Your Chamber's Got Talent
August 17th, 7pm
Chamber Members: SHOW US YOUR UNIQUE TALENT!
Whitney Grace, last year’s winner, will open the show, but won’t be a contestant.
Join us for a fun evening of entertainment from 10 local acts sharing their talent with the community: singing, stand-up comedy, dancing, poetry reading, etc.
There is no charge to enter!
sponsored needed
We’re looking for 2 more sponsors at $300 each.
SIGN UP TODAY!
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 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)
Keep the 4th of July celebrations going this weekend at The Tiki Bar! On Friday night, we have the Nightbreakers kicking off the fun at 6:00 pm. On Saturday, we have Smudgekitten taking the stage at 6:00 pm. Both bands are very popular, so get here early to get a good seat and enjoy some dinner before the show. 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)
I hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend and celebrated our country’s birthday 🎉. The 7-day rolling stat for Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and North Port shows 156 new listings, 150 new contracts, and 171 new closings. This is super tight, only adding 6 properties to the market. As long as this continues it will continue to be a seller’s market. At the end of May, we had 4.3 months of inventory in the entire county. 6 months is considered a balanced market. The June numbers will be out at the end of next week. Watch for my updates, or sign up for my newsletter at https://bit.ly/2IQgZW4 Della Booth, Broker. If you are thinking of selling, let’s talk!
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 Independence Day Celebration, Tuesday, July 4, 12 noon-9 pm! Live music, family friendly vendors and viewing of Fireworks Display at 9 pm from west side of property (Dry Beach). Freedom Swim begins at 2:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.fishermensvillage.com. Come celebrate with us!
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea (Silver)
Introducing our NEW Blackberry Mocha Chip Frappe! Our Chocolatiers really went all out with this one! Handcrafted with fresh blueberries blended into our Mocha Sauce and then to top things off we add our very own HHC Chocolate Chips to the frappe to give that extra crunch! Come try it before the end of the month!
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine (Silver)
Have you ever visited our Website? Our Website has a variety of items that we can ship, or pick up; making it easy for you to give a birthday, anniversary, or we love you gift! Log on today and browse our chocolates, ship some gifts, or learn about who we are! http://www.pgchocolateandwine.com
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)
Bowling with C.A.R.E. is coming up August 5th at Treasure Lanes. Join us for a “striking” good time and support a great cause! We also have the Be Our Guest Raffle and annual Golf Scramble on September 23rd at Riverwood Golf Club. (941)-639-5499 for information.
Frank Desguin Family (Support)
Did you know that for about 15 years early in the 20th century, the Punta Gorda area was a principal supplier of the nation’s pineapples?
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.
Valerie's House - Charlotte County (Support)
SAVE THE DATE!! Valerie’s House will be participating in “Pizza for a Cause” Tuesday, July 11th (11am-10pm) at Bocca Lupo. Proceeds from all 3 locations will be going to Valerie’s House Charlotte County (dine-in or take-out). Locations: Port Charlotte: 1900 Tamiami Trail, 33948 North Port: 4301 Aidan Lane, 34297 West Villages (Venice): 12105 Mercado Drive, 34293) Valerie’s House is a nonprofit organization that helps children and families who have lost a loved one. To learn more about our program, please visit Valerie’s House (valerieshouse.org).
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
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.
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.
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 📞
www.Instagram.com/connectprintpromotions
… it’s ALWAYS about the 👊🏻 people!
#connect 💚🖨💚 #fortheloveofprinting
Punta Gorda Elks – Sunday, July 9, 7:00 pm, Straight from the Local Comedy Theatre. Comedian Mutzie! Under the Tent. VIP Tickets $30 Cash Bar, Food available for purchase. Click here for more details.
Archway Institute – Helicopter 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 – I’m looking for a few people who can refer local businesses to me that qualify for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC Refund). I pay Referral Fees based upon the number of W-2 employees the business retained during the pandemic. Click here for more information.
