**REVISED** Charlotte County Recreation and Pools Cashless
Jan. 28, 2026 3:57 pm
Charlotte County will no longer accept cash at recreation centers and pools beginning Wed., Feb. 4, 2026. These locations will accept VISA, and MasterCard, Discover and American Express. Apple Pay and Google Pay are planned to be available soon.
Bissett Community Park Playground Closed Starting Feb. 9
Jan. 28, 2026 3:50 pm
The playground at Bissett Community Park will be closed beginning Feb. 9, 2026, for approximately two weeks for shade installation. All other areas of the park will remain open.
St. Paul Linear Park Pergola Replacement Begins Feb. 2
Jan. 28, 2026 3:47 pm
Beginning Monday, Feb. 2, Charlotte County will replace three pergolas at St. Paul Linear Park in South Gulf Cove.
Cheney Brothers Receives Charlotte County Excellence in Business Award
Jan. 27, 2026 4:14 pm
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Jan. 27, 2026) – The Charlotte County Economic Development Office has awarded Cheney Brothers the Charlotte County Excellence in Business Award, recognizing the company’s leadership, economic impact, and longstanding commitment to the community.
Larry Taylor Kiwanis Park Gazebo Repairs
Jan. 26, 2026 2:07 pm
Repairs to the gazebo at Larry Taylor Kiwanis Park will begin Feb. 9-26.
Drop Savers Water Conservation Poster Contest
Jan. 23, 2026 1:28 pm
The Charlotte County Utilities Department invites local students to participate in the Drop Savers Water Conservation Poster Contest.
Matthew McElroy Appointed as Fire Chief and Public Safety Director
Jan. 14, 2026 10:05 am
Charlotte County has appointed Matthew McElroy as the new fire chief and public safety director for Charlotte County Public Safety. McElroy has served as acting fire chief since Oct. 31, 2025 and brings more than two decades of leadership, operational experience, and commitment to public service to his new role.
Charlotte County Establishes Emergency Management as an Independent Department
Jan. 14, 2026 9:38 am
The Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners voted to establish Emergency Management as a standalone department, separating it from Public Safety to better address the growing demands of disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.
The commission’s decision recognizes the expanding scope and importance of emergency management functions, which have grown significantly in response to recent emergencies and evolving community needs.
Charlotte County Fire & EMS Fire Station 9 Now Accepting Sharps for Safe Disposal
Jan. 13, 2026 9:02 am
Charlotte County Fire & EMS is proud to announce that Fire Station 9, located at 17785 Curry Preserve Drive in Babcock Ranch, is now accepting sharps for safe disposal. Fire Station 9 is the only fire station location in Charlotte County offering this service. No other stations will be accepting them at this time.
Residents can drop off sharps seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., providing a convenient and accessible option for residents living in southern Charlotte County and the Babcock Ranch area. This program offers a closer location for safe disposal of used hypodermic needles and helps prevent accidental injuries, reduce environmental hazards, and ensure proper handling.