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From the City of Punta Gorda …

As of noon today (06/13/2025), the qualifying period for the 2025 City of Punta Gorda District 3 and District 5 races has closed. As the only candidate who qualified for District 3, Deborah Lux is reelected. As both Melissa Lockhart and Bill Page have qualified for District 5, a general election will be held on November 4, 2025.

Be sure to renew your vote-by-mail ballot request as those expired at the end of 2024. Visit the Charlotte County Supervisor of Elections' website or stop in at their office located at 226 Taylor Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950.

Posted 06/13/2025

Source: City of Punta Gorda - Government Facebook page

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Per Leah Valenti, Charlotte County’s Supervisor of Elections …

The next City of Punta Gorda elections are scheduled for 2025, with important dates to mark on your calendar. The upcoming elections will determine the future leadership for City Council Districts 3 and 5.

Election Dates:

• Primary Election (if necessary): Tuesday, August 19, 2025
• General Election: Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Read more on the ELECTIONS AND VOTING webpage of the City of Punta Gorda website.

Step 1: Confirm you live within Punta Gorda city limits to vote. Residential street signs are BLUE as an indicator.

Step 2: If you wish to vote-by-mail (VBM), ensure you have renewed your request by calling our office at 941-833-5400 or going online to SOECharlotteCountyFL.gov. Vote-by-mail requests, formerly known as absentee ballots, made before November 5, 2024, have expired. The renewal process is easy and will be valid through 12/31/2026. VBM ballots are NON-FORWARDABLE, so your CORRECT ADDRESS must be on file with the Supervisor of Elections (SOE) office. 

To ensure that your address is correct:

• Manage your address at www.RegistertoVoteFlorida.gov 
• Moved out of state? Call 941-833-5400 or email soe@soecharlottecountyfl.gov and request a removal form. 

Posted 04/02/2025

Source: Leah Valenti, Charlotte County’s Supervisor of Elections, 03/28/2025 email (Issue 21 / March 2025)

Annual fertilizer restrictions are effective Sunday, June 1, 2025 and remain in place through September 30, 2025. The measures are designed to protect our valuable waterways from nutrient pollution.

The City of Punta Gorda’s Fertilizer Ordinance prohibits the application of any lawn and landscape fertilizers containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus during this four-month period. The regulations apply to homeowners and commercial/institutional applicators of fertilizers.

Posted 05/31/2025

Source: City of Punta Gorda Fertilizer Regulations

From the City of Punta Gorda ...

Starting May 28, 2025, the roundabout and one pavilion at Laishley Park will be fenced off to create a staging area for the demolition of vessels damaged by Hurricane Milton. Demolition work is scheduled to begin on June 2, 2025.

For any inquiries, please contact the Public Works Department at (941) 575-5050 during business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Posted 05/27/2025

Source: City of Punta Gorda  Media Advisory dated 05/27/2025

Generally, the Rainy Season "officially” begins May 15th in Southwest Florida and ends October 15th. Although it may “officially” begin on May 15th, that doesn’t mean everyone is going to immediately see rain in the coming days. Just like with hurricane season, tropical systems don’t always begin on June 1st. The transition is slowly beginning and the daily rain will be here soon!

As such, Punta Gorda residents need to be aware of the hazards and violations associated with 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); scroll down for the specific regulation). 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); scroll down for the specific regulation). Any questions or concerns may be sent to the Code Compliance team at code@cityofpuntagordafl.com.

Posted 05/15/2025

*** 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. 

From the City of Punta Gorda ...

*** UPDATE *** Additional Information

This ordinance is effective until August 4, 2025 unless extended.

Posted 05/15/2025

Source: Deborah Lux, Punta Gorda District 3 Newsletter May 12, 2025 

Violating the Once-Per-Week Watering Restrictions and its corresponding ordinance is considered a civil offense, with penalties escalating for repeated violations. The first complaint will result in a written warning, followed by a $25 fine for the first documented violation, a $50 fine for the second, and a $250 fine for the third. In addition to these penalties, the City may suspend water service to any individual, business, or organization found in violation of the restrictions. Water service would be restored once the city is assured that the violation will not occur again.

Posted 05/15/2025

Source: City of Punta Gorda Weekly Highlights Report dated 05/09/2025

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From the City of Punta Gorda 02/05/2025 6:15 PM ...

In response to ongoing drought conditions and increased demand on the City’s potable water supply, the Punta Gorda City Council has enacted an emergency ordinance to implement water conservation measures. This ordinance, adopted by a unanimous vote, establishes a mandatory irrigation schedule restricting the watering of established lawns and landscaping to once per week.

The City’s water conservation measures align with the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s regulations and are intended to ensure sustainable water usage during this period of high demand. The new watering schedule is as follows:

• Mondays – Addresses ending in 0 or 
• Tuesdays – Addresses ending in 2 or 
• Wednesdays – Addresses ending in 4 or 5
• Thursdays – Addresses ending in 6 or 7
• Fridays – Addresses ending in 8 or 9 or locations with no addresses
• Saturdays – Addresses ending in a letter or locations without a discernable address

Certain activities, such as hand watering of landscaping, car washing, and pressure washing, will be allowed provided they are conducted efficiently using a shutoff nozzle. Additionally, newly installed lawns may be watered daily for the first 30 days following installation.

Violations of the ordinance will be enforced in accordance with Chapter 17, Article III, Sections 17-23 and 17-24 of the Punta Gorda Code. The emergency ordinance will remain in effect for 180 days unless extended or repealed by the City Council.

“The City of Punta Gorda is committed to protecting our water resources and ensuring our residents have access to sustainable water supply,” said the City Manager. “We appreciate the community’s cooperation in adhering to these necessary conservation measures.”

For more information on the ordinance and water conservation efforts, residents are encouraged to visit the City’s website or contact the Utilities Department.

Posted 02/05/2025

Source: City of Punta Gorda  Media Advisory dated 02/05/2025

 *** 02/28/2025 UPDATE - US 41 Northbound Temporary Lane Reduction ***

Drivers should anticipate a temporary lane closure on northbound US 41, stretching from the roundabout to just north of Carmalita Street, starting Thursday night, February 27, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Crews will implement the lane shift to ensure the safety of both motorists and workers as they continue construction on the roundabout. This lane reduction is expected to last until April. Motorists are advised to exercise caution while crews work on and around the roadway.

Posted 03/01/2025

Source: City of Punta Gorda Weekly Highlights Report dated 02/28/2025

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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

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

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

From the City of Punta Gorda ...

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 ...

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

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

From the City of Punta Gorda ...

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

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

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