Here are your Friday Facts.
We have been advised that there will be a second rally held tonight 6pm to 8pm which is being organised by the same group who led last Friday’s gathering. Here is a message from Chief Pam Davis, Punta Gorda Police Department. ‘They told us they plan to have speakers talk at Laishley Park and then walk from Nesbit St. to Marion Ave. They will make a right on Marion Ave. and walk to City Hall. They will stop at the City Hall parking lot and then they may have a few more speakers. They will then exit the parking lot making a right on West Retta Esplanade. They will then travel on Retta back to Laishley Park. They were advised that they need to keep to the sidewalk on Marion Ave. The organizers have again promised to be peaceful and our department will be on hand like we were on June 5th. We also have resources from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, Charlotte County Fire Department, and the Punta Gorda Fire Department assisting us. We have not received any intelligence that there will be any counter-protesters or issues that would indicate a propensity for violence or property damage. At our meeting Monday, the organizers said they did not get to hear from speakers last week because of the rain so that is why they chose to continue with the protest this week. They envision diversifying their events to further their cause in the future to something other than a protest/march. They did not specifically commit to anything at this point, but led us to believe they were not planning to protest again next week. There will be members of the Community Engagement Unit visiting the businesses along Marion Ave. today to let them know what is going on and provide guidance if needed. As always, the Punta Gorda Police Department will do our best to make sure there is as little disruption to our city as possible while ensuring the safety of everyone.’
City Wide Garage Sale – it’s tomorrow, June 13 (8am-noon) at Comfort Storage. Please call office (941) 639 3720 by 2pm today to register and pay $15. Vendors and Customers are requested to wear masks. Social distancing required.
Please keep voting (you can do so once a day) – The City of Punta Gorda that has been nominated for the 2020 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards – Best Small Town Food Scene! We are currently in 2nd place and need your help!
PG Chamber radio show: Now Booking
We are very pleased to announce that our monthly radio show on Seaview 104.9FM will be returning to its usual monthly spot on the Bob Alexander Radio Show on the first Wednesday and Thursday of each month (except July when the show will air July 8th and 9th to avoid the 4th July holiday).
The process is very simple – no need to visit the studio. Bob will call you, set up a recording time and it’ll be done over the phone and inserted directly into the progaming of this very popular show. You get the option to record two x 2.5 minute slots or else simply record one and have it aired twice during the show. Bob will be able to let you know exactly during which hour it will air. The cost is an incredible $110 (payable to the PG Chamber, not iHeart). To register for the July show, or any subsequent shows, simply email John Wright. The rest we’ll take care of for you. Only ten businesses per month, so don’t delay. Offering you a great way to promote your business, advertise an event or simply to show your community support.
Notice from City of Punta Gorda – The government offices of the City of Punta Gorda will be closed on Friday, July 3rd, 2020 in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Residents of the City of Punta Gorda will notice NO CHANGE in their trash, yardwaste or recycling collections during this holiday. Commercial customers will notice NO CHANGE in trash collections during this holiday. City Residents Can Now Purchase Service Line Protection.
To all of you who answered the call to let us know you are Open For Business. Information has has been compiled in a spreadsheet and is being sent to anyone inquiring about who is operating in this current environment. Send details if you would like to be included. Please support your fellow Chamber Members.
If you have anything that you would like to put into the Friday Facts please send it to hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com by noon each Thursday.
Your Chamber Staff,
John, Hazel and Janet
Chamber Calendar of Events Members ONLY
TAKE-OFF to Networking – at the Isles Yacht Club on June 30, 2020 5.30pm to 7pm. RSVP required. First Class has sold out, but we still have Economy Seats at $30 (includes first beverage and in-flight snack, plus a whole lot of fun). To make your reservation, please call 941 639 3720 between 10am-2pm.
Mark you Calendars! Here are the planned Networking Events for July, 2020
RSVP’s are very important (limited numbers allowed and social distancing a must) so please call (941) 639 3720 or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com
July 8: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am-8:30am
Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at The Wyvern, 101 E Retta Esplande, Punta Gorda for Business Over Breakfast! Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720
July 21: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm
Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours and Ribbon Cutting at Granny Nannies, 2616 Tamiami Trail, Unit 1, Port Charlotte. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business! Please be sure to RSVP reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
July 29: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm.
Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Laishley Crab House, 150 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda Reservations Required. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Cost is $15.00 per person pre-paid. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex.
Upcoming Chamber Events (organized, run or supported by your Chamber)
City Wide Garage Sale will be held on Saturday June 13, 2020 at Comfort Storage, 8am to 12noon (registration at 7am). Call 941 639 3720 to register. Pr-registration IS required.
Partners in Action News
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum)
Enjoy plenty of fresh air and social distancing at T.T.’s Tiki Bar located on the water at the Four Points by Sheraton! We have a fabulous new menu that includes plenty of favorites from the past. Relax and listen to our live music. Our staff has taken extra steps to ensure that we meet the CDC guidelines for sanitizing and cleaning including everyone wearing masks. Our Dockside Grill is open inside the hotel at 25% capacity and drinks if you need a break from the sun. We are excited to serve our wonderful community again and look forward to seeing you! 941 637 6770.
Staycation Information.
Bayfront Health (Platinum) – New Walk-In and Primary Care Office.
TIME Realty Services (Gold) – is looking for new listings! Our market is moving very quickly and 100-200 properties are going under contract every 7 days. We are looking for listings in all shapes, styles and price points. Call to talk about how we can assist you. Della Booth, Broker cell 239-699-4493.
