Friday Facts for September 27, 2019

Dear Chamber Member,

Here are your Friday Facts – Enjoy reading them and have a great Friday and an even better weekend. If you have anything that you would like to put into the Friday Facts please send it to poliva@puntagorda-chamber.com by noon each Thursday.


PG Chamber radio show: October is Full. Now taking for November

Every month, your Punta Gorda Chamber teams up with local iHeart Media DJ – Bob Alexander to focus on Chamber members and what they are up to. For only $95, you get to pre-record 2 x 2 ½ minute slots (which can be the same or different) which will be inserted into Bob’s show on the first Wednesday and Thursday of each month. This is one of the largest local radio audiences available to us. You don’t even have to go to the studio any more. Bob will call you to record your message(s)! If you are interested, please email jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com to get you on your way. Ideal for business promotions, events or simply to get your name out on air.

How would you like to save money and give back to your chamber at the same time.

Purchasing from Marco Office Supply (chamber member) instead of a big box store or Amazon will take care of both needs. We are a locally owned independent company serving Collier, Lee, Charlotte and Sarasota County. Keeping it local is keeping dollars in your community and putting 3.8 % back into the chamber’s pocket to assist with funding chamber offerings. Our services include basic supplies, cartridges (name brand and generic), furniture for office, schools, hotels, restaurants and recreational facilities, school and craft supplies, janitorial, break room, first aide, storage, printing, promotional and website design. Interested, contact either Gina (gina@marcoofficesupply.com) or Gaytha (info@marcoofficesupply.com) at 239-775-7513 for price quotes or appointments.

On November 2nd, the Downtown Merchants and the PG Chamber will be hosting the Fall downtown Bash 4-9 pm on Taylor in front of the old Courthouse. Want to get your name out and be a sponsor?

  • $250.00- name on banner, 2 free “all you can drink” tickets/wristbands
  • $500 with name on banner and flyer plus stage recognition, 4 free “all you can drink” tickets/wristbands
  • For $1000 you get your full logo on all event publicity as well as everything at the $500 level, 6 free “all you can drink” tickets/wristbands

Email Jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com for more info or to sign up.

Your Chamber Staff,
John, Pat, Carole, Stephanie & Janet


Chamber Calendar of Events

Please remember to RSVP to: reception@ puntagorda-chamber.com or 941-639-3720.

October 9: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 am-8:30 am

Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at our breakfast at Cultural Center of Charlotte County, 2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720

October 15: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm

Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at Granny Nannies, 4045-A Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte . Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business! Please be sure to RSVP reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720..


October 17: Third Thursday Wine Walk 5-8 pm

In Downtown Punta Gorda. Art-Music-Live Demonstrations-Shopping & Food! What better way to spend an evening out with old friends while you take the time to make new ones. Wine Walk works by donating $10 at the PG Chamber ( in advance or on the night) to get a wristband and passport that entitles you to a walking wine tasting – a map of all retail participants will accompany your wristband. Each location will have two different wine varietals to taste! Wristbands can also be purchased at Hipnotique on the day of the event. Not a wine drinker, you can still come and enjoy the atmosphere and shop, dine and stroll around.

October 23: Networking Luncheon – 12 Noon – 1:30 pm.

Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at the Burg’r Bar, 317 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or 941-639-3720. Cost is $15.00 per person pre-paid or $20.00 at the door. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex

City Wide Garage Sale 2019-2020 Schedule

8 am – 12 Noon, $15.00 per entrant

You get two parking spots – one for your vehicle (no commercial vehicles) and one for a table (you provide)
Set up 7: 15am
New Location: Comfort Storage Parking Lot, 3811 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda

Dates:

  • October 12, 2019
  • November 9. 2019
  • December 14, 2019
  • January 11, 2020
  • February 8, 2020
  • March 14, 2020
  • April 11, 2020
  • May 9, 2020

Please contact Punta Gorda Chamber at 941-639-3720 or reception@puntagorda-chamber.com. All Registrants need to be pre-registered with payment There will be no admittance the day of the event. Non-refundable, non-trasnferable sale held rain or shine… no rain dates.

Click Here for Major Chamber Events


New Members

Mission Statement

To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.

