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Friday July 5, 2024

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Interim Executive Director, Val Edmunds Newspaper Column From July 2

One of the many hats the Interim Chamber Executive Director has is to assist with steering, managing day-to-day operations, and carrying out the Chamber mission in  

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

Our monthly radio show on Seaview 104.9FM during the Bob Alexander Radio Show is 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 to record two one-minute slots to air twice during the show that can be identical or different. 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 Val Johnson. Only 10 businesses per month. It’s a great way to promote your business, advertise an event or show community support

Submit Your Friday Facts!

Partner In Action Friday Facts Submission

Regular Member Friday Facts Submission

Member Networking Events

Ribbon Cuttings

Advertising Deadline for PG Beat is JULY 11TH!

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! 

FEATURED EVENTS

Seeking Sponsors & Talent!

Partners in Action News

Gettel (Platinum)

Four Points By Sheraton (Platinum)

Come celebrate The 4th of July with the best staff in the world at TT.’s Tiki Bar! On Thursday. we have Luna and the Warriors playing on the big stage at 5:00 PM. On Friday, we have fan favorite Pure Country playing at 7:30 PM. On Saturday, we keep the celebration going with Majesty of Rock at 7:30 pm. Both Friday and Saturday are VIP events and you can purchase tickets online at ttspg.com. The Tiki Bar has just added 3 new menu options. Make sure to come by and see how delicious they are for yourself. 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 the hotel parking lot has 3 electric car charging stations for your convenience. Stop by and enjoy a drink and great views while your car is charging. Lastly, visit 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.

Our Dockside Grill located inside the hotel has a new Happy Hour Menu that includes appetizers under $10! Stop in and check us out.

Della Booth, TIME Realty Services, Inc. (Gold)

I hope you enjoyed the celebration of our nation’s freedom. 

Please know that I am always here to answer any of your questions. Even those surrounding the NAR lawsuit. The real estate process is changing, and you need to know how it may impact you. You can count on me and the Realtors at TIME Realty to always have your best interests in mind.  

Downtown Farmers Market (Gold)

Open 8 am to 1pm Saturdays.  July News!

Waste Management (Gold)

Positions available. We have found that veterans are a great fit in our organization – in fact, one in twelve of our employees are former military. We encourage any and all qualified veterans to apply online,

https://wm.com/careers [wm.com]

CDL Driver Apprentice needed in Port Charlotte

Lori Ann Mertens- Keller Williams Peace River Partners (Gold)

Are you in need of a complimentary Market Analysis for your home value in this crazy market? Or if you just need one for insurance. We are considered to be in an “equal market” not a Buyers or Sellers’ market. Our team is ready on your timeline when you want to BUY, SELL, or INVEST in Southwest Florida. Serving Southwest Florida since 2002. Lori Ann Mertens, Realtor United Home Group Keller Williams Peace River Partners. Each office is Individual Owned and Operated. 941-457-7072 call or text is best. Going the distance to make the Difference.

The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty (Gold)

ShorePoint Health (Gold)

Congratulations to Melissa Coppola RN in ICU, who won today’s Daisy Award at Shorepoint Health Port Charlotte. Her nomination was a glowing commendation of her spirit. It read;

I would like to first of all thank my nurse whole heartedly for going above and beyond the standard care I anticipated receiving yesterday. I was given the diagnosis of “PE” in a very impersonal way via a phone call by a doctor who was caring for me. Upon

receiving the news I was extremely scared and felt like I had nobody for moral support. But soon I told my nurse my fears and how terrified I was to go home because I didn’t fully understand what was going on with me. She immediately stepped into action and contacted all the appropriate people to help me advocate for myself and to insure that I wouldn’t be discharged in my current state of health. I have never known a kinder nurse or more caring person. She genuinely listened to me and took immediate steps to let me know she heard my concerns and fears. She did her very best to console me and help me calm down….

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.

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)

Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine (Silver)

Have you tried our NEW and LIMITED Peppermint Hot Chocolates!! Call to Reserve yours NOW!

The Downtown Experience is BACK!! We will have a DECK OF CARDS this coming Event, on July 18th! We will also have a Boutique Wine Tasting to celebrate! Get a DRINK and your CARD! See you then! https://pgchocolateandwine.com/

Punta Gorda Coffee & Tea (Silver)

Introducing July’s Frappe of the Month….HHC Orange Creamsicle Frappe! This delicious HHC White Mocha Creamsicle Sauce is blended creating the perfect refreshing Orange Creamsicle that we all know and love! This Sauce can be added to ANY drink of your choice as well as the Frappe, which can be made with or without espresso!

