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Friday Facts for February 11, 2022

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 February 8, 2022

For Our Members Only

PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR MARCH 2022.

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

6th Annual Punta Gorda Sullivan Street Craft Festival

Saturday, March 12th – Sunday, March 13th 2022. 10am – 5pm
Free Admission
On Sullivan Street in Punta Gorda

Harboritaville Toes in the sand

SAVE THE DATE!

APRIL 2, 2022

Harboritaville, Toes In the Sand, a new family-friendly event on Saturday, April 2 on the Great Lawn at the T.T. Tiki Bar at Four Points By Sheraton from 12:30-6:30 pm.

Musical guests will include Michael Hayman’s Hibiscus Band, Tropical Avenue and John Patti Group.

The party on the lawn will benefit 10 of our local non-profits that will be promoting their causes, serving their own unique Margaritas and competing in a hula skirt dance-off competition.

The winning drink of the day will be based on voting by attendees purchasing the Margarita Row tickets/wristbands. The hotel/tiki will serve the winning margarita for one year and give the non-profit $1 for every time the drink is purchased. Watch for more details shortly!

We have sponsorship opportunities available! We’d like to thank Friendly Floors, Express Employment Professionals, Gettel of Charlotte County, TIME Realty Services, and WhitCo Insurance for their sponsorships.

Interested? Contact us at 941-639-3720 or jrwright@puntagorda-chamber.com

 


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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]


Chamber Calendar of Events Members ONLY

Networking Events – February/March 2022

**Please remember to RSVP directly to events by emailing reception@puntagorda-chamber.com, by calling us at 941-639-3720 or by paying for lunch online. We LOVE to see you but we appreciate knowing you’re coming to provide our host with an accurate count to better accommodate us. Thank you for your assistance!

February 15: Business After Hours 5:30 pm Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at The Visual Arts Center located at 210 Maud St. in Punta Gorda. 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.

February 23: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30 pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at The Grille at 1951 located at 1951 Tamiami Trail in Port Charlotte. Reservations Required.

Menu choices are:

  • Linguini Bolognese
  • Pomodoro e Basilico. Spaghetti squash pasta with sauteed vegetables in a white wine sauce
  • Babcock Trails Sandwich. Turkey, avocado, french bread, romaine, tomato, cucumber and herb avocado spread. Served with fries.
  • Fish and Chips. Deep fried fresh haddock, key-lime tartar sauce, fries.

Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. NOTE: Cancellations not accepted after 3 pm on Friday before event. Cost is $20 per person pre-paid. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex

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

March 9: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am- 8:30am. Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Beef O’Brady’s located at 1105 Taylor Rd., Punta Gorda and hosted by Epiphany Health. Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.


All the Following Information is for Our Community.

Please Support Our Local Businesses!


Partners in Action News

Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – The Four Points by Sheraton and T.T.’s Tiki Bar have a lot coming up over the next couple of weeks! We still have tickets available to our Comedy Club this Friday! Please click for the details and to order a ticket. Also, we still are taking reservations for our Valentine’s Day dinner. Please click to see the full menu and pricing. We are having our second Wine Down Wednesday on February 23rd. Please click to see the menu and pricing for a spectacular dinner paired with the best wines! Lastly, please click to see when all your favorite bands are playing throughout the month of February at the Tiki. The Tiki Bar…..Always Sizzling

TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – The 7-day rolling stat for PG, PC & NP: 143 new listings, 257 pending (new contracts), 142 sold (new closings). If you are thinking of selling, we would love to talk with you! Give us a call to discuss your property value. 239-699-4493

Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) The Saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 am until 1 pm. January Newsletter!

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

Charlotte Players (Bronze) – John Denver Tribute Band February 28, 2022. With the uncanny resemblance and sound of the late John Denver, Ted Vigil performs many of Denver’s hits, including “Rocky Mountain High,” “Annie’s Song,” “Sunshine on My Shoulder,” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” Preferred and Regular seating is available. Showtime is 7:30pm. For more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.

