Friday Facts!

Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce Inc Logo

Friday July 14, 2023

Chamber President John Wright’s newspaper column from July 11th.

Your Chamber's Got Talent

August 17th, 7pm

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

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!

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

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

Four Points By Sheraton (Platinum)

Come beat the heat at The Tiki Bar! Enjoy a cocktail in your hand with your toes in the sand while listening to the sounds of our live music. On Friday, we have Marker 5 starting at 6:00 PM. On Saturday, we have Dirty Little Secrets playing at 7:00 PM. Please 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. Lastly, we have comedy in our Library this Friday and Saturday. 

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)

Happy Friyay! I hope you have survived the wicked heat that we have experienced this week. The June numbers will be out tomorrow, sign up for my newsletter so you are the first to know everything real estate. https://bit.ly/2IQgZW4  Don’t miss these fabulous real estate and business opportunities: bit.ly/3p8yzKd bit.ly/44dPHwC bit.ly/3qLQ9Ef bit.ly/40oGcZI There is something for everyone. I am here when you need me. Celebrating 25 years in real estate, Della  

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

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)

Fishermen’s Village is hosting the Seventh Annual Tiki Fest on August 5th from 12 Noon – 6pm 🎉

Scheduled performances to include:

  • The Hawaiian Band of Orlando
  • Napua Polynesian Dance Troupe
  • Peter Coleson Hawaiian Way Ukulele performer
  • Hula Connection performance

Variety of Vendors will be displaying along the Village promenade. Family friendly, free admission and free parking!

Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea (Silver)

Tomorrow is National Ice Cream Day! Come down and celebrate with us and enjoy an Affogato! This creamy beverage is a pure double shot of espresso poured over scoops of ice cream! What more could you want with this Florida heat!

Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine (Silver)

Have you had the pleasure of trying our NEW molded chocolate? To make things even better…we have added a NEW Elixir Molded Chocolate to the marbles. Introducing our COSMO, inspired by a Cosmopolitan drink.

Military Heritage Museum (Silver in Kind)

Patriots Gala November 11 – Sponsorship Opportunities

Animal Welfare League (Bronze)

John Ski’s is hosting a super scrumptious spaghetti dinner for AWL on AUGUST 4th, at 5PM & 7PM and tickets are now up for grabs! Click here for more information.

Charlotte Players (Bronze)

The Charlotte Players would like to invite you to come out to our next audition! This will be our FIRST audition of our 2023-2024 season! Wild Women of Winedale, directed by Kyle Marie-Lines. Kyle will be looking for 9 women of various ages and attitudes. This joyful and exuberant, yet ultimately touching, comedy focuses on three women at crossroads in their lives. This feisty trio have supported and cheered one another throughout their lives. Together they prove it’s never too late to take another one of life’s paths for a grand new adventure. Character lists available upon request. Auditions will be held at the Langdon Playhouse- 1182 Market Circle, Port Charlotte. We will be holding auditions for this show on this upcoming Sunday & Monday (July 9th & 10th ) at 7 p.m. If you have any additional questions or concerns please call the Charlotte Players box office at 941-255-1022.

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)

The C.A.R.E. ReUse store is a great place to find a hidden treasure or donate your own gently used items.  We’re encouraging everyone to spread the spirit of generosity by donating your time, resources, or a helping hand to help support victims of violent crimes.

Fabulous Finds - (Support)

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support)

The exhibit “Caribbean Colors” is on display at Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, Tuesday – Sunday through August 31, and features world renowned artist Leoma Lovegrove’s art amongst whimsical horticulture displays. 5827 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda. www.peacerivergardens.org or call 941-621-8299 for more information. Come paint Leoma Lovegrove inspired artwork with Vino’s Picasso artists outside in the Gardens. Class is held outdoors near the gift shop. $69 for members, $89 for non-members. Beverages will be available for purchase. Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/639422970317 for more information. 

