Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce Inc Logo

Friday, May 5th, 2023

Chamber President John Wright's newspaper column from May 9th

Downtown Bash

Saturday May, 27th 5-9pm

FREE Admission!

Live Music Featuring:
Tropical Avenue

Bring a chair, kick back, and relax! 
Beer, wine, water, soda, and food will be for sale.
No Coolers Please!

Historic Charlotte County Courthouse

RSVP Now!

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Band Sponsor

Stage Sponsor

Event Sponsors

Charlotte County Arts Showcase

Thursday, June 22nd at 7pm

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

An evening exploring the beauty and richness of the arts in Charlotte County. Enjoy an opportunity to see a potter’s wheel in action; young people singing and performing; a taste of opera and the glorious sound of an orchestra. An extraordinary occasion to see all of this in one evening.

Your Chamber's Got Talent

August 17th, 7pm

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

Chamber Members: SHOW US YOUR UNIQUE TALENT!

Whitney Grace, last year’s winner, will open the show, but won’t be a contestant.

Join us for a fun evening of entertainment from 10 local acts sharing their talent with the community: singing, stand-up comedy, dancing, poetry reading, etc.

There is no charge to enter!

sponsored needed

We’re looking for 2 more sponsors at $300 each.

SIGN UP TODAY!

The Laird's Golf Challenge

June 17th, 12pm to 3pm

Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Laird's Golf Tournament

last day to sign up is june 8th!

Includes Golf, Lunch Buffet & Festivities
Cash Bar – Prizes Galore

topgolf fort myers

2021 Topgolf Blvd in Fort Myers

This Event is Sponsored By:

WhitCo Insurance Agency

PG Chamber Radio Show Exclusively For PG Chamber Members:
BOOKING FOR JUNE!

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 simple. Bob will call you, set up a recording time and it’ll be done over the phone and inserted into the programming of this popular show. You get the option to record two slots or record one to air twice during the show. Bob will let you know during which hour it will air. The cost is $110 (payable to the PG Chamber, not iHeart). To register for the show, email John Wright. Only 10 businesses per month. It’s a great way to promote your business, advertise an event, or show community support.

Members-Only Networking Events

Please Support Our Local Businesses!

Partners in Action News

Four Points By Sheraton (Platinum)

T.T.’s Tiki Bar is exactly what you need. Come and enjoy a great meal while having a drink in your hand and toes in the sand. We have two great bands this weekend! Tonight, we have Southbound starting at 6 pm. On Saturday, we have 22N kicking off the fun at 6 pm. Get here early for a good seat, because they pack the house. Please click here to see when all of your favorite bands are performing in April. The Harborside Garden, is now open for private events as well. We are currently booking weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, celebrations of life, corporate events, etc. It can hold up to 300 people for dinner and 500 for a reception-style get-together. Please call KellyWilliamson at 941.637.6770 for more information.
The following are our specials:

1. Join us for Happy Hour in the Dockside Grill from 4-7 pm every day of the week. We offer
$3 draft beer, $4 house wine and $5 premium cocktails
2. Join us for Happy Hour at T.T.’s Tiki Bar from
open to 6 pm Monday to Friday. We offer $4 drafts, $4 well cocktails and $5 house wines.
3. The Dockside Grill serves Prime Rib every Saturday
4. The Dockside Grill features a different nightly special.

Downtown Farmers Market (Gold)

Open 8 am to 1 pm Saturdays. The following are our specials:

The Nix Team, Coldwell Banker Sunstar Realty (Gold)

Market update: Buyers are buying and sellers are selling in SWFL!

The Wyvern (Gold)

The Wyvern (Gold) – Special room offer for teachers and staff in Charlotte, DeSoto, Sarasota, and Lee counties, $199. Based on Availability June 1-August 31 Blackout Date July 4 Valid School ID Required for Check In One Night Stay In A Standard King Room Sunset Champagne Toast for Two 10% off all Food & Beverage

Click here for a special Cinco de Mayo Special Rate! 941.639.7700 Ext 3, 101 East Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda

CAM Realty (Silver)

Virtual office available in Punta Gorda, $99/+tax per month. Provides your company with the image of an office without the cost of dedicated office space. Contact CAM Realty: 941.833.0083.

