Friday Facts for January 22, 2021

Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,

Here are your Friday Facts

For Our Community and All Our Member:

From John Wright, President, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Here is a copy of John’s Column printed in the newspaper on January 19. Click Here.

For Our Members:

PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR FEBRUARY 2021. 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. 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 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.

Spam Emails. It has come to our attention that some of you have received an anonymous email, suggesting that the attendance database for our Wine & Jazz Festival is up for sale. If you have received such a notice, please disregard/delete. It is spam. The source has been traced to a rundown office opposite a coffee house in India. The URL of the Company involved has been removed and the email blast has been reported. PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THEIR EMAIL

For Our Community

From Punta Gorda City. On Jan. 25 Taylor Road from Marion Avenue to approximately half of Herald Court will be closed the Sunloft building management was approved for a road closure so that they can utilize a crane to remove the A/C unit from the roof and place a new one. They anticipate that this could be completed in 4 hours or can take all day depending on how smooth it goes. The Sunloft Management will be notifying all the businesses so that they can notify their customers. Since that is a heavily traveled road, the City and PGPD will do social media postings a day or two before so people can take an alternate route and hopefully prevent a crash. They are directing all deliveries to utilize Sullivan.

COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in Charlotte County. It will be administered by Charlotte County Health Department ONLY at this time. Call COVID 19 Call Center +1 (866) 776-6121, email COVID-19@flhealth.gov, or text CharCoCares to 888-777. It will also be given by select Publix stores in Charlotte County – by appointment only – www.publix.com/covid-vaccine/florida.

Charlotte County Centennial Year begins. A message from Brian Gleason, Communications Manager, Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners.

From Charlotte Local Education Foundation. We are looking for financial assistance from readership to support the Golden Apple Teacher & Support Employee of the Year Awards for Charlotte County Public Schools. Cancellation of the signature fundraising event this year has jeopardized support of the award winning Take Stock in Children program, Teacher Supply Depot, classroom grants, and more. Gifts of any size would be most welcome, see attached for more details. [Full disclosure from Hazel – yes, Emily Klossner, Charlotte High School is a finalist, she is my step-daughter, and yes, I am extremely proud of all those who’s calling is to be a Teacher most especially in this last year].

From Fresh Jersey Tomatoes. The Chamber is partnering with FJT in a Food Drive for Charlotte County Families starting Feb 1. Please bring non-perishable items to our office.

The Laird’s Golf Tournament. Join us at the Paradise Golf Course on January 29, 2021 (Shotgun Start at 12.30pm). Get ready for an awesome day! Click Here for details.

The 7th Annual Punta Gorda Short Film Festival. Will be held at City Market Place, Punta Gorda as a Retro Drive-In, on Tuesday March 2, 2021. TICKETS AVAILABLE AT CHAMBER OFFICE (cash or check preferred).  Click Here for Event Flyer.

The Pirates are back!Pirates in Paradise Fun for all the Family on April 10 1pm to 6.30pm on the Great Lawn at Four Points by Sheraton.


Chamber Calendar of Events Members ONLY

Networking Events for January

RSVP’s are very important, as are cancellations. We are not able to take bookings through the website for these events at the moment, so please call (941) 639 3720 (during office hours 9am to 2pm) or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com

TONIGHT January 22: Ribbon Cutting at 5.00pm. Welcome new member Harbor Social LLC, 212 W. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. RSVP A MUST.

January 27: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm.

ONLY A FEW SLOTS AVAILABLE. Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at The Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, 75 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda for the traditional State of the City Address by the Mayor of Punta Gorda. Reservations Required. Menu Choices: Seared Filet Mignon; Pesto Roasted Artic Salmon; Montage of Vegetables. Please be sure to RSVP (with menu choice) to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. Cost is $20.00 per person pre-paid. We take cash, check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover & Amex.

January 28: Ribbon Cutting at 5.30pm. Welcome new member Coastal Expressions & Wine Bar, 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd, Ste 1135, Punta Gorda. PLEASE RSVP.


All the Following Information is for Our Community.

Please Support Our Local Businesses!


Partners in Action News

Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) –  T.T.’s Tiki Bar is excited to roll out their new brunch menu starting this Sunday! Please join us for Brunch on the Harbor! Click here to see the full menu and details. Also, make reservations now for you and that special someone this Valentine’s Day. Make a night of it and get a room at discounted price! Don’t forget about comedy every other Saturday located in our library inside the hotel. Please click for this Saturday’s show details.

SUN Newspapers (Platinum Media) – The Inbox

Bayfront Health (Gold) – Offering New Virtual Health and Wellness Series titled – “What’s for Lunch”.

Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management (Gold) – Your Donation will be Matched! Our Annual Build Campaign Continues with Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity.

TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – The Reality of Affordable Luxury in Nicaragua Thinking about moving to Latin America where you can stretch your dollar and enjoy life at a slower pace? Discover how you can change your reality by making your home at Gran Pacifica Beach and Golf Resort where you can develop your own rhythms of life and enjoy relationships with your like-minded ex-pat neighbors. Due to the lower cost of living, you will be able to afford comforts and pastimes that aren’t usually an option in North America. Check out our neighborhoods. Watch the video https://bit.ly/3qNywiA For more information contact Della Booth, Broker TIME Realty Services Cell/What’s App +1 239-699-4493

Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) The Saturday Punta Gorda farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am to 1pm. Latest Newsletter.

Charlotte State Bank and Trust (Silver) – The complimentary trust and investment management seminars presented by Charlotte State Bank & Trust Vice President Christine Hause and Portfolio Manager Gregory Thomas continue next week with “Value of Florida Residency and Homestead” on Tuesday, Jan. 26, “Mutual Funds Versus Exchange Traded Funds” on Wednesday, Jan. 27, and “IRAs and Your Estate Plan” on Thursday, Jan. 28. The free educational sessions are being held as live seminars and online webinars. Registration is available at any branch office, online at www.charlottestatebank.com, via email at rsvp@csbtfl.com, or by calling Brielle at 941-624-1943.

Creative Window Treatments (Silver) –  is your local Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer. Our current Hunter Douglas Promotion Energy Smart Style Saving Event runs until 3/22/21. Insulating shades can increase your comfort & help lower your energy bill. Rebates start at $100 on qualifying purchases. FREE In-Home consultations! 941-637-0015 / 941-828-0000

C.A.R.E. of Charlotte County (Bronze) – There will be no CARE Ball for 2021 – here is the perfect way to show your support virtually. Please check out our 2021 Fundraising page.   As you scroll down you will notice a ribbon. This is like a fundraising thermometer, and will fill with color (purple and teal) as we receive individual donations, and donors names will scroll up and down.  Donors can choose to remain anonymous when they make a donation. https://Care2021.givesmart.com

Charlotte Players (Bronze) – “The Edwards Twins” Direct from Las Vegas.

GulfShore Opera (Bronze) – SOCIALLY DISTANCED – Concert of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music on Feb 4th at 7pm in The Gulf Theater. The World of Lloyd Webber.

One Source Accounting & Tax (Bronze) – PPP Re-Opening.

Frank Desguin Family (Support) – The fascinating story of Captain Fred. Frank Desguin’s Column.

Military Heritage Museum (Support) – Upcoming January Events You Do Not Want to Miss!

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support) – Thank you to the over 3100 people that visited during our Gardens Aglow. The garden is a great place to relax and enjoy nature in a safe peaceful place. Won’t you help us provide more programs and experiences by checking out our Amazon wish list at https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2RPVA5P7CQC4P/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2?_encoding=UTF8&type=wishlist

Virginia B. Andes volunteer Community Clinic (Support) – A letter of thanks.

Visual Arts Center (Support) – “Florida’s Best” and “The Nature of Blue” Start a New Slate of Exhibits. Click here for details.


Member Information

TONIGHT – Punta Gorda SymphonyViolinist David Kim Returns for Behind the Notes!

THIS SATURDAY – Nino’s Bakery & Restaurant/Lounge – besides great pastries, breads, cakes & cookies, Nino’s is open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (except Mon nights)! They feature entertainment most evenings too! LADIES Night Out, check out Jan 23rd on our calendar!!! https://ninosbakery.us/entertainment/

The Loveland Center – Do Good With Burritos! Join The Loveland Center at The Chipotle in North Port on January 25th from 4PM until 8PM. 33% of all orders will go to supporting Loveland Center’s mission, providing services for adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Just use code XRH3AT7 when you order!

USA Dance #6126 – January Calendar.

Gator Mike’s – We will now be highlighting our product offerings at Latitude 78 Bar & Grille at Gator Mike’s via a monthly calendar so that everyone can see all the great entertainment, food and drink specials we are offering. We are the best kept secret in the cape, up until now… as we crank up the marketing machine for this location.

The Firm 360 Photography – The Firm 360° Photography asks: Do you see what I see? If you do not, now is probably the time to get your eyes checked at Seeport Optometry. You can “see” their Tiffany inspired office space and an array of designer frames via this 3D Virtual Tour that I did for them. I can do this for your business too. Contact us today for details at 941-347-8198. Be sure to click the link above to visit our website. www.the firm 360

Kiwanis Club of Punta Gorda – The Kiwanis Club of Punta Gorda was chartered December 22, 1925, to serve our community and its youth. If you believe in giving back and having a great time doing so, come check us out. We meet for lunch at 11:45, the first three Thursdays of each month, Laishley Crab House, 150 Laishley Court, in Punta Gorda. For more information, contact Frank Desguin at 941-769-1270, or frankdesguin@yahoo.com.

Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – This weekend has Beer Can Appreciation Day on the Calendar, the team at Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine have made their picks. What’s your favorite design, brand, brew? From Stouts, Double IPAs, Farmhouse Saissons, to Sours, Ciders, and Meads celebrate with your favorite(s) today! Case (24) discount may be mixed. In a time crunch? Staying close to home? We have curbside pick-up. Give us a call to create your mix-941-505-0479.