C.A.R.E. (Support)Looking to have some fun while giving back to your favorite local charity? Join us on Sunday March 13th as C.A.R.E. Auxiliary hosts their annual Dart Tournament at the Ice House Pub. Located at 408 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda. Registration is $25.00 per player, tournament begins at 4:00pm. Sign-ups can be made by emailing careauxiliary@gmail.com or in person day of event. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams. All proceeds benefit the Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies. Eat, Sleep, and play darts with C.A.R.E. Auxiliary!

Frank Desguin Family (Support) – Copy of Frank’s Column in the newspaper. Did you know that in addition to seven sons of a well-known Punta Gorda family serving their country in several branches of the armed forces during World War II and the Korean War, two were at the vanguard of aviation history?

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support) – ZimSculpt, running now through April 18th in which curators from Zimbabwe will bring in over 2,000 hand-carved stone sculptures.

We have received an overwhelmingly positive response from Charlotte County Schools wanting to bring 1,400 students to attend this exhibit and experience live demonstrations. This exhibit gives our students a rare opportunity to observe the finest Zimbabwean sculptors demonstrating their artistry, while they observe and learn about this art and culture. We need your help to meet the requests from our schools. Please join us and other community organizations to help support these field trips. The cost per student is $7. Please click here for more information on how you can help!


Member Information

Punta Gorda Short Film FestivalThe 8th Annual Punta Short Film Festival will be March 2nd at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center (Doors open at 6 pm). Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Online tickets can be purchased at 8pgsff.bpt.me or you can purchase tickets at the Punta Gorda Chamber during normal business hours (Cash or check please).

Gator Wilderness Camp School – Thursday, February 24th – Banquet 2022! Turner Center in Arcadia. Silent Auction and more.

Punta Gorda Rotary Club – The 14th annual Taste of Punta Gorda. Sunday, March 6th – 11am to 5pm at Laishley Park, Punta Gorda. Tastes of delicious food from Charlotte County’s best restaurants all in one place! Beer & Wine, Arts, Crafts, a Kid’s Zone, and music with the BoogieMen.  Tickets $5 – VIP $30 – kids 12 and under free. All proceeds support the Punta Gorda Rotary Club Foundation. Our Presenting IRON CHEF sponsor is Publix Super Markets. Other major sponsors are Ingman Marine, Suncoast Credit Union, Bankers Life, and Amerilife. Tickets can be purchased here.

Charlotte County Historical Society – The 25th Annual Florida Frontier Days! February 25th & 26th at the Punta Gorda History Park. Click here for more information.

Coastal Expressions & Wine – February 23rd 4-7pm Wine Walk. $12 per person. Register online or in store at Coastal Expressions. Stroll the Plaza, Sip & Shop and enjoy meeting new people. Click here for more information.

Suncoast Humane Society – This year we will break ground on our new state-of-the-art facility that is the FUTURE of animal welfare. With innovative design and animal care spaces that support the health and well-being of those in our care, we will revolutionize the modern approach in animal sheltering. To find out more click here.

Charlotte County Habitat For Humanity – The next $10,000 that is donated to Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity through April 2nd Annual Home Build Campaign will be matched up to $10,000! Click here to find out more or to find out how your donation can be matched!

Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – For the convenience of our Loyal Customers, we will be open Sunday, Friday 13th, 2022. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so make sure you have everything you need, we have you covered for all your chocolate, beer, wine, and cheese needs!

Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – We are exciting to bring back our Coffee Flights, for this month’s Downtown Experience we will be introducing some NEW and EXCITING drink combinations and flavors. Our Flights are all made to order using our House-Made Syrups, Sauces, Whipped Cream and more. So come in and enjoy with us some amazing drinks….and even some new pasties!

The Punta Gorda Women’s Club – The Punta Gorda Women’s Club is having a Bunco Game Day fundraiser on Friday, February 18th at noon in our clubhouse at 118 Sullivan Street. Italian sub sandwiches, chips, cookies and beverages will be served. There will also be prizes for winners and losers! The cost is $20 per person. All funds raised will go toward our local charities. Call Ellen Say for tickets – 941-505-9605.

