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Punta
Gorda
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The City of Punta Gorda is a charming and historic waterfront town which traces it roots to a
landing at Live Oak Point on the Peace River by Hernado DeSoto in 1539. The name itself means
“Broad Point” in the language of the conquistadors, and a colorful festival each year celebrates
Ponce De Leon’s Landing (1513) on Pine Island in Charlotte Harbor.
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Now More than 120 years old, Punta Gorda remains Charlotte County’s only incorporated
city. Early Spanish attempts to colonize the outer islands were stopped by Calusa Indian tribes,
and the area was slowly settled as the English migrated by Charlotte Harbor to the banks of the
Peace River. In 1885, Col. Isaac Trabue from Kentuky bought the land from British investors and
founded the town of Trabue. The name was never well accepted, however, and reverted back to the
Spanish version in 1887 upon incorporation.
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This City of 17,168 is in the midst of a major community revitalization and beautification
efforts. With historic preservation as a priority, Punta Gorda has secured State Historic District
status. The city Streetscape program is restoring an old Florida atmosphere to central district
streets and has added brick lanes, street lamps, benches, brick planters, flowers and shade trees.
The residential areas feature many brick streets lined with huge old royal palms and many old
Florida-era tinroofed homes with wide verandas. Unique shops and restaurants are being added
throughout the town, expanding the fine reputation of Punta Gorda’s Charm. There are three
elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. A hospital is also located in the
community.
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For more information click here
Schools
Charlotte County Administration
(941) 255-0808
Deep
Creek Elementary School
(941) 255-7535
East
Elementary
(941) 575-5475
Peace
River Elementary School (941)
255-7622
Sallie
Jones Elementary School
(941) 575-5440
Charlotte
Academy
(941) 764-7683
Laurel
Oaks
Academy
(941) 764-0456
Punta Gorda Middle
School
(941) 575-5485
Charlotte High
School
(941) 575-5450
Port Charlotte Middle
School
(941) 255-7460
Port Charlotte High
School
(941) 255-7485
Parks &
Recreation
We are blessed with beautiful beaches and abundant
parks. For more information, please contact the county parks department.
Charlotte County Parks & Recreation (941)
627-1628
Health
Care
You’ll find 24 hour quality health care at
Charlotte Regional Medical Center, located on Marion Ave. in Punta Gorda and Fawcett Memorial Hospital on Olean
Blvd. There are numerous walk-in clinics and doctors offices nearby.
Licenses
To register your car or boat, or obtain a driver's
license, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles
Charlotte County
18500 Murdock Circle
Port Charlotte,
FL
(941) 743-1350
Hunting & Freshwater
Fishing:
The Charlotte County Tax Collector is an agent of the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission (FWC) and the
Department of Environmental Protection for the sale of freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses, vessel fishing
licenses, hunting licenses, game management permits, lifetime and 5-year licenses. There is also detailed
information for disabled resident's fishing and hunting licenses on the FWC
Web site.
Quick Reference
A valid license is required by all citizens who
intend to hunt or fish in Florida. The only exceptions
are:
1. Residents 65 or older.
2. Children under the age of
16.
3. Disabled residents can obtain a special exemption card free of charge.
4. A Florida resident who is a member of
the US Armed Forces and is not stationed in Florida, while at home on leave for less than 30
days.
5. Residents who have been accepted by the Florida Department of Health and
Rehabilitative Services as a client for retardation and developmental
services.
Salt Water
Fishing
In addition to the above, exceptions include:
1. Residents fishing in saltwater from
land or from a structure fixed to
land.
2. Anyone fishing from a pier which has
been issued a pier saltwater license.
You may obtain fishing licenses at bait & tackle, some retail stores and the county tax
offices.
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