Friday Facts!

Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce Inc Logo

Friday March 1, 2024

Chamber President John Wright’s Newspaper Column From Feb. 27

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

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 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

**Please remember to RSVP directly to events by emailing reception@puntagorda-chamber.com, by calling us at 941-639-3720 or by paying for lunch online. We LOVE to see you but we appreciate knowing you’re coming to provide our host with an accurate count to better accommodate us. Thank you for your assistance!

Members can send their Friday Facts to 

vjohnson@puntagorda-chamber.com

Member Networking Events

Ribbon Cuttings

Sponsorships Available!

Tickets are still available for purchase online or by calling the Chamber office (941.639.3720) until Friday March 8, 2024. Buy now while tickets are still available!

CHAMBER MEMBER REMINDER!

The PG Beat is now digital! We shall be providing the PG Beat E-Newsletter monthly. Instead of just going out to members, any community members who requested to receive our correspondence will now also receive this. If you are a Punta Gorda Chamber member and would like to advertise in the PG Beat, please submit your ad by February 5th. 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!

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

ATTENTION CHARLOTTE COUNTY RESIDENTS!

The next election up will be the Presidential Preference Primary (PPP), set for March 19, 2024.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

The last date to register to vote for the PPP is 29 days prior and is set for February 20, 2024.

PPP early voting will take place March 4-17, 2024.

If you wish to Vote-By-Mail (VBM) for the PPP and you have not yet renewed your VBM ballot choice,

you have until 12 DAYS before the election. March 7th at 5 PM is the deadline!

If you have any questions about the election or the 2024 Presidential elections,

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

Please note our office will be closed 11/22-11/24 in observance of Thanksgiving.  

IT'S HERE!

This workshop is FREE and also, there will be NOTHING TO BUY! Participants can leave their wallets at home! This is one of several opportunities for Chamber members to learn and benefit with knowledge from other Chamber members!

St Vincent de Paul

Homeless Coalition

Punta Gorda Rotary Club

Habitat for Humanity

*If you are a Chamber Member and would like to list your Organization here for the Giving Challenge, please send in for Friday Facts.

$52 PER PERSON-KIDS UNDER 12…. $27

SHERATON TIKI GARDEN HUT- BRUNCH BUFFET MENU-ONE FREE BLOODY MARY OR MIMOSA PER ADULT TICKET-JAZZ FOR LISTENING-CASH BAR

Partners in Action News

Four Points By Sheraton (Platinum)

Our Florida temperatures are back! It is going to be a beautiful weekend on the harbor, so come out and enjoy a refreshing beverage and great food at the Tiki Bar. On Friday, we have The Kollections followed by Relentless Fire on Saturday. The Tiki Bar is featuring different specials every week, so make sure to take advantage of our chef’s creativity. 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. 

The Harborside Garden is now open for private events. We are 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. Music Calendar

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

Happy FriYAY! The 7-day rolling stats for Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte & North Port

show 222 new listings, 193 new contracts, 147 new closings (it’s the end of the month),

472 price reductions. The February numbers will be out in a couple of weeks. 

It’s a buyer’s market, reach out for a buyer’s representative to assist you in your search! 

Downtown Farmers Market (Gold)

Open 8 am to 1 pm Saturdays..

The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty (Gold)

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 South West Florida. Serving South West 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.

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.

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.

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

Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine (Silver)

PRE-ORDERS HAVE STARTED!! Give us a call today to order your Haley Handcrafted Chocolate SOLID Easter Bunnies (White, Milk, or Dark Chocolate) AND our COCONUT CREME Eggs and PEANUT BUTTER EGGS! These fly off the shelves so pre-order NOW to save yourself the time and craft the PERFECT Easter gift for those loved ones! 

Punta Gorda Coffee & Tea (Silver)

INTRODUCING our Frappe of the Month….back by popular demand…. Nutty Irishwomen! This Nutty Amaretto Caramel Sauce is handcrafted by our talented Chocolatiers. This is ONLY available until the end of the month, while supplies last.  

