Dear Chamber Member and Chamber Friends,
Here are your ‘Friday Facts’ but on a Wednesday!
In celebration of New Year the office will be closed Wednesday December 30 at 2pm and re-open Monday January 4 at 9am.
Next Friday Facts will be January 8, 2021. Please send your submissions before noon on Thursday January 7, 2021 to hklossner@puntgorda-chamber.com
PG Chamber radio show: Exclusively for PG Chamber members: NOW BOOKING FOR JANUARY 2021 – ONLY 1 SLOT LEFT. 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.
For Our Community.
News and Information about Covid-19 Vaccine. Please check with Charlotte County Department of Health www.charlotte.floridahealth.gov This link may or may not work as the site does appear to get overloaded on occasion. It is currently saying that all appointments are booked up to and including January 8, 2021 and you should check back for additional availability after January 6, 2021.
As many of you know the Charlotte Stone Crabs will no longer be a Minor League affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. While this is sad news for our community and the organization we must move forward, and literally move out. On Sunday, January 3 and Monday, January 4 the Charlotte Stone Crabs will be hosting a “Yard” sale at our offices at the Charlotte Sports Park located at 2300 El Jobean Rd, Port Charlotte, FL. We have a number of items to sell that can be useful to individuals and businesses alike. Items include desks, computer equipment, kitchen equipment and supplies, memorabilia and of course merchandise. All items will be priced to sell at discounts of up to 75% off.
Following are some guidelines to follow for the event;
- Sunday, January 3 starting at 10am until 2pm
- Monday, January 4 starting at 9am until 4pm
- Please wear a mask/face covering
- Practice proper social distancing to the best of your ability
- CASH ONLY
- NO RETURNS
- NO REFUNDS
- All items sold AS-IS
We can hold larger items for a day so you can return to pick them up, but must be paid for in advance
Should you have questions about specific items in advance please email info@stonecrabsbaseball.com We hope to see a lot of familiar faces, so we have a chance to say goodbye. Enjoy your New Years celebration.Citywide Garage Sales are back! Next Event is Saturday January 9, 2021. 8am-noon, at the Bal Harbor Shopping Plaza – corner of Bal Harbor and Aqui Esta. Reservations can now be made by calling 941 639 3720 (9am-2pm M-F) Cost is $15 for two parking spaces (one for your goods, one for your vehicle). Larger spaces can be reserved depending on availability. Spaces will be allocated at check-in (7am onwards). Bathroom facilities will be made available. In this new world, we ask for masks to be worn, sanitizer to be available and social distancing of customers to the best of your ability. Hope to see you there.
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 NOT YET AVAILABLE. Please visit Facebook page for updates. Click Here for Event Flyer.
Advance Notice – Mural Tours will return in February 2021. Click Here for details. Private tours can be arranged for groups of minimum 10.
Save the Date!! The Laird’s Golf Tournament is back!! Join us at the Paradise Golf Course on January 29, 2021 – yes, you have plenty of time to practice and get ready for this awesome day! Click Here for details.
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.
A Glance at Local History from Frank Desguin. A repeat of Frank’s column about Christmas in our area.
If you have anything that you would like to put into the Friday Facts please send it to hklossner@puntagorda-chamber.com by noon each Thursday.
Your Chamber Staff,
John, Hazel, Janet and Stephanie
Chamber Calendar of Events Members ONLY
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 2pm) or email reception@puntagorda-chamber.com
January 13: Business Over Breakfast 7:15 – 8:30 am. Wake up and smell the coffee with your Chamber at Bayfront Health – 4th Floor Conference Room, 809 E. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda. Our guest speaker will be from the Hospital.
January 19: Business After Hours 5:30 pm – 7 pm. Come and join your Chamber for our Business after Hours hosted by The Loveland Center at The Wyvern Hotel, 101 E. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda. Don’t forget to bring a gift to promote and showcase your business!
January 21: Ribbon Cutting at 5.30pm. Welcome new members PG Social House and Room by Room Furnishings, 258 W. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda.
January 22: Ribbon Cutting at 5.00pm. Welcome new member Harbor Social LLC, 212 W. Marion Ave, Punta Gorda.
January 27: Networking Luncheon 12 Noon-1:30pm. 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. Please be sure to RSVP 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.
All the Following Information is for Our Community.
