Punta Gorda

With the Government Shutdown showing no end in sight, the impact from limited Federal Government resources is now impacting the community, by limiting events such as Air Shows.

Charlotte Harbor Parrot Head Club will hold its second annual Thanksgiving Food Drive on November 22 in the parking lot of the Punta Gorda Walmart on Jones Loop Road. It will benefit St. Vincent de Paul Society's Punta Gorda food pantry.

Three years ago, Hurricane Ian blew the roof off the historic Blanchard House in Punta Gorda. Swells of water flooded the structure, leaving damage that took years to recover from.

The Florida International Air Show Board of Directors says that due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demo & Heritage Demo Teams will be unable to perform at this weekend’s Air Show, November 1–2.

Business is booming in Charlotte County. The area recently unveiled that it will be the home of the next Buc-cee’s, a massive gas station and convenience store that has a rabid and loyal fanbase.

Members of the international community will be gathering in Punta Gorda over the weekend to celebrate the festivities.

Organizers of the 2025 Florida International Air Show say the Punta Gorda event will run Nov. 1-2, despite the Federal Government shutdown and potential loss of the Navy Blue Angels. Air show officials say they remain in close communication with federal and local partners to assess and address any potential impacts promptly.

Sarasota artist Skip Dyrda visited Punta Gorda last week to restore his 2019 mural, "Tails from the Harbor.” Located under the U.S. 41 southbound bridge, it was heavily damaged by surge and debris, then vandalized by graffiti following Milton.

The Blanchard House Museum is celebrating its 100th anniversary and provides a glimpse into the journey that led to this milestone.

A Punta Gorda student's concern for her grandfather has inspired a national award-winning science fair project. "Making Sense of Scents" attempted to evaluate whether men or women have a better sense of smell.