Connect Print & Promotions, LLC (Silver)

February is the time for Love 🏹 Networking, and our 7th Annual Business Over Breakfast (Valentine’s Day at the Tamiami Tavern) … our way of saying, THANK YOU, Punta Gorda!

commercial printing ✅ 

logo/graphic design ✅ 

next-level promotional swag ✅ 

branded apparel ✅ 

signs & graphics ✅ 

YOU are the brand | We are the STANDARD

Charlotte Players (Bronze)

February Press Release

Calendar of Events

Charlotte Players- A Musical Journey to Ireland – Cahal Dunne March 3rd. International singer, composer, pianist, comedian and storyteller, Cahal Dunne will perform your favorite Irish melodies at this afternoon celebration. You and all of your loved ones will savor the songs and spirits and love of his magical homeland. For tickets and more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

Cahill Dunne Press Release

Silver Stallion Press Release

Gulfshore Opera (Bronze)

PicklePlex of Punta Gorda (Bronze)

The upcoming PicklePlex Annual Challenge tournament invites local merchant businesses to get involved in the fastest growing sport around Punta Gorda on March 15 – 17. Become a Gold ($250) or Silver ($100) sponsor and receive a host of benefits as well as name recognition with players and attendees. Contact Scott.Garber@pickleplex.org.

ARCHway Institute (Support

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

Join us on Sunday, March 3rd as C.A.R.E. Auxiliary hosts their annual Dart Tournament at the Ice House Pub. Registration is $25.00 per player, tournament begins at 3:00pm. Sign-ups by emailing careauxiliary@gmail.com or in person day of event. Eat, Sleep, and play darts with C.A.R.E. Auxiliary!

Paula Hess Scholarship Luncheon March 19th

Darts Tournament

Frank Desquin Family (Support)

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support)

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens presents Glass in The Gardens exhibit – Curating a kaleidoscope of color throughout The Gardens with handblown glass creations (November 18th, 2023- April 18th, 2024). Immersing visitors in the international art of Duncan McClellan, Marlene Rose, Susan Gotts, Catherine Woods, and Sabra Richards fused with local creations by Janie Duke and Kathy Fitzgerald. 5827 Riverside Dr. Punta Gorda, FL 33982 | 941.621.8299 | PEACERIVERGARDENS.ORG 

Car & Art Show has been postponed until Feb 18!

DIS Tech Services (Support)

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.

Valerie's House (Support)

Punta Gorda History Center (Support)

HISTORY Talk for Women’s History Month

“The Women Who Helped Make Punta Gorda”. Stories of the early pioneer women into the 20th century and beyond ~ the civic leaders, first council women, and others who contributed to the beauty and growth of the community.  At the Punta Gorda History Center, 512 E Grace, Punta Gorda. No registration required. Parking is on the E Ann St side of building. FREE 941-916-8800  

Member Information

TEAM PUNTA GORDA – Golf Scramble

Gianna’s Salon & Spa – At Gianna’s Salon & Spa taking care of your feet is a priority for us. According to leading Podiatrists there are several health issues with feet which regular pedicures may help with avoiding. Fungal infection, for instance, can cause your toenails to become discolored or even fall off. Ingrown toenails can lead to bacterial infection or painful open lesions. Athlete’s foot can lead to itching, blisters, and pain. Please consider scheduling a pedicure appointment with us to care for your feet. Our professional, talented staff look forward to working with you in keeping your feet healthy and looking their best. We also offer a deluxe pedicure. We are located at 4300 Kings Highway, Suite 204, Port Charlotte, Florida within the School House Plaza. (Telephone 941-624-6575) You can also visit us on Facebook at Gianna’s Salon & Spa.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates – Watermelon Sculpting Class Learn about Palms

Member Magazine

Gold Entertainment –

Get ready to PARTY with us this weekend in Laishley Park! There are still great tickets available to HERE COME THE MUMMIES with Chicago Blues Man Frank Bang (former guitarist for Buddy Guy)! Bring your friends and enjoy a night under the stars with the most fun band in the country!

