Cole Kelly Named Emerging Business of the Year by Florida SBDC at FGCU
May 7, 2026 4:28 pm
Cole Kelly of Punta Gorda Adventures was named Emerging Business of the Year by the Florida SBDC at FGCU during the 2026 Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards held May 6.
The Distinguished Entrepreneur Awards recognize entrepreneurs and business leaders in Southwest Florida. Kelly was honored in the Emerging Business of the Year category, representing Charlotte County among this year’s award winners.
Park Restroom Renovations
May 7, 2026 9:38 am
Restroom renovations at Bissett Park, Englewood East Park, G.C Herring Park, and Maracaibo Kidspace Park will begin June 1, 2026 and is anticipated to be complete by Oct. 6, 2026.
Leadership Charlotte Class of 2026 Hosts House Party Through the Decades to Benefit Local Children and Animals
May 6, 2026 1:12 pm
Leadership Charlotte Class of 2026 will host House Party Through the Decades from 6 to 10 p.m., Saturday, June 13, at Holy Trinity Church Orthodox Event Center, 24411 Rampart Blvd., Port Charlotte, to raise funds for Animal Welfare League of Charlotte County and Valerie’s House, two local organizations serving families, children and animals throughout the region. The “Home is Where the Heart Is” main event will bring the community together for an evening of music, connection and purpose. Guests are encouraged to dress in their favorite decade attire from the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s or 2000s while supporting projects that will help create safe spaces for grieving children and animals in need.
Mid-County Regional Library Reopening May 11
April 28, 2026 3:47 pm
The Mid-County Regional Library, located at 2050 Forrest Nelson Blvd., in Port Charlotte, will officially reopen to the public on Monday, May 11, following extensive repairs from damage sustained during Hurricane Ian in 2022.
**REVISED** Ann and Chuck Dever Regional Park Pool Maintenance Closure
April 28, 2026 12:15 pm
Charlotte County Burn Ban Status
April 28, 2026 11:00 am
Charlotte County reinstates Burn Ban April 28, 2026.
Charlotte County has reinstated a countywide burn ban effective immediately due to ongoing drought conditions, elevated fire risk, and the potential for extreme fire behavior. The ban prohibits outdoor open burning, recreational fires, yard waste burning, and the private use of fireworks or sparklers until further notice. Burns authorized by the Florida Forest Service are exempt.
Traffic Advisory - Kings Highway Widening Project from Sandhill Boulevard to Desoto County Line April 27
April 20, 2026 2:48 pm
The Kings Highway widening project from Sandhill Boulevard to Desoto County Line is scheduled to start Monday, April 27. This project will provide a continuous four-lane divided highway from the I-75 interchange to the DeSoto County line and continuing to Arcadia as part of the DeSoto County project. Protected left-turn lanes will also be installed at critical locations to improve safety and traffic operations.
School Zone Speed Enforcement System Citations Being Issued
April 1, 2026 7:54 am
Charlotte County is implementing school zone speed enforcement cameras to enhance safety. The warning phase of the program ended March 31. Violators will receive a citation notice by mail if caught speeding.
Long Course Swimming at Centennial Park Pool
March 31, 2026 12:54 pm
Centennial Park Pool at 1120 Centennial Blvd, Port Charlotte will offer long course swimming Monday-Thursday April 1, 2026 through May 28, 2026.