The Punta Gorda Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) approved a lease with the Downtown Merchants Association for the Artisans' Atelier. Work should begin shortly on this exciting project!  Many thanks to the CRA and Owen Ames Kimball.

A huge thank you also goes out to all of the volunteers who helped during the Pedal and Play in Paradise event April 30-May 2, including event Chair Earl Lang,  Peggy Jensen, Kay and Jack Moody, PGICA's Marlene Hofer, Kathy Huelsemann and their volunteers, the Charlotte County Health Department,  Jon Prafke and Carl Parsons at the Babcock rest area, and Bill and Liz Chuboda at the Arcadia rest area.

The Volunteer Appreciation reception was held in April, thanks to Naomi Gazzola, Jan Murphy, Janice Creutzmann and Kathy Dieke. (See more photos on our website, www.teampuntagorda.org.)  Dee Papa, retiring Board Member, was
recognized for her service and leadership with TEAM's annual golf tournament. Gini Pender received a surprise award for her dedication and commitment to our mission.



TEAM Punta Gorda is selling the book, Destination Punta Gorda, Pride of the People. This is a beautiful coffee-table book dedicated to the people, businesses and legacy of our city and Charlotte County. The cost is $38.50 and can be ordered  by calling the TEAM office 941-637-8326.

Thanks to all for the great input received at the first South County Gateway
Project meeting at Burnt Store Presbyterian Church. The second public meeting will be on Thursday, June 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Edison College. This public meeting will focus on Airport Road, Taylor Road, and Jones Loop Road entrances into Charlotte County.

Reminder:  you can still order a commemorative paver to be placed at the interactive fountain at Laishley Park. Our future projects include refurbishing Herald Court and providing landscaping around the recently approved entrance signs on US 41 southbound on both sides of the road next to the Event Center and Best Western. Go to to www.teampuntagorda.org to download paver order forms.

...that there was a great article about Punta Gorda in The Commercial Appeal written by Larry Rea? Visit www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/apr/04/after-charley. The article describes how we came back after Hurricane Charley.
...that the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce is recruiting volunteers to join a study for business development? Contact John Wright at 941-639-3720  for more information.
...that Coconut madness has begun? Contact Jan Sidebottom at Main Street Punta Gorda, jansidebottom@mainstreetpuntagorda.org, to find out how to purchase a coconut and enter the race.
...that according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crime in Florida, 2009 Annual Report, Punta Gorda's overall crime rate decreased 24.6% in 2009? That ranks Punta Gorda third in the state for the lowest crime incidents.
...that the South Charlotte County Coalition elected Jim Stevens of Burnt Store Meadows as President, Bob Toth of Seminole Lakes as Vice President, and Dawn Carrier of Burnt Store Village as Secretary/Treasurer?
...if interested, you can pick up a free 'No Solicitation' sticker from the City Clerk's office at 326 W. Marion Avenue?