Allegiant Air announced that Punta Gorda is one of their most sought-after destinations. 5 new routes will be added in Nov. bringing an additional 29,000 visitors each year. Book now for: Charleston, SC; Elmira, NY; Memphis, TN; Norfolk, VA; Sioux Falls, SD.

The new Punta Gorda Public Library will open on or about August 26th. They are in the process of moving now.

Soon to be open 6-days a week, also watch for new, extended hours. The Friends Book Store is moving with Library.

Punta Gorda ranked 27th of the 30 sunniest cities in the U.S. reported (6 cities in Florida made the ranking.) Compiled by 24/7 Wall St., they reviewed metropolitan areas with the most hours of peak sun per day from 1979-2011 using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s North America Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS).

The Demographic Estimating Conference (FL state government) met July 8th and projects a ‘net migration’ to Florida of over 300,000 annually from April 2019 to 2024. This growth will mostly come from people moving here from other states and not from births.

2019-2020 fiscal year will see an “all-women” Chamber Executive Board. This is the first time in our history and, according to the Florida Chamber of Commerce, they are not aware of any other Chamber in the State having such a group!

Achieva Credit Union is named as one of Florida’s 10 best credit unions, based on a national survey. There are branch locations in Punta Gorda & Port Charlotte.

In July, approximately 3668 visitors visited the Punta Gorda Chamber website; over 10,000 pages were viewed. You too can find out what is going on in PG and at the Chamber by visiting www.puntagordachamber.com

Waffle House restaurant is coming to Punta Gorda. The PG Building Division issued permits and construction has started on the corner of U.S. 41 & E. McKenzie Street.

Oil prices hold steady, at least for the time being, according to the AAA Fuel Price Finder. Florida’s low prices are thanks to ongoing market sentiment that global oil supply is stronger than demand.  AAA says prices should continue to trickle down.

The number of unemployed people in Punta Gorda continues to drop. Only 3.5% of our population is currently unemployed. Back in 2011, over 11% were unemployed.

Charlotte County government made the list for large employers in Florida. Employees were interviewed and asked if they would recommend working for their employer. Charlotte County ranked 87th of 185 of businesses over 500 employees. A Venice company also ranked.

For the 5th consecutive year, Charlotte County Public Schools received a B grade, receiving 60%, which is 1 point higher than last year. An “A District” grade is 61.5. This is an all-time high grade for the past 8 years. For teachers, administrators and students alike – KUDOS!

Punta Gorda metro area (Charlotte County) is ranked 14th nationally in construction employment growth recently. Along with the rise in residential permits issued, commercial and Sunseeker’s Resort strongly influences this growth.