Coastal Expressions Wine Bar (Silver)

Located in the Isles at 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd. Suite #1135. We offer a fun experience including delicious food, wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, retail wine by the bottle or a unique boutique gift … plus family activities. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am – 9 pm. We serve breakfast flatbreads and mimosas, flatbread lunch specials with a complimentary glass of wine, beer or drink of your choice, a full dinner menu including dessert, our “anytime” date night dinner special for two with a bottle of red or white, our signature “Charcuterie Boards” and so more … Visit www.coastalexpressions.com to view menu and events calendar. Come check us out or call 941.214.8599.

Creative Window Treatments (Silver)

We are here for your window treatments needs. Area’s only Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer. Plantation shutters, blinds, shades, drapery and more. Call 941.637.0015.

Fishermen's Village (Silver)

May calendar of events; May Sunset Beach Club events.

Join us for the third annual Celtic Fest co-hosted by New World Celts and the Cultural Heritage Center of Southwest Florida. This event will take place on Saturday, May 13 from 12-9 pm. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the Celts with live music and watch the intricate steps of Irish step dancers. Schedule:

McIntyre Band: 12 noon-3 pm Dry Beach

Mac Tier Band: 12 noon-4 pm Center Court

Kellyn Celtic Dancers: 2, 4 and 6 pm Center Court (during band breaks, etc.)

Bryne Brothers: 3-6 pm Dry Beach

West of Galway: 5-9 pm Center Court

Eireann’s Call: 6-9 pm Dry Beach

Punta Gorda Chocolate and Wine (Silver)

Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Order a custom gift basket, an assortment of chocolates, bottles of wine and more before it’s too late! Our hours are Monday through Friday, 10 am-6 pm and Saturdays 9 am-4 pm.

Punta Gorda Coffee and Tea (Silver)

Starting on Monday we are introducing our Frappe of the Month … Spiced Rich Mocha Frappe! This blended beverage is perfect for those HOT summer days, constructed with our Rich Mocha Sauce and Warming Spices giving you a pair you’re never going to forget. And of course, topped with our house-made whipped cream.

CeJay Associates (Silver In Kind)

New service: Website Rescue. Did you lose your website? Has your website been hacked? When it comes to rescuing a website, time is important. Contact us to discover your recovery options. Learn more by calling 941.204.0007 or go to https://cejaywebsites.com/services/

Military Heritage Museum (Silver in Kind)

Summer camps for 4th-8th graders begin June 26. Space is limited; registration is required. Click here for information

WENG Radio (Silver In Kind)

Chamber members can broadcast information about their business to the public. Click here for the special rate.

Animal Welfare League (Bronze)

Are you passionate about animals and looking for a meaningful way to make a difference in their lives? The Animal Welfare League (AWL) is seeking new volunteers to join our team and help us with our cat care program in local pet stores, dog walking, and morning cat care at the shelter.

Calenda Real Estate Group (Bronze)

How to transfer your tax savings into a new home.

Charlotte Community Foundation (Bronze)

Now accepting Q2 grant applications. Letters of intent must
be submitted by April 30. ‘Tis the season: Why tax time is often the best time to get serious about your charitable plans.

Charlotte Players (Bronze)

Kids onstage Summer Workshop Registration is open! Camp dates: June 5-9 and 12-16. Show dates are June 16 and 17. $225 for enrollments received before May 22 and $250 for enrollments received after May 22. Check out https://www.facebook.com/KidsOnStageCP/ for more information or call 941.255.1022. Sponsored by Gene Gorman’s Auto Sales. Partnership with Punta Gorda Symphony. Dolly’s Kids Grade 1-2. Stars 3-6 Grade. Thespians 7-12 Grade. “Love, Lies, and the Doctor’s Dilemma,” April 20-30. Joan Scheller lives with the great love of her life, Sandy. In an effort to hide their relationship from her overbearing sister-in-law, the former movie star Olivia St. Claire, she introduces him as her psychiatrist. One little white lie leads to another. At The Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. For more information and tickets call 941.255.1022 or go to www.charlotteplayers.org. You’re invited to a fun-filled, cruise-themed, benefit event at the Langdon Playhouse on Thursday, April 13. We will be auctioning off a European River Cruise, a Total Wine & More party package, plus more! There will also be door prizes and refreshments, so bring your friends and family! Please click here for more information or visit us online at www.charlotteplayers.org

Gulfshore Opera (Bronze)

Cinco de Mayo party on Sunday, May 7 at Carmelo’s for Latin culture.

PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda (Bronze)

Reservations are necessary for Monday Night Guided Practice. Sign up by 9 am Mondays. The first 26 registered may attend. New players, please email gloria.reilly@pickleplex.org

C.A.R.E. of Charlotte County (Support)

As we close out Sexual Assault Awareness month, C.A.R.E. asks you to remember To Start by Believing, Be Supportive and Ask How You Can Help a survivor. If you or someone you know is experiencing or is a survivor of sexual violence, contact C.A.R.E. 941-637-0404. We C.A.R.E. and We Believe You!

Drug Free Punta Gorda (Support)

Don’t miss these free events during National Prevention Week, May 7-13. You are invited! 2023 DFCC Prevention Awards Breakfast – May 12 at Hurricane Charley’s – is FREE! Drug Free Punta Gorda will be receiving an Advocacy in Action Award! Breakfast Registration: https://bit.ly/2023PreventionBreakfast Prevention Week Talks online information webinars will be posted on their “air date” at: https://www.facebook.com/PreventionParentsSWFL

Frank Desquin (Support)

Did you know the 19th Annual Hibiscus Festival is coming up on May 5, 6, and 7 in Gilchrist Park? Visit thehibiscusfestival.com for details. Consequently, here is my associated column on one of Punta Gorda’s and Charlotte County’s most colorful “favorite sons.”

Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary (Support)

Sign up now for the Golf Scramble on Saturday, June 24 at St Andrews South Golf Club. Golfers of all abilities welcome! Registration fee is $85 ($50 tax deductible) and includes golf, cart, continental breakfast, lunch and prizes. Sign up with a foursome, or we can pair you up. You can support your local non-profit (501c3) by Gold in Kind Partners Silver Partners golfing, sponsoring a hole or donating raffle and silent auction items. It would be much appreciated! Download the registration form at www.standrewssouth.com or call Sue at 941.639.5261 ext 3 for information

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens (Support)

Now-May 14: Caribbean Colors Exhibit featuring Leoma Lovegrove. Leoma will be hosting meet and greets so be sure to check events calendar on our website.
5827 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda. Tail Waggin’ Tuesdays: Bring your furry friends every Tuesday to enjoy The Gardens. For each pet, there is a $5 admission fee that goes to AWL. Pay admission at ticket booth.
Sunday, April 16: Groovin’ In the Gardens, 6-8 pm
April 22: Plant Sale, 10 am-2 pm
For more information visit www.PeaceRiverGardens.org or call 941.621.8299. For upcoming events, click here.

Valerie's House - Charlotte County (Support)

Valerie’s House is a non-profit organization that helps grieving children and families who have lost a loved one go on to live fulfilling lives. Our vision is that no child grieves alone. If you would like a tour of Valerie’s House, please contact Christine Carey (christine@valerieshouse.org 239.841.0382).

Virginia B Andes Volunteer Community Clinic (Support)

Save the date: Country for a Cause, Saturday, September 30, 6 pm Charlotte Harbor Event Center. Featuring the Boogie Men.

Member Information

Southwest Florida Walking Tours – SW Florida Walking Tours extends our sincere gratitude to all those who helped make our recent season in Punta Gorda a success, despite a delayed start due to Hurricane Ian. Our guests were delighted by the bountiful gastronomic and shopping treasures that our charming and historic downtown has to offer, thanks to the support and participation of the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce and our valued tour partners. Tours will resume by October 1.

