Friday May 24, 2024
JUMP TO WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR!
PG Chamber Radio Show Exclusively
For PG Chamber Members:
BOOKING FOR JUNE!
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 John Wright. 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 May 16
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!
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December PG Beat Ad
$50.00 – $75.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
FEATURED EVENTS
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December Email Blast
$100.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Partners in Action News
Gettel (Platinum)
Four Points By Sheraton (Platinum)
Come beat the heat at the Tiki Bar with a refreshing Margarita or a frozen cocktail. Join us on Friday for Tropical Avenue starting at 6:00 PM. On Saturday, we have Dirty Little Secrets playing at 6:00 PM. Please click to see when all of your favorite bands are playing this month. 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.
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. 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)
It’s Friday! 
The April numbers are in Charlotte County: 653 sales, up 11%. $345K median price, down 1%. 47% cash, 36% conventional. 21% sold 0-10 days on market, 20% sold 121 days or more. 7.8 mo inventory, 47 DOM.
33950: 92 sales, down 10%. $432K median price down 2%. 67%cash, 27% conventional. 24% sold 121 days or more on market, 27% sold 31-60, 13% sold 0-10 days. 9.2 mo inventory, 54 DOM. 33983: 57 sales, up 50%.$300K median price, down 21%. 40%cash, 37%conventional. 26% sold 61-90 days on market, 21% 121 days or more, 16% 0-10, 16% 31-60. 5.5mo inventory, 65 DOM.
The market can be confusing, let’s talk and understand what it means for you and your property. I am here to assist 239-699-4493
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold)
Open 8 am to 1pm Saturdays. May NEWS!
The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty (Gold)
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,
Wyvern Hotel (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 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.
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.
Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine (Silver)
Thank you so EVERYONE that came out and donated/participated in the Punta Gorda Downtown Experience. We can’t wait for next month!! Keep an eye out for future sales, events, and specials!
Both our shops will be Closed for Memorial Day, we will re-open May 28th.
Punta Gorda Coffee & Tea (Silver)
Thank you so EVERYONE that came out and donated/participated in the Punta Gorda Downtown Experience. We can’t wait for next month!! Keep an eye out for future sales, events, and specials!
Both our shops will be Closed for Memorial Day, we will re-open May 28th.
Connect Print & Promotions, LLC (Silver)
Your print marketing & branding will be in FULL bloom when you hashtag #connect, Punta Gorda!
commercial printing 
logo/graphic design
next-level promo/swag
branded apparel
signs & graphics
(888) 978-3437
Instagram.com/
YOU are the brand | We are the STANDARD
HCA Florida Fawcett (Silver)
Military Heritage Museum (Silver in Kind)
Charlotte Players (Bronze)
Charlotte Players- Kids Onstage Summer Workshop. June 3-7 & 10-14. Performances on June 14th at 7p and 15th at 2p. Students will have hands-on experiences in all facets of theatrical production. This includes backstage, scenic design, props, costumes, music, and sound as well as performing on stage. Children entering 1st grade all the way thru students entering 12th grade can attend. Located at Charlotte Performing Arts Center 701 Carmalita St in Punta Gorda. For more information download the form here https://www.charlotteplayers.
Chapman Insurance (Bronze)
Gulfshore Opera (Bronze)
Calenda Real Estate Group (Bronze)
ARCHway Institute (Support)
C.A.R.E. of Charlotte County (Support)
Experience “Cooking with C.A.R.E.” on June 17, 5:30pm, at UnWINEd. Indulge in a Mediterranean feast by Chef Luis Contreras, inspired by Italian, Greek, and Spanish cuisines. Each course paired with fine wines, guided by a sommelier. Reserve seats for $90, VIP packages $250. Limited availability—secure your spot now! 941-639-5499. Cooking with Care
Visual Arts Center (Support)
“Planet Earth” by Birgit Tode Exhibit & Sale April 27- May 9 –
Birgit Tode, a free spirit artist originally from Germany, has found her passion in creating resin artwork on various bases like glass, wood, plexiglass, and more. Her pieces incorporate textures, structures, and unique elements such as natural fibers, feathers, and sea glass. Currently teaching resin classes at the Visual Art Center of Punta Gorda, she is very excited to have her first one-woman show.
May 7-24 – “Team Pallet” Exhibit & Sale – This exhibition will feature a diverse array of talent including stunning jewelry pieces, captivating paintings, intricate resin art, exquisite pottery, and much more. Our instructors will be showcasing their work, giving you a unique insight into their creative minds.
May 7-24 – “Kate’s Kollection” by Kate Przepadlo Exhibit & Sale – Kate Przepadlo is a lifelong painter and member of the Visual Arts Center. In this one-woman show she displays a variety of her work.
