Punta Gorda FL Area Guide

Welcome to Punta Gorda! Punta Gorda is a city in Charlotte County, Florida. The city is a welcoming and friendly community, full of beautiful Florida sunshine. As of 2007, Punta Gorda had a population of approximately 16,762 people. It is the county seat of Charlotte County and the only incorporated municipality in the county. Punta Gorda is the principal city of the Punta Gorda, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area and of Sarasota-Bradenton-Punta Gorda Combined Statistical Area.

Punta Gorda History

The first settlers, the Howard brothers, came to Charlotte Harbor in the late 19th century, about a decade after the close of the American Civil War. Less than ten years after the first settlements in the area, railroads came into town, and with them came the first land developers and Southwest Florida’s first batch of tourists.
Punta Gorda became the southernmost stop on the South Florida Railroad, attracting the industries which propelled its initial growth. One man drawn to the area was George Brown, an African-American shipbuilder and landowner, who became one of Punta Gorda’s founding fathers.

In 1887, just 12 years after the first settlers trekked to Charlotte Harbor, 34 men met to discuss incorporation. Once Punta Gorda was officially incorporated, mayoral elections took place and a council was formed. Four of the five council members elected were not American citizens, and the remaining councilman was a native of Florida, Albert Gilchrist.

In 1925, a bungalow was built by Joseph Blanchard, an African-American sea captain and fisherman. The Blanchard House still stands as a museum, representing middle-class African-American life in the area. Exhibits cover political, civic and religious life; founding families; education; and the Civil Rights Movement through vintage photos, newspaper clippings and family heirlooms.

Punta Gorda in the 20th century still maintained steady growth. Charlotte County was formed in 1921 after DeSoto County was split. Also in 1921, the first bridge was constructed connecting Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor along the brand-new Tamiami Trail. This small bridge was replaced by the Barron Collier Bridge in 1931, and then by the current bridge crossing the Peace River.

In 2004, Punta Gorda was extensively damaged by Hurricane Charley, damage that included many of its homes, structures and historic landmarks. However, a revitalization of Punta Gorda took place in the immediate years following the storm that resulted in buildings being restored or built to hurricane resistant building codes. The new buildings, remarkable restorations and exciting amenities concurrently preserved the City's past while showcasing state-of-the art modern facilities.

Punta Gorda Parks and Recreation

The Punta Gorda Parks and Grounds Maintenance Division is made up of 16 full time employees who are responsible for the care and maintenance of 15 parks totaling approximately 82 acres. The City's parks are designated as active or passive. The active parks include Gilchrist, Ponce de Leon, Laishley, Cooper Street Recreation Center, Punta Gorda Nature Park, History Park and Hounds on Henry Street. All of these parks have a combination of facilities and amenities for public use, i.e. parking lots, shelters, gazebos, restrooms, playgrounds, water fountains, decorative fountains, tennis courts, basketball courts, boat ramps, piers, observation decks, nature walks, wetlands, beaches, landscaping, gardens, signage, picnic tables and benches. Passive parks have no facilities and few amenities. The City's passive parks include Brown, Elizabeth, Wilson, Shreve, Alice, Pitman and Bennett. These parks provide places for strolling, watching the sunset, photo opportunities or just a nice quiet spot to sit and contemplate life.
Please click here for park locations

Laishley Park Municipal Marina

The City of Punta Gorda proudly unveiled its new Marina spring of 2007. The celebration featured a ribbon-cutting by City of Punta Gorda officials and many events throughout the two days. The new Marina is located in Laishley Park on the shoreline of Charlotte Harbor and the Peace River. Charlotte Harbor, the second largest harbor in the State of Florida, offers world-class fishing and access into the Gulf of Mexico at the vicinity of Boca Grande. The Marina has 85 boat slips and a public boat launch. It features a Ship Store which offers a broad selection of fishing equipment and accessories, groceries, prepared sandwiches, beer, wine and a wide choice of beverages.

The Ship Store also sells a wide variety of clothing suitable for fishing in any weather condition. The new Marina also has a Day Room for a shower and cleanup and has Boater’s Bathrooms which include showers. It also includes a large Community Room which is intended for use by community groups, private functions and civic and corporate meetings. The new Marina is the first phase of the complete renovation of Laishley Park by the City of Punta Gorda.

Punta Gorda Events and Attractions

Punta Gorda is home to many excellent events and attractions that are sure to keep you are your family busy throughout the year. Come visit the Military Heritage Museum or the wonderful Visual Arts Center.

Military Heritage Museum

The mission of the Military Heritage Museum is to promote an understanding and respect for the rich military heritage of the United States and the sacrifices made by our country’s veterans, living and dead, emphasizing that freedom is not free.

Visual Arts Center

The Guild first began to offer classes in painting and drawing. The first juried art exhibition, the Harvest of Art 1988 was held at the First Federal Bank. The largest gallery is named for First Federal, one of the early large donors. The second Harvest was the first art show ever in the new Visual Arts Center and remains the longest running annual exhibit; the 20th Anniversary was November 2008.

The exhibit schedule is now varied and on view all year—juried, judged, themed, member only and exhibits open to any artist. The center has hosted a Biennial National Art Exhibition since 1998 which attracts artists from all over. The next is scheduled for 2010.
The Wayne and Donna Goff Gallery was dedicated in November 1999. The Goff Gallery showcases a body of work by member artists. Typically, four artists participate in these group shows which change every month. In 2002, another large room that can be divided into two classrooms was added. Any member artist can get on the calendar to exhibit.

Please click here for the Punta Gorda events calendar

Preferred Partners Check out the best in local home-related services.	Automated E-mail Listings Service Sign up to automatically receive new listings today!
Home Advice Get the answers on home selling and buying.	Real Estate News Find out what's happening in real estate.

Website Design and hosting by AgentAdvantage, official agent and broker website provider of Homes.com Copyright ©2000-2012 Homes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Full Terms and Conditions.