** Hurricane Announcements **

In this year’s state budget signed into law by Gov. DeSantis on June 30, 2025, instead of sales tax holidays, lawmakers opted to make the sales tax exemption for many items permanent, meaning that this helping hand will be available year-round starting August 1, 2025.

Included are key hurricane/disaster prep items. So starting August 1, 2025, stock up on batteries, generators, tarps, & more for this hurricane season sales tax free.

See the full list HERE.

Posted 07/14/2025

Sources: FL Senate press release dated 06/30/2025 and ClickOrlando news article dated 06/27/2025

From the FL Office of Insurance Regulation (FLOIR) …

“Hurricane Season starts June 1st and the Office of Insurance Regulation is providing a new resource on FLOIR.com to encourage Floridians to be proactive and take measures to prevent and reduce windstorm losses. The new webpage provides details for consumers regarding the process of requesting a wind mitigation inspection, updating and submitting necessary wind mitigation forms, obtaining information about mitigation programs available, as well as other mitigation resources to benefit consumers.”

If the above link to the webpage doesn’t work, the webpage may be found HERE.

Posted 05/27/2025

Source: FLOIR Press Release dated 05/27/2025

Charlotte County Public Works is offering sandbags and sand for residents beginning Monday, June 23, 2025. Read more HERE.

Posted 06/30/2025

Source: Charlotte County News dated June 23, 2025

*** 06/26/2025 CLARIFICATION ***

According to a representative in the Punta Gorda Public Works Department, the City is NOT PROVIDING FILLED BAGS of sand. Residents should bring their own protective gear, bags with closures, and perhaps a shovel, and be prepared to fill and transport their sandbags themselves. The City will provide sand free of charge and MAY provide SOME shovels which residents may borrow.

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Sandbags are provided exclusively to Punta Gorda residents ONLY when a storm is expected to impact the area. Residents are limited to 10 bags per household.

The sandbag distribution site will be located at 3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway.

• All residents will be required to provide proof of residency — such as a Driver’s License, Utility Bill, or similar documentation — at the first checkpoint located at Marion Court and Ponce de Leon Parkway.
• Once residency is confirmed, residents will be directed to proceed through the designated and signed-off area of the park.
• Stay informed on distribution times, locations, and limits through the following official sources:
  • City of Punta Gorda website
  • City of Punta Gorda - Government Facebook page
  • Public Works Department: 941-575-5050

Unused, Uncontaminated, Clean Sandbag Reuse and Disposal

Sandbags that have NOT been contaminated by or exposed to floodwater can be safely:

• Reused for future storm events.
• Repurposed by spreading the clean sand on lawns or landscape beds to benefit vegetation.

If you choose to dispose of sandbags:

• Empty the sand onto your property, away from storm drains and waterways.
• Do NOT dump sand into canal systems or other waterways.
• Dispose of empty bags in your regular trash cart.
• Do NOT place empty bags in yard waste bins or recycling carts.
• Do NOT place sand or filled bags in household trash or yard waste bins or recycling carts.
• Dispose of empty or filled sandbags at a solid waste facility located in Charlotte County.

If you choose to reuse sandbags:

• Store uncontaminated, unused, clean sandbags in a cool, out of sunlight, dry location (indoors or under cover) to avoid deterioration.

Proper Disposal of Used, Contaminated Sandbags

Sandbags contaminated by or exposed to floodwater must be handled with care to protect health and the environment:

• Do use protective gear. Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling or emptying contaminated sandbags.
• Follow local guidelines for disposal of sand and sandbags. They should be taken to an approved disposal site.
• Charlotte County Landfill will provide designated drop-off dates, times, and locations, posted on the Charlotte County website.
• Do NOT dump sand into canal systems or other waterways.
• Do NOT place sand or empty bags or filled bags in household trash or yard waste bins or recycling carts.
• NO illegal dumping. Do NOT dump sand or sandbags on private property or unauthorized locations. Violations may result in fines or enforcement actions.

For questions or more information, contact the Public Works Department at 941-575-5050.

Posted 06/26/2025

Source: Paraphrased and/or copied from the City of Punta Gorda Weekly Highlights Report dated 06/13/2025

Over time, your storm drains, roadside swales, and driveway culverts may get blocked up from yard waste, debris, etc. and cause drainage issues for you or your neighbors. Please check your storm drains, roadside swales, and driveway culverts and clean them out if needed.

Posted 05/29/2025

From Mayor Debi Lux ...

