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Friday Facts for September 24, 2021

Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,

Here are your Friday Facts

For Our Community and All Our Members.

From John Wright, President, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Here is a copy of John’s Column printed in the newspaper on September 24, 2021.

For Our Members Only

PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR OCTOBER & NOVEMBER 2021. (The deadline for October booking is Monday 9/27.) Our monthly radio show on Seaview 104.9FM during the Bob Alexander Radio Show is on the first Wednesday and Thursday of each month. 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 programming 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 show, 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.

For Our Community and All Our Members

Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office – Neighboring counties have reported several reports of vehicle burglaries from vehicles parked at shopping centers, gyms and day cares. Please remember to always remove your valuables and lock your car. If you must leave valuables inside the car, place them out of sight or in the trunk.

Business owners – If possible, remove cash and valuables from business when not open for customers. Periodically check all security equipment and update lighting, cameras and security system if needed. If you observe suspicious activity after hours, at a closed business please call our non-emergency number 941-639-0013

City of Punta Gorda Police Department – Think before you drink! Take a look at these Florida and Punta Gorda DUI related statistics.

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention BureauLatest Update


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Where’s John Now?

Take a Tour of a Local Business and Chamber Member with John. CLICK HERE to find out where he visited this week.

This video will be shared here in Friday Facts, on our Chamber website, and on our Chamber Social Media pages. If you would like to have a visit from John please contact Tara Zajas at tzajas@puntagorda-chamber.com or call the office (941) 639-3720 to schedule a date. [/box]


A Night Of Swing!

Make A Difference…While Having Fun!

Suncoast Swing Band with Zarita Mattox

MUSIC TO RAISE THE ROOF!

**Benefitting Valerie’s House & Dream Chasers and Dream Makers Girls Mentoring Program**

Saturday, October 16th at Gulf Theater at The Military Heritage Museum

Doors open at 6pm – Music at 7pm

Intermission by Punta Gorda’s own Calendar Girls

?!?Have you reserved your seats yet?!?

Tickets and more details can be found HERE!


Chamber Calendar of Events Members ONLY

Networking Events – October 2021

October 13: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am- 8:30am Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center for Business over Breakfast! The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center is located at 10941 Burnt Store Rd. Punta Gorda, FL 33950. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.

October 19: Business After Hours 5:30pm

Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at The Military Heritage Museum located at 900 W. Marion Ave. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business! Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.

October 27th : Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at the Four Points Sheraton located at 33 Tamiami Trail. Reservations Required. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Menu choices: Chicken caesar salad, veggie wrap with fries, dockside burger and fries or coconut shrimp and fries. NOTE: Cancellations not accepted after 3pm on Friday before event. Cost is $20.00 per person pre-paid. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex

ONLINE RESERVATIONS FOR CHAMBER LUNCHEONS ARE ONCE AGAIN AVAILABLE BY CLICKING HERE


All the Following Information is for Our Community.

Please Support Our Local Businesses!


Partners in Action News

Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – Lobster Pots are back! Please join us on Fridays at the Dockside Grill located inside the Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside. We offer the full lobster with all the trimmings for only $21.95. If you can’t eat the whole lobster, try some of our homemade lobster bisque. You will be glad you did! Come back on Saturday for our Prime Rib special that you won’t want to miss! After dinner, head on down to the tiki and dance the night away to one of your favorite bands. The Tiki Bar…..The Place To Be!

Bayfront Health (Gold) – Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda is looking for volunteers that are compassionate and caring and are willing to commit 4 hours per week for at least a 6 month time period with a minimum of 60 hours.

Our volunteers graciously donate their time and energy assisting our patients and staff. Depending on your interests and the needs of the facility, you may volunteer in areas that provide you with patient interaction, like the emergency room and information desk, or in areas like the business office, human resources and the education department. You will have the opportunity to volunteer at any of our facilities: Bayfront Health Port Charlotte or Bayfront Health Punta Gorda. Prospective volunteers are interviewed for placement, attend an orientation session and receive required training.

Apply online at https://www.bayfrontcharlotte.com/volunteer-opportunities. For more information please email heather.rozelle@bayfronthealth.com.

TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – Say goodbye to September….hopefully, cooler weather is headed our way. The 7-day rolling residential statistic for Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and North Port shows 104 new listings, 210 pending (new contracts), 157 sold (closed sales). Would you like to discuss real estate with no strings attached? Call Della Booth, Broker TIME Realty Services she can answer questions and help with any resources you may need. Cell 239-699-4493

Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) The Saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am to Noon.