 

Also coming to Laishley Park in Punta Gorda:

March 7: Downtown Hoedown with Little Texas & The Kentucky Headhunters

 

INFO & Tickets for all shows: https://GoldEntertainment.US , PuntaGordaConcerts.com or by phone 800-514-3849

Interested in advertising on the big screen at one of our events? Drop us a line: info@goldentertainment.us

Need a star for your event? Gold Entertainment can secure the best act for you through our Talent Buying division: info@goldentertainment.us 

Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.

The Yoga Sanctuary – 

Strength Training & Yoga: A 3-Week Series 

Tuesdays, March 5 – 19 1pm $75  

Join us for a fun and transformative journey where yoga meets strength training. Discover the fusion of yoga poses with weights, resistance bands, or your own body weight to enhance strength and flexibility. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the synergy of strength and mindfulness. Elevate your yoga practice and discover the empowering connection between mind, body, and weights! Participants should be able to comfortably move up and down from the ground. 

 

Divine Feminine Dance: Own Your Own Glow! 

Sunday, March 10th  1pm $40 

Join us in welcoming back Jennifer Loftus to The Yoga Sanctuary and experience the joy of the Divine Feminine Dance! Come together with women in our community as we move our bodies to a variety of music in conscious guided movement. Designed to clear and revive your energy, these movements will help to open space for more joy, freedom, and power in your body. No experience is necessary, and the movements are designed for all levels.

 

Yoga in the Peace River Botanical Gardens  

March 3rd 11:30am Suggested donation $20

This class is open to all levels and is donation-based. We will guide you through postures at a comfortable and accessible pace, all while immersing ourselves in the beauty of the Gardens. You can find us on the north side of the Gardens, near the Steel Palms statue. Join us for this rejuvenating outdoor yoga experience amidst the stunning backdrop of the Gardens! 

Charlotte-Desoto Building Industry Association – Slate of Officers

Pretty As A Pearl Boutique – Cute, comfy, affordable clothing & accessories for today’s woman. Sized small thru 2x. Located at 308 Sullivan St, Punta Gorda.

United Way – Free Tax Preparation Assistance!

2024 – 2026 Grant Cycle

Punta Gorda Airport – TSA PreCheck Mobile Enrollment Returns

TEAM Punta Gorda – Team Mixer Feb 28 @ Icehouse

Pedal & Play in Paradise

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

We are excited to share with you the specials for Friday’s Fine Dining experience.

This Week’s Specials are:

Fresh Catch of the Day $28

Bronzed Cobia with Fruit Salsa,

Served with red smashed potatoes, White Asparagus, and Heirloom Carrots

Filet Mignon $36

7 Oz. Black Angus Tenderloin finished with Demi and Garlic Compound Butter

Call (941) 629-5131 and make your reservation… We look forward to seeing you there!

Southwest Florida Honor Flights – meeting info & updates

Sea Grape – Press Release-Jim Beech Boulder-Brook

Press Release – Jan Pronko-Bikini-Bird

Press Release – Bonnie Benande

Press Release – Gary Skelly

Sea Grape Gallery Announces 2024 Annual Spring Courtyard Event

Sea Grape Gallery’s annual Spring Courtyard Sale will take place on March 8th and 9th from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The public is invited to come and reunite with the artists while taking advantage of quality art at greatly reduced prices. Paintings in a variety of styles, sizes and subjects will be available, as well as giclee prints, photography, glass art, fiber art, ceramics, jewelry and more. The best selection will be available on March 8th and 9th, but the sale will continue indoors on a limited basis through March 30th.

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 been putting off preparing a Last Will and Testament until next year? Well, your next year is here! It is so important to have the right documents in place BEFORE a medical emergency happens. 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 your options to be prepared for when “life happens.”