Nino’s Bakery & Cafe – Experience the NEW Nino’s Bakery & Cafe! NOW OPEN. In our bakery, find our classic Italian pastries and butter cookies that melt in your mouth, NEW pastries from our donut machine, and all Nino’s cookies, pies, cakes, breads, and more. We make our breads, pastries and cookies with wholesome, unbromated flours, 100% real butter and local, farm-fresh eggs. That’s why our bakery is so delicious! In our Cafe, enjoy breakfast and lunch, including subs, sandwiches and daily specials. Order at the counter, then eat inside and out. Internet and phone plugins available at the inside tables. Take-out available. NEW! Come in for your coffee break: American, espresso, cappuccino, and specialty coffees (which can include a shot of your favorite liquor). Every cup is fresh ground and brewed! Watch for our daily hot breakfast/lunch specials, pizza Fridays, and Take-n-Heat meals of some of our signature dinners. We still make delicious specialty cakes – ready-made or special order, including Wedding Cakes. We still cater business meetings, parties, and private inflight meals; call for catering your events: 941.833.8912

Copperfish Books – Children’s Book Drive, May 1-31. Store is closed Sundays and Mondays through summer.

Nadine’s Closet – Is moving. The new location TBD. We will be open today 12-5 and Saturday 10-2. 30% off all merchandise. 

We will be closed after May 6. 

Peace River Wildlife Center – PRWC received a $16,200 grant from the Charlotte Community Foundation (CCF). For further information, visit https://prwildlife.org/ or call 941.637.3830.

Charlotte County Boys and Girls Clubs – Start off your day the right way with coffee and pastries while hearing what your local Boys and Girls Club has been up to. May 12, 7:30-9 am, Family Services Center Building, 21500 Gibralter Dr., Port Charlotte. Coffee at the Club.

Punta Gorda Symphony – Memorial Day concert May 29 at the Gulf theater. Click here for details.

Sea Grape Gallery – From May 4 to July 6, 2023, Sea Grape Gallery will be featuring two of their artists, Beverly Yankwitt, acrylic and mixed media painter, and Renee Farr, glass artist.

ARCHway Institute – Interested in Establishing your own ARCHway HOPE Fund Sponsorship? The ARCHway HOPE Fund is a great way for YOU to fundraise to support recovery.

Big Shot Marketing & Design – We are committed to providing tangible results for our clients. That means generating leads, increasing online purchases or reaching any digital marketing goal you’re looking to achieve. Your website should be making you money. It’s that simple. If your website isn’t generating leads or closing sales, then it’s time to rethink your digital marketing strategy. In order to have truly effective marketing strategies, you need to understand who your ideal client is, and how to reach them.

SERVPRO – Got mold? You need SERVPRO! Give them a call at 239-207-1324

United Way of Charlotte County – $1.3 million has been raised to support employees of Charlotte County businesses. United Way of Charlotte County’s (UWCC) United at Work fund offers financial assistance for individuals who are employed by a business that is based in Charlotte County or has sites in Charlotte County. GIVE HELP: If you want to contribute to this fund – click here for information and to make your donation. GET HELP: If you are an employee in need, – click here to complete a simple form, detailing your needs. The UWCC team will direct you to resources and financial assistance you may qualify for.

Players Circle Theater – The Foreigner – OBIE WINNING BEST COMEDY. You’ll fall in love with Charlie, the pathologically shy Englishman who, after being deserted in a rural Georgia fishing lodge, must fend for himself. Running now through May 7.

Tonight: The Foreigner, 8 pm Show $35-$50

Saturday, April 29: The Foreigner, 7 pm Show $35-$50

Players Circle Theater 16554 N. Cleveland Ave., North Fort Myers 33903. Box Office: 239.800.3292

Playerscircletheater.com

Gold Theatricals – Get your tickets today for “Assisted Living: The Musical!” A Vaudeville-style musical that takes place in a retirement home! THREE SHOWS at the The Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta Gorda: May 13 at 2 pm and 7 pm, May 14 at 2 pm (Mother’s Day!) Tickets at: www.goldtheatricals.com or by phone 800.514.ETIX (800.514.3849)

Punta Gorda Historical Society – April 12 concert rescheduled for May 17.

