Punta Gorda

The Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda has announced the indefinite postponement of its long-anticipated Australian Aboriginal art exhibition. Now it is inviting area artists to exhibit work in a substitute show titled “Anything Goes (almost).”

A burn ban is now in effect for unregulated fires for all of Hendry County as dry weather conditions impact the area.Sarasota County also activated a burn ban as of Jan. 9 and Punta Gorda has activated a watering limitation.

The Hounds on Henry Dog Park in Punta Gorda will reopen Friday with a completely renovated facility from sod to shade. Significant renovations made by the city of Punta Gorda at the park were designed to improve the park’s usability and comfort for pets and their owners.

The City of Punta Gorda on Saturday lifted a Precautionary Boil Water Notice that was placed days earlier due to a low-pressure event in the distribution system.

Work on the Burnt Store Isles widening project started on Jan. 17 with the project expected to run to June 2.Punta Gorda officials said that the contractor is currently mobilizing equipment and materials to the staging area with work on turning soil as early as February 3.

For more than 30,000 years, artists have been painting murals on walls, whether in caves, Egyptian tombs or Minoan palaces. But walls crumble. Buildings get condemned. Stanchions get washed away by storm surge. Now there’s an alternative.

From January 9, through March 1, Punta Gorda will be running its annual seawall assessment.During low tide periods, city staff will inspect seawalls in the southwest and southeast zones of Punta Gorda Isles. The boundary of these zones is Aqui Esta Drive, Punta Gorda Isles perimeter canal, Almar Drive, Muscovie Court, and around the tract of land known as Bird Navigation.

Last year, 7Mary34 performed “White Christmas” at Gulf Theatre in the Military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda. It went so well, that the theater invited them back again this year. But this time, 7Mary 34 Producing Artistic Director a less ambitious show, “A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol” because "it's better suited to the space."

FEMA held a press conference in Punta Gorda to discuss disaster relief assistance for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Officials emphasized the importance of registering for aid, addressed concerns about the Disaster Relief Fund, and announced an extended grace period for residents with lapsed National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies.

Punta Gorda is grappling with the aftermath of two major hurricanes in just two weeks—first Hurricane Helene, and now Hurricane Milton. As floodwaters receded into Charlotte Harbor, WGCU’s Mike Braun spoke with residents returning to assess their homes and businesses.