TEAM Talk header 2010
TEAM Punta Gorda
February 2012                                                                     Judy Brentano, Editor
AND THE SURVEY SAYS . . .
City Survey Deadline Looms

Survey graphic 2Only a few more days to put in your two cents on the City's Strategic Planning Questionnaire.  We mentioned this last month, but thought we would remind you to visit their website and weigh in on the issues.

 

Go to www.pgorda.us or email [email protected].  You can also print it off and mail it in to 326 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda 33950.

 
Again, the deadline is Wednesday, February 15. 
HERE WE GO LOOP-D-LOOP
Jones Loop Property News

Construction signIf the stars are alilgned just right, and the moon is in the 7th house, we may yet see a lovely shopping area come to life on the fomer Loop property.

 

The City is in talks with potential developers to annex the property, and if that should occur, we may see some activity. 

 
Word has it that the prospective developers might build a 'town center' similar to Gulf Coast Town Center in Ft. Myers.  
CITY MARKETPLACE RUMBLINGS
Penguins
The new Mote Penguins,Long Boat Key/Sarasota
 While we're wishin' and a hopin' for things to continue to happen in our little town, we've heard that Fifth/Third Bank of Ft. Myers is the proud owner of the City Marketplace property at the corner of Marion and 41.  That's the lot we all park on for free.
 
The property could be the future site of Mote Marine Aquarium.  Their main location is on Long Boat Key, Sarasota. The Punta Gorda location could become a research laboratory for the study of Charlotte Harbor aquatic life, a public outreach center, as well as a destination for folks who want to get up close and personal with all those things that live in the water. 

TEAM Punta Gorda's Community Development Committee will actively support the Mote project.  The establishment of a business incubator to be located at the former IMPAC University site is also on their project list.
NOW BOOKING TEE TIMES . . .
. . . for the Annual TPG Golf Tourney

Golf Tourney 2011Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 24, for the 7th Annual TEAM Punta Gorda Golf Tournament.  It is going to be bigger and better than ever!

 

We'll have a $5,000 putting contest, a car for a Hole-in-One, and lots of great prizes. A fee of $80 per player covers the cart/greens fees, continental breakfast and lunch.  We have a special deal on mulligans, too.  For an additional $20, our Mulligan Package provides four mulligans, a fifith free mulligan, and a Handy Sandy!  Sign up for it when you register.

 

Registration forms are on line at www.teampuntagorda.org 

 

The event will be held at St. Andrews Golf Club, 1901 Deborah Drive in Punta Gorda. Check in at 7:15 am.  Putting challenge starts at 7:45 am.  Tee time is 8:30 am

 

This great tournament is open to men and women of all handicaps.  Come out for a  fun time and help support TEAM Punta Gorda's projects and activities!


 
PEDAL AND PLAY IS . . .
. . . is Getting Ready to Roll!

PnP Logo 2011TEAM Punta Gorda and the Isles Yacht Club invite you to Pedal and Play in Paradise on March 31 for the benefit of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society amd TEAM Punta Gorda's bicycle-friendly community initiatives.

 

This popular event boasted 362 entries last year, and we hope to attract 500-600 riders in 2012.  Participants can choose from a 62, 30, 15, or a 10 mile "Mystery Tour" in the morning, then enjoy a leisurely lunch in Laishley Park, complete with free beer [if you are 21, of course.]

 

At 1:00 pm, the City Manager will lead the ever-popular History Tour of Punta Gorda via bicycle. 

 
Visit www.teampuntagorda.org and click on the Pedal and Play logo.

Special recognition goes to Smuggler's Enterprises, The Sun Newspapers and NicoMiles.com for the generous contributions they have made to make this event successful. 
YELLOW BIKES A HIT

Bicycle yellow TEAM is excited to report that our wonderful Yellow Loaner Bicycles are increasing in popularity. During the month of January we had 135 folks sign on to use them. They came from all over the world, too: The Netherlands, Brazil, England, Nova Scotia, France, and stateside from Massachusetts, Texas, New York, Pennsylvania and Minnesota, to name a few.

 

We are also exited to announce that Barbara Fleishman of Burnt Store Colony donated a Trike, which will be stationed at Fishermen's Village Marina. The latest addition brings our total to 31 bicycles in the fleet, this one donated by Cortland P. Brown of ReMax/Harbor Realty.  It will be placed at the Sheraton Four Points.

 
WORLD-RENOWNED CRUSING AUTHOR . . .
. . . Talks Boating Destinations
Art Amrstrong
Art Armstrong, chairman of TEAM's Maritime Committee, introduces Young

 On the heels of the successful World Disabled Sailing Regatta, Punta Gorda was visited by the world-renowned author and creator of Cruiser's Net website, Claiborne Young.  At a special "Coffee with Claiborne" held on February 12th, hosted by TEAM Punta Gorda, and attended by 60 people, including elected officials and staff, Mr. Young talked about waterfront communities that have transformed themselves into boating destinations despite numerous obstacles. 

 

He answered questions from the audience who were expolring ways to make our town a desireable boating destination. He suggested, "mooring fields, destination anchorage, easy-to-get-to dingy docks, wet-slip dockage, good restaurants and shops, shower and laundry facilities, WI-FI throughout the harbor area and provisioning."

 

The audience came away from the presentation excited and energized by the ideas discussed and the suggested ways to implement them.