Charlotte County Concert Band – Press Release

United Way – Beaujolais Tickets for March 1st!

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau -The Charlotte County Tourist Development Council is accepting applications for the 2024 Event Development Program (EDP). The EDP provides reimbursable funding to assist in the development of new events, occurring in low or shoulder seasons which promote Charlotte County as a tourist destination. The application is available online here. Applications are due no later than February 22 by emailing Ms. Brynja Phipps at Brynja.Phipps@PureFlorida.com.

Certified Roofing Solutions LLC- Certified Roofing Solutions, a distinguished roofing contractor in Punta Gorda, FL, excels in high-quality residential and commercial roofing services. We prioritize customer satisfaction and craftsmanship, offering free, no-obligation estimates to all clients. 

Our reputation is solidified by our prestigious designation as a GAF Master Elite Contractor, a title held by less than 2% of roofing contractors across the United States. Opting for a Master Elite contractor entitles homeowners to the GAF Golden Pledge Plus Warranty. This warranty offers unparalleled coverage, including a 50-year material warranty and a 25-year workmanship warranty, with the additional benefit of a 40-point factory inspection of the completed roof. 

We provide a robust 10-year workmanship warranty on all new roofs, alongside the manufacturers’ warranty, showcasing our confidence in our work’s quality. Choose Certified Roofing Solutions for dependable, top-tier roofing services backed by industry-leading credentials.

The Shipping Post – Underwear Drive Press Release

FGCU Academy – January- May Program Registration available Sign-up

Punta Gorda Rotary Club – The 16th Annual Taste of Punta Gorda- Don’t miss the Taste of Punta Gorda, 11 AM – 5 PM, Sunday, March 3, at Laishley Park. Hosted by the Punta Gorda Rotary Club and Publix Supermarkets, the Taste features restaurants and food trucks, seventy arts, crafts, and other vendors, a Kids’ Fun Zone, and music by the Marker 5 Band, Deb & the Dynamics, and BoogieMen! Tickets at https://tasteofpuntagorda.org and the gate. Proceeds benefit the Punta Gorda Rotary Charity and Education Foundation.

Boys & Girls Club – Farm to Table Event on April 6thclick here to purchase tickets!

St. Vincent de Paul – Walk for the Poor: March 16th @ 9am

The 2024 Giving Challenge is presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation. The 2024 Giving Challenge will be happening from NOON to NOON on April 9-10. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart Conference is participating in the 24 hour online giving event. Individual donations from $25 to $100 dollars with be matched 100%!!

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart Conference was one of the few agencies in Charlotte County that remained open during the COVID 19 pandemic and both Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Idalia.

Help us Help Others. Go to www.givingchallenge.org and enter Society of St Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart Conference in the Participating Organizations or visit our website at www.svdppg.org.

CST Group Inc – Press Release Feb

Symphonic Winds of Charotte County – Event on March 8th

Hiram Grille @ 115 – We are now open! Come enjoy a home cooked breakfast or lunch. We are located in the Punta Gorda Masonic Lodge. 25349 Airport Road. Corner of Airport and Taylor Road.

Enjoy your meal while enjoying pictures of old Punta Gorda as well as artifacts and pictures from this lodge’s 134 years of serving the Punta Gorda/Charlotte County Area.

www.hiramsgrille.com

Precise Financial Solutions – At Precise Financial Solutions, we redefine financial planning with personalized strategies for each client. Thriving as female leaders in a predominantly male industry, we embrace diversity as our strength, infusing innovation and empathy into our service.

Our services are all year-round, and we invite you to register for our upcoming seminars;

Optimizing Social Security

📍Centennial Park Rec Center
 

1120 Centennial Blvd
 

Port Charlotte, FL 33953

Dates: March 5th and 6th, 6:30 pm

5 Cornerstones of Financial Planning

📍Suncoast Technical College 

4445 Career Lane

North Port, FL 34289

Dates: March 19th and 20th, 6:30 pm

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

Port Charlotte Florist – Women’s Day March 8th, St. Patrick’s Day March 17th, Easter March 31st. Save $5 with code LEAPING.

