PG Chamber Radio Show Exclusively
For PG Chamber Members:
BOOKING FOR December!
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
**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!
Four Points By Sheraton (Platinum)
The Fall season is upon us. We are taking reservations for our Thanksgiving Dinner in the Dockside Grill. Please click here to see the menu and call 941-637-6770 to make your reservation now! On Friday, we have Tropical Avenue playing at 6 pm. On Saturday, we have Almost There playing at 6:00 PM. Please click here to see when all of your favorite bands will play this month. The Tiki Bar is featuring different fall 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, including Christmas parties! We are also 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.
Della Booth, TIME Realty Services, Inc. (Gold)
Happy Friday 
! The October numbers are in: Charlotte County:
426 sales down 2.47%, median price $363K, 42% cash, 39% conventional loan, 25% in contract 0-10 days, 18% in contract 31-60 days 14% in contract 121-721+ days Zip 33983: 46 sales up 91%, median price $355K, 43% cash, 39% conventional loan, 17% in contract 121 -721+ days, 15% in contract 0-10 days, 15% in contract 11-20 days, 15% in contract 31-60 days. Zip 33950: 27 sales down 12%, median price $604K, 57% cash, 32% conventional loan, 32% in contract 0-10 days, 24% in contract 61-90 days, 16% in contract 121 -721+ days. You can see from the numbers the market is still in change mode. Whether you are buying or selling, you must have an experienced Realtor to help you. I am always available to discuss the market or your real estate goals. Celebrating my 25th anniversary as your local hometown Realtor.
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold)
Open 8 am to 1 pm Saturdays..
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 a “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
Serving South West Florida since 2002. Going the Distance to make a Difference.
Tamiami Tavern (Gold)
ADULT TRICK or TREAT at TAMIAMI TAVERN (why should the kids have all the fun!!) Dine with us on October 31st 2023 and take a dip in our PUMPKIN to get a PRIZE! Prizes could be a free dessert, a free appetizer, a free beer, a free wine or even a gift certificate for $5 or even $50!!!! Open 8 am to 9 pm. Not to be combined with any other offer, 21 and over, no cash value.
Wyvern Hotel (Gold)
Toy Drive! Monday, December 4, 5-7pm benefitting the school children of Punta Gorda. Free admission with toy donation per person. Complimentary Appetizers, House Wine and Beer. Click here for more information.
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.
Fishermen's Village (Silver)
Sunset Beach November Calendar. Sunset Beach December Calendar. Join Fishermen’s Village for the annual Lighting of the Village on Saturday, November 18. Click here for all the fun filled details! Menorah Lighting December 14 Information. December Calendar of Events. New Year’s Eve Celebration Information.
Isles Yacht Club (Silver)
Golfers, Have a great time playing at the Riverwood Golf Club, one of the nicest courses in the area, while supporting local charities. The Isles Yacht Club in Punta Gorda is hosting a charity event where the proceeds go directly to Charlotte County Meals on Wheels, Charlotte County Imagination Library, and Charlotte County Homeless Coalition.
This is a great event to put together your own foursome or just a couple players. This event is open to the public and you do not need to be a member of the IYC to play. Registration fees include: greens fees, cart, a goody bag, drinks, BBQ buffet, a chance to win a boat if you hit a hole in one, and awards for the top finishers. We will also have a raffle! Saturday, December 2nd, 11:00AM check in and range opens, 1:00PM shotgun start, Cost: $250 per person. Contact the front office at the Isles Yacht Club to register at 941-639-2690 or stop by More details at www.islesyc.com/IYC_Charity_
Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine (Silver)
We will be closed on Thanksgiving, so our employees have the opportunity to enjoy the holiday with their families. We are thankful for your business and look forward to seeing everyone on Friday.
Charlotte Players (Bronze)
Giving Tuesday November 28th is a day of global generosity movement unleashing the power of radical generosity. It was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. A day where kindness and giving are shared in many ways for 24 hours. Consider making a donation to your community theatre on this day at www.charlotteplayers.org or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/
Gulfshore Opera (Bronze)
Holiday Taste of the Opera – Come and enjoy holiday classics, opera favorites and an elegant dinner at Twin Isles Country Club. December 14, 6pm. Visit gulfshoreopera.com for tickets and details.
Port Charlotte Florist (Bronze)
Thanksgiving Day is right around the corner! Shop our Fall collection for beautiful centerpieces, festive Autumn and pumpkin arrangements. These lovely arrangements make the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving Dinner table. Place your order online at www.portcharlotteflorist.net or give us a call at (941) 627.2236. We look forward to making the Holiday extra special. Happy a happy Thanksgiving!
