Local news
Punta Gorda
Charlotte County, Florida
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Shoe drive to support local students
The Jr. Jones Memorial Fund is collecting new, unwrapped shoes to donate to local elementary students, with a goal of providing 600 pairs for the holidays. Donations are accepted through Sunday, Nov. 15, at collection…
Punta Gorda issues boil water notice for part of Knollwood Drive
Punta Gorda Utilities issued a precautionary boil-water notice Thursday for homes on Knollwood Drive between Pebble Beach Lane and Tam O Shanter Lane. Residents are advised to boil water before drinking, cooking…
Gulf Coast Traffic Alerts: November 12
A crash shut down both directions of State Road 31 at Lake Babcock Drive in Charlotte County, Florida, early Thursday, November 12. The closure was reported at about 5:45 a.m. Traffic alerts advised drivers to avoid the…
The future of the A.C. Freeman House
Renovations to Punta Gorda’s historic A.C. Freeman House are nearly complete, and the city is asking residents how the landmark should be used when it reopens. Suggestions include a museum, rental venue or city offices…
LETTER: Daily Sun continues to be our favorite read
Christine and Walter Gesslbauer of Punta Gorda praise the Daily Sun as their favorite newspaper and ask it to reprint columns by the late founder of the Charlotte Sun. They recall reading his work for decades and…
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LETTER: Miller and Trump make a dangerous duo
In a letter to the editor, Punta Gorda resident Laurie Ulrop argues that President Donald Trump and newly appointed chief of staff Stephen Miller pose a danger and calls for Trump’s impeachment. Ulrop warns that the…
Fire burns up business; owner says ‘I can’t recoup’
A fire Monday night badly damaged the BrightLight Solar Illuminated Mailbox Company in Harbour Heights, leaving its interior charred and soaked. The business owner said the losses cannot be recouped. The fire’s cause…
1,000 flags displayed for veterans and first responders
The Rotary Club of Punta Gorda has installed 1,000 flags at Laishley Park to honor veterans, active-duty military, and first responders ahead of Veterans Day. The "Healing Field of Honor" display will remain open to the…
Florida International Air Show: What’s next?
The Florida International Air Show brought pilots and spectators to Punta Gorda Airport, with performances and aircraft displays drawing a community crowd. The event also supports local nonprofit and civic groups…
Kick off the holiday season at Fishermen's Village's 'Lighting of the Village'
Fishermen's Village in Punta Gorda will host its annual 'Lighting of the Village' event on November 14. The celebration features a record number of holiday lights, live music from the Shane Duncan Band, and a parade…
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2026 Florida International Air Show takes wing
The 2026 Florida International Air Show has officially commenced, bringing aviation enthusiasts together for a display of aerial performances and aircraft exhibits. The event showcases various flight demonstrations and…
Nonprofit launched by local veteran helps fellow vets with vehicles
Army veteran Walt Fortney has launched The Second Chance Project, a nonprofit dedicated to providing reliable vehicles to veterans in need. Operating alongside his local mechanic shop, Fortney repairs donated cars to…
WATERLINE: Every Fish Needs a Niche
This column explores the concept of ecological niches in marine life, using the example of fish in Charlotte Harbor. It explains that fish are biologically adapted to specific roles—such as grazing, hunting, or…
Osprey release turns territorial
A rehabilitated osprey released by the Peace River Wildlife Center at Sunseeker Resort in Punta Gorda was forced back into care after being attacked by territorial birds. The osprey, which had been treated for minor…
LETTER: We must broaden state's tax base now
In a letter to the editor, Florida resident Court Nederveld argues that the state must broaden its tax base following recent property tax cuts. The author suggests that the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission should…
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Evvnt calendar for GO and The Park Times
This is a local events calendar listing.
Livin’ in the USA pays tribute to Linda Ronstadt
The tribute band Paisley Craze is set to perform a show in Punta Gorda, honoring the music and legacy of Linda Ronstadt. The group is known for its ability to capture the diverse genres and personalities of the 1970s…
Charlotte County man gets 15 years in Punta Gorda robbery
Vontavian Hillard, 19, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a 2023 robbery in Punta Gorda that resulted in the death of Sean Lalley. Hillard, who was a juvenile at the time of the crime, will serve a…
FIERCE: Serving those who have served
Navy veteran Annamarie Remmel is dedicated to supporting fellow veterans in Charlotte County, Florida. After serving nine years and facing personal struggles with injury, PTSD, and homelessness, Remmel now serves as a…
'Air shows are all about the future of many kids'
Stunt pilot Aarron Deliu reflects on his early career and the impact of air shows on young people. The pilot, who was unsure of his future as a teenager, highlights how aviation events can inspire the next generation…
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CITY OF PUNTA GORDA: Incumbent Jeannine Polk wins District 1; Gary Butler wins District 4
In the Punta Gorda City Council elections, incumbent Jeannine Polk secured reelection for District 1, while Gary Butler won the District 4 seat. Polk, who focused on historic preservation and infrastructure, defeated…
CONGRESS: Greg Steube wins reelection to U.S. House in Florida's 17th Congressional District
Republican incumbent Greg Steube has won reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives for Florida's 17th Congressional District. Steube, who has served the region since 2019, defeated Democratic challenger Matthew…
What it takes to put on an air show
The Punta Gorda Air Show is operated entirely by a volunteer workforce, including a board of 12 directors and the event's first female president. These hundreds of volunteers manage the complex logistics required to…
MIDTERM ELECTIONS 2026: Incumbent Jeannine Polk wins District 1; Gary Butler wins District 4
Incumbent Jeannine Polk has won reelection for Punta Gorda City Council District 1, while Gary Butler secured the District 4 seat by defeating Janis Denton. Polk, who received 57.31% of the vote, plans to continue her…
PREP VOLLEYBALL: Charlotte's last dance goes to state final four
The Charlotte High School volleyball team has secured a spot in the Class 5A state semifinals after winning their first regional championship in 31 years. The team defeated Sunlake in a five-set match to advance. They…
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Aerobatic pilot Jeff Linebaugh will perform at air show
Aerobatic pilot Jeff Linebaugh has been added to the performance lineup for the upcoming Florida International Air Show, scheduled for November 7-8. A former Air Force trainer and commercial pilot, Linebaugh will…
LETTER: Parking changes at airport not for the best
Punta Gorda Airport has reduced its free parking duration from 40 minutes to 20 minutes, a change that has drawn criticism from local residents. The adjustment affects those using the airport for quick drop-offs or…
Charlotte County 2026 midterm election results
Voters in Charlotte County are heading to the polls today for the 2026 midterm elections. Residents are deciding on key local representation, including the County Commission District 4 race and Punta Gorda City Council…
Punta Gorda Grind: A songwriter experience
The Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda hosted the 'Punta Gorda Grind' event on Thursday, featuring four professional songwriters. The musicians shared insights into their careers and the songwriting industry during…