Biz Kidz – Biz Kidz Market March 2nd

Top Golf – $15 Unlimited Play

Peace River Wildlife – Peace River Wildlife Center would like to invite you to join them at their final Sunset Celebration of the season on Friday, March 8th from 4:30-6:30pm. Join us at PRWC for a relaxing evening while experiencing the sunset over Charlotte Harbor. Meet our resident wildlife and ambassadors up close, board members and staff while enjoying light refreshments. PRWC, 3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, Punta Gorda, 941.637.3830, www.prwildlife.org.

Punta Gorda Historical Society – Music at the Park March 13 – John Frinzi, March 27 – Joe Guerzo

Punta Gorda Mural Society – Guided Walking Tours Feb 6-March 28

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

CHARLOTTE COUNTY SHERIFF

D.I.S. Tech Services inc.

IT Support Technician (Part-Time)

Hiring a part time I.T. Technician. 401k and paid sick leave.

If interested, contact Josh at 941-867-9772 or email jmontgomery@distechusa.com

Pomegranate & Fig Now Hiring!

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.

COMMUNITY NEWS

ATTENTION CHARLOTTE COUNTY RESIDENTS!

The Presidential Preference Primary (PPP) is set for March 19, 2024. 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

PPP early voting will take place March 4-17, 2024.

Renewals or requests for Vote-By-Mail (VBM) ballots for the PPP must be completed by March 7th at 5 PM!

Click here to renew yours today!

If you have any questions about the election or the 2024 Presidential elections,

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

Florida Planning & Zoning Charlotte County has been chosen to host the annual FL Planning & Zoning Association (FPZA) @ SunSeekers Resort!

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

Donation to Charlotte County Imagination Library 

Charlotte County Imagination Library, an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and a program of Gilstad Literacy Foundation, Inc., received a donation from Smuggler’s Enterprises, Inc. Foundation to support the program which mails a free book to enrolled children every month from birth until age 5.  

 

The generous donation of $5,200.00 was presented by Ms. Kelly Evans, Vice President Smuggler’s Enterprises and Director of Smuggler’s Foundation to Dr. Christine Zimmer, Executive Director of Gilstad Literacy Foundation, Inc. This donation will cover the cost of sending each of the 2,468 enrolled children their next free book. The Foundation is also the Book Label Sponsor for March and April.  Press Release

 

To learn more about the Imagination Library program, or to enroll a preschool age child or make a donation, please visit www.charlottecountyimaginationlibrary.org or  

www.imaginationlibrary.com  

NEW Career-Readiness Programs for Lee county Residents at FGCU!

Punta Gorda Elkettes 2606

Silent Auction & Luncheon Sat, March 9 11-3pm

Newsletters

ARCHway Newsletter – February Newsletter

BIZ KIDZ – Newsletter

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

Charlotte County Sheriff – February Newsletter

Copperfish Books – February Newsletter

Edison and Ford Winter Estates – February Newsletter

Downtown Punta Gorda Farmer’s Market – Newsletter

Gulfshore Opera – March Newsletter

Loveland Center – Newsletter

Military Heritage Museum – February Newsletter

Monarch Direct – February Newsletter

The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty –

March Newsletter

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – February Newsletter

Punta Gorda Airport – PGD Buzz

Port Charlotte Florist – Newsletter

Sandstar Insider – February Newsletter

Sea Grape Gallery – March Newsletter

Suncoast Humane Society – What’s Happening

Valerie’s House – Newsletter

Topgolf – February Newsletter

Gold Entertainment – February Newsletter

Time Realty – February Newsletter

Punta Gorda Historical Society – February Newsletter

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Jan/Feb Newsletter

Crop Image

New Executive Director Position

We are excited to announce our search for a new Executive Director of Punta Gorda Chamber!