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June 2011 |
Judy Brentano, Editor |
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 | KNOW YOUR ZONE |
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Hurricane Preparedness Tip
"Storm Surge" along the coast is often the greatest threat to life and property. If a storm threatens Punta Gorda and evacuations are ordered, be prepared to leave if your Evacuation Zone is announced.
The vast majority of the City of Punta Gorda is located in Zone A (Red), while limited areas along the east side of Burnt Store Rd. (Burnt Store Meadows, Seminole Lakes, etc.) are in Zone B (Orange) or Zone C (Yellow). |
| MOORINGS FOR RENT . . . |
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. . . off Laishley Park
 Rates have been established for the East Mooring Field. To attract boaters, during the months of July through October, the first week will be FREE.
Thereafter, the daily rate is $13, the weekly rate is $72 and the monthly rate is $226.
Punta Gorda's moving right along in its quest to become a great, convenient and hospitable boating destination!
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THINK OUTRAGEOUSLY! |
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Tourism Team Launches Initiative
 Howard Kunik, Punta Gorda's City Manager, a member of the Charlotte Harbor Visitor and Convention Bureau's Tourism Team, is seeking your input. An important component in building tourism is attracting conventions and events to our area. Identifying associations and groups to invite to our community is a priority. Please email Howard with your suggestions hkunik@pgorda.us The CHVCB is also seeking additional members for the Community Awareness Tourism Team. "This team will address how we can create greater awareness within the community of the benefit of tourism and the importance of a hospitable destination," says Lorah Steiner, the bureau's director. |
| DON'T WRITE THAT CHECK . . . |
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. . . Go Green!
 The City of Punta Gorda announced that 3,223 residents have already signed up to have their utility bill automatically paid using bank draft or recurring credit card payments. You, too, can eliminate writing that check, spending a 44 cent stamp and help the City cut down on processing time with their new e-Plan. |
| CONSTRUCTION UPDATES |
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City Certifies Contractors; Kicks off Road Projects
 Thinking of fixin' the old place up? Looking for a competent contractor? The City of Punta Gorda awards a Certificate of Competency to contractors 'who have met the criteria to perform work in their specific trade in the city limits.' Check them out at www.puntagorda-online.com/Click2GovBL/Index.jsp Two more road projects kick off this month. Olympia Avenue between US 41 North and South will get a facelift with brick paver sidewalks. Completion date is the end of September. The second will begin on June 17 with utility upgrades and road improvements on Bal Harbor. Watch for lane closures! |
| YELLOW BIKES GAINING ATTENTION |
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 The Visitors Bureau sent us a copy of a super fab article on Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor. Written by Warren Resen, a travel and outdoor writer, it popped up in a publication called Farmer and Rancher.
The article emphasized the beauty and serentity of our little town AND the TEAM Punta Gorda free loaner bicycle program! Apparently, Resen and his wife picked their's up at Fishermen's Village and did the town.
Click on Digital Edition. You will find the article "Charlotte Harbor and Punta Gorda" on page 8. |
| IT'S A FREE RIDE . . . |
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Charlotte Harbor Map & Nature Guide Hits Stands
Thanks to a grant from the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program, 20,000 "It's a Free Ride" brochures have been distributed to 70 venues throughout Charlotte County by TPG.
With a fleet of 24 bicycles available at the following locations-Fishermen's Village Marina, FourPoints by Sheraton, Laishley Marina, Charlotte Regional Medical Center-Wellness Center, and the Isles Yacht Club- visitors to Punta Gorda now have a resource to guide them through their two- or three-wheel journey.
Besides a map of the bike routes, the brochure features educational points about the harbor.
So grab your bike and join the fun! Pedal and disover the harbor and its treasures!
