After a year of ground preparation, the building of the new Library has started. Friends of the Library CEO Katie Mazzi says, “The new library will open in the Summer of 2019.”

The Charlotte High School Mock Trial Team, representing the Twentieth Judicial Circuit, placed third at the State of Florida High School Mock Trial Championship in Orlando on March 17, 2018. Their coach, CHS teacher David Riley, was honored with the Ed Lange Legacy Award.

Congratulations to Ryan from L.A. Ainger High School who received a 4th place award in the Florida State Science Fair competition, Junior Division: Chemistry Category.  Also advancing to State was Andrew from L.A. Ainger and Gage from Charlotte High School.

Up to 31 miles of trails throughout the City of Punta Gorda provide residents and visitors enjoyable and challenging bicycle rides on 4 different tours. There are more routes in the county. Don’t have a bike? Grab your helmet and borrow a free yellow loaner bicycle from several locations in downtown Punta Gorda. Join one of several bicycle clubs in the area.  Routes Map

Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach Visitor and Convention Bureau has selected Dr. Mark Asperilla to be inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame to celebrate his community service through his medical practice, and his commitment to tourism through his Microtel Inn & Suites and Fishery Restaurant. He has also been instrumental in bringing high profile boxing events to the county, bringing thousands of visitors to the area.

The 2.5 mile Harborwalk pathway curves along the Charlotte Harbor waterfront and offers a diverse experience. From nature and fitness to shops, murals and restaurants, there is something for everyone. A great way to enjoy downtown and the Harbor!

In March, Punta Gorda Airport announced the busiest month for air traffic EVER in its history. Commercial, private and charter aircraft traffic posted a record-setting 36% increase compared to March 2017. Tourism in the area also posted significant increases.

Renown jazz musician on sax; Gerald Albright duo-ed with Norman Brown at the 2014 Wine & Jazz Festival. He’ll be back to play for Punta Gorda once again! Also in the line-up, JUST ANNOUNCED, The Sax Pack and Matt Marchak! Another star-studded festival, Wine & Jazz Tickets are already on sale for the 2019 Festival.

Punta Gorda, FL, has been selected a top retirement destination by Where to Retire, the only magazine in America geared toward helping people with retirement relocation decisions. Punta Gorda is profiled in a feature titled “8 Gulf Coast Beauties” in the May/June 2018 issue. READ THE PRESS

Inspired by Libby Shafer’s book “The Ladies of Punta Gorda,” the newest mural in Downtown is being created on the Bayside Center (the southeast corner of Olympia and US41 North).  There are several new murals around town – a PGCC Trolley Tour is an easy way to view them.

For our local European residents and world travelers: Check out Kiwi.com to find air travel to places all around the world. It is an online travel service that can help “you figure out where you can fly within your budget.” The service can route you right out of PGD for reasonable prices.