Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,
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 May 25.
PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR JULY 2021. We are very pleased to announce that our monthly radio show on Seaview 104.9FM has returned 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.
From The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce
The City of Punta Gorda mask ordinance has sunset. As a result, each business going forward will be individually in control of what stance they wish to take. At the PG Chamber, although we continue to encourage mask wearing for visitors, it will no longer be required. For our outdoor events, such as the Farmers’ Market, the Governor did extend the current protocols for a further 60 days beyond May 1st, so our vendors will continue with the social distancing of tents and the wearing of masks for those vending/serving until further notice is received. Masks wearing at the market is preferred
TSA PreCheck Mobile Enrollment Returns to PGD June 1-11
From PGPD
The thieves have found a way to exploit the vulnerabilities of your vehicle KEY FOB’s. If you have a Key FOB that allows you to leave it in your pocket/purse and push or touch the door handle to unlock your vehicle, and then push a button to start your vehicle. You need to be aware of how thieves are gaining access to your vehicle to commit theft from, and theft of your vehicle. How it works…Your Key FOB is constantly broadcasting a signal that your vehicle detects once close enough to the vehicle. The thieves use an amplifier that is capable of picking this signal up even if the keys are inside of your home. Usually within 30 feet or so of their detection device. A second person stands near the vehicle to receive the signal with a second detection device. The vehicle thinks that the Key FOB is near the vehicle and allows the doors to be opened and the vehicle to be started. Once the vehicle has been stolen a new key can be programmed to operate the vehicle. I have attached a video that explains the procedure. https://youtu.be/xk_fTTlGcMA
From CCSO
May 24 – June 6, 2021 ‘Click It or Ticket’ is a campaign that began in the early 1990s as a way to raise awareness and save lives. The campaign was designed to remind you that it is the law to wear your seat belt at all times when operating a motor vehicle. Wearing your seat belt in Florida became a primary offense with The Dori Slosberg and Katie Marchetti Safety Belt Law (effective June 30, 2009). The law requires that all drivers, all front seat passengers and all passengers under the age of 18 fasten their safety belts. (Section 316.614, Florida Statutes) But it’s about more than just you. It’s about your passengers as well. Child restraint violations (infant through 5 years old) carry a fine of $163 and 3 points on your license. Make sure you and your passengers are ALL buckled in, the right way. If you aren’t sure how to secure your child’s car seat, contact the Department of Health in Charlotte County for help. They provide free classes to teach you how to install the car seat, and for those who have a financial need, they may even provide the seat to you – free of charge. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, but as the driver of the vehicle, it’s up to you to make sure your passengers are secure. Don’t put it in Drive until you hear those clicks!
The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office encourages civilian participation in crime prevention activities through its Volunteer Services Unit. County residents volunteer in four areas: Citizens Observation Patrol, Marine Patrol, Parking Enforcement and Administration. Volunteer participation often has a direct impact on the effectiveness of deputies. Interested individuals willing to contribute a minimum of 16 hours per month should contact Sgt. Al Sacco (asacco@ccsofl.net) or download an application at CCSO.org and return it to any District Office.
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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]
Watch the Helgemo Team speak with Chamber President, John Wright. They discuss all things Punta Gorda and touch on a variety of topics that make this city so special!
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RSVP’s are ESSENTIAL, 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 4pm) or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com
June 9: Business Over Breakfast 7:15am – 8:30am ~ Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Village Fish Market, hosted by Friendly Floors for Business over Breakfast~! Village Fish Market is located at 1200 W. Retta Esplanade Ste. J36 (Fisherman’s Village). Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720.
June 15: Business After Hours 5:30pm ~ Come and join your Chamber for our Business After Hours at the Visual Arts Center hosted by WhitCo Insurance. 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.
June 23: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm ~ Come and join your Chamber for our Networking Lunch at Burg’r bar located at 317 Tamiami Trail! Reservations Required.
