During November 2018, Charlotte County issued 116 permits, 18 percent more than November 2017. While November issues fewer than October 2018, the 13-month trend remains positive.

PGD’s activity in October 2018 increased 13 percent over October 2017, and 74 percent over September 2018

The City has been working with the Southwest Florida Vietnam Wall Memorial organization to renovate some areas of Veterans Park. A fundraising campaign is underway for additions and changes, including additional parking (currently under construction), streetscaping, an Honor Walk, mural wall plaza, Purple Heart memorial, donors plaza and ceremonial gazebo place. Click Here to purchase an engraved brick that will help support these updates.

Fresh Jersey Tomatoes, a Punta Gorda social organization, collected toys for children being helped by Charlotte Behavioral Health Care. This year’s toy drive was the Third Annual and collected 880 toys, a huge success!

Charlotte County was awarded a $1.7 million grant to build an Aviation Mechanics Training facility. Students will be able to earn an Avaition Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics (A & P) Certification. There is great need now and in the future for this high-skill profession. Courses may start as early as Fall 2020 through Charlotte Technical College.

Starting Spring 2019, the university will be offering “FGCU Complete,” a program providing a Bachelor’s degree path for candidates who have earned some college credits and want to “complete” their degree. A skilled labor force is the #1 most important factor in site planning for business relocation and expansion.

The Charlotte County Economic Development Partnership promotes development of business and workforce opportunities in our Punta Gorda area. Their mission is to help facilitate a strong local economy. You can stay apprised of their activities by getting their newsletter.

Published in November 2018, the book is “your gateway to 100 cities hand-picked by the experts at Where to Retire magazine, the authority on retirement relocation.” You have to buy the book to see where we place! Available on Amazon.

Charlotte County tourist development tax collected for fiscal year exceeds $4 million for the first time. During the year 10/1/2017 – 9/30/2018, over $4.1M TDT revenues marked a 4.8% increase over the previous fiscal year. Says the Punta Gorda Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau, “October through June exceeded last year’s TDT collections, however, there was a drop in collections July through September compared to last year which is most likely due to the red tide bloom.”

Punta Gorda is #10 on the list by Travel+Leisure magazine as an affordable winter travel destination. The weather, exciting and relaxing attractions, proximity to larger city areas, and more, bring to our city an ever-growing number of winter visitors. Kudos to the many businesses and Chambers for working to make this happen!

Micah Richins, executive VP & COO of the Resort, announced that current plans call for construction of ~500 hotel rooms in a main resort building and another 160 – 180 condominium units in two towers as part of the $420M Phase 1. Vertical construction is anticipated to start in February.