
Saturday, January 4th, 12pm. $50 per person
Let’s dive into the art of creating vision boards, transforming our intentions into a visual support and a tool to help us stay connected to them. The workshop will include a brief exploration of the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga, inspired by Deepak Chopra’s enlightening teachings. During our time together, we will take a moment to connect over a cup of tea. You will then be led through a meditation to seal your New Year intentions, and we’ll conclude with a soothing relaxation session, bringing balance and harmony to your mind, body, and spirit.
New Year’s Day: Starting in Sacred Silence
Wednesday, January 1st, 10am. $25 per person.
This New Year’s Day, join The Yoga Sanctuary for a meaningful journey inward, setting a mindful and intentional tone for the year ahead. In this 90-minute experience, we’ll explore the profound impact of shared silence on our inner awareness, honoring a quiet and reflective space from the moment you step into the studio.
Friendship United Methodist Church-
https:/
Gilstad Literacy Foundation – Press Release Dec 19
Copperfish Books – Great books coming out in February!
Vilis Ozols – Enhance your team’s performance with motivational speaker and leadership expert Vilis Ozols. Specializing in Customer Service, Time Management, and Team Building, Vilis delivers dynamic seminars that equip participants with practical strategies for professional success. An MBA graduate with extensive experience as an NCAA coach and professional athlete, Vilis uses real-world applications to foster leadership skills and improve organizational efficiency. Whether for staff training or leadership meetings, consider Vilis Ozols for your next session and watch your team’s productivity soar. Chamber members are encouraged to explore how Vilis can contribute to your organizational goals.
Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club –
Friday, December 27th, Holiday Fine Dining with Ron Lorenzo as our Entertainment! Specials for Friday are posted below.
New Years Eve Party – $80++ per person
Bourbon and Cigar Evenings at Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club schedule is listed below. Reservations are open.
Romeos Luncheon and Ladies Bridge
The Homeless Coalition –
Edison and Ford Winter Estates – Member Magazine
Peace River Shopper – Peace River Shopper
Pretty As A Pearl Boutique – Cute, comfy, affordable clothing & accessories for today’s woman. Sized small thru 2x.
The Cottages at Punta Villas – The Cottages at Punta Villas vacation rental are open for business and hosting guests! We are 50% renovated and will be complete by Christmas. Let us know if anyone is looking for a vacation rental right here in downtown!
Link Your Website Here: http://puntavillascottages.com
Sea Grape – We’re open for business!
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. https://www.martellalaw.com/
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau – Pure Florida Insider
Hiram Grille @ 115 –
Hiram’s Grille at 115 Gift Cards make a great stocking stuffer or s great Gift. for every $25 in Gift Cards get a free $5 Gift Certificate. thru 12/31/24
ActivAge –
Burnt Store Animal Hospital – Burnt Store Animal Hospital
http://
Precise Financial Solutions –
https://www.precisefsolutions.
For more information, please call (800) 285-8792 or visit www.precisefsolutions.com
United Way of Charlotte County – Hurricane Disaster Relief fund
City of Punta Gorda Police Dept – Do the Right Thing Awards
Charlotte Technical College – Students Shine at SkillsUSA State Conference, Gold medalists Set Sights on Nationals!
Chris Terp Music & Entertainment – Christine terp and her band The Gilded Lily are ready willing and available for all of your local functions, including non-profit fundraisers. All live music from a wide variety of decades to get your party pumped! Www.facebook.com/
Call Christine on 978-235-1653
Presstige Printing – Presstige Printing expands Political Mail Operation, hires Hudson as VP
Hemingway Lane Candles & Gifts – Did you know that Hemingway Lane Candles & Gifts offers candle-making workshops for groups of 10 or more at your location!? In these 1.5-2 hour workshops guests blend their own fragrances to create a one-of-a-kind, full size jar candle. Great activity for girl’s night in, customer appreciation, team building, etc. All supplies included, $30 pp.
https://www.hemingwaylane.com/
Punta Gorda/Englewood – Pure Insider
COMMUNITY NEWS
NEWS RELEASE
• Charlotte County Emergency Hurricane Relief Fund: Donate (coadfl.org) www.coadfl.org
United Way of Charlotte County – Hurricane Relief Fund
ARCHway Institute – Hurricane Relief Fund
Charlotte Tech College (CTC) – Dart Tournament
Punta Gorda Police Dept Neighborhood Watch- Calls for Service
Supervisor of Elections
Remember to stay election-ready! Contact the Supervisor of Elections office if you have an address change, name change, or signature update, to register to vote, or to renew your vote-by-mail request. Call 941-833-5400.
