Hurricane Charley

Hurricane

Into the Eye: A Look Back At Hurricane Charley, 20 Years Later

Leslie Hudson

Today marks an infamous day in Florida's hurricane history. A look back at Hurricane Charley, a small but mighty hurricane left some parts of the state permanently changed.

Neil Durrant, History Librarian for Charlotte County, along with Jennifer Zoebelein, Historian for Charlotte County, put together the displays at the libraries. Charlotte County Libraries and History has put together a display and an event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Charley. “The Landscape Was Changed Forever,” is an exhibit featuring interpretive banners and Charlotte County newspapers and books from the time of Hurricane Charley. The exhibit is on display at the Punta Gorda Charlotte, Port Charlotte and Englewood Charlotte Libraries through Sept. 2024, and are available for viewing during regular library hours. On August 13th, 2024, a loop of national news footage will be shown, 20 years since the day Charley made landfall, and Charlotte County History Services staff will be on hand to answer questions.

Hurricane Recovery

Twenty years later Charley lives on; Punta Gorda remembers well and takes a pensive look back

Sheldon Zoldan/Special to WGCU

Neil Durrant moved to Charlotte County in 2019 and it didn’t take him long to learn about Hurricane Charley.“It was one of those central moments,” he said. “There was before Charley and there’s after Charley. Charley wasn’t just an event, it is always going to be a big part of Punta Gorda’s history, Charlotte County’s history. It’s always going to be one of those standout moments.

For the 7th year in a row, the Atlantic hurricane season is expected to see above-average storm activity. Predictions from Colorado State University, StormGeo and the National Hurricane Center vary, but all estimations fall above the 30-year average.

Charlotte County prepares for above average hurricane season

Sabrina Salovitz

Charlotte County Emergency Management Services is ready for what has been predicted to be another above-average hurricane season, according to Emergency Management Director Patrick Fuller.It has been many years since Charlotte County saw a direct impact during hurricane season, but Fuller warns residents against complacency.

Amid Hurricane Harvey Devastation, A Look Back on Surviving Charley

Matthew F Smith

In August 2004, Hurricane Charley took an unexpected turn off the Gulf and into Charlotte Harbor, devastating the county and bringing the national…

Sallade Retirement Marks End of an Era in Charlotte County Emergency Response

Matthew F Smith

The longest serving county emergency manager in the State of Florida retires today. Charlotte County Commissioners are marking the day by declaring Friday…