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From the City of Punta Gorda 02/01/2025 3:01 PM ...

The precautionary boil water notice for all residents and businesses in the City of Punta Gorda Utility Service area has been rescinded. 

Posted 02/01/2025

Source: Message from Alert Punta Gorda, the City of Punta Gorda's Public Safety emergency alert and community notification system, 02/01/2025 @ 3:01pm

The Burnt Store Isles (BSI) Widening project started on January 17. The contractor is currently mobilizing equipment and materials to the staging area. The contractor is set to turn soil as early as February 3. The project work is scheduled for January 17 to June 2. The BSI Lock passage will provide 40' of travel through the lock and allow a fully assembled and loaded barge to access the canals for seawall repairs. This project is designated on the five-year Citywide Master Plan and ensures infrastructure is in place to meet projected growth demand.

Please keep in mind that the contractor will be on site from 7:00am - 5:00pm weekdays. The lock will be open to traffic from 12:00pm - 1:00pm during the work day. 

Posted 01/24/2025

Source: City of Punta Gorda 01/24/205 Weekly Highlights Report

Additional information may be found on the BSI Canal Committee webpage.

The BSIA Board of Directors has been fielding a number of questions concerning the enforcement of our deed restrictions. Late in 2022, after Hurricane Ian, the BSIA BOD in coordination with the City of Punta Gorda chose to relax the enforcement of some of our standards to allow residents time to recover from the storm damage. In 2025, we intend to reinstate our enforcement of our community standards. The intent of this effort is that BSI will retain its beauty and status as a desirable place to live.

The first phase will be to address dirty roofs which will start this month and occur over the next couple of months. Those who receive a letter stating the roof needs cleaned and are still actively trying to resolve an insurance claim will need to let us know to get a waiver. If you have a dirty roof, it would be great if you would get it cleaned and reduce our efforts.

The BOD will then move on to addressing other deed restrictions like unkept yards, shrubs, trees, and homes in need of painting.

Posted 01/21/2025

Source: BSIA 01/21/2025 Tuesday Bulletin

As colder weather has set in, the Punta Gorda Fire Department would like to encourage residents to practice space heater safety and know the potential risks associated with home heating equipment.

Home fires occur more in the winter months than any other time of year.

Most heating fires can be prevented from happening by following the safety tips below. We encourage residents to replace the battery in their smoke alarms twice a year when time changes, unless you have a 10-year battery life smoke alarm. We advise to replace the 10-year battery smoke alarms every 10 years.

• Portable space heaters should be turned OFF every time you leave the room and before going to bed.
• Never plug a space heater in a power strip.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.

For portable electric heaters:

• Place them on a solid, flat surface, away from high traffic areas and doorways.
• Use and purchase heaters with an automatic shut off so if they are tipped over they will shut off

Follow these tips to stay safe while heating your home:

• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.
• Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
• Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
• Inspect for cracked or damaged, broken plugs or loose connections; replace before using.

Practicing these home heating safety tips will help keep our community safe and warm during the winter months. Knowing what to do now is key to having a safe home.

Posted 01/10/2025

Source: City of Punta Gorda 01/10/2025 Weekly Highlights Report

All political signs should be removed by now. The BSIA policy may be found HERE.

Posted 01/07/2025

Source: BSIA 01/07/2025 Tuesday Bulletin

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.

Posted 08/11/2024

Source: Lynne Matthews 08/10/2024 weekly email

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

The BSIA has mailed hard copies of the deed restrictions to ALL BSI property owners, regardless of BSIA membership.

The deed restrictions can always be found on the BSIA website HERE and a downloadable PDF of the most recent copy can be found HERE.

Posted 09/17/2024

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:

• S.R. 35 (U.S. 17) Project Information 
• Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) Project Information

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

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 (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