FREE E-Waste Recycling and Shredding Event 12/07/2024
Keep Charlotte Beautiful will be hosting an electronic (e-waste) recycling and shredding event from 8:00 a.m.-12 noon, Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024 in the parking lot of the Murdock Walmart located at 19100 Murdock Cir., Port Charlotte. Make sure to enter using Murdock Circle.
This event is open to Charlotte County residents and businesses.
Here’s what you can do:
- Recycle your electronics
- Shred documents (two “Shred It” trucks will be onsite)
- Drop off expired medications with the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office
- Donate non-perishable food items to help make someone’s holiday brighter
It’s a stay-in-your-car event! Sit back while we handle the rest. Let’s make recycling easy and spread holiday cheer together!
Posted 11/20/2024
Source: Charlotte County News dated 11/19/2024
Time to check your smoke detector batteries
From the City of Punta Gorda Fire Department: Check your smoke detector batteries - It is recommended that the batteries in smoke detectors be replaced every six months. A good way to remember when to replace the batteries is replacing them when daylight saving time occurs. With that being said, the “fall back” daylight savings was November 3 and now is the perfect time to check/replace your batteries. Having properly working smoke detectors is crucial for early detection and preventing total loss. Smoke detectors use sensors to detect smoke particles in the air. When the sensor detects smoke above a certain level, it triggers an alarm to sound. Smoke detectors usually take 9-volt batteries. Another option is to purchase a 10-year lithium battery. The Punta Gorda Fire Department is more than happy to assist changing the batteries in smoke detectors, as long as the batteries are provided by the homeowner. If assistance is needed changing the batteries in your smoke detector don’t hesitate to call 941-575-5529.
Posted 11/15/2024
Source: Lynne Matthews 11/02/2024 weekly email
draining pools directly into canals or storm drains is prohibited
From the City of Punta Gorda - Code Compliance reminder - 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
Weekly scheduled trash and recycling routes have been restored in Punta Gorda
The City of Punta Gorda has reinstated weekly scheduled trash and recycling routes. Read more about debris removal from Hurricane Milton in the City of Punta Gorda Media Advisory dated 11/05/2024.
Posted 11/05/2024
Source: City of Punta Gorda Media Advisory dated 11/05/2024
2024 Punta Gorda Light Up The Night Christmas Tree Lighting is back!
Mark your calendar for Friday, December 6, 2024 from 5:30-9:30 pm and join us for a magical evening! The iconic tree has been cleaned, tested, and is ready to Light up the Night!
Enjoy live entertainment, including Josie Salvitti, the Florida Philharmonic, a special children's program, and the headlining American Made band from 8:00-9:30 pm!
Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos and Christmas wishes, plus your favorite characters—Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Rudolph, and Frosty will be there too!
Grab a bite from local food trucks like Harbor Scoops, Pierogi R Us, Maine Lobster, and more. Kids can make their own stuffed animals at the Fluff n Stuff bus and play in bounce houses, while snow machines add a winter wonderland feel!
Event is held in Downtown Punta Gorda (Marion Ave. and Taylor St.)
Posted 11/15/2024
Source: City of Punta Gorda Calendar for 12/06/2024
To learn more about the event, click HERE.
2024 Punta Gorda Light Up The Night Christmas Tree Lighting is cancelled
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the cancellation of this year’s Punta Gorda Light Up The Night event. After careful consideration, both the city and our planning committee have determined that due to significant challenges, we are unable to host the event as planned.
Unfortunately, the 35-foot tree and all the Marion Avenue decorations were stored in Herald Court, which had damage in the recent flood. Additionally, ongoing infrastructure issues, such as the downtown street lighting, pose health and safety concerns that we cannot resolve in time for the event. With city resources already stretched thin, ensuring a safe and successful event has become unattainable this year.
We recognize the tradition and joy this event brings to the community, and it has only been canceled once before due to extraordinary circumstances during COVID in 2020.
We deeply appreciate your continued support and involvement and look forward to bringing back Light Up The Night in 2025, bigger and brighter than ever.
Sincerely,
Carlene Zeches and Jackie Mays, co-chairs and The Light Up The Night Planning Committee
Posted 10/25/2024
Source: Light Up The Night Punta Gorda home page
Regular residential yard waste services are canceled until further notice
From the City of Punta Gorda ...
Regular residential yard waste services are canceled until further notice due to vehicle issues. Sanitation is working with the haulers to collect vegetative debris piles. Sanitation is using the two clamshell trucks to collect loose vegetative piles only at this time. Staff is working overtime and on their days off to collect the debris. Any vegetative debris must be removed from cans and plastic bags and placed in a separate pile to be collected (brown recycling bags are acceptable).