Creative Window Treatments (Silver) –  is your local Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer. We offer all types of custom window treatments for any business or commercial setting with 2 locations to serve you. Call for your FREE In-Home consultation! 941-637-0015 / 941-828-0000

C.A.R.E. (Bronze) – Join C.A.R.E. on October 14th at noon for a FREE Lunch and Learn about Domestic Violence. Attendees will hear from domestic violence advocates, Charlotte County Sheriff’s office, and legal professions. Help us raise awareness around domestic violence in our local community and reserve your spot today. For more information visit https://carefl.org/ or call 941-639-5499.

Charlotte Players (Bronze) – Meet the Cast of the 9th Annual Comedy for a Cause! “Comedy for a Cause” has changed the Performance Date to Friday October 15th, 2021 6pm.

Military Heritage Museum (Bronze In Kind) –

September 30th: 2021 Distinguished Civilian Award Dinner Featuring Flavors of Punta Gorda
November 13th: Salute to Veterans Golf Scramble at St. Andrew’s South Golf Club
New happenings at the Military Heritage Museum and the Gulf Theater!

Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County (Support) Save the date! PetOberfest! October 2nd 11am – 3pm Grr and Prr Raffles winners drawn that day. No charge to enter. Food truck, face painting, tarot card reading and more!

Frank Desguin Family (Support) – Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Did you know that by 1908, just seven years after telephones came to town, the DeSoto Telephone Company had outgrown its office for the second time?

Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary (Support) – The Giving Circle is an organization that donates $500,000 every year to non profits. The top 20 charities receive a portion of the grant every quarter. It doesn’t cost anything to vote, and you can vote every 7 days. Please sign up and vote for Octagon! Please use this link that will take you directly to our voting site https://mygivingcircle.org/octagon-wildlife-sanctuary Please vote and share with all your friends on FB, email, Instagram, etc….

Thanks so much for your support!!

Perfectly Polished (Support) September 1-30 Fundraiser and awareness campaign for Valerie’s House. Buy a Bracelet! Also, see our large widow display designed by Valerie’s House.

Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic (Support)TENNIS TOURNAMENT FUNDRAISER – ‘Tis the Season Vivante Tennis Tournament – Benefiting Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic, will be held Friday to Sunday, November 19th– 21st, 2021, at the Vivante Tennis Center, Punta Gorda FL. PLAYER REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Registrations limited, sign up now! The tournament kicks off on Friday night with a Sponsor/Player Party. Match play Saturday & Sunday. Food & prizes!! SPONSORSHIPS with benefits now available at www.VivanteTennisTournament.com. Contact Barb Robinson, at 941-628-3664.

Incoming on Fri, OCT 8, 6-10 pm, it’s a M*A*S*H Party & FUNdraiser!! – The Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic hosts its Annual Appeal Kick-off Party with Special guest “Pvt. Igor Straminsky” (TV series Chef) Jeff Maxwell * Emcee Stacey Deffenbaugh * Come dressed in your best M*A*S*H attire for PRIZES!! Games * Food * Cash Bar * Holy Trinity Banquet Hall (Port Charlotte). $75 /pp. RSVP by Sept. 30, 2021. Tickets online https://volunteercare.org/mash OR Call/Email Karen: 941-276-4075 – kamador@volunteercare.org


Member Information

Valerie’s House has two amazing fundraising events coming up. A Night of Swing!! Suncoast Swing Band with Zarita Mattox benefitting Valerie’s House & Dream Chasers and Dream Makers Girls Mentoring Program. This event will be on Saturday, October 16th at 6pm. Purchase tickets at www.militaryheritagemuseum.org Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique is selling bracelets for the month of September. The proceeds are going to Valerie’s House https://puntagordanails.com/

Divine Global Recovery – In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, a local nonprofit organization devoted to disaster relief, Divine Global Recovery took off on its’ first disaster relief mission this past week. They teamed up with The Cajun Navy Ground Force and were assigned various jobs within their makeshift SAFE Camp. A Walmart parking lot now represented an oasis in the desert for countless people who lost everything. This group of passionate warriors became a lifeline for a whole bunch of families just trying to survive. It’s a life altering experience to witness it firsthand. Click here to continue and to see how you can help! Photos

Punta Gorda Women’s Club – Saturday, September 25th Bianca L’amour’s Hollywood Dolls! Dinner and a show to benefit the Women’s Club

The Captain’s Table – October 5th & 6th – Fall Wine Dinner. Delicious Food. Amazing Wines & Great Company!

Team Punta Gorda – Punta Gorda in Bloom has been selected to be one of seven finalists in the America in Bloom Video Contest! Nationwide voting for the contest ends Oct 1, 2021. You can support the PGIB video by voting for it here: http://surveymonkey.com/r/AIB2021. The winning community gets bragging rights and $1500 which we will use to help keep our flower pots in downtown PG full!

Charlotte County Concert Band – Artistic director Bob Miller, the board and individual band members are excited to return to performing quality concert band music for the Charlotte community. Our musicians have been practicing, our music has been selected and we look forward to presenting the following concerts to you: Click here for dates and details.