Connect Print & Promotions, LLC (Silver)

your print marketing will explode just like a firecracker when you hashtag #connect, Punta Gorda!

commercial print

logo/graphic design

next-level promo/swag

branded apparel

signs & graphics

YOU are the brand | We are the STANDARD

(888) 978-3437

info@connectpromo.net

Instagram.com/connectprintpromotions

YOU are the brand | We are the STANDARD”

HCA Florida Fawcett (Silver)

Freestanding emergency room celebrates one-year anniversary of providing 24/7 access to emergency care in Port Charlotte & North Port communities

HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital opened its second freestanding emergency room, HCA Florida Tamiami Trail Emergency, just one year ago. The facility serves patients in Port Charlotte, North Port and surrounding communities. The facility is located at 150 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33953 and has treated 11,106 patients in the past year. The 10,820 square- foot facility is a part of HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing full emergency services for adults and children, including laboratory, x-rays, CT scanning and ultrasound.

 

“HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital continues to grow to meet the needs of the communities we serve,” said Michael Ehrat, chief executive officer at HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital. “We are proud of the care we have provided this past year to the patients we are privileged to serve and glad residents can receive quality health care services close to home.”

 

For more information on HCA Florida Tamiami Trail Emergency, visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com or call 941-255-6601.

Military Heritage Museum (Silver in Kind)

Charlotte Players (Bronze)

Charlotte Players- Charity Quarter Benefit August 8th. Ever been to a quarter auction? Join us for a great night of fun. You bring rolls of quarters or get them when you arrive. Vendors will have items to bid on and you raise your paddle to win! Food will be available to purchase. This is a cash only event. Located at 2421 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte. We are looking for donations of baskets for this event. Doors open at 6pm. Call Charlotte Players for more information. Contact Lori at lori.wagner@charlotteplayers.org for more information.

Chapman Insurance (Bronze)

Gulfshore Opera (Bronze)

PicklePlex (Bronze) (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.

https://www.pickleplex.org/

Calenda Real Estate Group (Bronze)

ARCHway Institute (Support)

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

Calling golfers of all skill level who want to support a critical community resource! The “Golfers Who C.A.R.E.” event returns on Sunday, October 6, at Deep Creek Golf Club in Punta Gorda, presented by C.A.R.E. Auxiliary. Register or sponsor now by calling 941-639-5499 or emailing GolfersWhoCare@gmail.com. The cost to register is $100 per player. Don’t miss this exciting day of golf for a great cause! Enjoy friendly competition and the chance to support a meaningful community initiative. We look forward to seeing you there! https://carefl.org/

DIS Tech Services (Support)

We would like to welcome our 2 newest additions Kenedy (See Bio) and Taylor (See Bio) to our already spectacular team here at D.I.S. Tech Services inc. They are willing and ready to troubleshoot your system issues. As we continue to grow in Punta Gorda, we will always be dedicated to helping our clients So, thank all of you that support D.I.S. Tech Services inc., we could not do any of this without you.

We are offering a free consultation for us to come out and give you a security assessment of your current technology infrastructure. Even if you have a current IT support team, do not hesitate to give us a call. We can be reached at 941-867-9772 or on our website at distechusa.com.

Visual Arts Center (Support)

Three Galleries full of wonderful art both 2D & 3D. Only 1 week left to view. Free to visit & all invited. https://visualartcenter.org/pages/exhibits for more information.

Summer Art Camp for kids. Next week the theme is “Science Through Art” where they will be making lava lamps, Popsicle Catapults, & much more! $98 per week including supplies. 8-10 years 9:00-12:00, 11-13 years, 1:00-4:00. Sign up Now: https://visualartcenter.org/collections/art-for-youth

Punta Gorda History Center (Support)

HISTORY Talk – Tuesday, July 2, 1:00 pm

“Beginnings of Early American History at Charlotte Harbor” – Discussion of Charlotte Harbor as possibly the earliest explored area in what is now the United States at the Punta Gorda History Center, 512 E. Grace St, Punta Gorda. Parking is on the E. Ann St side of the building. Registration is NOT required. FREE 941-916-8800https://www.puntagordahistory.com

Frank Desguin Family (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!!!