Residents are encouraged to combine the yard waste and place the debris in larger piles along the right-of-way. Do not place vegetative debris piles in cul‐de‐sacs, near wires, poles, etc. Residents do not need to call for a special pick-up as the clamshell trucks are following behind the haulers.
The supply of trash carts has depleted at an excessive rate. The city only has 32-gallon carts left at this time. Due to the excessive loss of trash carts, we are asking residents to report any rogue trash carts they might see by calling the Public Works Department at (941) 575-5050 during the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Posted 10/23/2024
Source: Source: City of Punta Gorda Media Advisory dated 10/23/2024
2024 Downtown Punta Gorda Historic District Halloween Celebration Cancelled
The city will NOT host a Downtown Historic District Halloween Celebration this year. All of the demolition and construction happening in that area, coupled with the boats littering the park and lights being out, make conditions less than ideal for hosting visitors. Trick or treating will go on as usual in other neighborhoods in Punta Gorda.
Posted 10/18/2024
Source: City of Punta Gorda Weekly Highlights Report dated 10/18/2024
Hurricane information
City of Punta Gorda Hurricane Milton Updates – For the latest updates on hurricane recovery efforts, safety information, and important resources, please visit the Hurricane Milton Information web page on the City of Punta Gorda website. Click HERE.
Charlotte County Hurricane Milton Updates – For the latest updates and resources, please visit the Hurricane Milton Storm & Recovery webpage on the Charlotte County website. Click HERE.
Posted 10/18/2024
ALL Hurricane related information may be found on our HURRICANE AIDS & TIPS web page.
Posted 10/12/2024
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
distributing business flyers and handbills
The City of Punta Gorda would like to remind all residents and businesses of the regulations regarding distributing business flyers and handbills. According to Punta Gorda City Code Chapter 15, Section 15-45, the door-to-door distribution of such materials is prohibited within residential areas.
This regulation is in place to ensure the community's safety, maintain public order, and prevent the accumulation of unsolicited materials that could contribute to littering. The City of Punta Gorda is committed to keeping our neighborhoods clean and free from the clutter and potential hazards resulting from unregulated flyer distribution.
Key Points to Remember:
- No Door-to-Door Distribution: Business flyers, door hangers, or handbills may not be distributed directly to residential properties. This includes throwing weighted bags containing flyers into residential driveways.
- Possible Littering Charges: In addition to violating the city code, unauthorized distribution may also result in littering charges.
- Compliance: Businesses and individuals are encouraged to seek alternative, approved methods of promoting their services or events.
We appreciate the cooperation of all residents and businesses in adhering to these regulations. By working together, we can ensure a clean and orderly environment for everyone.
Source: Posted on Facebook by the Punta Gorda Police Department 09/10/2024
Update on Water Meter Reporting Issue
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.
U.S. 17 and U.S. 41 Projects
The City of Punta Gorda would like to inform residents and travelers about roadway work set to take place in the City. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District One will be undertaking major upgrades along two key corridors, S.R. 35 (U.S. 17) and Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), starting this fall. Flyer 441552 and 441524
The upcoming projects are aimed at enhancing road safety and traffic flow. Key improvements will include:
- Construction of a roundabout: To improve traffic management and reduce congestion.
- Milling and resurfacing: To refresh the existing pavement and extend its lifespan.
- Pavement reconstruction and widening: To accommodate increased traffic and enhance road stability.
- Additional features: Installation of new guardrails, drainage systems, signage, pavement markings, traffic signals, and Intelligent Transportation Systems.
Project Details:
- FPID No. 441552-1: S.R. 35 (U.S. 17) from Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) to Bermont Road.
- FPID No. 441524-1: Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) from William Street to Peace River Bridge.
What to expect: Motorists should prepare for intermittent nighttime and overnight lane closures during construction. We urge all drivers to exercise caution, reduce their speed, and stay alert when traveling through the work zones. Please note that the construction schedule may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or other unforeseen factors.
For ongoing updates and the most current project information, please visit the SWFL Roads project website:
Residents can reach out to FDOT's Communications Team for additional information or inquiries. Contact Bryn Parsons at 239-985-7864 or via email at bryn.parsons@dot.state.fl.us.
Your patience and cooperation is appreciated as these improvements are made to enhance our roadways.
Source: City of Punta Gorda News List posting dated 08/21/2024
***UPDATE to the Tamiami Trail/Carmalita St. roundabout (Project 441524-1)*** Per Mayor Lynne Matthews 09/14/2024 weekly email ...
