The Air Show typically brings about 40,000 people to the area. This year will be no exception as the USAF Thunderbirds will be among many aerobatic performers. 8,000 tickets will be given to area elementary school students in a program requiring they read at least 1 book. A 5K Run the Runway on Saturday will benefit Special Olympics Florida.

Kudos to Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau for winning an award for its innovative campaign work in tourism marketing (eTourism Summit Excellence Award) from Expedia Group Media Solutions. The bureau’s campaign, “Outsiders Welcome,” also earned an award for best use of video. 

The first Chamber festival of the season is the “Mindi Abair Punta Gorda Wine & Music Festival” on Nov. 15-17. Tickets for the weekend events are selling out fast, concert tickets still available. Go to www.puntagordachamber.com/product/mindi-abair-weekend-package

One of the many things to do in Punta Gorda happens on the 4th Friday of each month, now through May at the James & Barbara Moore Observatory on the FSW State College Campus. Free stargazing is led by Tom Segur to view the sky through the 16” telescope. Open to the public after nightfall.

Congratulations to King Fisher Fleet, who has a new, custom-built tour boat designed to run excursions in Charlotte Harbor & the Peace River. Recently launched, she’s ready for your next tour. 

In May 2020, thanks to the Southwest Florida Veteran Honor Flights, the first Honor Flight from PGD will take veterans to Washington DC. Funded through donations, there are currently 100 more seats available on this flight. More info at www.pchonorflight.org

The deal struck between the Charlotte County Commission and Cheney Brothers will result in an 80,000 square foot expansion ($8.6 million) and 30 higher paying jobs for the facility in Punta Gorda. Construction to start in 5 months, completing in Nov. 2020.

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!

Metrostudy data states that Babcock Ranch is the region’s top master-planned community, leading the region by more than 20% in annual housing starts. Diverse in home sizes and pricing, 11 homebuilders contributed to the almost 300 housing starts through June.

The new Punta Gorda Public Library opened August 26th. Now open 6-days a week with extended hours, 10A-6P. The Friends Book Store is still located within the Library. Try out the new check-in technology. Put a book in the cubby, it’s immediately checked in, put in the next item. Easy as that!

Done in record time in less than 18 months. Punta Gorda is the only city in the United States that owns its own seawalls. The city staff worked closely with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and the state of Florida to make sure the new seawalls were built to FEMA’s standards.

At long last, Buckley’s Pass has shovels in the ground! After years of planning, discussing & permitting, the 1445’ x 60’ channel will be completed Feb 2020. Funded by citizens in the most benefited area, ~68% of the cost has been already paid. Kudos to all who persevered through the process.