Harborside Hometown University (Citizens Academy)
*** Update 11/20/2025 ***
Registration for the 2026 Harborside Hometown University session has closed. Check back in October 2026 for registration for the 2027 session.
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Registration opened October 1, 2025, for the Harborside Hometown University (Citizens
Academy).
Take the challenge and commit to this interactive 8-week program to discover what it takes to
run the City of Punta Gorda. Apply today to reserve your spot. Registration closes when 20 applications have been accepted.
For more information about the program and to apply, click HERE or contact Laurel Adelmund, Senior Executive Assistant of Public Works, at 941-575-5002 or by email: ladelmund@CityofPuntaGordaFL.com.
Posted 10/06/2025
Source: City of Punta Gorda Weekly Highlights Report dated 10/03/2025
Bagged Garbage
All loose trash must be placed inside a bag BEFORE putting the items inside the trash container. This will prevent any wind-blown litter during the collection process or any leaking from wet garbage. It also helps keep animals out of your garbage. As a reminder, please bag any pet waste and pet hair securely inside a bag to prevent debris from blowing onto the sanitation workers.
Sec. 10- 8. Disposition, lids on containers.
- All garbage should be deposited daily in the cans or containers herein above required.
- Garbage cans and containers shall be kept tightly covered at all times except when it is necessary to lift the cover to deposit garbage or trash in the garbage can or container.
- Before being placed into a can or container, garbage and trash shall first be enclosed in a plastic or paper bag, cardboard box, or other container sufficient to inhibit any liquids from leaking.
- No garbage or trash shall be stored outside a residence or non-residential use except in an appropriate can or container.
- No garbage, trash, yard waste, or recyclables shall be buried in the City.
- No garbage or trash shall be placed in containers so as to extend above the top edge of the container sides.
- Yard waste no more than three (3) inches in diameter or four (4) feet in length shall either be disposed of pursuant to subsections (b) through (e) of section 10-1.3 or be placed in yard waste cans or containers.
Punta Gorda Ordinance Chapter 10 YARD WASTE AND SOLID WASTE may be found HERE.
Posted 10/10/2025
Source: City of Punta Gorda Weekly Highlights Report dated 10/10/2025
DRAINING POOLS DIRECTLY INTO CANALS OR STORM DRAINS IS PROHIBITED
From the City of Punta Gorda ...
Code Compliance staff would like to remind our residents and pool contractors that draining pools directly into canals or storm drains is prohibited. Please make sure that if you need to drain your pool, the water filters through the grass before entering the canal or stormwater system.
Posted 11/15/2024
Source: Lynne Matthews 11/02/2024 weekly email
Warning to BSI Residents
Recently our community had some visitors that were checking unlocked vehicles in driveways and in a few cases, vehicles were not locked and there were some thefts.
Please lock your vehicles that are in your driveway and make sure your garage doors are locked – don’t forget your side garage door too!
The Punta Gorda police are doing an investigation into this and they are using our video cameras that we maintain at the entrances for clues.
Be well and safe.
David Elkins
Neighborhood Security
Posted 09/23/2025
Source: BSIA Tuesday Bulletin dated 09/16/2025
Keep Roofs Clean and Code Compliant
Maintaining a clean roof isn’t just about curb appeal—it’s also part of being a good neighbor and staying code compliant.
Over time, roofs can collect mold, mildew, algae, and debris, especially in Florida’s humid climate. If left untreated, this buildup can cause damage to roofing materials and detract from the overall appearance of the neighborhood.
City code requires that roofs be kept in good, clean condition to help preserve property values and community standards. Regular cleaning and maintenance can go a long way in preventing more costly repairs down the line. If your roof is showing signs of discoloration or buildup, it may be time to schedule a professional cleaning. Let’s work together to keep Punta Gorda looking its best!
Posted 10/01/2025
Source: City of Punta Gorda Weekly Highlights Report dated 09/26/2025
Punta Gorda Water Meter Reporting Issue
*** UPDATE *** About The New Water Meter Reading System
City Council recently made the decision to move forward with AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) instead of AMR (Automated Meter Reading). While both systems improve upon traditional meters, AMI offers significant advantages that will benefit both residents and the city.
Key Benefits of AMI
- Real-Time Reads & Leak Detection: AMI allows water meters to send data continuously, not just when a technician drives by to collect it (as with AMR). This means residents and the city can see real-time water use, making it much easier to spot leaks quickly before they become costly problems.
- Conservation Tools: Because AMI provides detailed usage data, customers can track how much water they are using and adjust habits. This helps conserve water, which is especially important given our growing demand and Shell Creek’s supply limitations.
- Improved Maintenance: AMI can alert staff immediately if there’s a problem with a meter, pressure issues, or unusual usage patterns. This reduces downtime, lowers maintenance costs, and helps crews respond faster to real problems.
- Built for Punta Gorda’s Environment: The latest AMI technology is designed to handle challenging conditions, including our wet and storm-prone environment. It’s more durable, resilient, and accurate than older AMR systems.
Why It Matters
Investing in AMI gives us a smarter, more efficient water system. It helps protect our drinking water supply, saves money in the long run, and gives residents the tools to manage their own usage more effectively.
Moving Forward with AMI
With this approval, our Utilities Department will swiftly move into action to get the new AMI meters installed across the city. This upgrade means residents won’t just see better accuracy in billing, but also real benefits in daily life — like early leak detection, real-time water use monitoring, and faster response when issues arise.