The Parrot Entertainment MagazineLatest issue.

The Yoga Sanctuary – Saturday, October 2nd, A yoga Day-retreat at the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens with the Yoga Sanctuary

Burnt Store Presbyterian ChurchChristmas Memories Concert, Monday November 29th. The Ditchfield Family Singers are back by popular demand!

Epiphany Health – If you’ve considered joining, now is the time! For all Chamber members who call the office in September, we will honor our previous rate. Click HERE for details. Open House September 30th 4-6pm! Meet Dr. Hubman.

Women’s Council of Realtor’s Living the Florida Lifestyle Fashion Show October 20th 5:00 – 8:00 pm to support the Charlotte County Homeless Coalition.

Chelsea Place – TODAY! 10am – 2pm Save Lives & Joins or the Blood Drive at 3626 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte. Click here for details and to book your appointment.

Boys & Girls Club of Charlotte County – 12th Annual “Clubs For Kids” Golf Tournament Saturday, September 25th at St. Andres South Golf Club.

Copperfish Books – Join us for a very special event on Monday, October 25 when New York Times bestselling authors Kristy Woodson Harvey, Mary Kay Andrews, and Patti Callahan will be in conversation with New York Times bestselling author Kristin Harmel! They will speak to us and and sign copies of their upcoming books at a brunch at F.M. Don’s restaurant in Punta Gorda. There will also be fun activities and prizes, and a portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Friends of the Punta Gorda Library. We will have the entire restaurant, which not only makes it safer during these unusual times, but also adds to the fun! You won’t want to miss this literary extravaganza!

Sea Grape Gallery – Sea Grape Gallery is proud to announce that during the month of October they will be showcasing the artwork of guest artist Birgit Tode, resin artist. Birgit Tode was born and raised in Germany and over the years worked and lived in many countries in Europe before moving to Sarasota, Florida in 2012. Her artist journey started out working in watercolor, clay, and acrylic paint before she found her true passion which is working in resin. Birgit loves to create textured artwork by adding glass, fibers, wood, feathers, or stones into each piece. She enjoys playing with colors, new techniques, and challenging themes. Birgit’s beautiful and unique resin artwork can be viewed on Sea Grape’s website at www.seagrapegallery.com.

Punta Gorda Airport – The IdentoGo TSA PreCheck Mobile RV will be coming to Punta Gorda Airport from Monday, October 18 – Friday, October 22, 2021. The Mobile Enrollment Center will be located in the in the short-term parking lot across from the Snack Shack. TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that enables identified low-risk air travelers to enjoy a smart and efficient screening experience. For TSA PreCheck travelers, there is no need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, light outerwear or belts. Today, TSA PreCheck has more than 450 lanes at 200+ U.S. airports. Click HERE for more details.

The Punta Gorda History CenterSouthern Supper 1920’s Style Saturday November 20th,5pm at Hurricane Charley’s.

Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association – Vendor space is available at the annual “Art and Craft Fair,” Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association, 2001 Shreve Street, Punta Gorda, to be held on Saturday, November 6, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The nominal vendor fee for this community event is $35, and each vendor will be provided with a six-foot table and two chairs. This is your opportunity to show and sell your wares to hundreds of guests. For more information, please visit PGICA Art and Craft Fair or call 941-637-1655.

Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Guess what is happening NEXT WEEK?! Come down and get double points on National Coffee Day (28th) and a Size Upgrade ON US on International Coffee Day (1st). We will have a variety of International Coffee Drinks from around the world available right here in downtown Punta Gorda. Check out our Facebook page with updates and specials.

Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Well Steph, one of the owners, is SUPER excited for next week. Did you know that this coming Tuesday is National Drink a Beer Day? What more could you ask for! Steph will have some amazing Beer’s on our Tasting Table tomorrow so come down and taste with us. Don’t forget that Oktoberfest is right around the corner and we have an amazing selection of German Beers, while supplies last. You can also follow us on Facebook because we post all of our Tastings for the week, to give everyone a sneak peak of what’s to come. Call ahead and make your reservation now at 941-505-0479.

Florida Gulf Coast University Artificial Intelligence starts this Fall at FGCU! FGCU’s Innovative Education & Partnerships office teamed up with IBM Skills Academy to bring skills-oriented training to our students and communities focused on various technology backgrounds resulting in digital badges that showcase skills/competencies learned through the academy.

Senior Friendship Centers – Hats Off To You Virtual Gala Thursday October 14thth 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Fisherman’s VillageOctober calendar of events. Saturday, September 25th noon – 4pm 8th annual Key Lime & Tropical Fest! Admission and parking. Click here for details.