Partners in Action News
Bayfront Health (Platinum) – Healthcare workers at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda received the first doses of COVID-19 vaccine 12-28-2020. “We are so thankful for everything that our staff and medical providers are doing to care for patients during these unprecedented and challenging times. Their safety and the safety of patients is our highest priority,” said Tara McCoy, Chief Executive Officer at Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. “Prevention is key since there is no cure for COVID-19. Vaccination is an important step in helping to prevent this illness and its potentially devastating consequences.”
Four Points by Sheraton (Platinum) – Please join us at T.T.’s Tiki Bar every weekend for the best live music! Click to see our complete December line up, and mark your calendars when your favorite bands play. Don’t forget to make your reservations for New Year’s Eve dinner by calling the hotel at 941-637-6770. Please click for the menus and pricing. The Tiki Bar…..The Place to Be!
Expedia Cruises (Platinum) – download your special gift voucher towards future travel here.
Sun Newspapers (Platinum Media) – The Coolest Place to Work promotion. It’s been a tough year for a lot of businesses so we wanted to end 2020 on a fun note!
TIME Realty Services, Inc (Gold) – Have you ever wished you had invested in a beachfront property in Mexico in the late 80s or Costa Rica in the 90s? Well not since those days has there been an opportunity like this one. Nicaragua often called “the next Costa Rica”, is the safest country in the America’s, next to Canada with friendly people and miles of uncrowded beaches. Gran Pacifica is excited to announce the continuation of the Las Perlas Oceanfront Village, the gathering place and heart of this beach and golf resort by the sea. With drinks in hand, owners and guests gather daily to witness phenomenal sunsets from the infinity pool that overlooks the crashing surf. This is a great opportunity to join a growing beachfront community and earn rental revenue if you choose. https://bit.ly/3lZSVO0 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. January Newsletter.
Springhill Suites (Gold) – New Corporate Rate for First Responders valid through the end of 2021. Here is the reservation link you can use to make online reservations at rates specifically negotiated for your company Book your corporate rate for Care Giver Thank You If you have questions or need help with the link, please do not hesitate to ask. We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you in the future.
Charlotte State Bank and Trust (Silver) – Charlotte State Bank & Trust Vice President Christine House and Portfolio Manager Gregory Thomas have scheduled a full slate of seminars for January. The series begins on Tuesday, Jan. 5, with Avoiding Estate-Planning Mistakes, with Celebrity Examples, followed by Stocks, Bonds, and Exchange Traded Funds on Wednesday, Jan. 6, and Estate Planning for Women on Thursday, Jan. 7. 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 honored to be your local Hunter Douglas Showcase Dealer. Voted “Best of Charlotte 2020” for Window Decor & Interior Decorating. At CWT, we design all types of custom window treatments and more such as Draperies, Valances, Cornices, Bedding and Upholstery. We offer free in-home consultations. Visit one of our showrooms at 254 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., P.G. (941) 637-0015 or 4680 Placida Road, Suite D, Englewood (941) 828-0000. Masks are required. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Year’s Day.
Friendly Floors (Silver) – Owner Marjorie Benson will match funds up to $10,000 for all donations made to the Fred Lang Foundation by end of the year.
The Purple House Salon by Shawn Gilstad (Silver) – Check out our newly updated website www.thepurplehousesalon.com. Shawn Gilstad, 941.830.4746 – Cell, 941.205.8603 – Salon
Charlotte Players (Bronze) – From the writers of the smash hit Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins comes a comic look at one of our country’s most beloved voices, who captured the frustrations of her generation by asking, “If life is a bowl of cherries, what am I doing in the pits?” Discover the story behind America’s beloved humorist who championed women’s lives with wit that sprang from the most unexpected place of all – the truth. Erma Bombeck: At Whit’s End will be playing Jan 7-17 at Langdon Playhouse, 1182 Market Circle in Port Charlotte. For more information go to www.charlotteplayers.org or call 941-255-1022.
Key West Express (Bronze) – Last Days – Holiday Sale.
Hessler Floor Covering (Support) – Holiday Proofing Your Floors.
Illusions Salon & Spa (Support) – At Illusions Salon & Spa, wellness is infused with red-carpet style. From arrivals marked by a glass of champagne to spaces dedicated to your relaxation, we address your mind, body, and skin. We are now offering membership packages. The holidays are here so treat yourself or someone special to a monthly spa package. (941) 505-5777 or www.illusionsofpg.com
Perfectly Polished Nail Boutique (Support) – Book by calling 941-889-8388 or online at PuntaGordaNails.com.
Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association (Support) – 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 January 13, 2021. The cost for the class is $45 and advance registration is recommended by calling 941-637-1655.
Visual Arts Center (Support) – Open-Air Open House Scheduled for January 8 & 9, 10am – 2pm. Click Here for more details. Located @ 210 Maud St, across from Fishermen’s Village. Gallery & Gift Store Hours: Mon & Fri: 9a-4p, Tue-Thu: 9a-7p, Sat: 10a-2p. Events, Classes, Memberships, Call to Artists at visualartcenter.org.
SPECIAL MEMBER’S ONLY PROMOTION
From our AAA Member. Punta Gorda Chamber Members please Click Here to get the flyer and information for a fundraising promotion through AAA. December is Punta Gorda Chamber month. Any employee at the office can assist you (941) 627-1544, do not go online.
Member Information
NEW YEAR. Rossini Trattoria Gastronomica – A Special Christmas & new Years Eve with us…..
NEW YEAR. Fishermen’s Village – New Year’s Eve at Fishermen’s Village: Enjoy the final day of 2020 at Fishermen’s Village in an OPEN AIR environment! Center Court access for lunch/dinner/music will be available on a first come, first served basis, with social distancing and mask protocols in place. No Dance Floor. NOTE: NO FIREWORKS DISPLAY DUE TO GROUP GATHERING LIMITATIONS. Musicians to be featured: Singer Paul Roush: 12 noon-4 pm; Singer Dan Meadows 4-8 pm; DJ Michael White 8 pm until 12 midnight. Shops/boutiques are open 10 am-6 pm NYE. Restaurants open late into the evening!
Last day to view FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS! More than one million lights and holiday themed decorations! Free parking, free admission! www.fishville.com January Calendar. 941 639-8721. Located off Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda!
Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine – We want you to have a Sparkling! New Year!!! We’ll have a beautiful selection of the Bubbly for you to sample; Saturday 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Sparkling Wines are on display, both dry and sweet. Please call for 941-505-0479 spacing & reservation. Jumpstart Java – Coffee Conversations with Patricia Herndon.
Coastal Expressions Home Decor, Gifts & Wine Bar – we are now open in the Isles. 1133 Bal Harbor Blvd. Suite # 1135 Punta Gorda, FL. 33950. Hours: Sunday 9 AM -2PM, Monday – Wednesday 10 AM -5 PM, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10 AM -9 PM. We have lots of gifts for guys and gals for the Holidays, so come on in and check us out. We serve wine & beer along with non-alcoholic drinks and Charcuterie Boards (Daily). Every Friday starting Dec 18th, we play “Wine-O BINGO”. 3 Games. 3 Wine prizes. Call us to reserve your spot for Dec 18th, as spaces are limited. 941-214-8599. If you say you saw this AD, you will receive 5% off on your purchase of in store items.
Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park – Winter Break Specials. 2 Mini Golf and 2 Go Karts $30 ($42 Value); 3 Mini Golf and 3 Go-Karts $43 ($63 Value); 4 Mini Golf and 4 Go-Karts $55 ($84 Value); 10 Go-Karts $80 ($100 Value); 2 Go-Karts and 2 Ziplines $40 ($50 Value); 4 Go-Karts and 4 Ziplines $75 ($100 Value).
King Fisher Fleet – Christmas Light Canal Cruises Now Available to Book!
Military Heritage Museum – Visit the Museum this Holiday Season.
Nino’s Bakery and Restaurant – January 8 at 6pm country music showcase ‘Howie’s Ol’ Back Porch‘.
One Source Accounting & Tax – We are proud and excited to announce the launch of our new website at: http://1sourceaccountingfl.com . Our new website can help you in many ways and make your tax time so much easier. Click Here to find out how.
Animal Medical Clinic of Punta Gorda – Start 2021 by saving up to $30!
Event Elements Catering – Event Elements Catering@the Orange House. Voted in Harbors Hottest in 2019-2020 in Harbor Style Magazine. Preparing Wednesday Night Dinners for curbside or Free delivery. Fresh Menu changes weekly, posted on our Facebook page, Event Elements, on Saturdays. Call or text to (941) 268-5801 for orders.