C.A.R.E. of Charlotte County (Support)
Celebrate giving this month by donating meal ingredients for C.A.R.E.’s shelter residents Thanksgiving Dinner. Click here to view our Wishlist or call (941)- 639-5499 for more details. Your generosity helps ensure that every resident can enjoy a special Thanksgiving meal and creates a sense of community during the holiday season.
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 18, 2023- April 18, 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. OPENING DAY November 18, from 9-4pm, step into a world of artistry and craftsmanship as we showcase the beauty of how glass art is created with a glass blowing demonstration, artists’ meet and greets, workshops and foodtrucks! 5827 Riverside Dr. Punta Gorda, FL 33982 | 941.621.8299 | PEACERIVERGARDENS.ORG
Member Information
The Yoga Sanctuary – Yoga in the Peace River Botanical Gardens, FIRST Saturday of the month / December 2nd, 11:30am The Yoga Sanctuary is thrilled to announce our return to the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens with our monthly Yoga in the Gardens class! This class is open to all levels and is donation-based. You can find us on the north side of the Gardens, near the Steel Palms statue.
Breath & Sound: An Evening of Inner Harmony with Travis Roman Saturday, November 18th 5pm, $35
Discover the profound union of breath and sound in an enchanting evening of yogic exploration. Join us for an immersive 90-minute practice that blends the soothing disciplines of pranayama and sound-guided Yoga Nidra. The fusion of breath and sound is a gateway to inner balance and serenity, and our hope is for you to carry the wisdom gained here with you on your journey towards holistic well-being.
Paddle in Paradise: A Yoga & Kayaking Eco-Adventure
Saturday, November 25th 8am – 12pm $90
Join The Yoga Sanctuary for an unforgettable eco-adventure that combines the serenity of yoga with the natural beauty of the Peace River. Our journey begins as we paddle our kayaks through the winding waterways of the Peace River. After our kayaking adventure, you will be guided through a gentle yoga session amidst the natural beauty of our surroundings. Following this yoga session, we’ll gather for a delicious catered lunch by local Punta Gorda restaurant, Toula’s.
Kayak gear provided; please bring a yoga mat, beach towel, water, and sunscreen. No previous kayak or yoga experience required. Space is limited, so enroll now to ensure your spot! We have a limited number of tandem kayaks. Please let us know if you would like to paddle in a boat with a friend!
The Meridian at Punta Gorda Isles – The Meridian at Punta Gorda Isles is proud to support Toys for Tots Foundation this year. Drop off unwrapped toys for all ages Monday – Friday from 9am – 3pm until Dec. 15. We’re located inside the Bal Harbor Plaza.
Nino’s Bakery & Café: Pre-order Thanksgiving complete dinners and bakery for pick-up next Wednesday, Nov 22. Then heat-up when you are ready to enjoy a traditional turkey dinner. Order online now NinosBakery.us – Statewide Award-Winning Bakery, right here in Punta Gorda!! Or call 941-833-8912
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 Habitat for Humanity – Join Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity for our 25th Annual Turkey Trot! The 5k Run/Fun Walk will take place on Thursday, November 23rd , at FSW Punta Gorda Campus. Cost is $40 until Nov. 22 $45 day of the event and all participants receive a finisher medal. All funds raised benefit our Homeownership Program to help local families achieve the dream of affordable homeownership. Join us for this Thanksgiving tradition! For additional information and to sign up visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/
Gold Entertainment – We’re bringing the laughs to Punta Gorda! Click here for show dates and more information.
Charlotte Harbor Rotary Club – January 6 – The Goldtones are back and on January 27, American Made are making an appearance. Click here for all the details!
Punta Gorda Symphony – Punta Gorda Symphony Tickets on sale for the Holiday Spectacular!
Celebrate the holidays with music from the Nutcracker Suite, a Hanukkah Medley, Sleigh Ride and many more! December 3, Charlotte Performing Arts Center, 3:30 PM. Concert tickets make great gifts! Tickets are limited so don’t delay! And don’t miss our performance at the Punta Gorda Annual Light Up the Night Tree Lighting on December 1 at 5:45 PM with the Punta Gorda Brass Quintet performing holiday favorites! For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the website at www.PGSymphony.org or call us at 941-205-5996.
Burnt Store Presbyterian Church – November 18 11am – 4pm Fall Festival. Join us in celebrating our 40 year anniversary with face painting, balloon artist, pumpkin decorating, bouncy house, dunk tank, hotdogs, baked sale, chili cook cook-off and more!
Punta Gorda Elkettes – Fall Harvest Luncheon and Silent Auction Saturday, November 18 11:30 – 3:00pm at the Port Charlotte Board of Realtors. For more information including how to get tickets, click here.
