On June 2, 2017 the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners dedicated the newly named Live Oak Point in Charlotte Harbor Community Redevelopment area. Charlotte Harbor Town (established in 1862) was first called Live Oak Point and later Hickory Bluff. The new park celebrates the history of the area. Live Oak Point includes the following:
- An 8-foot wide concrete sidewalk from the Barron Collier Bridge north to Melbourne Street
- A pedestrian promenade including benches, tree wells with accent lighting, architectural handrails, grassed open space and two shaded seating areas
- A restroom facility
- 59 paved parking spaces
- Internal pedestrian connections to the promenade, parking, restroom facilities
- Decorative lighting and landscaping, including 26 live oak trees
- Improved access to the beach and a small non-trailered boat launch with direct harbor access
This project improves pedestrian and bicycle safety by providing a continuous trail from Chester Roberts Park on Melbourne Street to Laishley Park in downtown Punta Gorda, as well as Bayshore Live Oak Park on the west side of US-41.
The $2.1 million project was a true partnership, with funding provided by the Florida Department of Transportation, the West Coast Inland Navigation District, the Boater Improvement Fund, Charlotte County, and the Charlotte Harbor CRA.