Preparedness: pre·pared·ness noun The state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action.
Recovery: re·cov·ery noun A return to a normal or healthy condition.
~ The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language
In a nutshell … When “THEY” tell you to prepare, “THEY” are telling you to take responsibility for yourself, your family, your pet(s), your property, your possessions, etc. You know your needs and your family’s needs better than “THEY” do. Don’t wait for “THEM” to come and help before, during, or after a storm or disaster, or give you a handout, or come to your aid or rescue. You have the power first to act for yourself and your family, so get ready now!
TIP: You may want to print and save the information on this and the hyperlinked pages now as you may not have power or an internet connection before, during, or after a storm.
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.
Unused, Uncontaminated, Clean Sandbag Reuse and Disposal
Sandbags that have NOT been contaminated by or exposed to floodwater can be safely:
If you choose to dispose of sandbags:
If you choose to reuse sandbags:
Proper Disposal of Used, Contaminated Sandbags
Sandbags contaminated by or exposed to floodwater must be handled with care to protect health and the environment:
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
2. Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit
Ensure you have at least a 7-day supply of:
3. Secure Your Property
4. Evacuation Planning
5. During the Storm
6. After the Storm
Essential Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services - Call 911
Local Non-emergency Services
Utilities & Services
Medical Facilities
State & National Resources
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:
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:
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
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
BSIA MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS ONLY!
Deadline to register is July 20, 2025.
Limited to the first 36 registrants.
See the Tuesday Bulletin for details and how to register.