Crossroads Hope Academy – A night with Jimmy Wayne. Fall Festival Weekend Kick Off! Friday, November 17, 7:00PM at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church Sanctuary. Tickets are $40 starting October 1. Tickets available at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, Deep Creek Church, New Life, First Presbyterian PG, Murdock Baptist and Crossroads Academy. For more information, please contact Kathy at KBrownMayes@gmail.com
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.
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.
Charlotte County Imagination Library – Bocca Lupo Pizzeria is supporting CCIL on Nov. 21st with a percentage of their sales at all 3 locations! Pizza for A Cause! The hours are 11am to 10pm. There are 3 Bocca Lupo Restaurants whose funds will support CCIL that day:1900 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, 4301 Aidan Lane, North Port ,12105 Mercado Dr., West Villages. Dine in or Carry-Out to support CCIL!
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 7 pm 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!
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Faith Lutheran Church
Administrative Assistant
Faith Lutheran Church in Punta Gorda offers a Christ-centered opportunity for a part-time (M-F 8:30-1pm) Administrative Assistant to the pastor. MS office 365 proficiency required. Competitive pay based on experience. For more info (941) 639-6309 or faithadmin88@embarqmail.com
D.I.S. Tech Services Inc.
IT Support Technician (Part-time)
Hiring part-time I.T. Technician. If interested, contact Josh at 941.867.9772 or email jmontgomery@distechusa.com
COMMUNITY NEWS
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.
Arts and Crafts Festival!
Saturday November 18 9-4
Sunday November 19 10-3
Gilchrist Park, Punta Gorda
Come join us for a wonderful weekend for unique and handcrafted gifts for the holiday season!
Gerro! Gala Fashion Show
Benefiting C.A.R.E.
Saturday, February 17
Punta Gorda Women’s Club
6:30 Social Hour – Wine & Food
7:30 Fashion Show
VIP Tickets $75 (Swag Gift Bag)
Happy Hour Posh Mart” at Bal Harbor Plaza in PGI November Thru April
The hours will be from 4-7 pm every Wednesday. We will have lively entertainment and provide a Happy Hour atmosphere. Vendors will specialize in homemade, handmade and homegrown products, for this upscale market event.
We have run an extremely successful Saturday Market in Downtown Punta Gorda for 15 years. Now we are trying something new to provide residents and vacationers with a fresh and different event. We will not be duplicating any of the vendors from the Downtown event.
This location is prime because it is in the heart of the well-developed region of Punta Gorda. It is located in the parking lot of the only shopping plaza in this deed-restricted community.
Please email julieccm@yahoo.com for more information or an application.
THE FRESH JERSEY TOMATOES TO HOLD 8th ANNUAL FRESH JERSEY TOMATOES’ TOY DRIVE
It’s that time of year again when the Fresh Jersey Tomatoes (FJTs), a group of women originally from New Jersey who now reside in Charlotte County, hold their 8 Annual FJT’s Toy Drive for underprivileged children currently receiving services from Charlotte Behavioral Health Care (CBHC), it was announced today by Nanette Leonard/Founder FJTs. The drive starts November 3 and runs through December 8. Click here for more information.
Charlotte High School Silver King Band
Please help our own CHS Silver King Band go to Tennessee as a complete group to savor the experience of playing up there, representing Charlotte County. Click HERE to see how you can help.
Meeting Space Available
Are you a non-profit? Are you looking for a place to hold your meetings and/or events? The Punta Gorda Boat Club has space available for you at reasonable user fees. For more information please call 941-639-3828 and leave a message. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
KUDOS!
Local HCA Florida Hospitals Join Nationwide Effort to Help Food Banks
Local hospitals collect food donations and make financial contribution to help All Faiths Food Bank, just in time for Thanksgiving need
Leaders from HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital and HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital recently toured All Faiths Food Bank in Sarasota County to learn more about how the organization collects and provides food for the community. The chief executive officers from each hospital also brought along more than 100 pounds of canned goods and a $10,000 donation. The money will be used to help provide food and assistance to residents in need, especially during the upcoming holiday season.
“Inflation and the high cost of living are affecting many of our neighbors and we want to make sure everyone has access to a festive meal and the ability to gather with their loved ones during this time without having to worry about financial challenges. We are so grateful to our partners, HCA Florida Healthcare, for partnering with us during this crucial time and providing us with the means to make this possible for so many families who are facing hunger,” said Victoria Hasselbring, Manager of Donor Stewardship for All Faiths Food Bank.
Throughout the month of November, caregivers at each local hospital donated canned food and non-perishable items as part of HCA Healthcare’s nationwide Healthy Foods for Healthier Tomorrows initiative. Last year, HCA Healthcare colleagues across the country provided 878,000 nutritious meals for local food banks by donating food or making financial contributions.