ARCHway Institute – Mark your calendars! ARCHway’s discovery dinner is October 20, 2023
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
RIBBON CUTTINGS
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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
United Way of Charlotte County
Resource Development Director
We work with a great team, and serve an incredible community. All we need is someone to help us obtain the resources to continue making an impact! Click here for more information:
https://www.unitedwayccfl.org/…/now-hiring-resource
Coastal Expressions Wine Bar
Kitchen Help
Are you looking for a part-time position with a limited menu for easy prepping and execution? Flexible shifts? Excellent opportunity to learn culinary skills. Week days and/or evenings plus Saturdays. Occasional special events. 12-20 hours/week. $12/hour plus tips. Please send resume to loris@coastal-expressions.com or call 941.214.8599.
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.
FutureMaker's Coalition 2023 Workforce Employer Survey
The FutureMaker’s annual Workforce Employer Survey is now available. As in past years, the Survey helps FutureMaker Coalition and its network of SWFL partners to better understand the issues our businesses and organizations have in recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified employees. Collecting data on an annual basis helps to track changes over time (especially as they relate to external forces like COVID-19 and Hurricane Ian) and to identify trends that may be the foundation for future efforts. Please find below a link to the Workforce Employer Survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BTMCPKV
Charlotte County Residents Urged to Attend Meeting with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to Discuss Hurricane Ian Recovery and Community Needs
Charlotte County residents are urged to participate in a crucial meeting hosted by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to voice their needs and aspirations for the post-hurricane recovery efforts.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced it will host a series of public workshops to hear directly from Floridians about their unmet disaster recovery needs following Hurricane Ian, providing an overview of the CDBG-DR program and upcoming State of Florida Action Plan that will detail how this funding will address unmet recovery and mitigation needs, and offering impacted Floridians an opportunity to provide their input.
During the meeting, participants will have the chance to express their concerns, share personal experiences, and propose innovative ideas to enhance the effectiveness of the ongoing recovery efforts. The input received from community members will directly inform decision-making processes and help allocate resources to areas most in need.
All concerned citizens, homeowners, business owners, community organizations, and individuals passionate about the future of our community are strongly urged to attend the DEO meeting. Together, we can ensure that no voice is left unheard and that our collective vision for a resilient and thriving community is realized.
Event details: Date: July 12, 2023, Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm Location: Charlotte Harbor and Conference Center. For more information, please contact: Department Of Economic Opportunity Email: CDBG-DR@DEO.MyFlorida.com
4th OF JULY KIDS CELEBRATION!
History Park Sunday Market
July 2 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Hosted by the Sunday Market Vendors
Face Painting, Popcorn, Games, Arts, Crafts, Music and Food!
32nd ANNUAL FREEDOM SWIM!
This year’s Freedom Swim will start at 2:30pm on Tuesday, July 2, 2023, Discussion with swimmers before the start with occur at 2:20pm. There will be no Troll Service. As always, this is intended to be a happening rather than a race. For the route and more information, click HERE.
THE BOO BALL FAMILY REUNION
October 21, 2023 – benefitting The Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte County & Crossroads Hope Academy.
Click HERE for more information.
Kudos!
Charlotte County is the overall winner in the recent annual Florida Economic Development Council Awards, taking home the Melissa Medley Creativity Award for the county’s team response to Hurricane Ian. This recognition, known as a “best in show” award, represents achievement across the state’s economic development cities and counties.
“To be judged by our peers in economic development and come away with this award is a tremendous recognition of the job countywide that was done on behalf of all our businesses in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. It is an honor that reflects well on every department that helped make Charlotte County’s recovery efforts as quickly and efficiently as possible,” stated Kay Tracy, Business Recruitment Manager of Charlotte County’s Economic Development team.
On top of the grand prize, Charlotte County also won two additional trophies. Click here for more!
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 Society – June Newsletter
Suncoast Humane Society – Humane Connection Newsletter
TIME Realty Services Inc. – Newsletter
Valerie’s House – Newsletter
Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic – Quarterly Newsletter
The Yoga Sanctuary – July Newsletter