STORED
Karen Frost
187 Beeney Rd. SE
Port Charlotte, Fl 33952
941-916-4042
got2bstored@gmail.com

Organizing
Sponsored by John Wright

Soul Dance Temple
Irene Rimer
2705 Tamiami Trail, Suite 314
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
941-347-7280
info@irenerimer.com
www.souldancetemple.com
Dance & Wellness Center
Sponsored by Pat Oliva

Remember to utilize the certificates in the New Member packet. These are very valuable to your business.


Partners in Action News

Bayfront Health Punta Gorda/Port Charlotte (Platinum) Click Here for October Events

Captain’s Table (Gold) Captain’s Table is now serving Brunch on Sunday from 10 AM – 2 PM. Please Come enjoy our Chef’s take on Brunch with delicious dishes while enjoying views of Charlotte Harbor. Lunch will also be available form 11 AM – 4 PM. For more information please call 941-637-1177.
Fall Wine Dinner on October 8th Click Here for info

Florida Southwestern State College (Silver)
FSW Charlotte Campus Observatory Opens for 2019-2020 Viewing Season
The James & Barbara Moore Observatory at the Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Charlotte Campus opens for the 2019-2020 viewing season on Friday, Sept. 27. Observation sessions are held on the first Friday of each month and begin 30-45 minutes after dark, outdoors and weather permitting. Sessions are free and open to the public. The FSW Charlotte Campus is located at 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda.
Schedule of Observatory Viewing Sessions 2019-2020

  • Sept. 27, 2019
  • Oct. 25, 2019
  • Nov. 22, 2019
  • Dec. 27, 2019
  • Jan. 24, 2020
  • Feb. 28, 2020
  • March 27, 2020
  • April 24, 2020
  • May 22, 2020

Additional observation sessions may be scheduled or changed depending on celestial events. For more information or for a full schedule of observatory events, call (941) 637-3518 or (941) 637-5652, or visit https://www.fsw.edu/charlotte/observatory  Nov 28th Turkey Trot – early registration

Port Charlotte Florist (Bronze in Kind) Click Here for info on their Wine & Design Workshop Series

Animal Welfare League (Support) Click Here for their latest news.

Marco Office Supply (Support)
How would you like to save money and give back to your chamber at the same time.
Purchasing from Marco Office Supply (chamber member) instead of a big box store or Amazon will take care of both needs. We are a locally owned independent company serving Collier, Lee, Charlotte and Sarasota County. Keeping it local is keeping dollars in your community and putting 3.8 % back into the chamber’s pocket to assist with funding chamber offerings. Our services include basic supplies, cartridges (name brand and generic), furniture for office, schools, hotels, restaurants and recreational facilities, school and craft supplies, janitorial, break room, first aide, storage, printing, promotional and website design. Interested, contact either Gina (gina@marcoofficesupply.com) or Gaytha (info@marcoofficesupply.com) at 239-775-7513 for price quotes or appointments.



Ribbon Cuttings

Upcoming Ribbon Cuttings, Ground Breakings, Launchings, Ceremonies & Dedications. These are all 5:30pm unless otherwise noted. Come out and welcome our newest members.

October 1: King Fisher Fleet for their new boat “The Helen M”. Guests will be welcomed on board to tour the boat. The boat will not be leaving the dock.

October 3: Burnt Store Animal Hospital, 16500 Burnt Store Rd. Bldg B, In the Turtle Crossing Plaza, Punta Gorda

October 23: United Way’s 53rd Annual Campaign Kickoff & Rally at Charlotte Sports Park. 8 am

October 24: Ribbon Cutting at Nature Park, Corner of Bal Harbor & Aqui Esta, Punta Gorda. Goes from 4:30 to 6 pm. Ribbon Cutting will be at 5:30 pm

October 29: Ribbon Cutting at Dr. John Guarino’s office, 4245 Kings Highway Unit A, Charlotte Harbor. Dr. John Guarino welcomes his new associate, Dr. Matthew Tufts. 5 pm

November 4: Ribbon Cutting at Visual Arts Center Fun Arts Festival, 210 Maud Street, Punta Gorda 12 Noon

November 6: Ribbon Cutting at Punta Gorda Coffee & Tea Inc. to celebrate their One Year Anniversary, 117 Herald Ct. Unit 118, Punta Gorda.