May 13 – 24 – “Awakenings” by the Florida Studio Art Quilt Association (SAQA) Exhibit & Sale – SAQA is committed to championing the art quilt and the talented individuals behind them.
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!!!
Punta Gorda History Center (Support)
HISTORY with a Local ~ Early History of Fisherman’s Village
Bob Carpenter, the first general manager of Fisherman’s Village, will share how a dilapidated fish dock was turned into a major tourist attraction at the Punta Gorda History Center, 512 E Grace, Punta Gorda. Parking is on the E Ann St side of the building. Registration is not required. FREE 941-916-8800
Valerie's House (Support)
Help Bring Comfort to Grieving Children 
We’re collecting new or gently used stuffed animals to support children who are going through tough times. Your donation can bring a smile and a sense of comfort to a child in need.
How You Can Help:
Donate: Bring your new or gently used stuffed animals to Valerie’s House 233 E. McKenzie Street Punta Gorda.
Spread the Word: Share this post with friends and family to amplify our efforts.
Support: Consider writing a heartfelt note to accompany your donation.
Every little act of kindness makes a big difference. Let’s come together to show these children they are loved and supported. Thank you for your generosity! 
#DonateStuffedAnimals #SupportGrievingChildren #CommunityLove #SpreadKindness
For more information, contact us at 941-769-4915 or amy.huddleston@valerieshouse.
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Supporting Members
Bristol Private Wealth Management of Raymond James
Frank Desguin Family
Kingdom Center for H.O.P.E.
MD Pressure Cleaning and Softwash
Nutegra Mental Health & Nutrition Therapy
Member Information
| Persnickety – The Boozy Luau Boutique Crawl – May 31st
Homeless Coalition – Talk Derby to Me! May 4th
Charlotte High School –
Robotics Team Challenge
Copperfish Books – Great upcoming books from Copperfish!
The Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach VCB -They are hosting their Annual Tourism Celebration and Breakfast is on May 10. Don’t miss out on this fun morning filled with networking and good food in celebration of tourism. We’ll be presenting the annual tourism awards and scholarships to the future hospitality leaders in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach.
Lee Health – Golisano Children’s Hospital – Radithon Cares for Kids!
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.
Charlotte County Sheriff – Public Safety Appreciation Night: looking for sponsors
FantaSea Fishing May 4: Prize $1500!
Charlotte County Homeless Coalition – Talk Derby to me-May 4th
Edison and Ford Winter Estates – Member Magazine
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. Located at 308 Sullivan St, Punta Gorda.
Boozy Luau Boutique Crawl – May 31st!
Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club – 2024 Menu Now Open every Sunday for brunch! See Brunch Menu
Romeos Luncheon & Ladies Bridge Every Tuesday @ 11am! Sea Grape – Press Release 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 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.” Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau – Pure Florida Insider FGCU Academy – January- May Program Registration available Sign-up 30+Free Career-accelerator Progams for SWFL Residents CST Group Inc – Lisa Brown, CEO and Founder of CST Group, Inc. and Punta Gorda Chamber Member has launched her new book on Amazon. The book is titled, From Exposed To Secure: The Cost Of Cybersecurity And Compliance Inaction And The Best Way To Keep Your Company Safe. It describes how businesses can protect their revenue and their reputation with the ultimate cybersecurity defense and compliance strategy. To learn more and receive reminder emails visit https://www.cstsupport.com/Click here to get your copy 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.Hiram’s Grille at 115 | Restaurant in Punta Gorda, FL (hiramsgrille.com) The Yoga Sanctuary – Keeping Your Balance: Yoga Practices to . Precise Financial Solutions – At Precise Financial Solutions, we don’t just redefine financial planning – we rewrite the rulebook! As trailblazing female leaders in a traditionally male-dominated industry, we thrive on diversity, infusing our innovative and empathetic approach into every client interaction. Stay up-to-date with our upcoming seminars by keeping in touch with us on all our social media platforms via; Instagram: @precisefsolutions Facebook: Precise Financial Solutions YouTube: Precise Financial Solutions See you on there!Pomegranate & Fig – Small Business Week! The Boozy Luau Boutique Crawl – May 31st! Copperfish Books – Updates & Events for May! Port Charlotte Florist- May Flowers Special! TopGolf Leagues – Every Monday night this Spring! Plan a Party! Cloudy with a chance of play! Spring Leagues start April 29 – $50 off Spring50 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 St. Vincent de Paul – VINCENTIANS!!!! Postal Food Drive Help Needed The postal food drive is scheduled for May 11th. We need many volunteers to help out on this date. We plan to have three shifts so no one has a 14 hour day. They are: 9:00 AM to Noon (only need four volunteers) Noon to 3:30 PM (All the volunteers that respond) 3:30 to 6:30 PM (All the volunteers that respond) 6:30 to 8:00 PM (Clean up and food pantry setup) We also will need help on Friday, May 10th setting up the food pantry area for sorting on Saturday. The jobs will include: Donation Sorters Ensuring food and water is available for everyone Stacking milk crates on pallets Clean up Set up shelving in the food pantry area There is a signup sheet on the refrigerator in the food pantry. Please sign up there or email me at gcmoerke@gmail.com to volunteer to help that day. I will answer any questions you have about helping that day. Please help out on this busiest day of the year. Drug-Free Punta Gorda – Prevention Awards Breakfast- May 10 City of Punta Gorda Police Dept – Do the Right Thing Awards Buffalo Graffix – We have moved! Roger B Eaton – Clerks Updates Charlotte Technical College – Students Shine at SkillsUSA State Conference, Gold medalists Set Sights on Nationals! |
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
CHARLOTTE COUNTY SHERIFF
Pomegranate & Fig Now Hiring!