Unwined Wine and Beer Bar Happy Hour! Tuesday – Saturday 3-6 pm House Wine $5 Craft Beer $3.50 525 E Olympia Ave. Suite 3 Punta Gorda.

Gregg’s Automotive Maintenance & Repair Center – February 1st through March 31st is our annual Brakes for Kids Charity event. That means you get FREE brake pads with and brake repair. Even better, 10% of the total repair costs will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Research Hospital. Click here for more details.

Charlotte County Concert Band: The Charlotte County Concert Band, under the direction of Bob Miller, presents “Dance With Me” on today in the Charlotte Performing Arts Center. Everyone’s feet will be tapping as the band presents a wide variety of dance music from the classics to some ever-popular dance forms. Soprano Doreen Curp will be the featured soloist.

We hope that you will join the Charlotte County Concert Band for their concert tonight at 7:30 at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center at Charlotte High School, 701 Carmalita Street, Punta Gorda. Tickets are available online at www.charlottecountyconcertband.com or at the Charlotte Performing Arts Center the night of the concert.

Punta Gorda Pub Crawl The Punta Pub Crawl presents The Punta Gorda Food Drive February 26th! The Ice House Pub at 10:30 am until 1 pm. Anyone who brings a non-perishable can of food will receive one raffle ticket per can, up to 24 cans per person for a chance to win a grand prize!

Burnt Store Presbyterian Church – The Boys of D63, featuring the music that defined the generation of the 60s, will take center stage on Feb. 14. This phenomenal show features four powerful vocalists whose voices, moves and wit will capture the audience with everything from Billy Joel to Earth Wind and Fire and more, with just a little Frankie Valli thrown in for good measure. The series finale, on March 14, will put the spotlight on the Everly Set. All performances will start at 7:15 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. There is no reserved seating. Click here for more details.

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida – Charlotte County Small Business Class Starts February 28. Individuals who are thinking about starting their own business but need some mentoring are invited to apply to the Goodwill Southwest Florida MicroEnterprise Institute, scheduled for Feb. 28-April 7, 2022. Click here for more information.

Team Punta Gorda – 17th Annual Golf Scramble March 19th at St. Andrews South Golf Club. Click here for details.Pedal and Play in Paradise March 26th. Punta Gorda’s Premier Bicycle event is back! Pedal and Play in Paradise features 15, 30 & 60 mile rides and the ever popular “Mystery Ride!” Includes a light breakfast, tasty box lunch, live entertainment & t-shirts for first 400 riders. Registration $50. Proceeds benefit TEAM Punta Gorda’s Bicycle-Friendly and other initiatives. Click here for more information.

Punta Gorda Civic Association – Let’s Go Fishing! An introductory course in Florida Fishing is being offered at the PGI Civic Association on Shreve Street in Punta Gorda. Topics to be covered include fishing techniques, tackle selection, rigging, knot tying, lures, baits, cast nets, fish identification, tides, and fishing regulations for fishing in fresh and salt waters of Southwest Florida. Rods, reels, lures, nets and other fishing equipment will be demonstrated during the class and there will be a number of useful handouts issued to students. The class is geared towards beginning anglers, but more experienced fishermen may pick up helpful tips as well. The instructor is long time local fishing guide Capt. Ralph Allen who might even reveal the locations of a few local hotspots! The course is open to all members of the public and is held on Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. for six weeks beginning on Wednesday February 23. The cost for the class is $50 and advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.

Connect Print & Promotions, LLC. – February, a Super ? month for getting together & spreading the love — we’re here to make your marketing shine Punta Gorda!

commercial printing
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… it’s ALWAYS about the people! #fortheloveofprinting ???

Guardian Ad Litem Foundation – The Guardian ad Litem Foundation, 20th Judicial Circuit, will host its newest fundraising event, “What’s your Superpower 5K Walk/Run & Kids Fun Run,” on Feb. 19 in Fort Myers.