Please be sure to RSVP to reception@puntagorda-chamber.com or call 941-639-3720. 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
To promote business in Punta Gorda and all our surroundings areas, for the benefit of our entire community.
The Meridian at Punta Gorda
Jessica Castleberry
jcastleberry@meridiansenior.com
Senior Living
Sponsored by: Lynne Matthews
Neice Restoration
Shannon Fitzpatrick-O’Shea
(941) 676-0853
Restoration-Water, Mold & Fire
Sponsored by: Divine Global Recovery
F.M. Don’s
Stacey Deffenbaugh-Meyer
(941) 637-8800
Restaurant
Sponsored by John Wright
Remember to utilize the certificates in the New Member packet. These are very valuable to your business.
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – Come on out to the Dockside Grill located in the Four Points by Sheraton every weekend for our AYCE Haddock Fish Fry on Fridays and our specialty Prime Rib on Saturday. After dinner, head on down to the tiki for drinks and listen to one of your favorite bands play the night away. The Tiki Bar….The Place To Be!
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – As of today, the market is slim. If you are thinking of selling please give us a call. 385 Single Family homes on the market in Charlotte County. 89 Condo, Townhomes and Villas on the market in Charlotte County. The 7-day rolling residential statistics for Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and North Port: 123 New listings, 190 Sold (closed), 220 Pending (new contracts). We are YOUR hometown Realtors. Reach us at cell 239-699-4493
Downtown Farmers Market (Gold) – The Saturday Punta Gorda Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8am to Noon. Latest Newsletter.
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. of Charlotte County (Bronze) – BIG ANNOUNCEMENT the C.A.R.E. Ball is BACK! The hottest event of the year has been officially scheduled for Saturday January 29, 2022. This year’s theme is “Under the Big Top” featuring the traditional sit down dinner, open bar, silent auction, and casino tables. Stay tuned for ticket sales! For sponsorship opportunities please email admin@carefl.org. Cooking with C.A.R.E June 9th at F.M. Don’s!
Charlotte Players (Bronze) – Kids Onstage is July 12-16, 19-23. Registration is open! The location this year will be at Charlotte Players Langdon Playhouse. 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. Students entering 1st & 2nd grade and students entering 3rd thru 6th grade camp will be 9am-12pm. Students entering 7th – 12th grade will have camp 1pm-4pm. The cost is $195 before July 5th and $220 after July 5th. Price includes T-Shirt for student. Camp ends with performances on July 23rd and 24th at 7:30pm and 25th at 2pm. For more information go to Kids OnStage Facebook Page or call Charlotte Players at 941-255-1022.
Gulfshore Opera (Bronze) – GO is Ready for Summer! Announcing two summer camps and a workshop, for singers ranging from elementary school to professional artists.
Military Heritage Museum (Support) – King Fisher Fleet, located at Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda, supports the Military Heritage Museum by offering free Sunset Cruises to everyone who becomes a new or renewing Annual Museum Member during the month of June. To enroll, visit the Military Museum at 900 West Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950. When signing-up, members will receive a voucher for a free Sunset Cruise which is valid for use during June or July. See details HERE.
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support) – Summer operating hours will begin on June 1st at the Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens. Visitors will be able to enjoy the sculptures and plantings from 9 am to 2 pm. We continue to develop more display areas and have recently installed our newest sculpture, Laundry Daze, created and donated by seasonal resident, Paul Guilmette. For more Gardens information see our Facebook page or our website, www.peacerivergardens.org.
Valerie’s House – is a nonprofit organization that helps grieving families who have lost a loved one in Charlotte & Sarasota County. Contact Christine Carey to volunteer, mentor, refer families, fundraising opportunities, and/or donate (christine@valerieshouse.org or 239-841-0382). We can also schedule Valerie’s House Tours.