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@
Press Release – Rotarians donate to Charlotte County Imagination Library!
Waste Management
- CDL Truck Driver – WM Career Day – WM Careers (oraclecloud.com) 2315320
Port Charlotte, FL - CDL-Driver Apprentice – WM Career Day – WM Careers (oraclecloud.com) 2315457
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Bradenton, FL - Diesel Mechanic 5,000 New Hire Bonus – WM Career Day – WM Careers (oraclecloud.com) 2312876
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Exercise Caution on Beaches during Sea Turtle Nesting Season
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (April 16, 2024) – Florida
is home to many species of sea turtles that nest on our coastal beaches.Charlotte County hosts three species of sea turtles, loggerhead, green, and a few Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. When visiting Charlotte County coastal beaches,please give nests space when setting up at the beach, fill in any holes created
and knock down sandcastles. If on the beach at night, do not use flashlights or cell phone lights as they can deter nesting or confuse hatchlings returning to the water.
Learn more about sea turtle nesting season at https
For information, contact Suzanne Derheimer at 941-613-3223 or Suzanne.Derheimer@
or Alexandria Grant at Alexandria.Grant@
or 941-613-3218
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.
The 20th Annual Punta Gorda Hibiscus Festival
THE 20TH ANNUAL PUNTA GORDA HIBISCUS FESTIVAL The Punta Gorda Hibiscus Festival is back in Gilchrist Park May 3, 4 & 5 2024. Visit thehibiscusfestival.com for more information. The festival is aided by and promotes Chakulla and the Hunger Bus, “Singing Out For Food”. We invite you to bring non-perishable food items to help fill our food pantries. Other proceeds benefit The Charlotte County Historical Society. Join us Friday the 3rd from 6pm-10pm for a concert of fabulous music. Enjoy sweet & savory food and ice cold beverages while listening and dancing. Saturday the 4 th the event opens at 9 a.m. to sell Hibiscus, Exotics, Trees, Organics etc., as well as crafts and other types of goods. Also starting at 9 am will be the crowning of the Hibiscus King and Queen that is Billy & Stacy Jones and the Lil’ Miss Hibiscus Pageant. Music will continue on two stages from 10am until 4pm. Sunday the 5th the festival will open at 9am with music, food and plants galore until 3 pm. Pageant questions please contact Danielle Jackson danielle.swiftwaterhomes@
Bags & Brews Adult Charity Cornhole Tournament
Local Licensing Requirements Repealed for Taxicabs, Fortunetellers, Clairvoyants, and Palmists in Charlotte County
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (April 26, 2024) – Charlotte County Commissioners repealed local license requirements on April 23, 2024, for taxicabs, fortunetellers, clairvoyants, and palmists in Charlotte County. Due to the passing of House Bill 807 and F.S. 163.211, local licensing of occupations is expressly preempted to the State of Florida. These trades will be regulated solely by the appropriate agencies.
For more information, contact Community Development at 941-743-1201 or CommunityDevelopment@
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
Newsletters
BIZ KIDZ – Newsletter
C.A.R.E. – April Newsletter
Charlotte Harbor Yacht Club – April Newsletter
Copperfish Books – April Newsletter
Edison and Ford Winter Estates – May Newsletter
Downtown Punta Gorda Farmer’s Market – Newsletter
Loveland Center – April Newsletter
Military Heritage Museum – May Newsletter
Monarch Direct – April Newsletter
The Florida Philharmonic – April Newsletter
The Nix Team at Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty –
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens –May Newsletter
Pedelec SQB LLC – April Newsletter
Pomegranate & Fig Boutique – April Newsletter
Punta Gorda Airport – PGD Buzz
Punta Gorda Mural Society – April Newsletter
Punta Gorda Rotary Club – April Newsletter
Sandstar Insider – April Newsletter
Sea Grape Gallery – April Newsletter
Suncoast Humane Society – May Newsletter
Time Realty – April Newsletter