November 12: Ribbon Cutting at Burnt Store Title & Escrow 150 Laishley Ct., Suite 122, Punta Gorda

November 14: Yesterdays Collectables, Antiques and Vintage Clothing, 4301 Sibley Bay Street, Unit B, (Corner of Hwy 41 & Sibley Bay) Charlotte Harbor


Fact of the Day

What Is A Pluviophile?

Are you a pluviophile? If you enjoy being in the rain and find peace when playing in the rain, then you are a one. By definition a pluviophile is any organism that thrives in heavy rainfall conditions.


Question of the Week

What do you do at Wine Walk?



Events for Week of
September 27 – October 16th

Remember to click this link to see events for these dates that are in flyer format.

UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS

The Orange House Wine Bar,320 Sullivan St., Punta Gorda 941-505-8233
We are now open for breakfast and lunch!
Tuesday-Saturday 8 am – 2 pm
Fri. September 27: 7pm -10 pm
Spend Friday night right listening to the one and only Orange House Band! This group fills the room, so call to reserve
your spot today!
Sat. September 28: 7pm- 10 pm Don’t miss Rory and Tony from The Orange House Band this Saturday night.

Rossini Trattoria Gastronomica 4 Course Wine Dinner
Monday September 30th 2019 @ 6 PM Click Here for full information on this dinner.

Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, 11330 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda
GRIEF SHARE Burnt Store Presbyterian Church is offering a faith-based Grief Share program, open to all suffering from the loss of a loved one. This will be a 10-week program, entitled ‘From Mourning to Joy’. Participants will meet at the church from 10:00 am to noon on Wednesdays beginning October 1st Each participant will be provided a Grief Share workbook at a cost of $15. There are no other costs. Each session involves a video and group discussion. The group leaders are experienced in leading Grief Share programs. Encourage your friends in grief to attend. For more information contact Jon Shattuck at 941-661-5370. To register contact Jon or Nancy or call the church office at 639-0001 during normal business hours, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 9a.m. to Noon, on Friday or by e-mail to office@bspconline.org. Burnt Store Presbyterian Church is a congregation committed to reaching up, making disciples, changing lives. The church is located at 11330 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, just two miles south of the US 41/Burnt Store Road intersection.

When is the last time you listened to music and looked at it all in the same night?
Join us Wednesday, October 2 at 5:00 PM and you will be doing just that. Becky Van Pelt’s beautiful music themed paintings will be on display as Les Dacosta entertains us with his varied and delightful tunes. Good food, good wine, great art and wonderful music. Why would you be anywhere else? And it’s free! Everything is happening at Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematory , 9400 Indian Spring Cemetery Road, Punta Gorda and is presented by Leigha Murray and the Art Council’s “Art in Public Places” Program. Call 941-639-1171 for more information.

The Society of St. Vincent De Paul, Sacred Heart Conference, 25200 Airport Rd., Punta October St Vincent Rummage Sale
St. Vincent de Paul, Sacred Heart Conference, in Punta Gorda will hold a rummage sale Saturday, October 5th, from 9 a.m. to noon at its distribution center at 25200 Airport Road, on the northeast corner of Taylor and Airport Roads. PLEASE, NO PETS. A variety of items including household goods, furniture, clothing, jewelry, linens, shoes, purses, toys and books will be available. No merchandise may be inspected nor sold before 9 a.m. Proceeds will help the organization provide much-needed assistance to deserving families and individuals throughout Charlotte County. Rain date October 12.

Wednesday Oct 16th at 5:00 pm
G
eneral & Bariatric Surgeon, Dr. Matthew Tufts from the practice of John Guarino MD PA, is offering a FREE weight loss seminar as an opportunity to talk to a medical expert. Throughout the seminar, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, and in most cases, to receive immediate feedback. You are invited to bring a family member, friend, or other support person with you. Bayfront Health Port Charlotte, 2500 Harbor Blvd, Port Charlotte. Call for more information or to RSVP 941-391-5102

Wed. Oct 9, 9am – 2pm: Punta Gorda Diner Job Fair ~ New Restaurant Opening in October 2019
3941 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda FL 33950. Just south of Public.
You are cordially invited to attend the Punta Gorda Diner Job Fair, with On-the-spot interviews. Positions for Prep Cook, Line Cook, Lead Line Cook, Dishwasher, Busser, Hosteess, Bartender, SErvers, Lead Server, etc.
Hosted by KHR Solutions, 239-351-2602, hrsupport@khrsolutionsinc.com
If you are unable to attend the job fair, please contact KHR Solutions for an application.