Link Your Website Here: https://www.
SCORE BIZ Expo – January 18, 2025
Charlotte County Transit Launches Charlotte Rides Mobile App
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Nov. 12, 2024) – Charlotte County Transit has launched the Charlotte Rides Mobile App.
The free Charlotte Rides Mobile App is now available for download from the Apple iTunes app store and the Android Google Play store. The app allows passengers of Charlotte County Transit to manage their trips anytime 24/7 right from their smart phone. Charlotte County Transit is a shared ride, curb- to-curb public transportation service provided to the general public in the service area of Charlotte County. Service area includes portions of Englewood, Port Charlotte, and Punta Gorda.
Riding with us just keeps getting better. The Charlotte Rides Mobile App is fully integrated with our vehicle dispatch software. Plan your schedule conveniently and get real-time updates about your scheduled trips.
Riders will be able to make trip reservations, view upcoming and completed trips, and easily cancel trips. Traveling within our service area has never been faster or simpler. Go ahead and download the mobile app, book a trip, and take a ride with Charlotte County Transit.
To download the app, simply scan the QR Code
You can also visit our website at www.CharlotteCountyFL.gov
Reporting Requirements for all LLC’s & Corporations
SBDC launches Entreprenurial Nexus
Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida
January 21, 2025 @ charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center
10am – 1pm
City of Punta Gorda
The city has launched Text My Gov. It uses a mobile phone’s regular text messaging service to allow people to quickly find links, documents or text that answers their questions. To use the service simply text hi to (941) 347-0747. Report issues & find answers
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
CHARLOTTE COUNTY SHERIFF
Charlotte County Community Foundation
TEAM PUNTA GORDA-Volunteer Part-Time
TEAM Punta Gorda is looking for a volunteer part time bookkeeper. We use QuickBooks-pro for non-profits. Some of it can be done from home and some needs to be in our office.
Needed ½ day every 2 weeks, and one longer day every month for statement reconciliation. we have folks who will be subs for vacations & travel. Summer is very sleepy so the most volume is October through April. What we need is mainly someone to manage checks through our QuickBooks, recording deposits, and reconciling statements. Contact team@teampuntagorda.org
941-637-TEAM
Gilstad Literacy Foundation
GIlstad Literacy Foundation, Inc. needs some temporary help from someone who is skilled in using Mail Chimp for outreach from the Charlotte County Imagination Library program. Time frame/hours and compensation are negotiable. Please contact Chris Zimmer for more information. Chris@
Press Release – Rotarians donate to Charlotte County Imagination Library!
Charlotte County Computer Group - Needs Technical Volunteers
If you love technology, we need your help in any one of these
areas: teaching, presenting, troubleshooting, hardware, software and leadership of the organization.
CCCGC is a nonprofit with the mission to promote computer literacy. We are an all-volunteer run agency that refurbishes computers that are distributed to non-profits and to students and Veterans. Members can drop off their computers for repair and they can stop by our office if they have a computer challenge. Monthly, we provide computer classes and technical presentations.
Newsletters
BIZ KIDZ – Newsletter
Copperfish Books – Nov Newsletter
Downtown Punta Gorda Farmer’s Market – Newsletter
Music Moves the Soul – December Newsletter
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens –December Newsletter
Precise Financial Solutions – November Newsletter
Punta Gorda Airport – PGD Buzz
Sandstar Insider – December Newsletter
Sea Grape Gallery – Dec Newsletter
Visual Arts Center – December Newsletter
Vision Quest Leadership LLC – Dec Newsletter
Virginia B Andes Community Clinic – 2nd Quarter Newsletter