Valerie’s House’s website: www.valerieshouse.org
Divine Global Recovery – Volunteering and Making a Difference! Students can get hours for their Bright Futures Scholarship applications. For more info, call (844) 99 – DIVINE. Check out their Free Storm Preparation Seminar on June 12th.
Right at Home – Reverse job fair this coming Saturday May 29th from 11:00am-3:00pm at the Pt. Charlotte Town Center Mall. This is a great opportunity for job-seekers who may have considered working in home care but were uncertain as to what is involved or required. You can ask any questions that you have. Additionally, you can learn how to become a Caregiver, and can even participate in an on-site interview.
Charlotte County Boys & Girls Club – Bidding for Great Futures Online Auction and Raffle running until Sunday May 30th at 6:00pm. Great auction items, diamond earring raffle and 50/50.
Punta Gorda Short Film Festival – If you were not able to attend our RETRO DRIVE-IN SHOW, presented by the Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach VCB & Asbury Shorts/USA and hosted by the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce on March 2nd Or… if you did attend and would like to watch it from the comfort of your living room, we hope you will subscribe to the Special “Viral” Presentation of the 7th Annual Punta Gorda Short Film Thursday, July 1st. Purchase tickets here!
Sea Grape Gallery – Presents Artists of the Month for May-June 2021. They will be featuring two of their artists, Vicki Glynn, watercolorist, and Sam Harris, custom hand carved knife designer.
TEAM Punta Gorda – Volunteers needed for Pre-Event Set Up for 2021 Healing Field of Honor May 28-31.
Punta Gorda Rotary Club – Healing Field of Honor, May 28-31. Opening Ceremony May 28, 10am at Laishley Park. Click Here for Details. Flyer.
Suncoast Humane Society – Can you be a hero? Foster Homes Needed!
Fisherman’s Village – June calendar of events, Fourth of July Celebration
Drug Free Punta Gorda – Prevention Works Breakfast at Village Fish Market, Tuesday June 15, 7:30am
Cultural Center of Charlotte County – Golf Tournament Saturday, June 26th at Riverwood Golf Gulf to benefit the Cultural Center. Must register by June 24th.
The Dellutri Law Group– COVID-19 has served as a reminder that we never know what life may bring us and why we need to be prepared for when the unexpected happens. If you have been thinking about an estate plan and would like to sit down for a complimentary consultation, please contact Mark Martella, Esq. He will explain the BIG SIX documents everyone needs, five of which you may need to use while you are alive. Please call 941-206-3700 to schedule a confidential, complimentary consultation.
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – We’re looking for VOLUNTEERS for our construction sites and ReSale Stores. This is an amazing opportunity for you and your staff to get out into the community and give back and collaborate together with a team-building activity. See how more details HERE.
Florida Skin Center – Florida Skin Center, skin care specialists that provide a full range of medical and cosmetic dermatological care, announced that it is now offering CO2 laser services.
– Attention Small Business Owners: Business assistance and advice is now available from SCORE on a drop-in basis. Stop by the North Port City Hall, Friday June 4th from 9 to noon. Certified Mentors Michael Hantman 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 business mentoring at no cost. Visit portcharlotte.score.org for more information.
ZenBusiness – empowers new business owners by making it easier than ever to start, run and grow a successful business. Launch your business with our worry free services, world-class support and an all-inclusive platform delivering everything you need to be successful. Formation plans starting at $49.00. Click here to quickly and easily register your dream business.
Cooperfish Books – Upcoming books we know you’ll love!
Archway Institute – “Funding Recovery” concert series continues. Patrick Dunn performs Live on June 1st!
ClenzOzone – Safe and cleaner spaces with nature’s powerful line of cleaners!
CareerSource Southwest Florida – Airplane Maintenance / Aviation Mechanic Program opportunity.
Chelsea Place – Senior Care Conference
The Captain’s Table: Summer Series Dinners! Taste of the Mediterranean Menu
Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea – Both of our shops will be closed for Memorial Day this year, May 31st , 2021. Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea will re-open Tuesday June 1st at 7AM and Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine will re-open Tuesday June 1st at 10AM. Thank you for your understanding.
Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine – Our Cheesemonger’s are excited to announce that next week we are celebrating National Cheese Day! Come down to the Punta Gorda Downtown Farmer’s Market EVERY Saturday and come to our cheese tasting. We sample new and exciting cheeses each week. If you are a true cheese lover, you can stop into our shop and try our unique charcuterie boards, including our Chef’s Choice Board. We will pair your cheese with your glass of wine or beer, and you can enjoy some lovely music and sit outside.
Charlotte Technical College – Medical Assisting Training Opportunities.
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association – Invites you to BOOK YOUR SPECIAL EVENT HERE NOW! This wonderful, full-service venue nestled in Punta Gorda is often forgotten … meaning you could be in luck. Space includes a beautiful lobby, classy auditorium, and catering kitchen with everything needed. Auditorium style events seats 225; with tables and chair seats 160; with tables, chairs and dance floor seats 125. All audio/visual equipment, kitchen supplies, portable bar, tables, padded chairs and more are available on-site. Lovely outdoor settings available as well. teriashley@pgica.org – 941-637-1655.
Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Save 15%.
Copperfish Books – Book drive to help children get ready for kindergarten.
Wreaths Across America: Nite “Under” the Museum
Take Me There Sailing – is now based in Burnt Store Marina offering all- inclusive day sails or overnight charters on a 60-foot sailboat. Sail, kayak, snorkel, fish, lounge on deck, and sail under the stars. Licensed to provide food and alcohol, all meals and drinks are included. Charters are customized to exceed your expectations and create unforgettable memories. Book online or call to discuss your special event. https://takemetheresailing.com or 941-259-0977.
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
Pinch A Penny – $5 off Every $50 Spent Through June 6th.
Senior Friendship Centers – Double your impact for seniors!
Charlotte County Homeless Coalition – The Homeless Coalition Launches Restore Clarity 2021 Optometry Program through June 30th.
Covenant Business Planning & Solutions – PART FIVE: Mission Command PROBLEM: You spend more time worrying about your IRA than the value of your business. Granted, your IRA is easier to watch since you get regular statements but having an annual business valuation can be expensive and time-consuming and frankly, not much fun for most owners. Most business owners fail to manage their business as an asset class. The solution, click here: https://covenant-business.com/?p=2551&preview=true Covenant Business Planning & Solutions is here for you and your business. Remember, we help business owners sleep better at night!
Charlotte County Meals on Wheels – Summer Solstice Soiree on June 21 at 5.30pm, Italia at River City. For tickets and all the details click here.
CDBIA – Join us at the Icehouse on July 10 for Darts! Team Registration Form.
Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society – Current happenings and information!
Choral music returns to Presbyterian Church of Punta Gorda on July 4, 2021. The church is located at 25250 Taylor Road, Punta Gorda, near the intersection with Airport Road. Please join us for this wonderful musical celebration. For more information, call 941.626.1070 or come to the first rehearsal.
ARCHway Institute – May Newsletter
Animal Welfare League – April Pawsitive News
C.A.R.E. – May Newsletter
Charlotte Community Foundation – The Connection
Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity – Newsletter
Copperfish Books – May Newsletter
Lennore Shubel, Realtor Coldwell Banker Sunstar – Why Aren’t You Living in Florida?
Loveland Center – Exciting Updates
Senior Friendship Centers – Spring 2021
The Yoga Sanctuary – May….You be Happy, Healthy, and Peaceful
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.
Bristol Private Wealth Management of Raymond James
D&D Custom Cabinets
Frank Desguin Family
Kingdom Center for H.O.P.E
Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens
Punta Gorda Isles
Civic Association
Valerie’s House
252 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 639-3720
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday: 9am to 4pm
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
© 2023, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. All Rights Reserved.