This project is entering Phase Two of construction. As of September 12, 2024, the contractor will pave portions of the proposed roundabout that will be constructed at the intersection of Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) and Carmalita Street.
Motorists should expect daytime left lane closures northbound from William Street to Carmalita Street and southbound from Cross Street to William Street.
During the process of Phase Two construction, motorists should follow the posted detour.
- Cross Street will be closed for the duration of Phase Two construction.
- Motorists attempting to access Carmalita Street from Cross Street will have to use the posted detour. They will turn left on West Charlotte Avenue, then right on Taylor Street, and continue until they reach Carmalita Street.
Motorists are asked to exercise caution and reduce their speed while driving through the work zone.
The construction schedule may change due to weather or other unexpected conditions.
NEW recycling, trash, & yard waste pickup hours
Due to the excessive afternoon heat, the City of Punta Gorda has temporarily adjusted the recycling, trash, and yard waste collection pickup times. Beginning on July 30 and until further notice, residents are asked to set their containers curbside by 5:00 a.m. or the evening before the scheduled collection day. This allows staff to begin collecting one hour earlier than normal to avoid the afternoon heat.
Source: Mayor Lynne Matthews 08/10/2024 weekly email
Fiber optic internet network
HyperFiber is a provider of high-speed internet and will be installing a citywide fiber optic internet network within the City right-of-way. For information about HyperFiber click HERE.
Pricing: No contracts. Monthly $65 for 250 Mbps, $75 for 500 Mbps, and $85 for 1,000 Mbps (1 gigabit).
Installation began in PGI on July 10, 2023. Plans for the BSI installation have been submitted to the City. Communications will come to the residents via direct mail and door hangers about 30 days prior to installation starting. BSI will likely be installed in four sectors. Door hangers will not be left behind on homes with shutters or posted for sale signs.
Initially you will see utility markings within the City right-of-way, followed by the directional drilling of the fiber optic conduit. Fiber optic boxes will be installed in the right-of-way or easement at the edge of your property. They will do everything possible to avoid damaging any other underground utilities. If they do damage something, they will get it repaired as quickly as possible. Please use extra caution while driving through the project area due to construction personnel and equipment.
Once the installation of the underground and service points has been completed for the entire sector, crews will then return to individual locations for the restoration of sod. This will take place at the end of construction in each sector. Please be patient and allow time for sod restoration.
The City Engineering Department will be performing spot inspections during construction as well as a final inspection when the restoration is complete to ensure the contractor’s restoration meets the City’s requirements.
Watch for future updates in the BSIA Tuesday Bulletin.
***UPDATE*** Per the 07/16/2024 BSIA Tuesday Bulletin …
We have received the schedule for the HyperFiber installation. They have had some turnover and although the installation has progressed, the communication has not. Refer to the map in the 07/16/2024 Tuesday Bulletin to find your sector and its timing. Installation has already started in BSI and will continue through the week of August 25, conditions permitting. HyperFiber will be mailing both a letter and postcard immediately to the addresses on file.
***UPDATE*** Per the 08/02/2024 BOD meeting with HyperFiber ...
If residents have questions or concerns about the project and installation, please contact HyperFiber’s Rick Kayel, Residential Educator, at 941-777-5001 or rkayel@hyperfiber.com.
***UPDATE *** Per Mayor Lynne Matthews 08/10/2024 weekly email ...
HyperFiber has provided a telephone number to call if citizens have questions or concerns about the project and installation - call HyperFiber's Lori Haight at 501-844-6340.
***UPDATE*** Per the 09/17/2024 BSIA Tuesday Bulletin …
Schedule a meeting with your HyperFiber Residential Educator to customize a home internet solution that’s perfect for you and your family.
With HyperFiber Internet, you get hyper-fast speeds and the connection reliability that cable simply can’t match. Our 100% fiber optic networks are purpose-built for the way you and your family use the internet. If you’re ready to learn more, simply sign up to meet with your HyperFiber Residential Educator.
In just 15-30 minutes you’ll have a customized HyperFiber home internet solution that delivers the ultimate in internet experience.
Contact HyperFiber through their website or call (888) 725-8091.
My Safe Florida Home program
My Safe Florida Home (MSFH) applications are now CLOSED. Applications will resume if more funding is made available.
Posted 10/23/2024
Source: My Safe Florida Home home page and the FL Department of Financial Services press release dated 10/02/2024
Starting in July 2024, the My Safe Florida Home program started taking applications again. The program was created to strengthen Florida homes against hurricanes and save Florida homeowners money. The My Safe Florida program information is available by clicking HERE.
Source: Mayor Lynne Matthews 05/10/2024 weekly email