Virginia B Andes Volunteer Community Clinic (Support)

Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic currently has a Caribbean Vacation Raffle underway. Tickets are $125 with only 300 to be sold. Winner will be announced on September 30. This Caribbean Vacation Package for two includes: a 7 night stay at Upachaya a resort on the island of Roatan, Honduras and includes a snorkel or dive package. Roatan is surrounded by the second largest barrier reef in the world and is known for its superb beaches and aqua waters. This package also provides a $100 gift certificate for Silversides restaurant, $60 for the Roatan Island Brewery Company, a six hour island tour, and a $1,500 voucher toward airfare. Visit our website at https://volunteercare.org/win-a-fabulous-caribbean-vacation-for-two/ to purchase your tickets today. Take a peek at what Upachaya has to offer and visit their website at: https://www.upachaya.com/videos

Visual Arts Center (Support)

The Visual Arts Center is announcing our “5×5 Mural Fundraiser” Call to Artists – Donate your talent to help the Visual Arts Center for our inaugural 5×5 Mural Fundraiser. We are inviting artists to participate by creating original works of art, in a variety of mediums on 5×5 canvases. Collected canvases will be hung together to create a beautiful mural during the months of September and October. A sneak peek exclusive pre-sale reception will be held in September. It will be on display from September 14 – November 7, 2023 and is a wonderful event to support the arts in our community! Call or stop in the Visual Arts Center for more information. 210 Maud St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 (941) 639-8810  www.VisualArtCenter.org

Member Information

Nino’s Bakery & Cafe – Did you know… Nino’s Bakery is a WHOLESALE BAKERY? We service food establishments throughout Southwest Florida (such as restaurants, nursing homes, airports) with regular deliveries of breads, pastries and cookies, cakes and pies. Our two 87” ovens allow us to fulfil large orders. Our facility has walk-in refrigerators as well as spacious production space. Yet we still bake with wholesome ingredients that our own retail customers have come to love: unbromated flour, local farm eggs and butter, Florida sugar, and more. Restauranteurs: Nino’s is a “scratch” bakery that can offer you customized desserts and breads, saving you time and manpower, 7 days a week. Easy phone ordering. You and your customers will love the difference! Call 941-833-8912

 

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.

Charlotte County Homeless Coalition – Thursday, July 20 6:00pm Dart Tournament at the Icehouse Pub. Induvial registration $25 or 4 player teams for $80. Sponsorships available. Click here for more information.

Caffe’ Cow – SUNDAY JULY 16 IS NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY! CAFFE’ COW ICE CREAM TRUCK will be at the Punta Gorda Home Depot from 5PM-9PM. Please come out and support your local ice cream shop! Chamber Members get a discount when you mention this ad!

White Pine Services – Hate cleaning? We love it! Looking for a professional commercial cleaning company? Look no further. Clean Here for details.

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.

Southwest Florida Honor Flight – Golf Tournament Saturday October 28 at Riverwood Golf Club. Details HERE. Registration form HERE. Sponsorship opportunities HERE.

Team Punta Gorda – Pedal in the Park Saturday July 29 for ages 7-12. Join us for a bike ride through CHEC’s beautiful nature preserve and enjoy fun sops along the way in a scavenger hunt! Breakfast and lunch included, live music, games and more. Click here for more information.

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!

Sea Grape Gallery – From July 6 to September 7, 2023, Sea Grape Gallery will be featuring two of their artists, Thelma Daida, water media artist, and Robert Rioux, stained glass kaleidoscope artist.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates – On July 30, John Gidding, an architectural designer, tv host, and author will give a special presentation about his newly published book, “At Home with Nature, a Guide to Sustainable, Natural Landscaping” at Edison and Ford Winter Estates. The book provides plans for turning a turfgrass lawn into a well-designed landscape, with the goal of welcoming pollinators and other wildlife, using less water, eliminating pesticides and herbicides, and minimizing fertilizer use. Books will be sold at the event, and Gidding will be available for signing, starting at 10 a.m. near the Banyan Café at the Estates. The presentation will start at noon and will be held in the South Florida Water Management District building at 2301 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33901 (next to the Estates).