This investment is about more than just technology — it’s about providing the quality of life our residents deserve. By conserving water, protecting our resources, and giving everyone better tools to manage their usage, Punta Gorda is taking a proactive step toward a smarter, more resilient future.
Posted 10/06/2025
Source: Debi Lux, Punta Gorda District 3 Newsletter, September 14, 2025
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*** UPDATE *** Water Meter Progress
Per the City Manager, we’re in the middle of moving away from our old AMI (automatic meter) system. For now, all meters are being read manually by our contractor, Olameter. Meanwhile, our in-house tech team is testing a new maintenance app to track meter repairs and keep things running smoothly.
Posted 10/01/2025
Source: City of Punta Gorda Weekly Highlights Report dated 09/26/2025
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*** UPDATE *** Access to Water Meters
Crews are out reading water meters. Please make sure your meter box is not blocked by plants, rocks, décor, vehicles, or anything else. Clear access is essential for safe and accurate readings. Notices will be issued where meters are obstructed. Thank you for your cooperation!
Posted 05/17/2025
Source: City of Punta Gorda Weekly Highlights Report dated 05/16/2025
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*** UPDATE *** Water Meter Progress
Good news! The City of Punta Gorda is now current with manual meter readings and has fewer than 100 unidentified meters remaining. We eagerly await the water meter system study to evaluate improved solutions for residents.
Posted 05/15/2025
Source: Deborah Lux, Punta Gorda District 3 Newsletter, May 12, 2025
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According to Punta Gorda's City Manager in the 09/13/2024 Weekly Highlights Report ...
The Zenner Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system has 14,172 meters in the AMI system, with 9,143 non-reporting. Repairs of this system are made as parts become available.
We are exploring all options for water meters.
- One option involves replacing the meter's register, encoder, and communications unit with an all-in-one unit. Staff is working towards piloting a trial of an AMI solution utilizing Amazon Sidewalk Network. This pilot seeks to address issues with meter functionality, simplify installation and maintenance processes, eliminate points of failure, and achieve cost savings. It allows us to restore AMI capabilities to residents without interrupting their water service, as the current brass meters are reliable and serviceable. If this type of system is workable, then the bid process would be used to allow qualified vendors to supply the equipment needed.
- A study is also being undertaken to review the existing AMI system, investigate alternatives, assist with the pilot evaluation, and make recommendations. The engineering study will run concurrently with the pilot, allowing real-time review by engineers and stakeholders.
Finally, in addition to the meter readers from Olameter, city staff members are being trained and offered an opportunity to read meters in the evening and on Saturdays to ensure customers receive an actual read rather than estimated billing.
The acting utilities director, Tom Spencer, will update the City Council at the September 18, 2024 meeting of the City Council beginning at 9:00 a.m. at the Military Heritage Museum.
City Manager Greg Murray may be reached at citymgr@cityofpuntagordafl.com or by calling the main office line at 941-575-3302.
2025 FL Sales Tax Holidays
Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday
Consumers can purchase qualifying hunting, fishing, and camping supplies exempt from tax during the 2025 Hunting, Fishing, and Camping Sales Tax Holiday. Passed by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, the sales tax holiday begins Monday, September 8, 2025 and extends through Wednesday, December 31, 2025.
Read more HERE.
The Back to School Sales Tax Holiday began Friday, August 1 , 2025 and ended Sunday, August 31, 2025. Read more HERE.
Updated 09/01/2025
Source: FL Department of Revenue Sales Tax Holidays webpage
Don’t Block the Box
From the City of Punta Gorda Police Department ...
Blocking intersections during heavy traffic can significantly disrupt the flow of vehicles and lead to unnecessary congestion, particularly along its busy downtown streets. With its combination of residents, tourists, and commercial traffic, it's essential that drivers avoid entering intersections unless they can fully clear them.
When vehicles block intersections, they not only create delays for those waiting to move forward but can also impede emergency responders, which is a serious safety concern. By remaining patient and mindful of traffic signals, drivers in Punta Gorda can help ensure smoother travel, minimize frustration, and keep the community moving efficiently, especially during peak traffic times or construction events.
Posted 02/27/2025
Source: City of Punta Gorda Police Department Weekly Highlights Report dated 02/21/2025
BSI Deed restriction booklets
INDIVIDUAL TRAFFIC AND WILDLIFE SIGNS IN BSI
Recently there has been a significant increase in slow down and animal crossing signs throughout BSI. With that increase there has also been an increase in the number of complaints about the signs.
There are 2 issues with the signs. First, the City of Punta Gorda has code restrictions on signs in the easement. The easement area is approximately 10 feet from the edge of the road. The ONLY signs allowed in that area are for yard treatment signs warning residents that chemicals have been applied.
Additionally, BSI has a deed restriction (#18) that states that no signs shall be erected or displayed on this property or any structure, except that the Grantor may allow a sign to be erected at its discretion. Theses signs have not been approved and the BOD decided that they would not be granting approval.
The BSIA BOD decided that we wanted to notify residents that these signs should be removed before residents start contacting code enforcement seeking compliance. If you have a neighbor who is not a member, please politely let them know that the signs will need to be removed as they are a violation of both city code and our deed restrictions.
Thank you for your assistance!
Source: BSIA 08/06/2024 Tuesday Bulletin
December 13 & 16, 2025
December 13 - Christmas Party
December 16 - Glow Ride
See the Tuesday Bulletin for details and how to sign up.