Valerie's House (Support)

Join Us for Valerie’s House Charlotte County’s Inaugural Sunset Soiree ~ Harbor Style!

Date: November 16, 6:00 PM

Location: 233 E McKenzie ST Punta Gorda

Get ready for an enchanting evening under the sunset to support grieving children and families in our community.

Honorary Chair: Punta Gorda Police Chief Pamela Smith

With her dedication and compassion, Chief Smith is the perfect ambassador for our cause.

Tickets: $100

Every ticket directly funds our grief support programs.

Sponsorships and underwriting opportunities available!

Contact Tara@ValeriesHouse.org for more information.

Enjoy live music, delectable cuisine, and heartwarming conversations.

Be a part of something special.

Together, we can provide hope and healing to those who need it most.

https://valerieshouseswfl.networkforgood.com/events/70876-charlotte-county-sunset-soir-eamy.huddleston@valerieshouse.org

Virginia B Andes Community Clinic (Support)

Mark your calendars and come Party for a Purpose. VBA will host our signature fundraiser Country for a Cause, September 28, 6:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. at Sunseeker Resort, 5500 Sunseeker Way, Charlotte Harbor. Tickets are on sale now. Purchase individual tickets for $150, or our “Hit the Hay” package with an overnight stay in a King room at Sunseeker Resort, with overnight parking, resort fee, and all applicable taxes included. Details can be found on our website.

Contact Barbara Wastart at 941-368-8863 or bwastart@volunteercare.org for Sponsorship opportunities, or any questions. We would love to have you join us at this new and exciting location for a great cause.

http://www.volunteercare.org/country-for-a-cause-2024/

Member Information

Persnickety – August 2nd Boutique Crawl

Punta Gorda Rotary Club -The Punta Gorda Rotary Club will hold its annual Change-of-Watch Dinner on Saturday evening, June 29th, at the Isles Yacht Club. Outgoing president Peter Wilkins will pass his gavel on to incoming president James Williams. Alfred Current, Rotary District 6960 Governor and Englewood Rotary Club member will preside. Dennis Wallace, District 6960 Governor Designate and Harbor Heights/Peace River Rotary Club member, will be a guest of honor. Guests are welcome. Contact Alyson Burch at Jaburch12@verizon.net.

 https://puntagordarotary.org

Copperfish Books – The search for Waldo is coming to Downtown Punta Gorda! From July 1 to 27, Waldo will be hiding in 25 downtown businesses. STARTING JULY 1, pick up your Waldo stamp card at any of the participating locations and collect a stamp or signature wherever you spot him. When you are done searching (deadline is July 27), bring your passport to Copperfish Books. https://www.copperfishbooks.com/find-waldo-local-2024

Families love joining the scavenger hunt to find the iconic children’s book character, with his red-and-white-striped shirt and black glasses, hidden in 25 local businesses, including GiGi’s Ice Cream, Becky’s Garden Shoppe, Toula’s, and Reflection Comics.

See our website for details. Prize drawing and Wrap Party will be on Saturday, July 27, 3-4 pm. RSVP to (941) 205-2560 or info@copperfishbooks.com.

Drug Free Punta Gorda – Prevention Awards

St Vincent de Paul – Kick off of $5M Affordable Housing Fundraiser

Lee Health – Golisano Children’s Hospital – Radithon Cares for Kids!

CST Group – 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyber attack go out of business within six months. Call us to learn how you can protect your business!

https://www.cstsupport.com/

Gilstad Literacy Foundation – Donations to Charlotte County imagination Library Press Release!

The Homeless Coalition –

Leadership Press Release

Edison and Ford Winter Estates – Member Magazine

Farmers Market – Each Friday from 9am-1pm starting June 7

Weekly News

Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.

United Way of Charlotte County – Thank you for Igniting Hope!

Pretty As A Pearl Boutique – Cute, comfy, affordable clothing & accessories for today’s woman. Sized small thru 2x.

Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club – 2024 Menu Now Open every Sunday for brunch! See Brunch Menu

Make sure to book your reservations for Friday evening!

Gene Murtha for Republican State Committeeman – Fellow Chamber Members: I am running for the Republican State Committeeman in the August 20 primary. In this role I will be your link to the Republican Party of Florida. As a longtime chamber member for various organizations, I am in the best position to represent your interests to the State Party. I ask for your vote and support. http://www.genemurtha.com

Boys & Girls Club – Help them shine this summer!