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 to 12. We sincerely appreciate your support. As our guests we request the you practice the following: Social distancing 6 feet please. No touching the food. Thank you for wearing a mask. New procedures to be followed every Saturday until further notice by all vendors: Upon arrival all vendors go directly to the information tent to get their temperature taken. Tents will be left open for air flow. Only 2 people at one time are allowed under a 10 x 10 tent. Samples are not allowed, unless pre-packaged! Vendors and employees must wear masks and gloves. Vendor must have a bottle of sanitation for their use and customers use.
Creative Window Treatments (Silver) – We are Open for Business.
Paradise Golf (Silver) – Casual Memberships 2021 for $99, then Golf Free this Summer!
Key West Express (Bronze) – Key West is Open and Key West Express is Sailing! You Might Not See It. But we’re really SMILING!
Charlotte Players (Bronze) – Our Box office hours are Monday thru Friday 10am to 4pm. You can call us for ticket information at (941) 255-1022 or go to our website at www.charlotteplayers.org. We are Celebrating 60 Seasons in Charlotte County!
Granny Nannies of Port Charlotte (Bronze) – We are open, and moved to our new location. We are an essential business. We are busier than ever given the best care to our clients, as well as taking care of our caregivers. Professional in-home senior care services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Granny NANNIES is dedicated to ensuring you receive the home health care you or your loved one require and deserve. https://grannynannies.com/Port-Charlotte Our new address is 2616 Tamiami Trail Unit 1 Port Charlotte, Florida 33952. Phone: 941-743-7606
Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique (Support) – We are performing all services (Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing, and Acrylic Nails). Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9am to 7pm, Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. Location: 121 E. Marion Avenue, Unit 111, Punta Gorda, FL Call 941-889-8388 for appointment or book online on our website at puntagordanails.com.
Hessler Floor Covering (Support) – Our COVID-19 Journey
Ribbon Cuttings
No Ribbon Cuttings planned at this time.
Member Information
Punta Gorda Symphony – Our First-Ever Virtual Music Camp!
Holiday4Heros – We have beautiful spring and summer bags from our Spring Designer Purse Bingo Event that has been postponed. Now, you have a chance to win one of six bags in our Designer Purse Raffle! Just go to our website holiday4heroes.com choose the bag (or bags) you’d like to win and buy a $20 ticket or many tickets to increase your chance of winning. Details are on the website. You do not have to be local to win and we will ship. Live drawing on Face Book will be held on Wednesday June 24, 2020. If you are one of the six lucky winners, we will notify you by either phone or email.
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens –We will be on the news! Make sure to tune in to ABC-7 for the morning news on Tuesday, JUNE 16! We will be live on air with Kristen Clarke & Cameraman Cody for her More Explores segment. It will air at 5:35-45, 6:35-45, and 9:30 am. Get a glimpse no one else sees – Sunrise from the Gazebo on the Peace River and see a bit of our newest attraction – Our amazing butterfly house. We hope you will join in! www.peacerivergardens.org 941-621-8299
The Printed Page – We are open and actively looking for new clients. We do business promotions including logo-design, brochures, newsletters, display ads, signs etc. We have also designed over 60 books. Kathleen Gamble 941-258-5052.
Village Place Health & Rehabilitation Center – 2370 Harbor Blvd in Port Charlotte, has 0 COVID cases. If your loved one or someone you know needs short term or long term care, Village Place has availability. You can reach out to Admissions Dept. at 941-624-5966.
Copperfish Books – Indie Next List for June 2020.
The Cocoa Exchange – 50% Off Your Favorite PURE DARK Products!
One Source Accounting & Tax – PPP Update
Punta Gorda Coffee & Tea – Father’s Day
Spiritwalk LLC dba Rotundo Studios – Illustration and Design, we are open for business and will meet clients at their place or for coffee!
Punta Gorda Sailing – Free 1-Hour Sailing Experiences June 20.
John Bothwell PA, Realtor, eXp Realty – Are you staying safe online?
Twin Isles – Summer Pool Program
TEAM Punta Gorda – Could you lend a hand?
Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill – If you have re-opened your business but now face the prospect of pressure from your creditors, call Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill, to help you deal with them while you rebuild your business income. Having gone through four economic downturns as an attorney and small business owner, Mark can assist you in your restructuring and advise you how to avoid the fatal mistakes made by past clients in similar circumstances. For a complimentary, confidential consultation, please call 941-206-3700 or e-mail Mark at mmartella@icardmerrill.com.
The Orange House Wine Bar – Acai Bowls for Take Out!
Gulfshore Opera – Free Harmony Choir virtual project for kids.
Military Heritage Museum – Museum reopned June 5
Boys & Girls Clubs of Charlotte County – Part of the Winn Dixie Community Bag Program.
Visual Arts Center – Happening at the VAC.
Right At Home – In Home Care and Assistance. We are Here for You.
AAA – Attention First Responders! Please Share with those working on the FRONT LINES!
C.A.R.E. – Is Open and Ready to Help Victims of Violence.
Fishermen’s Village – June Calendar of Events. Bluegrass Music Fest June 13
Newsletters
ARCHway Institute – National newsletter.
Charlotte Arts – Newsletter.
Charlotte Community Foundation – Gifts & Gab
Drug Free Charlotte County – Heading into Summer
Florida Gulf Coast University – Pledges to help RESTART SWFL
FGCU Renaissance Academy Ft Myers – News.
FGCU Renaissance Academy Punta Gorda – Summer’s Cool Rewards!
Gregg’s Automotie Maintenance & Repair Center – June Newsletter
Gulfshore Opera – Spring Campaign opens with Gusto!
Hope 4 Communities – Newsletter
Punta Gorda Symphony – Good News
Sandstar Remodeling & Interior Design – Newsletter.
SCORE – New Resources. PPP Information. Real-Time Mentoring.
Suncoast Country Opry Show – News.
United Way of Charlotte County – Newsletter
Yoga Sanctuary – June Newsletter
Sincerely,
John Wright, President
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce
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