Friday January 10th, 2025
Friday Facts!
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 reception@PuntaGorda-Chamber.com. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to connect with our community and grow your business!
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!
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!
UPCOMING EVENTS
** Tickets will not be available for purchase in the Punta Gorda Chamber office. Please refer to link below for purchase
Partners in Action News
Gettel (Platinum) -
Four Points By Sheraton (Platinum)
It’s chilly outside, but we’ve got you covered with plenty of heaters, great music, and tropical drinks to keep you in the island spirit. Whether you’re looking to escape the cold or just unwind; our tiki bar is the perfect place to enjoy a laid-back evening. Come on down and let us bring the warmth to you!
D.I.S. Tech Services (Platinum in Kind)
The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty (Gold) )
The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty (Gold) )
Big Shot Marketing & Design (Gold in Kind)
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.
Fishermen's Village (Silver)
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.
January Sunset Beach Club Calendar
Menorah Lighting Press Release
Fishermen’s Village and the Cultural Heritage Center of Southwest Florida Present the 6th Annual International CultureFEST Saturday, January 18, 2025. For more information use link below:
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.
Military Heritage Museum (Silver)
The Second Annual Patriots Gala will take place on March 29, 2025, at Sunseeker Resort with keynote speaker Master Sergeant Leroy A. Petry. Petry is the recipient of the U.S. Military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor.
The inspiring patriotic-themed evening will commence at 6:00 p.m. with delightful hors d’oeuvres,a plated dinner, and complimentary cocktails throughout the evening. The highlights of the evening include the induction of Stephen R. Deutsch, as the Wall of Warrior recipient, Gary Butler with the Distinguished Civilian Award, Business of the Year to Patti Allen-Fishermen’s Village, Jeff Sherwin as the Volunteer of the Year and the first Wall of Warrior Honoree Coast Guard Veteran, Commissioner Stephen R. Deutch.
Funds raised from this event provide financial support for the Museum’s programs and student activities. To secure your reservation or to sponsor the Gala visit https://militaryheritagemuseum.org/patriots-gala or contact Tina Figliuolo at 941-205-8546.
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:
https://connect.4printing.com/ 🖥️
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/connectprintpromotions
YOU are the brand | We are the STANDARD”
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!
Della Booth, TIME Realty Services, Inc. (Bronze) -
Have a great day!
I don’t work “9 to 5”, I work “Start to Finish”
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.
Port Charlotte Florist (Bronze In Kind)
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)
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.com
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!!!
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.org or 941-769-4915 to arrange a session.
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://url.avanan.click/v2/r01/___https://bristolprivatewealthmanagement.com___.YXAzOmRpczphOm86OTY4ZTNmMTZhNjJhZmNlYjQ0ZGJiMGNiZmE2YjZhN2I6Nzo0YjA5OjU0NjBmZWRmYTA2MDgzYzkyM2YwYmEyZDMwNTk0NDRiZjQwMDg2NTE0ZDJjMDhmZjkxMTJiZTU1YWFiOTNjZmE6dDpUOlQ
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.
Partners in Action 2025
Platinum Partners
Platinum Media Partners
Platinum in Kind
Gold Partners
Gold in Kind Partners
Silver Sponsors
Silver in Kind
Partners
Bronze Partners
Support Partners
Member Information
Downtown Farmers Market – Open 8 am to 1pm Saturdays.
Charlotte Technical College (CTC) – Dart Tournament January 11th – Come Support Skills USA students.
The Florida Philharmonic – The Florida Philharmonic presents “Colors of Spring” featuring music from 4 ballets including Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.” Sunday, January 12 at 3:30 p.m. Burnt Store Presbyterian Church. Tickets available at:
https://thefloridaphilharmonic.org
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 Players (Bronze) –
Four Old Broads Jan 9-26. Life has been anything but agreeable at Magnolia Place Assisted Living. The facility is home to a retired burlesque queen, a religious devotee, a sassy nurse, and an ex-Elvis impersonator who are all planning an escape. Charlotte Players is located at 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. For tickets and more information call 941-255-1022 or go to www.charlotteplayers.org.
http://www.charlotteplayers.org
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
Music Moves the Soul – Trust your voice
http://www.musicmovesthesoul.com/
Punta Gorda Rotary Club –
Punta Gorda Rotary presents the Taste of Punta Gorda and Beyond
The 17th annual Taste of Punta Gorda will be held on Sunday, March 2th, from 11 AM to 5 PM at Laishley Park, Punta Gorda. All in one place, Charlotte County’s best restaurants will provide from their menus of delicious food !