Sea Grape – Art Scholarship Winners!

From May 2 to July 5, 2024, Sea Grape Gallery will be featuring two of their artists, Susan Krasny, oil, acrylic and mixed media, and Renee Farr, glass artist. 

Sea Grape Gallery is located at 113 W. Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda. For more information on the Courtyard Sale, call the Gallery at 941-575-1718. The artwork of all Sea Grape Gallery artists can be viewed at www.seagrapegallery.com.

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

FGCU Academy – 2024 Summer Workshop Series

30+Free Career-accelerator Progams for SWFL Residents

Peace River Wildlife – ROBIN JENKINS, DVM, PEACE RIVER WILDLIFE CENTER NAMED RECIPIANT OF THE 2024 ANNUAL HALL OF FAME AWARD FROM THE PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH VISITOR AND CONVENTION BUREAU

PRESS RELEASE HERE!

Burnt Store Presbyterian Church – TEDX Speakers Oct 12

Hiram Grille @ 115 –

Hiram’s Grille at 115 would like to congratulate The Punta Gorda Masonic Lodge #115 on 50 years at their current location on Airport Road on July 4th!

We will be featuring a BBQ, Cotton Candy, Sno Cones, a free Bounce House, Games and Music in our lot from 12-6p 25349 Airport Road

 https://hiramsgrille.com

Ortigia Cucina & Bar

Back by popular demand is our second installment of the Cigar Dinner. Ortigia is partnering with Beam Suntory makers of Jim Beam, Basil Hayden’s, Baker’s, Knob Creek, Bowmore and Makers Mark to bring you an evening of Hand rolled Cigars, a buffet selected by Carmello to pair perfectly with a sampling of Bourbons. Cost is $100 and includes 2 hand rolled cigars, 3 premium bourbon cocktails, Extensive buffet, tax and gratuity.

Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cigar-whiskey-dinner-tickets-928043602397

Precise Financial Solutions – At Precise Financial Solutions, we don’t just redefine financial planning – we rewrite the rulebook! Get ready to join the revolution! Our services are available year-round, and we’re thrilled to invite you to our upcoming seminars. Don’t miss out – let’s shape your financial future together!

🔗Link to register: 

https://events.afceducators.org/campaigns/will-awareness-265

For more information, please call (800) 285-8792 or visit www.precisefsolutions.com

StoragePUP of Punta Gorda – The Summer of Free Storage! StoragePUP already has the lowest rates on storage units and if you rent a unit this summer, your first month’s rent is FREE. This promotion is for any size self storage unit, A/C options included, or onsite office unit. Call (941) 347-8176 or visit our website for more details.

 https://www.storagepup.com/locations/taylor-road-punta-gorda-fl-33950

Wreaths Across America– Proud to be an American Event Oct. 17th 7-10pm

Port Charlotte Florist – Romantic Summer 10% off with code ITSJUNE*

Resurrection Pools – Summer Special 10% off Pool Renovations when you mention this ad! https://resurrectionpools.com/

Business Cashflow & Profits Generation – We’re a local veteran owned business dedicated to increasing cashflow and profits for other local businesses. We have four Business Tax Incentive programs that lower taxes and increase your cashflow and profits. We have two Business Expense Reduction programs that reduce operating costs and increase your cashflow and profits. We analyze all six programs for your business at No cost, NO risk and NO interruption of your operations. We are a success oriented, contingent fee company – we only get paid as a percentage of the amount of money we save for your business. (303) 522-7839 

City of Punta Gorda Police Dept – Do the Right Thing Awards

Roger B Eaton – Clerks Updates

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/gildedlilyband 

Call Christine on 978-235-1653

Monarch Direct – Summer of Gratitude!

Live Your Strength – Casino Night July 20th

Please Join us for the “Live Your Strength” Fundraising Gala, a Casino Night of Enchantment, Elegance, and Empowerment on Saturday, November 2nd at 3555 Bobcat Village Center Rd., North Port. Kindly view and scan the QR code on the flyer or call 941-203-6023 or visit our website for more information.

https://liveys.org/

Gold Entertainment – Here Come the Mummies!

