August 2008 

Punta Gorda’s Future Waterfront Promenade 

Our Maritime Development Committee presented TEAM’s Waterfront Master Plan (WMP) to the City’s Waterfront Development Advisory Committee (WDAC) on July 10.  The WDAC approved the plan at their August 13 meeting.  The plan will be reviewed by the Punta Gorda CRA on September 3.  The meeting starts at 9 a.m. in City Council chambers.  The cornerstone of this long-range plan is a promenade that runs from Fishermen’s Village to Charlotte Regional Hospital. 

One Percent Sales Tax Extension 

The one percent sales tax was first approved 14 years ago and has been extended twice.  Seventy-one different projects have been completed or are currently in progress due to this tax.  The City of Punta Gorda has recommended new projects, which would be funded if the extension is approved.  Several of the City’s projects are suggested in the Citizens’ Master Plan 2005.  We encourage you to make an informed decision on August 26.  More information is available at www.charlottecountyfl.com or www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us and click on the penny.   

Another “Brunch and Bikes” Event 

Back by popular request!  With 42 bicyclists participating, the “Brunch and Bikes” casual, no-spandex ride around Punta Gorda on Saturday, June 7 was a huge success.  Riders enjoyed visiting four locations that provided complimentary breakfast snacks.  The TEAM Punta Gorda Rails-to-Trails committee is planning on holding this event quarterly.  The next “Brunch and Bikes” ride will be on Saturday, September 20.  Details on participating merchants are still being arranged. Bring your helmet. Children over 12 years of age welcome when accompanied by a parent.  The ride departs at 9 a.m. from ACME Bicycle Shop in Punta Gorda.  A $5 donation per participant will help fund TEAM’s Rails-to-Trails project. 

New Downtown Farmer’s Market 

The new Punta Gorda Downtown Farmers Market will be opening in the Herald Court and Taylor Street area on Saturday mornings beginning October 4.  From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. you’ll find organic produce, horticultural products, other produce, fresh soaps, orchids, artists, Master Gardeners, and music.  Interested vendors can contact Jerry Presseller at 941-639-3990.  Take the opportunity to visit the downtown merchants while you are there. 

A Friday evening Oktoberfest will kick off the weekend in the same location from 6 to 11 p.m.  Come for German beer, brats, and ump pah music. 

TEAM Punta Gorda Annual Meeting 

****SAVE THE DATE****SAVE THE DATE****SAVE THE DATE****

Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 6:30 p. m. 

TEAM Punta Gorda will hold our annual meeting at the new Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, if the facility construction remains on schedule.  We are honored to be one of the first organizations to hold an event in the new building.  TEAM was selected, along with several other organizations, to serve as ‘soft openings’ to test out the facility.  Our theme this year is “Progress Through Partnership.”  More information will follow, but please save the date.  It will be a really special meeting. 

Bicycle Event in 2009 

Volunteers needed.  A new committee is being formed, to meet monthly, to participate in the planning and execution of next year’s bicycle events, which will occur in either May or June.  The committee will be responsible for getting sponsors, designing and printing of the event cycling jerseys, arranging for refreshments along the route and the lunch after the event.  If you are interested in signing up for this committee, please contact Earl Lang at ejlang42@yahoo.com or call him at Acme Bicycle Shops at 941-639-2263. 

Bits of News 

The Whalley Stage at Laishley Park is completed and the dedication is scheduled for August 28 at 5 p.m., with a free concert by Jim Morris and the Big Bamboo Band beginning at 6 p.m.  Smugglers will have food and beverages available for purchase. 

There continues to be an opportunity to join the TEAM Office Staff.  You can volunteer once a week, twice a month or whatever fits your schedule.  Please contact Gini Pender at hob@embarqmail.com or call the office at 941-637-TEAM (8326). 

The Mural Society will dedicate a new mural at Laishley Park on August 21 at 4:30 pm. 

Meetings continue on the proposed additional access from Alligator Creek to PGI.  Meetings with the Corp of Engineers and DEP have taken place.  Water flow and water quality studies need to be completed prior to any decision.  More information will be forthcoming.