Suncoast Humane Society – Our Stock the Bar Chance Raffle starts NOW!

Buffalo Graffix – Are you doing everything you can?

The Cocoa Exchange – 50% off Everything!

Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.

Jersey Mike’s Subs – Happy New Year! Our Jersey Mike’s Subs location in Punta Gorda is now serving breakfast. We are now open at 7:30 am.

Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill – Have you taken the steps to protect you and your family if something unexpected happens to you or your spouse? To get answers to all your estate planning questions and learn how to protect your family, contact Mark Martella, Esq. of Icard Merrill at 941-206-3700 or mmartella@icardmerrill.com to schedule a complimentary one hour, no obligation consultation, and learn how to be prepared for the unexpected.

Covenant Business Planning & Solutions – Business Survival Guide. In event of a natural or economic disaster, is your business prepared? Your business should have a Business Strategic Contingency Plan. For any disaster plan, be sure you have written instructions and procedures in place AND communicated them to your employees…More Information: Click Here.

Punta Gorda Rotary Club – has been serving our community since 1925, offering business networking, fellowship, and service to our citizens. If you would like to be part of doing good for Punta Gorda and the world, please join us for one of our Thursday noon meetings at the Isles Yacht Club. For more information contact Darcy Hanley at 303-927-9437 or email darcyrhanley@gmail.com.

Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Ring in the new year, 10% off

Suncoast Humane Society – A Mattie May Pup-date!

Copperfish Books – is holding a Food Drive, collecting food and hygiene items through February 14. Donations of non-perishable food (no glass, please) and hygiene products will go to the United Way of Charlotte County and be distributed to families that participate in their Charlotte County Reads program. Over the years, our amazing community has helped feed young minds through our Book Drives. Now we hope to help nourish our neighbors in need. Copperfish Books is located at 212 W. Virginia Avenue, Suite 112, Punta Gorda. We are open for safe shopping Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-4, and Sun 11-3.

Sea Grape Gallery – Guest Artists for February 2021

Edison & Ford Winter Estates – Celebrate Thomas Edison’s Birthday all Month.

Fishermen’s Village – Please Click Here for our February calendar. Retail space for lease: We are seeking a savvy business entrepreneur to join our family of successful, independently owned shops and boutiques at Fishermen’s Village! Space size: 1,584 sq. ft. in prime location. Please forward interested inquiries to GM, Patti Allen via email: mall@fishville.com.

Tidewell FoundationNow a Virtual Event. Friday February 5, 2021 – Signature Luncheon featuring Lorna Luft. 11.30am to 1.30pm. For Tickets Click Here. A link to watch the program will be emailed along with detailed instructions several days prior to the event. Virtual experience tickets are $200. Also running now to Feb 14 – a Linen Drive.

Punta Gorda Symphony – Symphony on the Lawn, February 6, 2021.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul – The Charlotte County district society of St Vincent de Paul will hold its 12th annual Walk for the Poor in Laishley Park on February 13, 2021. Save the date and watch for more information! This year perhaps more than ever this fundraiser is needed to continue to help those so devastated by COVID-19.

AMH Community Outreach – Concert in the Park on February 14, 1pm to 5pm in Laishley Park. Click Here for more details and how to get tickets.

King Fisher Fleet & Punta Gorda Isles 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 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. for six weeks beginning on Wednesday February 24, 2021. The cost for the class is $45 and advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.

YMCA – Join us for Harbor Nights on Mar 6, 5pm at Gilchrist Park, an exclusive charity event filled with dinner, open bar, dancing, live and silent auction. Awesome local band, The Kollections will be our live entertainment thought the night! It is a beach casual event so dress accordingly. This charity event is key to the YMCA’s ability to open our doors to all in our community as proceeds from this benefit go directly to the Children and Families Scholarship Funds and programs in Charlotte County served by The SKY Family YMCA. Individual tickets – $125, Table Host available for $1,500. For more information contact Kristen Szych at kszych@skyymca.org or Liz Nason at lnason@skyymca.org


Applause

The Gulf Coast Partnership

Despite the pandemic, Charlotte County, Florida has Effectively Ended Chronic Homelessness Read all about this remarkable achievement and the collaborative efforts of so many organizations.

Suncoast Home Society

A warm welcome to the newest member of the pack!

Gman Home Watch of Punta Gorda

Has earned accreditation from the National Home Watch Association for the fourth year.


Job Opportunities

Part Time Job – Coastal Expressions & Wine Bar 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd #1135 Punta Gorda is looking for a combination bar back, appetizer prep (NO Cooking) light dishwashing. Weekend days & evenings as well as special events, approx. 20 hours available immediately. This position will include above duties and closing duties. $11/hr. plus.

FGCU Part Time Administrative Specialist. Please Click Here for further details.


Newsletters

ARCHway Institute – National Newsletter

Charlotte Arts – Newsletter

Copperfish Books – Newsletter

Drug Free Punta Gorda – January-February Newsletter

Lennore Shubel, Realtor – January Newsletter

Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society – 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 hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.

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