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| ISLES YACHT CLUB . . . |
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. . . Latest Yellow Bike Site
 The Isles Yacht Club took delivery of two bicycles and one tricycle, helping to expand the availability of the TPG Bicycle Loaner Program to boaters cruising into our marinas. Commodore Rick Kilmer, seen perched atop a bike, said they would like another one to add to the fleet at their facility. Please contact TEAM if you are interested in donating to this very popular program. |
| "CONTINUE THE JOURNEY" SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT |
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Charlotte Regional Medical Center
 "We know you by heart," reads Charlotte Regional's headline. A facility well-known for its cardiac care, its journey to that stature took many decades. A 'tour' of their dynamite user-friendly website will take you through CRMC's fascinating history. Back in 1887, the town doctor had to operate a 'combined drugstore and tackle shop' in order to make a living. Imagine a community trying to raise funds to build a hospital by hosting dances, fish frys and bake sales... oh, and watermelon cuttings! After years and years of trying and finally overcoming many hurdles, the hospital opened in 1947. And the first patient admitted in August of 1948? None other than Gussie Peeples Baker who was there to have her tonsils out. The hospital would see 10 more patients that week. In 1994, Health Management Associates took ownership of the medical center, changing its name to the present Charlotte Regional Medical Center. Their mission statement reflects their commitment- "Caring professionals dedicated to serving our community." They have won awards for their heart program and stroke services and have gained national recognition. On their website, Jose Morillo, CEO of the hospital, states, "We will be adding many educational, interactive and informative features to better serve our patients, visitors and staff. Our goal is to make your online visit a pleasant one." During your journey through the CRMC site, you can gain in-depth information about their surgical and diagnostic procedures and be introduced to their staff of physicians. TEAM Punta Gorda is proud to list Charlotte Regional Medical Center as one of its major sponsors and thanks them for their continuing support. |
| VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT |
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Kendall Calkins
 Kendall is a sophomore at Edison Collegiate High School, where she is a 4.1 student. Upon graduation, she will not only receive her diploma but two year's credits towards an Associates Degree. Kendall is an active participant in her accelerated high school activities, but one of her choices for community service was TEAM Punta Gorda where she serves as a summer intern with the bicycle loaner program. She diligently checks each site, monitors the bicycles for damage, picks up the borrower forms and submits them to the City. The reason Kendall is our featured volunteer is to tell you about her nomination to go to Washington, DC to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine beginning July 10 hosted by Georgetown University. Since she plans to become a surgeon, this program is an opportunity of a lifetime. The comprehensive program will cover medical ethics, diagnosis, patient history, care plans, life as a resident, health care in the 21 century, triage, medical specialties, among other topics. The problem is, it costs $3,000. "I have taken on extra jobs to raise money but I still need help," she told me. We're featuring our young volunteer, Kendall, in hopes we can give her some community support to help her attend the Leadership Forum. You can help by sending a contribution in any amount directly to her. Put TPG on your check so she knows you saw the request here. And thank you for considering! Kendall Calkins, 5755 Riverside Drive, Punta Gorda, FL 33982-1555. |
| HAPPENIN'S ON THE HARBOR |
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July 3 -4: 4th Fest! A two-day event at Laishley Park celebrating the 4th of July. WaterMania water slides, Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, Battle of the Bands, Kids Fun Zone, vendors, food, fun and ice cold beer! Fireworks at 9 p.m. on the 4th $3 donation for the fireworks. $10 for unlimited daily use of the waterslides.
August 13: 3rd Annual Hooked on Habitat Fishing Tournament by Flatsmasters. Hosted by Charlotte County Habitat for Humanity. Cash prizes and awesome food! Entry fee is $300 per boat with three anglers per boat. For information call Ellen Cardillo 941-639-3162 or email events@charlottecountyhfh.org
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| The Last Word |
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If you are cleaning out your house or your pantry to head out for the summer, consider this:
The Charlotte County Homeless Coalition is in great need of supplies for the Hot Meal program. Donations of staples - coffee, margarine, canned goods, spaghetti sauce, cheese, etc. would be so appreciated. Reach the Coalition at 941-627-4313. They are dedicated to feeding the homeless of Charlotte County.
If you have been to St. Vincent de Paul, on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning, you will see their waiting room packed with women and children applying for assistance. Thus the organization is running short on basic household necessities. Their list includes home furnishings, appliances, linens, children's clothing - you name it. But only in good condition.
This charity does not sell your donations, but gives them to pre-approved clients. You can arrange a pickup by calling 941-575-8544. They are open to receive your tax-deductible donations on M, W, F mornings.
Your kindness will be rewarded by knowing you have helped out someone in need.
Ciao!
Judy B |
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