Sales are brisk at the new city of Babcock Ranch. Fox News recently broadcast a Special Report: “Urban Future, Babcock Ranch billed as first solar city” – See the Video

Congratulations Suncoast Media Group on the sale of your business! And a Punta Gorgeous welcome to Adams Publishing Group.

Thanks to the partnership with highly regarded Aviation College at Western Michigan University, advanced degrees in flight training, airport operations and management, and aviation mechanics (Airframe and Powerplant, or A&P) will soon be offered at the local campus of Florida SouthWestern State College and the newly renovated Punta Gorda Airport. (Approval from the Higher Learning Commission is in the works.)

During the month of May, donors purchased book bundles at their stores to be donated. In partnership with Charlotte County Reads, the books are distributed through community nonprofit organizations to children in need. The books are specially curated to be interesting and helpful to young students.

The economic indicators show Punta Gorda had a very good first quarter. In Feb, taxable sales were up 6% over Feb. 2017. Tourist revenues were up in March by 11% over 2017. Home sales have increased. And unemployment in April declined to 4%. All good news!

Welcome to Brian Laczko, the new director for our wonderful Charlotte Symphony. Coming here from Paducah KT, he has worked with Maestro Ponti previously. His goal is to make the CSO the centerpiece of the arts community, if not the community at large!

The PGPD Jammers basketball league is an outreach program for the youth in our community. Opening games for the 2018 Jammers Season begin June 8 at Charlotte High School. The games are free to attend so come out, support the kids! Thanks to area business sponsors TIME Realty, Bennet Automotive, Miller Surveying, Punta Gorda Rotary Club, Burnt Store Marina, and Drug Free Charlotte County!

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.”

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

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.