Florida Gulf Coast University – FGCU Grant Funded Programs

Supervisor of Elections – It’s time to move our focus to the August 20th Primary Election! Candidate qualifying was completed on June 14, at noon. View the list of the local qualified candidates on our website: bit.ly/QualifiedLocal. Don’t forget to sign up on our e-newsletter: bit.ly/voter-ready. It will ensure you receive your Primary Election sample ballot via email! Be voter-ready! Review your registration here: https://bit.ly/3uVSFKy

 https://www.soecharlottecountyfl.gov/

Punta Gorda/Englewood – Pure Insider

Bid Opportunity – The City is accepting proposals from interested non-profit organizations to lease & manage the Cooper Street Recreation Center to provide a public purpose to the community – Site layoutNoticeLease

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

CHARLOTTE COUNTY SHERIFF

Visual Arts Center

Community Engagement Manager Wanted

“Are you our next Community Engagement Coordinator? We are looking for a dynamic fundraiser for this pivotal role at the Visual Arts Center (VAC)! You’ll be focused on developing opportunities for event promotion and fundraising initiatives. You possess a strong network of community contacts and a proven record of successful PR and fundraising campaigns. If you’re passionate about the arts, we’d love to have you on board!” Please send cover letter and resume to info@visualartcenter.org or apply online through indeed.com

Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association

The Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association is seeking a part-time (approximately 20-30 hours per week) administrative assistant to help handle daily office operations. This position requires office setting experience, outstanding customer service communication, organizational detail, and strong Microsoft Office skills. Duties may include: Answering phones; assisting visitors; handling payment transactions; answering general inquiries; conducting facility tours; advertising sales, assisting with The Commentator monthly magazine; creating fliers and advertisements as needed; adding/editing classes and events to calendar app; and assisting with events. Part-time- $16 per hours.

If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to teriashley@pgica.org.

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.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Read and Feed at Port Charlotte Library Begins June 3

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (May 28, 2024) – Beginning June 3, kids and teens ages 18 and under can enjoy free meals provided by Charlotte County Schools Champ’s on Wheels Café (the C.O.W.) at the Port Charlotte Public Library located at 2280 Aaron St., in Port Charlotte Monday-Friday from 11-11:30 a.m. The mission of the summer read and feed program is to provide equal access to healthy meals for families. Lunch must be eaten on library premises.

For information, contact Ashley Guerzo at 941-764-5562 or visit CharlotteCountyFL.gov/libraries

Exhibit Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Charley

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (June 24, 2024) –

Charlotte County Libraries and History is pleased to announce the opening of

“The Landscape Was Changed Forever,” an exhibit featuring interpretive banners

and Charlotte County newspapers that commemorates the 20th anniversary

of Hurricane Charley. The exhibit is on display at the Punta Gorda Charlotte,

Port Charlotte and Englewood Charlotte Libraries through Sept. 2024, and are

available for viewing during regular library hours. 

In addition, local and national news

footage will be shown on a loop on Aug. 13, 2024, the day Charley made

landfall, and Charlotte County History Services staff will be on hand to answer

questions. For more information, visit: Library Calendar – LibCal –

Charlotte County Libraries and History.  

For information, contact Dr. JenniferZoebelein at 941-629-7278 or Jennifer.Zoebelein@charlottecountyfl.gov.  

Children’s Advocacy Center Welcomes Kaleigh Lawrence as Chief Development Officer

FORT MYERS, Fla. (July 1, 2024) – The Children’s Advocacy Center of SWFL (CAC) welcomes Kaleigh Lawrence as its Chief Development Officer. In this role, Lawrence will spearhead fundraising efforts and nurture relationships to advance the center’s mission of protecting and advocating for children. She will use her experience to build and enhance community relationships, expand on internal and external collaborations, and effectively coach volunteer committees and sponsors.

Lawrence is a distinguished development professional with over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector. Prior to joining the CAC, she served as Partnership Coordinator for the FutureMakers Coalition, where she coordinated efforts to enhance resources for education partners. She also held the position of Resource Development Coordinator at the School District of Lee County, where she engaged stakeholders and promoted strategic initiatives to support the district’s mission and vision. She has a proven track record in securing major gifts, fostering donor relationships, and executing successful fundraising campaigns.

“Her mission-driven approach, combined with her strong fundraising skills and ability to cultivate partnerships, will be invaluable in her new leadership role at the Children’s Advocacy Center,” says Alicia Shannon, CEO for the Children’s Advocacy Center of SWFL. “We are thrilled to have her on the team and know she will help the agency grow and enhance its services.”

