My parents separated when I was seven years old and my mom dragged me to Florida kicking and screaming. I hated leaving the only world I had ever known, my friends, school and most of all my dad. It took some time but I adjusted to my new life as most kids do.
As an adult I realize how significant that twist of fate has been in my life. I feel so fortunate to live in Florida and specifically, Punta Gorda. Why? Well let’s start with the obvious; the weather is glorious, there are beaches nearby, all kinds of water sports, scenic parks, and our greatest resource - the people.
As a realtor I work with people from all over the world and because much of our communication is done via email & phone we sometimes don’t meet until after the closing if at all. When I do meet with my customers there seems to be a common theme. No matter where they come from they seem genuinely amazed at how friendly the folks are here in Punta Gorda. I have been here since 1985 so I guess I take all that friendliness for granted sometimes but I know this to be true.
The people here are warm, kind hearted souls who are always willing to help their neighbor or support a cause or simply say hello when they walk by on the street. Getting a hello from a total stranger seems to be quite a phenomena to many of the new arrivals to our community.
The people here truly are our greatest resource. They are what make our city unique, they are what make it thrive and they make you want to return. They are the reason I love living here.
The 2009 Peace River Seafood Festival & Boat Show will take place on October 17 & 18 at the Laishley Park Marina. Bring the family and enjoy delicious food, live music, boats, and great weather. Activities include: fishing seminars, BBQ fish demos, kayak demos, business and craft vendors, seafood vendors, and an area for the litle ones complete with pony rides.
The parking is free and the only a dollar to get in, so bring a chair and stay all day. 10am - 5pm on Saturday and 11am - 5pm on Sunday.
The Fat Point Board Shop, a surf and skate boutique is now open for business. Fat Point is the English translation for Punta Gorda and Board Shop only begins to cover the treasures that can be found there. The shop is the brain child and long time dream of owner and operator, Amy Dwyer. Amy, a life long Florida resident, her husband, Rob and children, Oceana, and Colby are all avid surfers. They recently enjoyed a surfing vacation in Costa Rica.
Amy’s experience in the retail business coupled with her love for ocean sports made this a natural fit. She carries surf boards, skate boards, and all the apparel that true surf aficionados crave.
Skate Boards
Store owner - Amy Dwyer
If Board sports is not your thing do not let that deter you from stopping by. Amy also carries all of the necessities for enjoying our Florida climate or a day at the beach. She has a vast assortment of sandals, sunglasses, T-shirts, sun dresses, shorts, swim wear, hats, well you get the idea. Did I mention jewelry? The jewelry alone is worth the visit. Earrings, bracelets, rings and necklaces, in styles to suit any occasion. I picked up a birthday present for a friend and got all kinds of great gift ideas for the holiday season.
Apparel for the Florida lifestyle
The Fat Point Board Shopis located in the newly opened Laishley Marina Complex on the water in Laishley Park. It is right next door to the Laishley Crab House Restaurant just a short walk from the heart of downtown Punta Gorda. Be sure to put this on your things to see in Punta Gorda. This is truly a unique shopping experience that won’t disappoint.
Stop by and say hello to Amy.
I am a golf nut…certifiable! I started playing when I was seven and have been hooked, no pun intended, since. I have played the game all over this state and Punta Gorda and Charlotte County have some exceptional courses. Whether you want an executive style or professional layout it can be found here with glorious weather included.
Playing golf is certainly an asset to my real estate business. Many of my customers are golf nuts too and often are looking for golfing communities in which to reside. Finding the right course is almost as important as finding the right home. It is a marvelous way to spend the day and a great way to get to know people.
If you would like more information on the courses in this area please visit my website: http://www.DebbieSaunders.com or contact me.
The 22nd annual Punta Gorda Block Party will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2009. If you have never attended this event you should. It is a great way to spend the day or evening and there is entertainment for all ages. The party takes place downtown and the people are literally dancin’ in the streets. There are four stages set up at various points of the city and you are sure to find a band playing some of your favorite tunes.
You won’t go hungy or thirsty either. Street vendors offer a vast assortment of food and drink and there are plenty of activities for the youngsters, too. Gates open at noon and close at 10:00 pm. For more info go to:
http://www.puntagordablockparty.org
If you are a dog lover as many of our visitors are you probably do not like to leave your furry friend with strangers. If your destination is Punta Gorda you don’t have to worry. The Hounds on Henry awaits your arrival.
THIS WAY TO DOGGIE FREEDOM
The Hounds on Henry is our local dog park. The place where your dog can get off the leash, make new friends and get some exercise. The park is divided into large and small dog sections but if you have a small dog with a big attitude he can run with the big dogs.