Charlotte Behavioral Health Care – in conjunction with Genoa Healthcare, open a new Pharmacy to make it easier for Behavioral Health Patients to get their prescriptions. Click Here for more details.
Brookdale Punta Gorda isles – Count on Us, Even on Holidays! Join us on Jan 5, 10am -11am.
The Firm 360 Photography – Happy New Year from The Firm 360° Photography. Out with the old and in with the new! See what Just Counters & Other Stuff can do for your new home build or remodel. Their details are also listed in the tour. We can do this 3 D Virtual Walking Tour for your business too. Contact us today for details at 941-347-8198, or visit our website www.the firm 360
Copperfish Books – Will be open on Sundays! At their new location 212 W Virginia Ave. in downtown Punta Gorda (between Taylor and Sullivan Streets). We’re open Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat 10-4 and Sun 11-3. Masks are required and we sanitize often. Sending Warm Holiday Wishes.
Covenant Business Planning Solutions – What is your Business Problem? Now more than ever, businesses need help! Regardless of the direction our government takes us, businesses face challenges. During the pandemic, businesses that were in a great position survived, but those that were in a precarious position struggled to just stay afloat… More information: https://covenant-business.com/whats-your-business-problem/ Jeff Frankhouser, MRFC, CEP, CSA
Sea Grape Gallery – Artists of Month for January 2021 From January 7 to February 4, featuring Joanne Stramara, watercolor artist, and Nancy Giffin, Nantucket basket and Shaker box artist.
Virginia B Andes Volunteer Clinic & Pharmacy – Making our Community Healthier. Right Here. Right Now.
Peace River Shopper – Latest Edition.
Gulfshore Opera – Gala Announcement Season 7 Announcement
Tidewell Foundation – Signature Luncheon on Friday, February 5, 2021, 11.30am at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
Punta Gorda Symphony – Symphony on the Lawn, February 6, 2021.
Applause
Florida Skin Center and Founder Named Top National Skin Cancer Screener, Florida Skin Center Performed 2,355 Free Skin Checks
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) has named Florida Skin Center Founder and Medical Director, Aurora Badia M.D., D.O., as the top screener, and the practice as top practice for performing the most free skin cancer screenings in the nation. This is the second consecutive year that ASDS has recognized Florida Skin Center for these achievements in its Choose Skin Health® program. ASDS operates this year-round program in partnership with Neutrogena® promoting free skin cancer screenings to the public. Florida Skin Center performed 2,355 free skin checks in 2019-2020. This was an increase of 500 over the previous year despite the limitations and restrictions from the COVID -19 pandemic placed on non-essential services and group gatherings. The free skin checks, provided by Florida Skin Center in Southwest Florida, represent an impressive two-thirds of the total 3,500 annual free screenings provided by all ASDS participating members nationwide this year. “It is an honor and a privilege to receive recognition as top screener for the most skin checks”, said Dr. Badia. “Our entire team is dedicated to sharing knowledge and information for the protection and detection of skin cancer. Providing free skin checks to our community is an actionable effort that is measured by more than just a number-early detection saves lives.” Florida Skin Center offers free annual full-body skin care checks year-round to new and established patients, who are referred to as guests of the practice. This complimentary head-to-toe skin examination is offered once a year regardless of insurance, with a scheduled appointment. Guests can save between $15 and $91, and are introduced to a skin regimen tailored to their individual needs. Appointments can be made at any of the four Southwest Florida locations. Florida Skin Center has offices in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and Punta Gorda. All locations offer readily available same-week and early-morning appointments. Ft. Myers and Cape Coral offices open on select Saturdays. Appointment scheduling and text messaging available online at FloridaSkinCenter.com or call (239) 561-3376. Follow Florida Skin Center on Facebook and Instagram.
Newsletters
ARCHway Institute – National Newsletter
Animal Welfare League – November Newsletter
Charlotte Arts – Newsletter
Charlotte Community Foundation – End of Year Cheer
Copperfish Books – Newsletter
Drug Free Charlotte County – News to Know
Gregg’s Auto – December Newsletter
Hope4Communities – November Newsletter
Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society – December Newsletter
SCORE – November Newsletter
StandStar Remodeling & Interior Design – Insider for November
TEAM Punta Gorda – Newsletter
Virgina B Andes Volunteer Community Clinic – December Newsletter
Yoga Sanctuary – December Newsletter
Job Opportunity
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.
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.