Martella Law Firm – Have you ever lived through the headaches and challenges of handling a probate for a deceased loved one? Would you like to make things easier for your family when you’re gone? If so, give Mark Martella, Esq., of the Martella Law Firm, PLLC a call at 941.867.6865 (or e-mail him at mark@martellalaw.com) to schedule a complimentary, confidential, one hour consultation to discuss how a Revocable Probate Avoidance Trust can save your family, time, money and headaches.

Loveland Center – Hops & Hearts, craft beer and community while supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, May 17, 6-10 pm, Motorworks Brewery, Bradenton.

A Message From Patti van Tonder – Click here on how to “generate more income faster on auto pilot.”

YMCA of Southwest Florida – Self Care Day, Sunday, May 7, 11 am-1 pm. Chair massage, brow shaping, information about fillers, neurotoxins and micro needling, Essential Oils representation, light lunch and more. 2950 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda.

Suncoast Humane Society – Volunteer & Fosters Expo, May 5 and 6, 9 am-3 pm, Suncoast Humane Society Courtyard, Englewood. This will be a fun and informative event for anyone that is interested in working with or helping foster our animals.

Want to become a Pet Therapy volunteer? If you would like to lend a paw, please complete our online application.

If you have further questions about becoming a Pet Therapy volunteer, please contact Claire Berten at cberten@humane.org.

Drug Free Charlotte County – Mark your calendar: Prevention Week: A Celebration of Possibility, May 7-13. Special events across the region and country will share information and the importance of coming together to prevent substance misuse and addiction. There are several local observances – all FREE – and all focused on our local issues.

2023 Prevention Awards Breakfast, May 12, 8:15-10 am, Hurricane Charley’s in Punta Gorda. Register here.

Connect Print & Promotions, LLC – May 🌸 this month brings you great marketing success, Punta Gorda – we have you covered! YOU are the brand | We are the STANDARD

commercial printing ✅

logo/graphic design ✅

next-level promotional swag ✅

branded apparel ✅

signs & graphics ✅

888.978.3437 📞

info@connectpromo.net 📧

www.connectpromo.net 🖥 

www.Facebook.com/connectpromo

www.Instagram.com/connectprintpromotions

… it’s ALWAYS about the 👊🏻 people! 

#connect 💚🖨💚 #fortheloveofprinting

Punta Gorda Boat Club – Sunset Social. Do you have your own boat? Interested in swapping stories with other boaters? Want to learn more about boating in Charlotte Harbor? Join us for our Sunset Social which is held every fourth Friday from 5-7 pm at our Clubhouse, 802 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Bring an appetizer to share and the beverage of your choice. Call Jan at 941.743.2472 for more information, or check us out at puntagordaboatclub.com. Hope to see you there!

Leak Busters Roofing – Free wind mitigation inspection with every complete roof. Do you need help getting the money you deserve from your insurance company? We offer in-house supplementing! Leak Busters Roofing is a trusted provider of residential and commercial roof repairs and replacements. For a free Roof Repair or Replace Estimate, please call our Port Charlotte Showroom, 239.291.9260, or stop by Monday-Friday, 8 am-4 pm, 18501 Murdock Circle, Suite 100, Port Charlotte.  

Severy Creek Roofing – Good news! We have concrete and steel coated tile in stock and can deliver and install in less than 9 weeks. steve@severycreekroofing.com  

Smargasy Inc. – Do you need help with your Digital MarketingLet’s talk. Call/text 239.214.8592.