Water is always available and covered picnic tables are also provided. It is a great way to spend the afternoon and enjoy our glorious weather. Fido gets a workout and you might just make some new friends as well.
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
Punta Gorda recently passed an ordinance that allows pet owners to bring their dogs to restaurants that include outside dining. Leashes are mandatory but at least the pooch can tag along. No excuses now, bring your pet and come on down.
I walk daily, usually in Burnt store Isles, the subdivision of Punta Gorda where I live. It is great exercise and a great way to keep an eye on what is happening in the “hood”. Normally I enjoy this, but days like today it is an unpleasant task. It is 38 degrees this morning and windy so it feels much colder. On days like this the “locals” break out the winter attire if they bother to face the elements at all.
Not long into my journey I noticed a couple walking towards me dressed in t-shits, shorts, and sandals and carrying beach towels. Tourists, popped into my head. I chatted long enough to learn they were indeed from the north and they were headed to the pool. Ok, 38 and windy is a heat wave if you are use to snow and ice and the pool is heated but you have to get out at some point. My teeth began to chatter. I tightened the drawstring on my hoodie, zipped my coat and walked faster in an effort to regain sensation in my feet. I seriously could not imagine swimming on a day like this. I get nervous when the temperture dips below 75 degrees and I don’t go any farther north than the mall.
The cold truth is, this type of weather is the exception not the rule and we take comfort in knowing that that it will be short lived. It is a gentle reminder of why we live here. The weather fuels my business and most others here, as the snowbirds head south for the winter. The cold truth is I depend on the cold.
Just a reminder that you should Suport your local Punta Gorda Merchants and check out Think Thursdays for fun to do stuff!
If you live in Punta Gorda or have visited for any length of time you may have heard the expression “over the bridge”. The bridge is the span over Charlotte Harbor that connects the city of Punta Gorda with Port Charlotte. To the locals “over the bridge” is that arduous and seemingly endless journey to the great beyond. It’s that chore that you just don’t want to do.
Many residents it seems have an issue with going over the bridge. Punta Gorda is a small city and we try to shop locally and support our merchants but now and again you want or need something and you can’t find it here and that is when you hear, “Aw geez I have to go over the bridge”. The bridge is only about a two mile span and Port Charlotte while larger than Punta Gorda, is no booming metropolis, so what is the big deal?
A long bridge to be sure, but the view is always great!
I am not sure what causes this phenomenon because it seems to manifest itself over a period of time. It sneaks up on you gradually and you don’t realize it is happening. Here is my theory. When in Punta Gorda you are never more than ten minutes from any other destination here. The traffic is minimal and so it easy to move around. Port Charlotte is larger and the main road, US41 is more congested and filled with those pesky traffic lights that surely add minutes to the trip. Basically we are spoiled by our little piece of paradise and we don’t want to venture away from it. Interestingly enough the folks coming over from Port Charlotte don’t seem to suffer from this syndrome.
Personally I don’t mind going over the bridge. The view of the harbor is magnificent and it is a constant reminder of why we love living here. I’ll go “over the bridge” but I won’t go any further north than the Mall.
Even in the heat, Punta Gorda has Christmas Spirit.
At this time of the year in Punta Gorda the term “season” has two meanings. It is the Holiday season and tourist season. Our city literally comes to life with the influx of snowbirds and tourists. The quiet, hot days of summer have given way to Holiday Cheer.
The residents and merchants of Punta Gorda go all out for all of the Holidays but Christmas is especially festive. It seems as though everything is decorated from store fronts to seawalls to palm trees. Just take a walk downtown or a boat ride through Punta Gorda Isles and you can’t help but get in the spirit.
There is plenty of Christmas Cheer in the Punta Gorda Marketplace!
One of the unique traditions of Punta Gorda is the annual boat parade. The skippers spend countless hours adorning their vessels with lights in every Christmas theme you can imagine and it doesn’t stop there. All of the people on the boats are dressed in costumes. The parade route winds through the canals of Punta Gorda Isles at night complete with police escort boats. Folks lucky enough to live on the water invite friends in to enjoy the spectacle and others gather on the seawalls to share the experience.
Truely a wonderful site to see, Christmas lights reflecting off the boats and off the water!
Out of the darkness come boats in all shapes and sizes with lights flashing, music blaring and everyone yelling Merry Christmas. It is quite a sight and something you don’t want to miss if you have the chance to be here during season. It is another one of the things that makes Punta Gorda living so special. Happy Holidays!