33rd Annual Freedom Swim

JULY 4, 2024 TIME: This year’s Freedom Swim will start at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Discussion with swimmers before the start will occur at 1:20 p.m. ROUTE: The 2024 Freedom Swim will start from Live Oak Point. Swimmers are to gather in the water offshore of the public beach and Riverwalk boardwalk at the northwest side of the north end of the northbound U. S. 41 Bridge. Swimmers will paddle, swim, or float to the channel and down the Peace River towards the landing site at Fishermen’s Village, exiting the water at Harpoon Harry’s. The crossing is estimated to take 40 minutes to 3 hours. There will be no Trolley Service As always this is intended to be a happening rather than a race. Although there will be numerous vessels escorting the swimmers across the river, each swimmer is responsible for their own safety and their own support team. Swim with a buddy, it’s safer and more fun. Various governmental agencies will be on the water. Vessels will be required to operate at idle speed in the Peace River Channel from the U. S. 41 Bridge to Marker Number 2 while swimmers are in the Channel. Boating safety is not an accident

Beware of Fake Websites Imitating Official County Services

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (May 21, 2024) – The Charlotte County Community Development Department would like to inform citizens about recent attempts to create malicious websites with URLs that closely resemble the official Citizen Access Portal address. The Citizen Access Portal provides online access to the county’s permits, licenses, plans review, code violations, and site plan review system. These fraudulent sites are designed to mimic Accela products and redirect users to unauthorized locations, potentially compromising personal information.

To ensure your security and protect your personal information, please verify that you are using the correct URL when accessing the Citizen Access Portal: https://aca-prod.accela.com/BOCC/Default.aspx?culture=en-US

If you have any further questions or need assistance, you are encouraged to submit a support case through the official support portal. Please visit: https://success.accela.com/s/article/Support-Portal-Success-A-best-practice-guide-to-partnering-with-Accela-Support

For additional information, call 941-743-1201. We appreciate your attention to this matter and your ongoing cooperation in maintaining the security of our community.

ATTENTION CHARLOTTE COUNTY VOTERS!

It’s time to move our focus to the August 20th Primary Election! 

Be voter-ready! Review your registration here: https://bit.ly/3uVSFKy 

If you need to change your party affiliation or update your name or address, please visit one of our three offices before the deadline of July 22nd.  

Early Voting for the Primary Election will take place August 5th – 18th. All locations are found here: https://bit.ly/3Vdm1yB 

If you need to request a Vote-By-Mail ballot, all requests must be made before the deadline of August 8th

You may update your VBM by calling our office or going online: https://bit.ly/47FhzMr 

 If you have any questions about the 2024 elections, refer to our website or

feel free to contact our office. You can call 941-833-5400 or email us at soe@soecharlottecountyfl.gov.

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

Charlotte HOME Review Committee Meeting July 10

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (July 3, 2024) — The Charlotte HOME Review Committee has scheduled a special meeting at 8:30 a.m., July 10, 2024 at the Family Services Center, 21500 Gibralter Drive, Port Charlotte to review and score applications received for affordable housing incentives and/or funding.

The public is invited to attend and provide input on agenda items. For information, contact the Housing division at 941-833-6500.

Newsletters

Animal Welfare League – May Newsletter

BIZ KIDZ – Newsletter

C.A.R.E. – June Newsletter

Boys & Girls Club – July Newsletter

Copperfish Books – July Newsletter

Edison and Ford Winter Estates – June Newsletter

Downtown Punta Gorda Farmer’s Market – Newsletter

Homeless Coalition – May Newsletter

Gold Entertainment – June Newsletter

Lee Health – May Newsletter

Loveland Center – May Newsletter

Military Heritage Museum – May Newsletter

Monarch Direct – June Newsletter

Music Moves the Soul – July Newsletter

Nix Team – May Newsletter

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens –July Newsletter

Pomegranate & Fig Boutique – June Newsletter

Punta Gorda Airport – PGD Buzz

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau – June Newsletter

Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society – June Newsletter

Punta Gorda Rotary Club – Spring Bulletin!

Sandstar Insider – June Newsletter

Sea Grape Gallery – June Newsletter

ShorePoint Health – June Newsletter

Suncoast Humane Society – June Newsletter

Time Realty – April Newsletter

U.S. Chamber – June Newsletter

United Way – July Newsletter

Vision Quest Leadership LLC – June Newsletter

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