All Dry Services of Florida Gulf Coast – Locally owned, our services include water and flood damage, mold remediation, sanitizing and deodorizing, leak detection and air fogging services. Call 703.307.7379

ERTC Refund – Become a Referral Agent and earn $500 for each business you refer to me. The businesses you refer must have been in business before the pandemic and have 5 or more W-2 employees. Think about all the restaurants and retail businesses you visit that you could refer. Also, all the home service businesses, such as cleaners, electricians, home care providers, movers, plumbers, pool servicers and roofers. And don’t forget the bars, car washers, dry cleaners, franchisees, gyms, hotels and senior living facilities. Learn more and get started now – go to my website: www.ercfilenow.com/rf/bobwenz

Still have questions? Call or text me at 303.522.7839, or send me an email at: bob.wenz.refund@gmail.com

Refer a Business Now

Kelting Inspections – A proud partner of Hometown Heroes as we understand that we cannot thank our veterans enough for what they have done for our country. We offer discounts for veterans and active duty military! Call 941.655.8888 to schedule.

St. Vincent DePaul – Open to serve our neighbors in need 9 am-12 noon Monday-Wednesday-Friday at 25200 Airport Rd. Walk-ins welcome, no appointment necessary.

BioCide Labs – We can help with mold removal, treatment and prevention. Our main focus is the mitigation and remediation of water-damaged structures. We will walk you through the entire process over the phone and offer 15% off mold testing and remediation products when you mention the PG Chamber. Call 239.206.2854 or visit BioCideLabs.com

Peace River Shopper Latest Edition. Arcadia Community Local.

Community News

Bags and Brews Adult Charity Cornhole Tournament

Camelot Community Care is hosting a cornhole tournament at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 3. It is our second year hosting this annual fundraiser.

Hibiscus Festival

Friday, May 5 – Sunday, May 7

Schedule of Events

RIBBON CUTTINGS

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Parlade Schaefer Schortz CPAs

Tax Associate
Primary responsibility is preparing Income Tax Returns including forms 1040, 1065, 1120, 1120S, and 1041, along with some state returns. The person will review client accounting, make necessary adjustments and prepare financial statements. This position will also assist clients with IRS issues and write responses to the IRS. There will also be some payroll reporting, year-end reporting and administrative work as needed.
For more information, click here.

ShorePoint Health Port Charlotte

Admitting Clerk
Registers patients and processes related paperwork. Duties include interviewing patients, preparing standard registration forms and performing other admission or transfer related tasks. May be expected to perform clerical and secretarial work. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and 1-2 years of work experience in a related field. How to apply: https://www.careershealthcare.com/jobs/335082/admitting-clerk/

Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic

Eligibility Coordinator (Part-time)
This person will be responsible for the accuracy and completeness of all eligibility forms there by ensuring patients meet the eligibility criteria to receive services from our Clinic and Pharmacy. They will work directly with staff, volunteers and patients as well as working with doctors in the community securing their Sovereign Immunity paperwork. This person will have great interpersonal skills, working knowledge of Word and Excel and be able to create spread sheets. Please send your resume to nchervinski@volunteercare.org

Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections

Front Desk Deputy Registrar
The applicant will need to be a team player with an emphasis in customer service. Click here for duties, responsibilities and compensation. Send resume to SOE@SOECharlotteCountyFL.gov

Drug Free Punta Gorda

Executive Director
The Drug Free Punta Gorda (DFPG) Board of Directors is seeking a highly qualified and dynamic professional to fill the fulltime position of Executive Director, who will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for the DFPG staff, initiatives, expansion and execution of its mission. Click here for qualifications, job summary, compensation and how to apply

United Way of Charlotte County

Resource Development Director
We work with a great team, and serve an incredible community. All we need is someone to help us obtain the resources to continue making an impact! Click here for more information:
https://www.unitedwayccfl.org/…/now-hiring-resource

D.I.S. Tech Services Inc.

IT Support Technician (Part-time)
Employee goes to the Peace River Sculpture and Botanical Gardens for a few hours: Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 am to noon. Can be flexible. Starting at $15/hour. If interested, contact Joshua Montgomery at 217.492.8042 or email jmontgomery@distechusa.com

Coastal Expressions Wine Bar

Kitchen Help
Are you looking for a part-time position with a limited menu for easy prepping and execution? Flexible shifts? Excellent opportunity to learn culinary skills. Week days and/or evenings plus Saturdays. Occasional special events. 12-20 hours/week. $12/hour plus tips. Please send resume to loris@coastal-expressions.com or call 941.214.8599.

Crop Image