Member Information

A Message from the City of Punta Gorda

Voter Registration
In accordance with Florida Statute 97.055, the last date to register to vote for the November 5, 2019 City of Punta Gorda General Eelction is Monday, October 7, 2019. To register in person, contact the Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections, 226 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda, Florida, call (941) 833-5400, or register online at
https://registertovoteflorida.gov/en/Registration/Index
. For further information regarding the November 5, 2019 City Election, contact the City Clerk’s Office at 575-3369 or visit us at www.cityofpuntagordafl.com. Press Release – Close of Registration

The Bean on 41 Coffee Shop
The perfect place for a business meeting or social chat is The Bean on 41 Coffee Shop in Towles Plaza. Locally roasted beans, triple filtered water, and a whole lot more than just coffee. Healthy smoothies, light bites, breakfast sandwiches and more. Stay tuned for our new revised menu launching October 1st. Meeting space available for rent. Having a special event? The Bean also caters coffee a delightful touch to your party or fund-raiser. www.thebeanon41.com 941.769.2398

Visual Arts Center
“Color” and “Black & White” on display until Oct. 3. Wine & Support our FUN Arts Festival Celebrities at crowdrise.com/fun-ats-fest-2019 – Finale Event Nov 15, tickets at visualartcenter.org. The Visual Arts Center is located @ 210 Maud St, across from Fishermen’s Village. Gallery & Gift Shop Hours: M-F, 9-4 & Sat, 10-2. Calendar of Events, Classes, Memberships and Call to Artists at visualartcenter.org.

Golfers Who C.A.R.E. Scramble- Saturday, October 12, 2019, St. Andrews South Golf Cub
Come support survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Charlotte County during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, cart and green fees. $90/person – $360/Foursome Raffles, challenges with prizes, and more!
Email chris.hall@carefl.org or call 941-639-5499 for more information.

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center Harvest for the Harbor 2019
Click Here for all of the details

Wheelbarrow of Cheer!
The C.A.R.E. Auxiliary is selling raffle tickets for a wheelbarrow full of liquor! Tickets are $10 each or 5 for $40, and all proceeds benefit survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Charlotte County. The winner will be pulled on October 12 at the Golfers Who C.A.R.E. event. Winner is not required to attend. Call or email Chris to purchase your tickets! (941) 639-5499, chris.hall@carefl.org.

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
Synchronizing the Symphony in Your Brain How neurofeedback can help ‘tune’ your brain. ATTEND THE LECTURE Click Here for all the information

Pedal Punta Gorda
You don’t want to miss this! Our first Pedal & Paint tour around Punta Gorda is Harry Potter themed. Dress in your favorite Costume and choose your House. Are you Gryffindor or Slytherin? We will help you create a masterpiece to start off the Spooky Season. Tour is 3 hours long and only 15 spots available. 21+ unless you book the whole Tavern as a Private tour. Not a Potter fan? Check out the 27th tour. We will be doing field pumpkins on recycled pallet wood. Cost is $100.00 pp.
Sunday October 13th, 2019 @ 1:00 P.M. Like us up on FB/IG: pedalpuntagorda or check our our website for upcoming events.ww.pedalpuntagorda.com
Booking questions: 941-777-0715

Island Flavah News
It’s Michael White, and recently I competed in Las Vegas, NV at Karaoke World Championships in August against 109 other contestants from all across the country, representing their respective states. The grueling 3-day competition was tough, but….I WON! This was a major win, as 9000 hopefuls had tried out, with 109 other hopefuls like myself battling it out in Las Vegas. The next step is the WORLD FINALS which are being held in Tokyo, Japan. KWC is paying for my flight and lodging, but I will need to provide my own food and transportation while I’m there. I’m looking to put on a fundraiser, where I’ll be performing Live at Downtown Gatorz, 502 King Street, Punta Gorda, Florida on October 26th , 2019 at 3pm-7pm.
We’re looking for businesses to please donate anything they can: Gift Certificates, baskets to raffle, whatever. Would you please help me by donating anything to help us raise enough money? Our goal is 1300 before November 13th. Every little bit helps. We appreciate you and in return, we’d like to advertise your business or organization with your logo. Please email a copy of your logo to:mianji@gmail.com and we will add to all of our flyers and at the venue on the big screens as well. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide, and if you are even interested in sponsoring, we’d like to chat about that at your convenience, if you want.