Over 60 arts and crafts, dessert and specialty food, and nonprofit vendors will fill Laishley Park. A great Kid’s Zone offers bounce houses, rock climbing, and laser tag. The Marker 5 Band will kick off the day’s music, and Deb and the Dynamics will wrap up the afternoon with the best in rock and roll.
Tickets are $10 for general admission, with kids 12 and under free. Special VIP tickets provide access to a shaded seating area with extra food and drinks near the bandstand — a little extra for our community charities. All proceeds support the giving program of the Punta Gorda Rotary Club Foundation and local charities.
Bring lots of $1 and $5 bills to purchase food. Alcoholic beverage tickets also can be purchased. And bring a camp chair to sit and enjoy the music!
Thanks to our presenting IRON CHEF sponsor, Publix Super Markets, and to top sponsors Ingman Marine, Bankers Life, Amerilife, SYSCO, and Waste Management, as well as our many other sponsors.
Advance tickets and more information at:
https://www.puntagordarotary.org/hfoh/
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.org/
Live Your Strength –
The Yoga Sanctuary-
Yoga for Golfers: A 3-Week Series
Mondays, January 13th – 27th, 1pm, $75
Enhance your golf game and discover how yoga is the perfect cross-training tool to develop balance, mobility, and focus – the keys to high performance and low scores on the course! Students should be able to get up and down from the ground comfortably, no previous yoga experience required.
Begin Your Yoga Journey: A 6-Week Introduction to Yoga Series
Thursdays, January 16th – February 20th, 1pm, $124
Begin your yoga journey with The Yoga Sanctuary’s 6-week Introduction to Yoga series—perfect for everyone, regardless of age, flexibility, or body type! This series will teach you how to approach postures in order to maximize their effectiveness and minimize the risk of injury, introduce you to some of the basic principles of yoga philosophy, and explore ways to adapt poses for specific issues or injuries to ensure that your practice works for your unique body. Spaces are limited, so sign up today to secure your spot!
A Weekend with Dr. Carrie Demers: Ayurveda & Bone Health January 17th & 18th, Friday $50, Saturday $65, Both Sessions: $95
Friday: Holistic Wellness: An Introduction to Ayurveda
This first workshop in a two-part series, led by Dr. Carrie Demers, offers an in-depth introduction to the fundamental principles of Ayurveda. Through guided self-assessment, you’ll uncover your unique constitution and explore how to apply Ayurveda’s time-tested wisdom to bring balance and harmony into your daily life.
Saturday: Aging Well: Taking Care of Our Bones & Joints with Integrative Medicine
Join Dr. Carrie Demers, and learn how to promote bone and joint health through the wisdom of Ayurveda, intentional lifestyle changes, yoga, and natural remedies. You’ll discover how to use asana and mindful movement to strengthen bones, support joints, and reclaim safe range of motion.
https://momence.com/s/109194129
Friendship United Methodist Church-
https:/friendshipumcpuntagorda.com
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 –
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!
https://www.puntavillascottages.com/
Sea Grape – MARK YOUR CALENDAR TO JOIN US ON JANUARY 30. CELEBRATE WITH US ALL DAY, WE OPEN AT 10:00AM , BUT AT 5:30 WE WILL HAVE A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY.
WE ARE EXCITED FOR YOU TO STOP BY TO SEE WHAT NEW ART WE’VE BEEN WORKING ON!
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 –
ActivAge –
Join us at ActivAge on Thursday, January 30th for a FREE Veterans Benefits Workshop! This workshop will provide essential information on the various benefits and services available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “At ActivAge, we are dedicated to supporting our veterans and ensuring they have access to the benefits they deserve,” said Kris Chana, Founder of ActivAge at Chelsea Place. This event is free and open to the public. However, seating is limited, so please RSVP soon to reserve your spot. Thursday, January 30, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM at 3626 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 For more information or to RSVP, please call us at (941) 205-7722 or register online at: https://activage.co/pc-va-seminar.
Burnt Store Animal Hospital – Burnt Store Animal Hospital
http://www.burntstoreanimalhospital.com/
Precise Financial Solutions –
https://www.precisefsolutions.com/contact
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 –
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/event
Punta Gorda/Englewood – Pure Insider
Wyvern Hotel (Gold) – Punta Gorda Hotels | The Wyvern Luxury Hotel | Florida (thewyvernhotel.com)
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
Punta Gorda Police Dept Neighborhood Watch- Calls for Service
Hurricane Milton Business Resources
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.soecharlottecountyfl.gov/
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
Charlotte Technical College (CTC)-
Dart Tournament to support Skills USA students
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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@charlottecountyimaginationlibrary.org or 941-286-6931.
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
Downtown Punta Gorda Farmer’s Market – Newsletter
Punta Gorda Airport – PGD Buzz