VOLUNTEERS MAKE IT HAPPEN
Meet and Greet 2011TPG would like to welcome Mr. Art Armstrong to the ranks of our volunteers.  Art is the new Maritime Committee Chair and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the post.  Welcome, Art!
 
Our annual Meet and Greet was another successful event where we introduced TEAM and its projects to folks who may be new to town or were just interested in getting involved.  We signed up a few willing souls, but we can always use more!  If  you are interested in joining on as a volunteer, please get in touch by calling our office at (941) 637-8326.
 
Our website lists all of our activites, so you can find a committee or project that is of special interest to you.  www.teampuntagorda.org
PAINT THE TOWN . . .
. . . with Sports Stuff

TPG Color palette The Historic Punta Gorda Mural Society, the creator and caretaker of all those wonderful murals you see around town, is gearing up to do another one. This one is called Sports Memories.  

 

In order to pay for the artiist, the paint and the setup, they are hosting a BIG event - "Boogie on the Harbor" featuring The Boogiemen.  Cost is just $25 and food and drink are available for purchase.  Reserved tables of ten are $300.

 

There will be a dance contest, a short Live Auction, and rumor has it a special guest just might pop in!

 

If you would like to purchase tickets, they are available at the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce, the Charlotte Harbor Events Center, or you can contact [email protected] or call 802-373-1074.

 

So mark your calendar for Thursday, February 16, 6:30-9:30 pm.  The mural society is a non-profit organization, so your ticket is tax deductible. 

 

Friends of Library . . .

. . . Host Book Discussions with a Novel Twist

Book man On March 16, the Friends of the Punta Gorda Library will host a wonderful event, making a good book come to life.  Starring Barbara Rinella, a literary actress and internationally-known comedic entertainer, will portray, who else... Cleopatra!

 

Ms. Rinella brings literature to life.  The book which is the subject of her performance is "Cleopatra: A Life" by Stacy Schiff. 

 

This event will be held at Twin Isles Country Club. The cost is $30 for members and $35 for non-members for the presentation and a scrumptious lunch.  Time is 10:30 am.

 

For tickets, contact Bette Albarran at 941-639-8839 or email [email protected]

 
The library is also holding a series of discussions in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Contact them for details. 
DRIVERS BEWARE!

Stop sign The City has announced the removal of the traffic light at the intersection of US 41 and Acline Road south of town on Friday, February 17.

 

Apparently, this was only a temporary device to control the traffic being diverted up Acline around the Burnt Store Road construction project.

 

Doesn't seem like a good idea, since that intersection is heavily travelled and rather scary to navigate.  Two stop signs on Acline will be the only traffic control, so be very careful!

ART EVERYWHERE . . .
. . . in the Park, in Herald Court & All Around the Town
 Be sure to attend the 3rd Annual Gilchrist Art in the Park festivities displaying fine arts and crafts.  The event takes off on Thursday, February 16 from 10 am to 5 pm and ends Friday, February 17 at 4 pm. Admission is free.
 
And while you are on an art adventure, do not miss visiting the Artisan's Atelier in Herald Court Centre where there are a variety of artists at work. While there, you can check out the creations of the newest artist, Cassandra. 
 
The Atelier is open Monday through Friday from 11 am to 5 pm, and till 8 pm during the monthly Gallery Walk.  Parking is free in the Herald Court garage.
HAPPENIN'S ON THE HARBOR
Whats Happening Logo February 14: Cupid's Caper... renew your vows, then see "Love Letters," a romantic comedy performed by Ben & Heather Graham. Bayshore Live Oak park, 6-8 pm Admission is $5, includes refreshments.
 
February 18: Wine & Jazz Festival time!  Tickets through the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Gates open at 12:30.  Cost $85 per person. (941) 639-3720

February 25: Share the Love for the Kids Home Tour, 10 am-4 pm, sponsored by the Punta Gorda Isles Civic Association for the benefit of New Operation Cooper Street.  Admission is $15.  Tour 10 distinictive homes in the Isles.  Gift baskets, raffle prizes and dessert trays for purchase.

February 25: Punta Gorda Rotary will host the Taste of Punta Gorda in Laishley Park from 11 am-4 pm.

February 25: 2nd Annual Punta Gorda Pub Crawl benefitting the Harry Chapin Food Bank. $25 per person covers your visit to eight establishments, a pub crawl tee shirt, coolie cup and discount coupon book.  www.puntagordapubcrawl.com

March 17: St. Patrick's Day Celebration, Fishermen's Village. Festivities begin at 5pm and continue until 9 pm. Free admission.

March 19: 17th Annual Cattle Barons' Ball, Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 6:30 pm.  Tickets are $125 per person.  Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society. For innformation, call (941) 627-3000 ext 3801.

March 24:  TEAM Punta Gorda's 7th Annual Golf Tournament, St. Andrews South Golf Course.  Registration form at www.teampuntagorda.org

March 24-25: The Florida International Air Show featuring the Blue Angels.  Punta Gorda Airport. Ticket prices vary.  Parking $5

March 31: Pedal and Play in Paradise. www.pedalandplayinparadise.com

April 21: Punta Gorda Block Party, 10am to 10pm. Main stage feature Chuck Negron, founder and vocalist for Three Dog Night.  Jim Morris also performing.  Food, bands, crafts, beer, etc.  Benefits multiple charities.  Entry fee $5

Judy Brentano, Editor

[email protected]

TEAM Punta Gorda

941-637-8326
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