Jaguar Concours d’Elegance (Car Show)
See the most beautiful car design in the world…“JAGUAR” Jaguar Cars from the early 1950s to current models.

Saturday, October 26, 2019 at The Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center,
75 Taylor St. Punta Gorda, Florida 33950 from 9:30 am To 4:00 pm. Click Here for all of the info.

JOB FAIR – CHARLOTTE TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Wednesday, October 30, 2019 8:00-11:30 This free event will link employers from all industries with qualified adult students who are ready to go to work upon graduating. High school seniors who want to work while will also attend. Charlotte Technical College graduates achieve industry certification in over 20 disciplines, including A/C Refrigeration & Heating; Automotive; Business Management; Commercial Foods/Culinary Arts; Computer Systems & Information, Criminal Justice, Digital Design, Fire/EMT Healthcare and Cosmetology. Contact Claudette Baines: claudette.baines@yourcharlotteschools.net, phone 941-255-7500 ext. 280 or Maureen Watts, Assistant Director: Maureen.watts@yourcharlotteschools.net Find out more about us at www.charlottetechcollege.net. We look forward to hosting you at our Fall, 2019 Job Fair!

2019 Florida International Air Show
The 2019 Florida International Air Show has announced a “Military – Veteran Discount.”  Active Military and Veterans will receive a $15 discount on the Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd, General Admission Tickets Only. General Admission Tickets for Active Military and Veterans will be $20.00 (plus fees) . Proper ID is required. The Active Military and Veterans Discount is not available online or in advance. This special ticket offer is only available at the Gate on November 2nd & November 3rd. Dana Carr, President of the 2019 Florida International Air Show stated “It was way to give back to our active military and veterans and thank them for their outstanding service.”
How kids can get free air show tickets
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade can earn free tickets to the Florida International Air Show held Nov. 1 through 3. All they have to do is read an aviation-related book and write three things they learned about aviation or liked about the book. There is a form parents must fill out and submit to the student’s teacher. The form must also include a short summary, with length determined by the teacher. The form can be found on http://www.floridaairshow.com Home school students also have the opportunity to earn their free ticket. Parents can email the form, which must be signed by the parent, to floridaoutlook.com Once the form is submitted, students will earn a free ticket and can choose what day they would like to attend the event. They must, however, be accompanied by adult who paid admission. Tickets will be distributed Oct. 28. This year’s air show is Nov. 1-3 at Punta Gorda Airport. For more information about the air show, visit FloridaAirShow.com Sun Events is bringing some of your favorite bands and artists to the Cultural Center of Charlotte County! Click Here for September & October Schedule

Ghost Stories of Punta Gorda

Newly published book of stories set in Punta Gorda Ghost Stories of Punta Gorda

is an anthology of twenty spooky short stories involving real people, true events and actual locations of Charlotte Harbor. These entertaining tales are a fusion of history, folklore, personal experiences and imagination. The stories were collected by Eve Sylvie Alexander, also known as Tour Guide Evie of SW Florida Walking Tours. She and a crew of close friends used creativity and invention to re-interpret well-known stories from Punta Gorda’s history. Some stories are based on the personal recollections of Punta Gorda residents, and others are historical fiction drawn from characters and events of the past. The book is abundantly illustrated with dramatic scenes by artist Simona Molino. An online reviewer wrote, “I really enjoyed the combination of historical facts and local lore woven into each tale. I can’t wait for my next trip to Punta Gorda.” Ghost Stories of Punta Gorda is available at Amazon in print and Kindle format https://www.amazon.com/dp/1076625045). Tour guests can add a book order when purchasing tickets (online at https://swfloridawalkingtours.com/ or by phone at 941-276-6384). Beginning on Sunday, September 29,2019, Ms. Alexander will be at the Punta Gorda History Park Farmer’s Market where books will be on sale in person. Book signing appearances currently are being scheduled.


