There will be several different rides you can take on our Hibiscus Bicycle Tour, which will be held Saturday, June 20, beginning at 7 a.m. and leaving from Gilchrist Park. This event was organized by TEAM Punta Gorda, the Charlotte County Health Department, and the ACME Bicycle Shop. You can enter the 62-mile ride, or the 30-mile ride for those who like longer distances. The 15-mile ride is a no-spandex, slower ride. The City Manager's ride will be very leisurely as you tour the city and learn interesting facts about Punta Gorda. The Charlotte Regional Medical Center, GBSD Group at Merrill Lynch, and the Punta Gorda Club are our major sponsors. Our other sponsors include the Farr Law Firm, Tarpon Coast Computers, Peace River Distributing, Sky View Cafe, Gulf Coast Benefit Auctions, and the City of Punta Gorda. For more detailed information, go to our website, www.teampuntagorda.org. Registration for this event will be taken up to the last minute before the rides begin.

TEAM Office Volunteers needed: Are you lucky enough to be here most of the summer or some of the summer? Volunteers are needed to check the office phone and email messages and handle any incoming mail. The average time involved is about an hour. If you can spare some time on a regular basis, please contact Gini Pender at hob@embarqmail.com.

 

Do you want to help the City? If so, they are looking for people who might be interested in helping to maintain the parks and open space areas around the city. Please contact the City Manager's office directly.

 

TEAM Government Relations Committee is in need of several volunteers who like to attend the City Council meetings and the Charlotte County Board of Commissioners meetings. All you need to do is attend the meetings and give a report on what went on at those meetings. It's a great way to keep up with the happenings in Punta Gorda!

 

TEAM Communications Committee: If you are interested in keeping Punta Gorda informed of the happenings of TEAM Punta Gorda, please volunteer to be on this committee. It is in the start-up stage and open to all ideas. Call the TEAM office at 941-637-8326 and leave your name.  

All age groups are invited to join Charlotte State Bank at their Punta Gorda Office, 2331 Tamiami Trail, on Saturday, June 27, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. There will be a bicycle obstacle course, a bicycle inspection area and bicycle safety information from Certified Safety Instructors. If you compete in the obstacle course, you can register for a $50 savings bond. 

 

The Annual Freedom Swim in Charlotte Harbor will begin at 11 a.m. on July 4. It will begin from the public beach at the west side of the north end of the southbound US 41 Bridge. This is a happening rather than a race.The landing will be at Fishermen's Village. Please contact Michael Haymans at 941-661-5622 for more information.

 

Main Street Punta Gorda is having a July 4th Fest at Laishley Park with activities all day. Lots of fun to be had. Check www.puntagordafireworks.com for information.

 

There will be a Charlotte Symphony Orchestra concert at the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center at 7 p.m. on July 4. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and a casual picnic dinner will be offered. The Charlotte State Bank branch offices are selling tickets, which are $20 each, and children 14 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 941-205-5996.

 

After dark, there will be fireworks off of Laishley Park. Quite a display!

 

If you are interested in adding suggestions/comments to the Status Report of the 2009 Strategic Plan, please go to the city's website, www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us and look under Reports. You have until mid-June to voice your opinions.

 

The Movie Under The Stars at Bayshore Live Oak Park will be held Friday, June 19. There will be a Veteran Motor Car Club Classic Car Show beginning at 6 p.m. The movie, The Dark Knight, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Bring chairs and snacks.

 

The Herald Court Centre is the official name of the parking garage and commercial space.

 

Don't forget Think Thursdays, with activities all around the area. 

 

The Saturday Farmer's Market keeps getting new vendors. Don't forget to stop by and see what's good to eat.

 

Plans are coming along for the party in August to celebrate five years of revitalization. Check out the website, www.pgmakeover.com for all the activities being planned.  

 

It won't be long now before you will see public mooring balls in Charlotte Harbor.

   

The Best Western has proposed a 62-slip commercial marina to be built behind the hotel.

 

A proposal has been presented to City Council for a sailing center near Shreve Park on West Retta Esplanade.

  

TEAM Punta Gorda is continuing to sell brick pavers for around the Interactive Fountain in Laishley Park. The proceeds from the sale of the pavers will be used for landscaping this area. Visit the TEAM website for more information and order forms. You might also want to visit and see the new playground equipment and take a walk through the cool spray of the fountain.

  

If you enjoy reading the TEAM Punta Gorda Impulse E-newletter and have a friend you think might also be interested in receiving it, please visit www.teampuntagorda.org and, after obtaining their permission, sign them up! They'll be glad you did.