This is a timely reminder to prepare for hurricane season. Make sure your emergency plans are in place, supplies are stocked, and you stay informed through official city updates. Below is a checklist:

1. Stay Informed

• Sign Up for Alerts: Register for Alert Punta Gorda to receive real-time emergency notifications via phone, text, or email. https://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/services/public-safety/alert-punta-gorda
• Know Your Evacuation Zone: Visit  Know Your Zone | Charlotte County, FL to determine your evacuation zone.
• Monitor Weather Updates: Keep a battery-powered NOAA weather radio or use reliable weather apps.

2. Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit

Ensure you have at least a 7-day supply of:

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day.
• Non-perishable Food: Canned goods, granola bars, etc.
• Medications: Prescription and over-the-counter.
• First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptics, etc.
• Flashlights & Batteries: Extra batteries for all devices.
• Hygiene Products: Toilet paper, soap, hand sanitizer.
• Important Documents: IDs, insurance papers, stored in a waterproof container.
• Cash: ATMs may be unavailable.
• Pet Supplies: Food, water, leashes, and vaccination records. 

3. Secure Your Property

• Trim Trees and Shrubs: Remove dead or weak branches.
• Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in furniture, grills, and decorations.
• Install Storm Shutters: Or board up windows with plywood.
• Check Insurance Coverage: Ensure policies are up-to-date.

4. Evacuation Planning

• Plan Your Route: Know the nearest shelters and multiple evacuation routes.
• Fuel Vehicles: Keep gas tanks at least half full.
• Prepare a Go-Bag: Include essentials like clothing, toiletries, and important documents.
• Special Needs: All shelters are operated by Charlotte County, including those for individuals with medical needs. Register with local authorities if you require assistance during evacuation. Special Needs Program | Charlotte County, FL
• If you live in an evacuation zone, don’t wait—make your evacuation plan now. We strongly recommend that public shelters be your 3rd or 4th option. The best plan is to stay with friends or family inland or on the other coast if possible. While shelters are safe, they are often crowded, lack amenities, and can be uncomfortable.
• If evacuation orders are issued, evacuate early—don’t delay. Roads become congested, gas can run out, and conditions worsen quickly.

5. During the Storm

• Stay Indoors: Away from windows and glass doors.
• Use Flashlights: Avoid candles to prevent fires.
• Monitor Updates: Keep informed through your weather radio or trusted news sources.
• https://www.facebook.com/CityofPuntaGorda

6. After the Storm

• Wait for Official All-Clear: Do not return home until authorities declare it safe.
• Avoid Floodwaters: They may be contaminated or electrically charged.
• Inspect Your Home: Check for structural damage and hazards.
• Document Damage: Take photos for insurance claims.

Essential Emergency Contacts

Emergency Services - Call 911

Local Non-emergency Services

• Punta Gorda Police Department: (941) 639-4111
• Punta Gorda Fire Department: (941) 575-5529
• Charlotte County Sheriff's Office: (941) 639-2101
• Charlotte County Fire/EMS: (941) 743-1367
• Charlotte County Emergency Operations Center: (941) 505-4620

Utilities & Services

• Florida Power & Light (FPL): 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243)
• Charlotte County Utilities: (941) 764-4300
• Comcast Cable Repair: (941) 625-6000 
• HyperFiber: (941) 208-3688

Medical Facilities

• AdventHealth Port Charlotte: (941) 766-4122 AdventHealth Port Charlotte
• HCA Fawcett Memorial Hospital: (941) 629-1181 https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/locations/fawcett-hospital

State & National Resources

• Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557
• FEMA: 1-800-621-3362
• American Red Cross: 1-866-438-4636

For more detailed information and resources, visit the City of Punta Gorda's Emergency Management page. https://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/residents/emergency-preparedness

Let’s hope for a quiet hurricane season ahead. Our city staff has worked tirelessly—often with long hours and under tough conditions—to help restore our beautiful community. 

While some homes are already repaired, many families are still facing major challenges. Please be patient, and remember that every step forward takes time. 

The small things will get done, but compassion goes a long way. Let’s take a moment to thank our dedicated city staff for all they do—especially our Public Works team, now officially recognized as first responders. 

Stay safe and prepared!

Posted 06/08/2025

Source: Mayor Debi Lux  Punta Gorda District 3 Newsletter dated 06/08/2025

The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1, 2025 through November 30, 2025 with the season generally peaking in September.