Applause Section

Bank Adds Head Teller, Personal Banker
Alyson Burch, branch manager of the Punta Gorda office of Charlotte State Bank & Trust, announced that Daulton Lunsford has been promoted from personal banker to head teller and Mallorie McManus has joined the branch to assume Lunsford’s personal banker position. Both are Charlotte High School graduates who have been with bank about three years. “Daulton and Mallorie share some positive characteristics that make them ideally suited to their new duties,” Burch said. “They’re both knowledgeable, highly motivated, reliable and committed to serving our customers.”

Lunsford joined Charlotte State Bank & Trust as a teller after graduation, and he became a personal banker in 2018. During school, he worked in retail and spent time as an intern at the North Port Sun newspaper and North Port Library. He earned numerous theatrical awards and honors as an actor and singer at Charlotte High, and he continues to perform locally while counseling and directing young thespians.

“In his spare time, Daulton directs shows for the Suncoast Youth Theatre, including a recent production of ‘Frozen, the Musical,’ ” said Burch. “He brings a lot of valuable experience as a leader and supervisor to his position here.”

McManus graduated from high school and the Charlotte Technical Center simultaneously, earning a diploma at the latter as a patient care technician. She spent a year on the support staff at the South Port Square retirement community in Port Charlotte and also worked as a cashier at Winn-Dixie and customer service representative at Publix before joining Charlotte State Bank & Trust. “After three years as a teller, McManus is ready to take the next step to grow in her career,” said Burch. “She gained valuable experience working with customers behind the teller lines and in the retail world.”

The Florida International Air Show has named Dr. Joe Maggiore, known for his dedication to the community and as an air show pioneer, as its honorary chairman for the 2019 show.

The show, featuring the Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team, is scheduled for Nov. 1-3 at Punta Gorda Airport. Maggiore was a founding air-show board member 37 years ago and served in many key positions, including chairman. “His dedication to family, his profession and the community is outstanding,” said Dana Carr, board chairman. “Truly, the air show and our community are better because of Joe’s contributions.” Today, the Florida International Air Show is one of the “longest-running small air shows in the country, Maggiore said. “That speaks highly of the people who have been running it. “The fact that the air show has continued to succeed all these years is quite an accomplishment.” It is favored by a “tremendous amount of expertise. It’s really exciting. It’s going to be a great show.” Tickets and further information can be found at www.floridaairshow.com.


Point to Ponder

Thought for the Week

 “Don’t confuse poor decision-making with destiny. Own your mistakes. It’s ok; we all make them. Learn from them so they can empower you!”


Member Newsletters

Air Trek Click Here for Special Key West Offer

Storm Smart Click Here for a special offer for Chamber Members.

Sleep Inn & Suites Click here for a special offer for Chamber Members.

LaQuinta Inn & Suites Click Here for Offer


Joke of the Week

The Preacher’s Teeth

A minister had all of his remaining teeth pulled out. New dentures were being made. The first Sunday, he only preached 10 minutes. The second Sunday, he preached only 20 minutes. On the third Sunday, he preached 1 hour 25 minutes.

When asked about this by some of the congregation, he responded, “The first Sunday, my gums were so sore it hurt to talk. The second Sunday, my new dentures were hurting me a lot. The third Sunday, I accidentally grabbed my wife’s dentures. I don’t know what happened, I just couldn’t stop!”



A Message From The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office

Here at the Sheriff’s Office, we have instituted aggressive measures to curb ongoing retail thefts being committed at big box stores such as Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s and Target. These thefts are being committed by what we believe are organized groups. These seem to be mainly distraction thefts in many cases, but not in all cases.

Because of our focus, these thefts have seemed to taper off, but these organized groups now appear to be moving to smaller, “mom and pop” type stores, as these thefts have increased somewhat in those businesses.

We share this information with you in the hopes that you can pass along this information to the smaller retail stores in your respective areas. Please advise your merchants to be aware of small groups of people entering their establishments where they may attempt to use distraction methods. Have them safeguard their personal belongings that they may store behind checkout counters.

There is no reason for panic or major concern. We simply want share this information so your chamber members can be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious people and actions to our non-emergency number (941-639-0013).

As always, Sheriff Prummell and his staff appreciate the shared partnership and close working relationship.

Sincerely,

John Wright
President
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce

Every effort has been made to accommodate guests of all abilities. The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce is not responsible for the presentation, format or accessibility of customer submitted documents, images and websites.

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New Executive Director Position

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