Check back here often for current BSI and Punta Gorda news and announcements
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:
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.
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.
Election Day for the General Election is November 5, 2024.
Know your POLLING LOCATION on Election Day. To find yours, click HERE or call 941-833-5400.
For EARLY VOTING information ... sites, dates (October 21, 2024 – November 3, 2024), and times (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM) ... click HERE.
***UPDATE*** Change in Early Voting Location …
Per Leah Valenti, Charlotte County’s Supervisor of Elections, 09/30/2024 email … “Our main office at the Historic Courthouse sustained flood damage, and as a result, Early Voting will no longer take place at this location.” As an alternative to the Punta Gorda Historic Courthouse, voters may go to the Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center at 75 Taylor St. in Punta Gorda.
VOTING BY MAIL …
Vote-By-Mail (VBM) ballot requests expired on November 8, 2022. If you have NOT renewed your VBM ballot request, you can do so by the deadline of October 24, 2024. Renew it HERE.
Once your VBM ballot request is renewed, it is valid through December 31, 2024. VBM ballot requests must be renewed after each General Election.
For additional information about VBM ballots click HERE.
VBM ballots are NON-FORWARDABLE, so your CORRECT ADDRESS must be on file with the Supervisor of Elections (SOE) office. If the address you require your VBM ballot to be mailed is not in their system, you must complete the statewide form and return it no later than 5:00 PM on October 24, 2024. Click HERE for the form.
There are three ways to return the form:
VOTER REGISTRATION …
The deadline for NEW VOTER registration applications and to CHANGE PARTY AFFILIATION is October 7, 2024.
Ensuring that your voter registration information (name, address, and signature) is current is crucial for a smooth voting experience. Delve into your registration details now to make any necessary changes. Visit one of the three Charlotte County SOE offices or go ONLINE.
To review your SAMPLE BALLOT for the 2024 General Election , click HERE.
To review the CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS on your ballot, click HERE.
Questions? Call the SOE office at 941-833-5400 for assistance.
Sources: Leah Valenti, Charlotte County’s Supervisor of Elections, 08/30/2024 email (Issue 16 / August 2024) and the SOE website except where otherwise noted.
A VBM BALLOT TRACKING SERVICE is available to follow your ballot from "printed and mailed" to "received and counted" .
BallotTrax is a secure communication system that helps voters track their Vote-By-Mail ballots. The system does not change or update a voter's registration. It uses USPS information to track outgoing and received mail, as well as voter registration that is made available via public record.
BallotTrax can send text, email, and voicemail notifications reporting the status of a voter's ballot during an election. The tracking service will provide the following notifications when the ballot:
Sign up to track your VBM ballots by clicking HERE.
Source: Leah Valenti, Charlotte County’s Supervisor of Elections, 06/27/2024 email (Issue 14 / June 2024)
NOTE: Answers to many election questions may be found in the Charlotte County and Florida Voter Guides (click HERE for the guides) or on the Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections website.
Posted 09/10/2024
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:
Project Details:
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.
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.
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
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.
The City of Punta Gorda Code Compliance wishes to remind the community of the hazards and violations associated to overgrown vegetation as we approach the rainy season. Property owners are required to maintain all landscape areas, trees, and shrubs in a neat and healthy condition free of diseased, dead, or bare areas and free of debris and weeds (Chapter 26, Section 8.11(e)). Areas that are overgrown and creating a visual blight or dangerous condition by the potential blockage of public right-of-way, sidewalks, etc., are subject to the code violation process (Chapter 9, Section 9-2(g)). Any questions or concerns on the matter may be forwarded to the Code Compliance team at code@cityofpuntagordafl.com.
Source: Mayor Lynne Matthews 05/10/2024 weekly email
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
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