On May 5, 2025, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) released a call to prepare, listing must-do items for Floridians, such as knowing your evacuation zone and building a hurricane preparedness kit among many others.

You have to prepare and plan that we are going to have impacts from hurricanes!

Some essential steps from the FDEM are:

• Know Your Risk
  • Know Your Zone, Know Your Home - It’s important to know if you live in an evacuation zone, a low-lying, flood-prone area, a mobile home, or an unsafe structure. It is also important to know your home and its ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain. This information will help you better interpret orders from local officials during a storm. For more information and to determine evacuation zones, visit KnowZoneHome.
• Prepare Before Hurricane Season
  • Build a Kit – Identify items your household may need on hand during and after a hurricane. Essentials of a kit should include enough non-perishable food and water to last each member of your family for at least seven days, extra medication, and important personal documents. For a complete checklist, visit DisasterSupplyKit.
• Understand Forecast Information
  • Have Multiple Ways to Receive Weather Alerts – You should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and follow all directions from local officials. Have a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio to ensure you can continue to receive alerts from the National Weather Service in the event of power outages or damaged cell towers. Sign up for emergency alerts at AlertFlorida.
• Get Moving When a Storm Threatens
  • Make a Plan – You should have a disaster plan specific to the needs of everyone in your household, including consideration of children, pets, and seniors. Visit PlanPrepare for more information. Plans should also consider where to go and what to do in the event of evacuation. You only need to evacuate tens of miles, not hundreds, to reach a safer, more inland location or shelter. 
  • Keep Gas Tanks Half Full – You should keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full to ensure you have enough fuel to evacuate as soon as possible without worrying about long lines at gas stations and to avoid gas shortages prior to a storm. If you have an electric vehicle, it’s recommended that the battery be maintained between 50% - 80% of capacity at all times, depending on the type of vehicle and what the vehicle’s manual recommends. Visit HalfwayFull for more information.
• Stay Protected During Storms
  • Stay inside, stay safe, and stay put. Do not attempt to go outside until the wind has calmed and local officials have deemed that the threat has passed.
• Use Caution After Storms
  • After a storm passes danger is still present. There may be downed power lines, hazardous debris, or displaced wildlife. Never enter flooded areas whether it be on foot or in a vehicle, and exercise extreme caution when cleaning up the areas around or in your home.
• Take Action Today
  • Resources are available at FloridaDisaster.org. Local county emergency management offices are also a great resource.

Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Guide to download the full Florida Hurricane Guide for more information on ways to prepare for hurricane season.

Follow FDEM on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) for weather updates, safety tips, and essential preparedness information.

Posted 05/31/2025

Source: Paraphrased and/or copied from the Florida Division of Emergency Management website

Also check the Hurricane PREPARATION webpage on this website for additional information.

Before, during, and after a storm, it is crucial for residents to help reduce strain on the sewer systems by conserving water. Storm surge and heavy rainfall will inundate the sewer system, making it difficult for wastewater to flow properly. By limiting water use before, during, and directly after the storm — such as avoiding long showers, laundry, and excessive flushing — residents can help reduce the risk of sewer backups and overflows that could lead to contamination and further flood damage. Your cooperation can make a big difference in minimizing infrastructure stress.

For more information contact the City of Punta Gorda Utilities Department at (941) 575-5088 or Utilities@CityofPuntaGordaFL.com.

Posted 05/29/2025

Source: The City of Punta Gorda shared this information before Hurricanes Helene and Milton in a Media Advisory dated 10/09/2024

The City of Punta Gorda Utilities Department reminds residents to be aware of the potential effects of excessive rainfall and storm surge on the City’s sanitary sewer system.

While the City's sanitary sewer system is designed to handle wastewater efficiently, extreme weather conditions, such as those experienced during a hurricane, can overwhelm the system. This may result in temporary backups and overflows. Such conditions are largely driven by the volume of rain and storm surge, which can lead to standing water, property damage, and potential health risks.

Residents are advised to be aware of the following potential effects:

• Sewer Backups: In rare instances, excessive rainfall can lead to infiltration of the sewer system, which may cause temporary backups in homes or businesses.
• Contaminated Water: Sewer overflows can introduce contaminants into standing water and nearby bodies of water, creating a possible public health risk.
• Property Damage: Flooding during heavy rain and storm surge can result in property damage.

Posted 05/29/2025

Source: The City of Punta Gorda shared this information before Hurricanes Helene and Milton in a Media Advisory dated 10/05/2024