The event will be held on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College and feature a traditional 5K race for runners of all ages, as well as a children’s run and a virtual run for those unable to join the race in person.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates – On Friday, February 18, Neil Zirconia, a Neil Diamond tribute entertainer will perform at the next Edison and Ford Winter Estates’ Rhythm on the River celebration. Zirconia, dubbed the ultimate “Faux Diamond,” will perform Neil Diamond hits on the historic Ford lawn along the Caloosahatchee River. Gates open at 5:30 pm and concert starts at 6 pm.

The Grille at 1951Savor this Valentine’s Day! We’re preparing a special menu just for you and that special someone. Come enjoy our sweetheart specials!

Punta Gorda Historical Society – The Punta Gorda Historical Society will be hosting a variety of musicians in the Park on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, through May 2022 from 4-6 p.m. Bring your own chair and beverage of choice, peruse the Food Trucks for your dining pleasure.

Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home and Cremation Services: March 2nd from 5-7 pm. Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Home and Cremation Services invites you to a complimentary Wine & Cheese Reception. Stop by and support our local arts and humanities and meet our local artist of the month.

Sea Grape Gallery – Now to March 3, 2022, Sea Grape Gallery will be featuring two of their artists, Kitt Moran, oil painter, and Nancy Giffin, Nantucket, and Shaker style basketry artist.

Fishermen’s VillageFebruary calendar of events.

Peace River Shopper Latest Edition.


Community News

The Construction Industry Licensing Board is seeking a volunteer to represent the general contractor category. Volunteer must be a resident of Charlotte County for at least two years and be a licensed general contractor. Length of term is four years. Contact Diane Whidden at 941-743-1298 or email Diane.Whidden@CharlotteCountyFL.gov for an application.

The following MSBU/TU Advisory Boards are seeking volunteers who must be both a property owner within and reside within the unit. Submit applications to Public Works Department, 7000 Florida Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950; call 941-575-3600 or e-mail MSBU-TU@CharlotteCountyFL.gov. Click here for more information.

Airport Partners with VCB to Offer Passengers New Photo Op Spots at Bailey Terminal – Life-size fishing and beach scenes are now available for selfies and group photos at the Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) Bailey Terminal. The new photo op spots create a “sense of arrival” for PGD passengers visiting from one of Sun Country’s or Allegiant’s 50+ destinations.  

PGD partnered with the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB) to create a display in the departures check-in area and a display just outside of baggage claim where friends and family can take a quick photo to kick off or memorialize their trip. “We hope the spots are seen as festive and fun, and we encourage everyone to share socially,” said the VCB’s Director of Marketing Maureen Morgenthien.


Applause

10th Anniversary for Imagination Library Program

Charlotte County Imagination Library, the local affiliate of Dolly Parton’s iconic Imagination Library program, celebrated its 10th Anniversary recently, in collaboration with the Charlotte Players, its’ non-profit sponsor. The local Imagination Library program began with local business owner Shawn Gilstad and Charlotte Players’ Executive Director Sherrie Moody and the Players’ Board of Directors. The contract with the Dollywood Foundation was signed in December 2011. The program provides a free book to registered children between the ages of birth and five years. Any child in that age group who lives in Charlotte County is eligible to participate. Parents can enroll their children for no cost online at www.charlottecountyimaginationlibrary.org. Click here for more details.


Newsletters

ARCHway Institute – Newsletter

Animal Welfare League –Pawsitive News

C.A.R.E. – February Newsletter

Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter

Cooperfish BooksFebruary Newsletter

Loveland Center – February Newsletter

Military Heritage Museum – Happenings & Highlights

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

Punta Gorda Mural SocietyNewsletter

SandStarNewsletter

The Yoga Sanctuary – January 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

Charlotte Community Foundation

Charlotte Players

Denise Henry –ReMax Anchor Realty

Farr, Farr, Emerich,Hackett, Carr, and Holmes Law Firm

HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital

Granny Nannies Home Care

Gulfshore Opera

Hoff’s Air Authority

Pickleplex of Punta Gorda

State Farm Agency -Mike Martin

Superior Carpet & Upholestry Cleaning

Wotitzky, Wotitzky, Ross, & Young, PA

Port Charlotte Florist (In Kind)

Support Partners