SCORE – Small Business assistance and advice is now available from SCORE Port Charlotte on a drop-in basis. Stop by the Charlotte County Economic Development building on Friday from 9 to noon. This Friday, Certified Mentors Greg Imig and Nils Weibulll will be available for a casual chat about your business and the challenges you are facing.  SCORE is powered by the SBA and offers confidential one-on-one business mentoring at no cost.  Stop by the City Hall Friday September 24th and visit portcharlotte.score.org for more information.

Covenant Business Planning & Solutions – Business Partnership Series – Uneven Pay by: Jeffrey Frankhouser, CEPA, MRFC, CEP Like uneven workloads, when a partner takes more money from the business than another partner, trouble begins if there is no agreement on compensation. Agreement on uneven compensation? Yes, very often one partner agrees that the other does more work and deserves more money.

Continue: https://covenant-business.com/business-partnership-series-4/ Our client objectives:

INCREASING YOUR INCOME    DECREASING YOUR TAXES     IMPROVING YOUR NET WORTH

Remember, we help business owners sleep better at night!

Punta Gorda Elks Lodge 2606 – November 6th Veterans Parade. For information or to register, contact Charles Moores 860-595-7482

Wreaths Across AmericaNite Under the Museum! Thursday October 14th 7-10pm at the Military Heritage Museum

Peace River Shopper Latest Edition.


COMMUNITY INFORMATION

City of Punta Gorda, FL: Volunteers for Boards and Committees Needed

Board of Zoning Appeals – (three regular and two alternate) Meets the fourth Tuesday at 4 p.m. in City Council Chambers. City residency is required. Seven-member board with two alternate members. Three-year terms, maximum of three terms or partial term plus two more terms. Financial disclosure required. Makes recommendations to City Council on variances to City Code.

Code Enforcement – (two regular and two alternate) Meets monthly on the fourth Wednesday at 9 a.m. in City Council Chambers. City residency required. Seven-member board with two alternate members. Three-year terms. Maximum of three terms OR partial term plus two more terms. Financial disclosure required. Hears and decides alleged violations of the City Code.

Planning Commission – (one regular) Meets monthly on the fourth Monday at 2:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers. City residency required. Seven-member board with two alternate members. Three-year terms. Maximum of three terms OR partial term plus two more terms. Financial disclosure required. Makes recommendations to City Council on Special Exceptions, amending or extending the Comprehensive Plan, platting or subdividing land within the City and adopting and amending zoning ordinances.

Punta Gorda Isles Canal Advisory Committee – (one regular) Meets monthly on the third Monday at 1:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. Punta Gorda Isles residency required. Seven member board. Three-year terms, maximum of three terms. Financial disclosure required. Makes recommendations to City Council on effective maintenance of existing canals, waterways and navigable channels within the district, together with maintenance and reconstruction of seawalls. Holds public hearings and makes final decision on petitions for special permit to provisions of Section 2-1(c) of Chapter 6, City Code of Ordinances.

Anyone interested in serving on a board or committee can complete a Board Appointment Information Form at https://bit.ly/3Cddnn0 available at or through the office of the City Clerk by stopping by at 326 West Marion Avenue or calling (941) 575-3369. Appointed members and those interested in serving should review the Handbook for Advisory Board Members at https://bit.ly/2YQLUci and be willing to comply with the requirements therein. Topics covered include an overview of the City’s boards and committees, meeting procedures and Florida’s Public Records Law and Sunshine Law.

Hounds on Henry Dog Park Closure

The Hounds on Henry Dog Park will be closed on Sept. 22 starting at noon through Sept. 24 for the installation of the K9 grass (weather permitting). The Dog Park is tentatively scheduled to re-open on Sept. 25. For additional information on this project, please contact City of Punta Gorda Public Works Department at (941) 575-5050 between the business hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday thru Friday.


Newsletters

ARCHway Institute – Newsletter

Animal Welfare League –Pawsitive News

C.A.R.E. – September Newsletter

Charlotte Community Foundation – The Connection

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter

Cooperfish BooksSeptember Newsletter

Lifestyles After 50What’s Happening in August

Loveland Center – Exciting Updates

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens – Gardens at a Glance News

Punta Gorda Mural SocietyAugust Newsletter

The Yoga Sanctuary – September Newsletter


Sincerely,

John Wright, President
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce

Every effort has been made to accommodate guests of all abilities. The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce is not responsible for the presentation, format or accessibility of customer submitted documents, images and links. For assistance with this document, please email tzajas@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Animal Welfare League

Calenda Real Estate Group

Centennial Bank

Chapman Insurance Group

Charlotte Players

Denise Henry,

ReMax Anchor Realty

Farr Law Firm 

Florida Premier Contractors

Granny Nannies

Gulfshore Opera

Hoff’s Air Authority

PicklePlex of Punta Gorda

State Farm Insurance Agency – Mike Martin

Superior Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross & Young, PA

 

Support Partners