Martella Law Firm – It’s very easy to start a business by getting on Florida’s Sunbiz website and filling out a form. However, did you know that the form is only step one in a multi-step process necessary to protect your personal assets from business debts. If you have questions, give Mark Martella, Esq. of the Martella Law Firm PLLC a call at 941-867-6865 to schedule a complimentary, confidential, one hour consultation to discuss how to properly set up your business and protect your family’s assets. 

Peace River Wildlife Center – The Peace River Wildlife Center’s Engraved Brick Fundraiser to benefit their new education center has begun. Bricks are available in 4”x8” and 8”x8” sizes and with a variety of clip art options. You may also select a 4”x4” replica tile for your home or office. For more information, please call PRWC (941) 637-3830 or visit https://prwildlife.org/prwc-capital-campaign-fundraising/

Pedelec – We are changing our hours temporarily starting July 24 – August 14, We will be closed Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday and will be open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays from 9am – 1pm. On the days we are closed you can still call and make an appointment for service to drop off your bike at our shop. We will resume normal business hours on Augusts14.

Punta Gorda Family Physical Therapy – We are now accepting Florida Blue Insurance. Medicare is coming very soon! Give us a call at 941.548.6131 or click here.

Connect Print & Promotions, LLC – you’re print marketing will light up like a firecracker 🧨 this July when you hashtag connect, Punta Gorda!

YOU are the brand | we are the STANDARD

commercial printing ✅

logo/graphic design ✅

next-level promotional swag ✅

branded apparel ✅

signs & graphics ✅

888.978.3437 📞

info@connectpromo.net 📧

www.connectpromo.net 🖥 

www.Facebook.com/connectpromo

www.Instagram.com/connectprintpromotions

… it’s ALWAYS about the 👊🏻 people! 

#connect 💚🖨💚 #fortheloveofprinting

Punta Gorda Elks – Wednesday, July 19 6 – 9 pm Goddess Dianna’s Celebration of Fun & Friendship. Prizes for best costume! Have fun in your Roman God or Goddess Toga Costumes (optional). Entertainment by Music Box Duo, Tickets $25 with all proceeds going to the Punta Gorda Elks’ building fund. Call Dianna 941-457-5551 or Lynette 616-862-0750 for tickets.

Archway InstituteHelicopter Golf Ball Drop December 2

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!

ERC Refund – Get paid to help your Local Businesses!

I work with Bottom Line Concepts where we help local businesses get ERC Refund Money if they retained their employees during the pandemic. Click here to find out more!

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

Peace River Shopper Latest Edition.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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.

Florida Premier Contractors

Multiple Positions
Florida Premier Contractors is hiring. We are a commercial general contractor located in Punta Gorda, FL. We are hiring for the following positions: Assistant Superintendent, Project Superintendent, Project Assistant, Project Manager & estimator. Please send your resume to admin@fpcbuilds.com

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.

Newsletters

Archway Institute – Newsletter

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

Charlotte Community Foundation – June Newsletter

Charlotte County Sherriff’s Office – June Crime Prevention Newsletter

Copperfish Books – July Newsletter

Drug Free Charlotte County – Summer Newsletter

Downtown Farmers Market – June Newsletter

Edison and Ford Winter Estates – July Member Magazine

EnVision Quest – July Newsletter

Military Heritage Museum – Gulf Theater July Newsletter

Punta Gorda Airport – PGD Buzz

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – July Gardens at a Glance

Punta Gorda Historical Society – July Newsletter

Punta Gorda Mural SocietyJune Newsletter

Suncoast Humane Society – Humane Connection Newsletter

TIME Realty Services Inc. – Newsletter

Valerie’s HouseNewsletter

Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic – Quarterly Newsletter

YMCA of Southwest Florida – Message from President and CEO

The Yoga Sanctuary – July 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!